Layering necklaces gets a lot easier when you start with your neckline. The shape of your top decides where your necklaces sit, so once you know what works with a crew neck or a V-neck, getting dressed in the morning is quicker.
A simple tee and jeans with a couple of gold necklaces is about as easy as getting dressed gets, and it still feels put together. Below are a few layering basics and what to wear with each neckline.
Four simple rules for layering
Think of the neckline as its own necklace. Consider where the neckline lands and then choose necklaces lengths that fall above or below the neckline.
Space them out. Leave about 2 inches between each necklace so each one has room and they're less likely to tangle. A 16", 18" and 20" combo is an easy place to start.
Pick one star. Let one piece, like a pendant or a cluster of stones, be the focus. Keep the others simple, like a fine chain or a few small beads.
Mix textures and keep colors simple. A fine chain next to a beaded strand adds interest. Sticking to one or two stone colors keeps the stack from looking busy.
If you're new to layering, start with two. You can add a third later.
Neckline by neckline
Crew neck
A crew neck sits high, so go a little longer and let your necklaces rest on the fabric below the collar. Try a pendant at 18" to 20" with a longer chain underneath. If you want to add a layer above the crew neck (which I love to do) try a 14” choker. The Grove pendant works well here.
V-neck
Follow the line of the V. A pendant that lands just above the point looks the most natural, and a shorter chain on top frames it nicely. The wavy shape of the Flow pendant looks really nice inside a V.
Scoop neck
This is the easiest neckline to layer. Fill the open space with two or three pieces that curve like the neckline. A shorter beaded strand like the Tidepool necklace with a pendant below it fills the space nicely.
Button-down shirt
Unbutton one or two buttons and layer inside the collar. Keep it to two pieces so it doesn't get crowded. Buttoned all the way up? Wear one long chain on top of the shirt instead.
Turtleneck or mock neck
Skip the short chains and go long. A single long necklace or a pendant at 20"-24” looks great over a chunky sweater.
Square neck or off-the-shoulder
These necklines show off your collarbones, so a shorter necklace that sits right there looks best. One is usually enough.
| Neckline | Best lengths | Layers |
|---|---|---|
| Crew neck | 18"–24" | 2–3 |
| V-neck | 16"–20", pendant above the point | 2 |
| Scoop neck | 16"–20" | 2–3 |
| Button-down | 16"–18" inside the collar | 2 |
| Turtleneck or mock neck | 24" and longer | 1 |
| Square or off-the-shoulder | 16" at the collarbone | 1 |
Putting it together
Start with a necklace you already love, add one more, and try it on with your favorite tee. That's really all there is to it.
Every Coastal Summit Studio necklace is made with 14k gold filled chain and natural gemstone beads, so they're easy to mix together. Shop the necklaces to start your own everyday stack.
