Layering Necklaces for Elegant or Messy Looks

Layering multiple gold or silver chain necklaces was big in the eighties through nineties and then went away for a few years.  Now layering necklaces keeps getting more popular with every year.    It is not just chains anymore.  The necklace layering can be chains, pendants, beads, and/or pearls.   Fashion allows the layering to be a elegant look of 2-3 pieces or even more for messy casual.   

To make the layered look easier and neater, use a multi-clasp (Amazon options) to hook everything together to check out the look and put it on as one necklace.  If the necklaces are the same length and a cascading look is desired, purchase other handy jewelry stretching options  or make your own to achieve it. If the messy look is preferred, then just layer them up at all the same length for cluttered chunky look or slightly different levels.  Framing the look with pearls always adds a level of class to an outfit.

Steps to create a great cascading look in necklaces:

1. Start with shortest diamond pendant, line necklace, or small bead or pearl necklace. 

2. Add y-necklace, longer mid-length bead necklace, drop pendant or slightly longer bar, if not 1st layer. 

3. Finish or frame with a longer beaded-chain, metal chain, more complementary beads, or long pearls. 

4-5. *Optional - Throw in a different color beads/pearls or pendant to add contrast and additional interest to layers.  

Notes:

• If you want to go over 3, multiple item looks typically appear more balanced in odd numbers,  So think about your layers like you would do a flower arrangement.  
• Depending on selection in step 4, it can give either a more boho look or make an elegant addition to elevate the look beyond matchy-matchy.  Another option for the look of 4th layer is to use really long strand from 3rd layer and double it over head so part is at choker length and the other part is the longest layer.
• To reduce the possibility of necklaces getting all tangled up, choose to use the multi-clasp noted above.  An alternative way to reduce messy tangles when using beads or pearls layered is to put that on necklace on last.  This way the chains are below the beads/pearls so they lay flatter and the finished look is neater.
• Remember - just as single rose in a bud vase can look more elegant than a huge bouquet, sometimes one necklace is all you need for a classy look.