6 Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks

Layered necklaces look fashionable and fabulous. They can complete your overall look if you know how to properly pair them with your clothing items. You could simply purchase necklaces that come pre-layered in a necklace stack and just wear them right out of the box. Or, if you want to get creative, you should try and pair multiple necklaces of varying lengths yourself to create that layered result.

I, for one, love to play with different metals, colors, lengths, and textures when it comes to layering my necklaces. In today’s article, you will find some of the most stylish ideas of layered necklaces, as well as some helpful tips on how to get the layered look on your own.

At a Glance: Best Layered Necklaces

08/03/2023 12:18 pm GMT Lasso Brag

The Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks – Top 6 Choices

With the following ideas about layered necklaces, all your outfits will gain a fancier appearance. All the products I chose and featured below were picked due to the way they look, the positive things clients have said about them, and their level of trendiness as well as their versatility.

Simple and Classy

Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks

One of the classiest and most popular layered necklaces of all time is a gold coin necklace. This style is simple, yet it looks beautiful, and it goes with numerous different outfits. Normally, these types of accessories feature between two and four different chains, each with its own length and gold coin pendant.

It’s your choice if you want to select pendants that have a smooth surface, look just like they’re real coins, or opt for some that have a specific pattern. I personally love simple pendants or those with abstract designs. For me, two layers are enough, but you could opt for three or more chains of varying length based on your preferences and personal style.

Do you know what would be even more fashionable? Choosing and wearing a two-layer necklace, one that has a smooth-surface pendant and the other featuring a porous surface. This type of layered necklace goes well with both casual and evening outfits.

Gold Coins Layered Necklace | Amazon

This stylish 3-piece set includes Delicate Chain, Disc, and Hammered Disc necklaces that can be layered (or worn alone) for a trendy statement look.

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Layered Pearl Necklace

Layered Pearl Necklace

Layered pearl necklaces are so very stylish and elegant. Most of them are a lovely mix of silver or gold chains, white pearls, and all sorts of pendants. You may think that a four-layer pearl necklace could be too much but, as long as you wear it with the right kind of outfit, the entire look will become boosted and embellished.

One thing you could consider if you want an edgier outcome is to opt for oval pearls instead of the classic round ones. Also, the pendant can be a little quirky to increase the versatility of the necklace and make it easier to wear with your day-to-day clothes. Make sure to purchase high-quality choices that are made of precious metals because cheaper materials don’t look good when paired with pearls.

Select smaller and thinner chains if you want something subtle. If you want to make a statement, you should consider adding a bigger pendant or chunky chain.

Layered Cross Necklaces

Layered Cross Necklaces

Layered cross necklaces are timeless and popular, and many people wear them to express their faith or simply because they think it’s cool. If the chains are thinner, you can even wear up to 5 layers at a time because they won’t look too crowded. Moreover, they will complement each other.

If you opt for individual necklaces and put them all together, you will also be able to play with their position and layering any way you want. You will also be able to wear all five layers one day and only choose to wear two or three the next day. But, if you want to save time and effort, you can simply buy one single cross necklace that already has multiple layers.

Either way, layered cross necklaces are real eye-catchers, especially if the shortest chain is also the thickest to resemble a choker. Many options have trendy details and beautiful pendants.

Layered Cross Necklaces | Amazon
$99.00

The holy layered necklace is made of alloy and can be gifted for festivals and any occasion.

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02/17/2024 06:26 pm GMT

Layered Shell Necklaces

Layered Shell Necklaces

Shell jewelry and accessories are trendy all the time, especially during summer when you can flaunt them with silk dresses and beachy sandals. When it comes to summer accessories, shells will always be trendy, regardless of where you wear them. Some people love to wear shell bracelets or ankle bracelets. Others would rather see them around their neck.

