Stacking pendants, chain necklaces, and charms takes a sharp eye for style, a gift for mixing and matching, and confidence in your abilities as a fashionista. Because layering is de rigueur in the jewelry world, you have an opportunity to test your skills as a mistress of the mix. You know all about layering your outfits, but pairing necklaces that go together and bracelets that highlight each other is a different endeavor. Fear not! We have some tips on how to stack pendants, chains, and charms.
Follow the Rule of Three
The rule of three applies to necklaces more than it applies to bracelets. You can easily get away with stacking charm bracelets, bangles, and cuffs halfway up your arm, depending on your OOTD and your overall aesthetic. Layering necklaces requires a bit more restraint. There’s only so much room around your neck, after all! It’s best to start small and build from there.
You can layer and stack two necklaces, or you might find that four necklaces work for you. In general, three necklaces is the sweet spot, and they need to be of varying lengths. Begin with something standard—short, medium, and long, let’s say. A choker, a medium-length bar necklace, and a long statement chain should take you far.
Choose Styles that Contrast, Not Clash
Stacking bracelets and necklaces is all about contrast, but there should always be cohesion throughout your choices. Don’t, for example, throw on a bright enamel necklace with a dainty chain and a strand of pearls. That makes no sense. Ideally, you shouldn’t wear a diamond tennis bracelet with a cheekily designed cuff, either.
Take in your outfit, consider your personal style, then turn your attention to your jewelry collection. Pick out pieces that complement each other but that still create a visually appealing contrast. Around your neck and around your wrist, you need a focal point, be it a statement necklace or a studded leather cuff.
Mind the Size
Chain and necklace lengths are an essential aspect of layering. Again, it doesn’t matter as much with bracelets, but your necklaces are right out there. Observing the rule of three isn’t enough, nor is selecting cohesive pieces. Size matters.
The point of layering is to, well, layer. Wear necklaces that are too similar in length, and you run the risk of having a mess at your throat. Tempting as it is to think that you can wear a 16-inch pendant with a chunky 16-inch chain, you’re just asking for trouble. Chains tangle. Pendants get turned around and backward. It’s chaos!
As you select necklaces to stack, follow a short-to-long formula. In general, if there are about two inches of difference between each chain, you’ll be fine. Play around with inventive combos in your spare time so you’ll know what works when you’re getting ready in a rush.
Now, we mentioned that size doesn’t matter as much with bracelets…not that it doesn’t matter at all!. An arm party looks its best when it’s diverse. Just stay away from too many large chunky pieces. They weigh down your wrist. Likewise, don’t just stack chains and links. You need bangles and cuffs for color, texture, and variety.
Expand Your Bracelet Collection
Throwing an arm party is both easy and fun. You have more freedom with the bracelets you wear, although you need to avoid wearing two charm bracelets right next to each other. Avoid wearing very fine chains near your charms, as well—fewer opportunities to tangle that way.
Expand your collection to increase your choices. Along with “fancy” bracelets, such as those with gemstones and pearls, and elaborate cuffs, you need a few simple but elegant choices. Linked bracelets and bangles can fill in the gaps. Finish up with a few lighthearted pieces like colorful enamel bracelets and bracelets with eye-catching designs that will stand out from your other jewelry.
Always Consider Your Clothes
Your outfit affects the jewelry you wear and how you stack it. First of all, study the color of your outfit, especially your top. Take hints from the color palette as you pick out bracelets and necklaces. You can highlight a subtle color or celebrate a central shade.
The necklines and sleeves on your blouses, dresses, and sweaters determine which pieces you wear, as well. For instance, a high neckline can look phenomenal with stacked necklaces in various lengths. With a deep V-neck, however, necklaces with shorter chains might be the way to go.
Some sleeve styles don’t lend well to bracelet layering. Gathered cuffs and poet sleeves stand out on their own without a bracelet stack. Avoid wearing bracelets with long sleeve shirts that cover your palms and fingertips, unless you make the bold choice to wear your bracelets over your sleeves.
In the end, it’s up to you. Give yourself five minutes to see how your jewelry ideas work with your outfit of the day. Do you follow a formula when you stack your pendant necklaces and charms, or do you go by instinct? We’re dying to know your styling tricks!
