Necklace layering. It’s something that I often do, but rarely think about. I’ve had a number of people ask me how to do it, and then I have to stop and think about it. The answer is simple really, you just put on necklaces, and then after a while, you stop putting them on! Okay, for reals that’s what I do. However, I do understand that there is an instinct that I have developed over time, and that takes practice. And you have to start somewhere, and with some level of inspiration. So I’m going to try and break it down into some basic ideas, with some tips and tricks for you…that way if you’re feeling like you don’t know where to start or you don’t feel like you’ve got your instincts on this yet, you’ll have a place to begin! Keep in mind, there really are no RULES to this. There’s no rules other than if you like it or not. If you like silver, use silver. If you like gold, use gold. If you like both, mix them! The sky is the limit, and anything goes!
To get started, start collecting jewelry!! This doesn’t have to be an expensive process. I really don’t own many expensive pieces yet, and that’s ok. Etsy is a fabulous source for handmade jewelry, and a lot of it is quite inexpensive. Forever 21, Target, and even places like Kohl’s have very much stepped up their jewelry game and they have many great pieces to mix and match. And don’t forget about thrift stores, flea markets, and second hand stores! That’s where you’ll really score and get stuff that no one has ever seen before!! I have been collecting jewelry for a while now, so it’s quite easy to layer…and once you start your collection and it grows a bit, you’ll see that it gets easier. The more options you have…well, the more options you’ll have :)
ROCKER CHIC
This look is FUN and basically my GO TO right now. It’s got leather and gold (I’m a gold person, so keep that in mind…silver will work or rose gold too if that’s your metal of choice!) and lots going on. I like lots going on!
THE PIECES: This is a leather wrap choker with a tassel pendant attached to it (details on that to follow), a layered multi chain necklace, and two vintage gold choker length necklaces.
TIP: The BEST way to make this look easy peasy, is to find one necklace that has a ton of chains on it. These are pretty easy to find cheap typically at places like F21 or the thrift stores. You can also make one if you’re so inclined by going to the craft stores and getting a bunch of chain and attaching it into one multi length necklace. Varying the chain colors and link size will make it look even cooler.
TRICK: Okay you guys. This leather choker. It’s a PIECE OF LEATHER I bought at a craft store (leather laces, deerskin is the best if you can find it) and I bought a chain pendant at Michael’s to hang on to it. It cost me under $10 and I now have a bunch of colors. It’s so easy, it’s almost wrong.
TINY TREASURES
This look is basically a more delicate layering option. If you keep the metal monochromatic and the pendants even smaller than these, it will be more delicate and more of a conservative layering look.
THE PIECES: I have a handmade necklace from The Joyful Jewelry Box (love her!), a turquoise cross from Forever 21, and a thrifted agate slice.
TIP: This is an easy look. The thing you want to do is to keep all the necklaces at very similar lengths…just slightly staggered is best. Like within half an inch to an inch of each other is best.
TRICK: You can easily make this look by buying chain and small pendants at the craft store and making each necklace just slightly longer than the last.
TALKING BOUT TURQUOISE

Chokers are the total new IT necklace. They are also a GREAT layering piece because they don’t interfere with your other jewelry…there’s no tangling or competing for the same length typically. This look can be monochromatic like I did it, or can be totally changed up by using different colors.
THE PIECES: This is a deerskin braided concho leather choker by Desert Mermaid, a multi strand turquoise thrifted necklace, and a tassel necklace from Anthropologie.
TIP: The principle behind this look is three distinct lengths. ONE: a choker, TWO: a collar bone piece, and THREE: a midriff hitting pendant. Pretty much ANYTHING can be used in this look, even a short necklace instead of a choker if you’re not a choker person.
TRICK: A piece of ribbon tied around your neck is a perfect layering choker. It’s cheap and easy and you can literally own every color of the rainbow for super cheap.
PRETTY PREPPY

Surprise! You thought this was about NECKLACE layering didn’t you!? Gotcha! I mixed in a brooch because remember? There are NO RULES!
THE PIECES: This is a tiny collarbone star necklace (the one I wore at my wedding in fact!), a vintage brooch, and a long gold necklace from Anthropologie.
TIP: This is a great way to layer that won’t get tangled up together! You can also put a brooch off to the side, or even wear a few in a row across the neckline of your shirt to add more interest.
TRICK: If you love brooches but don’t have any, they can easily be thrifted or made by taking clip on earrings or anything really and gluing it onto a pin.
BANDANA WHAT?
The wild west ain’t got nothing on this look! Bolos can be a bit harder to layer because of their long tails. That’s why layering them under a scarf works beautifully.
THE PIECES: A thrifted scarf and a bolo made by my lovely Hillbillygypsy Boots.
TIP: Any scarf will do for this look! You could use a vintage one or any type really…it will still be a great layering piece over a bolo or a long necklace.
TRICK: You could find a fabric that you like and cut a square in a scarf size and that’s an easy and cheap way to get any look you want with the pattern you want.
URBAN COWGIRL

Again with the scarf! Flip it around, add a brooch, and you’ve got a whole new groove. Basically this look is about three different lengths. It’s an easy one!
THE PIECES: Thrifted scarf, a vintage brooch, a thrifted coin necklace, and a long necklace from Anthropologie.
TIP: With a floral scarf and a pretty sparkly brooch, you get a whole different look to this layered vibe.
TRICK: If you don’t have a brooch, you could easily just tie your scarf in a knot, or tie a longer one in a bow, and then add a few necklaces below it and it’s still super cute!
Now…just do it! Mix some metals, try some tricks…get crazy and bold with this! Jewelry is an easy and more conservative way (for those of you who have to dress a bit more conservatively for work OR you just aren’t into bold clothing) to add flair and pizazz to an outfit. I mean, a white tee and jeans could look so put together with some layered jewelry!
If you wanted to buy pieces like the ones I used, I’ll add some links here for you to get started on your hunt!
SCARF, LONG GOLD NECKLACE, LEATHER CHOKER, ASSORTED CHOKERS, SMALL AND MEDIUM NECKLACES FOR LAYERING, BROOCH
Hope your week is just jammin’
Katy