My favorite shell necklace style would be a subtle and elegant option that consists of two or three delicate chains, each with its own shell pendant. I would definitely recommend the gold and white combo because it will give you a fresh and luxurious appearance. You can also combine shell pendants with other types of pendants such as tropical fruits, fishes, or tress, for a more tropical vibe and a boho-chic outfit.

Bohemian Seashell Layered Necklace | Amazon

Seashell necklace can match different clothes easily and well, such as T-shirt, sweater, vest, dress and so on, can add beach touch to your outfits when you wear the shell necklace.

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Layered Choker Necklaces

Layered Choker Necklaces

Some women love to wear shorter necklaces or even chokers instead of long chains. Chokers can easily be layered as well to achieve that trendy look. Still, you should know that the chains won’t vary as much in terms of length. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be called chokers. The optimal layering is represented by two or three chains.

I am in favor of delicate and classy choker styles, something subtle, that specific detail that can change your entire outfit. Both choker heart necklaces and those with precious or semi-precious stones are very hot right now.

Artmiss Love Heart Layered Choker Necklace | Amazon
£69.99

Heart choker necklace is very comfortable to wear & light weight, They are with a nice shine and a perfect length. Choice of gold and silver color.

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02/17/2024 08:04 pm GMT

Layered Necklaces with Initial Pendants

Layered Necklaces with Initial Pendants

I remember back when I was a kid, and my mother gave me a gold chain with a pendant for my birthday. The best part was the letter written on the pendant (A, which is my name’s initial). I cherished that thoughtful present, and I wore it for years. So, now that I’m writing about initial layered necklaces, all those fuzzy feelings started to come back to me.

Dainty Layered Initial Necklaces for Women | Amazon

Classic hexagon pendant engraved initial design with paperclip chain choker necklace set, perfect gold layered initial necklaces for women girls wear.

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But enough about my childhood memories. Layered necklaces that feature your name’s initial on their pendants are very trendy and chic. In fact, they will never stop being popular. Instead of your name’s initial, you could opt for one that has your partner or a loved one’s letter.

If you’re daring enough, you could even challenge yourself to combine this kind of charm necklace paired with a shell choker for a bold and statement look.

Qceasiy Seashell Necklace Choker | Amazon
$89.00

This necklace is handmade with natural shells. Wax twine beach necklace with beautiful Cowrie shells.

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02/17/2024 08:33 pm GMT

How to Layer Necklaces – Main Guidelines

Some rules might not require you to follow them. Still, when it comes to layering your necklaces, you’ll need to consider the steps and guidelines mentioned below.

Tips and Tricks – a Brief Guide on Layering Necklaces

Here are some of the best tips on how to layer necklaces:

  • Start with only two chains, and don’t overdo it. I personally prefer a layering that consists of 2 to 4 different chains. More than that will create an undesired messy look. Also, too many chains can easily get tangled;
  • The idea behind necklace layering is to create gaps and space between the chains. You can do this by pairing necklaces that have different sizes and lengths;
  • Feel free to experiment with different chain styles. For instance, you could mix a chunky choker with a long delicate chain. This will keep things fun and interesting;
  • Focus on one single point by adding a pendant necklace. To complete this layering, you could consider a large chunky chain or a choker;
  • You should normally stick to one single metal. You could also combine silver or white gold with yellow gold, but that’s trickier to get right;
  • Mix and match metal chains with beaded necklaces or pearls;
  • This tip is for those gals who were blessed with bigger breasts – try to keep all the layers above the breasts or make sure that the chain that’s the longest and exceeds that area is also thicker or features a heavy pendant to weigh the necklace down.

What Makes a Great Layered Necklace

Layered necklaces look cool and make your outfit very attractive but you must know the following aspects that can make a layered necklace the perfect choice for you.

The Length of the Chain

Piling up multiple chains without considering their length is a mistake that you can easily avoid. From chokers to full body chains, the length and size of these alternatives are almost limitless. Make sure you pair chains that have different sizes and lengths. Regarding their thickness, it’s mostly up to you. What kind of result do you want to achieve?

