Jewelry layering plays a big part in how I style my outfits, especially in the summertime. These days, when winter is not here yet, I can still show my neckline before I start wearing my oversized knits and turtlenecks. Even though my approach to clothes is “less is more,” I believe that “more is more” when it comes to jewellery. It doesn’t mean you have to own many jewellery pieces, but rather that you know how to mix them for a chic, effortless look. It also allows you to create new pieces from the ones you already have and save the need to shop for more jewellery items.
My Jewelry Layering Guidelines
My first and most important rule for jewellery layering is to have fun with it and not be afraid to play around with your pieces. You can never know what you might come up with using a bit of trial and error. Experience with different combinations, with the main goal of creating a cohesive yet effortless look. Before you start mixing, pay attention to several characteristics jewellery pieces usually have:
Metal type and colour – Gold and silver jewellery have neutral colours, and you can wear them with almost every outfit. You can also mix the two. I usually wear gold pieces and mix them with pearls, which also have a neutral colour.
Texture – Each piece has a unique texture and shape. Mixing textures makes the layering more sophisticated and versatile. Alternatively, you can choose pieces with a similar texture for a more refined, classy look.
Jewellery length – Playing with the length of your jewellery pieces, especially your necklaces, can also help you create versatile looks. Therefore, I recommend checking the length of the piece you want to buy and making sure it has an extender.
Layering Your Necklaces
When it comes to layering necklaces, it is worthwhile paying attention to the type of neckline and fabric you’re wearing. In winter, when you wear thicker collars, it is best to add chunky or statement necklaces. If your top has an open neck or a thinner fabric, you can wear both dainty and statement pieces. Ensure the necklace length does not meet your neckline and that it ends above or below it. As I’ve already mentioned, I like playing with the length of my necklaces according to the layering I choose for that day.
Another recommendation is not to buy necklaces that are already paired together, as they can limit your layering options. If you have attached necklaces, you can separate them and connect each one to a bracket of its own. You can do this by yourself at home or ask for assistance in an arts and crafts store.
In order to create a stylish layered look with your necklaces:
a. Choose necklaces in different thicknesses and textures.
b. Try mixing statement and dainty pieces for a more balanced look. Remember that the more dominant the necklace you choose, the fewer pieces you can layer with it and vice versa.
c. You can either stack your necklaces with spaces between them or let them sit on top of one another for a more effortless piled-on look.
d. Start with the most dominant chain and add more pieces accordingly.
Layering Bracelets
Similarly to necklace layering, start with the most dominant bracelet and add bracelets in different textures and shapes. It is worth paying attention to the bracelet length so that it is in the right size for you, and you can adjust it according to the desired position on your hand. I like it when my bracelets are relatively close together and don’t overlap. This way, I can create a more stacked chic look.
Stacking Rings
When you stack your rings, you can go for a more minimalistic look and mix thin and dainty rings or choose chunky rings that are more dominant on the hand for a more piled-on look. You can also stack some dainty rings on the same finger. I also love mixing silver and gold (sometimes on the same finger), creating a vintage-style look.
Earrings Layering
Layering earrings on the same ear depends on the number of piercings you have, but there is another option. You can use an ear cuff that doesn’t require piercing, as seen in the photo above. I love mixing hoops and studs, as I usually wear the more dominant earrings in my first hole. You can also play with it in other creative ways, using the same principles of the other jewellery types I’ve mentioned above.
Lastly, balancing your jewellery layering requires harmonising it on all parts of your body. For example, if you wear a statement necklace, you can style it with more dainty earrings. I do not recommend wearing matching jewellery sets to avoid an overmatched look. Instead, mix different styles to get an effortless and sophisticated look.
I hope this post will inspire you to create different layering styles with your jewellery. If you want to learn how to shop for quality fashion jewellery, read about it here. The best thing to remember in jewellery layering is to enjoy playing with it and be creative with what you have :).
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