More subtle looks are created with dainty necklaces and thinner chains, while bolder looks require thicker chains and statement pendants. Another way to go is to combine dainty chains with minimalist chokers. This mix is both sleek and chic.

Available Metals

Obviously, if your budget allows it, you should opt for precious metals such as platinum, silver, or gold. But, if you want to spend less, you can also choose chains that are made of stainless steel or other hypoallergenic metals. The hypoallergenic characteristic is important, especially for those who have very sensitive skin.

There are also other metal options as well: platinum, titanium, aluminum, rhodium, and more. For a less expensive choice but one that still features a layer of precious metal, you should buy a necklace made of nickel or copper but make sure it’s silver-plated or gold-plated.

Pendants

One of my favorite types of pendants is the Victorian-inspired enamel one. I am obsessed with those accessories. Obviously, I would love to wear retro or vintage outfits and accessories every day of the year. But, if you prefer more modern options, you should choose trendier pendants such as abstract shapes, your name’s initial, golden coins, and more. Another popular choice is represented by chains with charm pendants.

What to Wear with Layered Necklaces

Here’s how you can pair your layered necklace with other accessories and clothing items.

Other Accessories

One of the most inspired mixes you could think of is the combination of rock or punk chains with vintage and retro beaded or pearl necklaces. If you want to stick to a feminine look, you should only stack different layers of chains and necklaces that feature pearls, beads, enamel pendants, and floral elements.

You could also combine your new layered necklace with some of your older accessories to spice things up. Revive some of your older bracelets that you almost forgot about. Necklaces that feature casual or relaxed chains and jewelry elements can be worn with a wristwatch without the risk of a fashion faux-pas.

However, if your layered necklace contains a pearl layer, you should only wear more luxurious rings or bracelets. It all depends on the type of you look you want to create. Pearls will also require a simpler and more elegant outfit and a pair of minimalist earrings so that the pearl layer can easily stand out.

Outfit Items

Wearing a big knitted sweater or even a cardigan with a delicate layered necklace will help you display a comfy, modern, and stylish appearance. Why should you stick to layered necklaces and not layer everything, including your outfit? During colder days, this type of style will make you look more interesting.

Layered necklaces also work amazingly with sweaters that have a V neckline and open cardigans. For a funnier look, you should add one chain with a flower pendant such as a cactus. It will give you a playful vibe.

layered necklace casual outfit

An even more creative style would be if you choose to wear the layered necklace on your back instead of your front. But that works the best when and if you wear a top part with an open back. For instance, I have several summer dresses that have a V-shape back so the space between my shoulder blades is exposed and ready to showcase an attractive lariat necklace stack.

For a vintage look, you can mix and match your necklace with a retro blazer. These two elements will lead to an original appearance. If you’re into the boho-chic style, you should add some beaded layers to your necklace.

To dress your overall outfit up, include some embellished and chunkier chains. To dress it down, choose to wear mixed metals and chains that have fun charm pendants.

How to Layer Necklaces – Main Guidelines

Some rules might not require you to follow them. Still, when it comes to layering your necklaces, you’ll need to consider the steps and guidelines mentioned below.

Tips and Tricks – a Brief Guide on Layering Necklaces

Here are some of the best tips on how to layer necklaces:

  • Start with only two chains, and don’t overdo it. I personally prefer a layering that consists of 2 to 4 different chains. More than that will create an undesired messy look. Also, too many chains can easily get tangled;
  • The idea behind necklace layering is to create gaps and space between the chains. You can do this by pairing necklaces that have different sizes and lengths;
  • Feel free to experiment with different chain styles. For instance, you could mix a chunky choker with a long delicate chain necklace. This will keep things fun and interesting;
  • Focus on one single point by adding a pendant necklace. To complete this layering, you could consider a large link chain or a choker;
  • You should normally stick to one single metal. You could also combine silver with gold, but that’s trickier to get right;
  • Mix and match metal chains with beaded necklaces or pearls;
  • This tip is for those gals who were blessed with bigger breasts – try to keep all the layers above the breasts or make sure that the chain that’s the longest and exceeds that area is also thicker or features a heavy pendant to weigh the necklace down.

The Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks – Bottom Line

Many women choose to wear layered necklaces when their outfit leaves a lot of space that’s uncovered around the neck and chest areas. Gorgeous necklaces paired with your bright smile will certainly make you even more attractive and bring attention to your face. Layered necklaces can have the same effect as the ones created by statement jewelry.

The layering of multiple thin chains will help you achieve a casual and lighter, almost effortless, vibe. Ironically, creating this type of look takes more time than simply throwing one statement necklace around your neck.

Choose Your Desired Dominant Metal

If you want to mix different metals, you should opt for a dominant one and then select the second metal as a way to compliment the main option in a subtle way. To achieve a natural look, you should add a bit of contrast to your layers. The idea is to balance the overall appearance and outfit. If you also wear rings, earrings, or bracelets, you should pick metals that can be paired with the jewelry you’re already wearing.

Mind the Length of Each Chain

Layering necklaces is about more than just pairing beaded and gold or silver chains. To really achieve a cool accessorizing style, you must avoid tangled-up outcomes. So, each layering necklace should be unique in terms of length. The most flattering look is the one created by multiple chains that are stacked one on top of the other instead of being all messed up in one single clump.

Wear Adjustable Necklaces

This is a convenient and practical solution when it comes to wearing layered necklaces. Opt for those accessories that offer you a certain level of customization or personalization. One thing you could do is clasp the chain on one of the shorter links when you’re stacking more than one necklace. This way, you will obtain your desired length.

To make things easier, you should purchase adjustable necklaces such as pieces that feature multiple clasping alternatives or those that can be fastened with a string or ribbon.

The Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks – Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What’s the Correct Way to Wear a Layered Necklace?

Answer: Here’s what you should know:

If you’re a newbie, you should stick to 2 or 3 layers at a time;
Mix and match different textures, lengths, and patterns, until you find the style that suits your personality the most;
Play with different kinds of metals and materials, including beads and pearls;
Try to add one statement chain that has a bold pendant for that touch of color;
All the chains should be unified in terms of metals.

Question: Are Layered Necklaces Still Trendy?

Answer: Yes, they’re still trendy, and they will always be fashionable. It’s almost like these necklaces are timeless. When you create a gorgeous stack of chains and wear it around your neck, it can truly elevate or embellish your entire outfit. In fact, layered necklaces are some of my favorite accessories of all time.

Question: How Do You Avoid Layered Necklaces from Getting Tangled?

Answer: Here are the most effective ways to keep your layered necklaces from tangling:

Use a necklace spacer;
Link the necklaces together;
Wear chains that have different lengths;
Pair lighter chains with heavier necklaces;
Try to choose necklaces that are made of different materials – if all the chains are made of metal, they will be more prone to tangling;
Once you’re done wearing the layered necklace, take it off gently and place it in your jewelry box carefully because the stacked chains can easily tangle in the very place you usually store them. One thing you could change is to stop using a box and try to store the necklaces on an upright holder instead.

The Best Layered Necklace Ideas and Picks – Bottom Line

All the layered necklace styles described above are trendy, cute, classy, and chic. All of them look fabulous, and they can be worn with numerous kinds of outfits. My personal favorite necklace is a three-layer shell necklace, but I also like the simple and classy alternatives that feature only two chains.

Make sure to place the chains in the right order. Remember that 2-layer stacks can also work with casual T-shirts and strapless tops. Also, shorter chains with smaller pendants are great for the top layer, whereas longer chains with medium-sized pendants will go amazingly as the middle or bottom layer.

Finally, textured chains are the ideal choice for the top or middle layer. Don’t fret about all these rules. Instead, try to have fun while layering your necklaces.

08/03/2023 12:18 pm GMT Lasso Brag

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