How To Layer Any Necklace (Plus Tips On Getting Rid of Tangles)

Layering your necklaces is a great way to show off your collection. There are so many different ways you can go about layering necklaces. When you layer necklaces, you can achieve a more dimensional look greater than just a single necklace alone. There isn’t necessarily a “wrong” or “right” way to layering. However, your necklaces should complement each other and your outfit as a whole. Depending on how you layer your necklaces, you can add more appeal to an everyday outfit, create a chic streetwear look, and make your pendant necklaces stand out.

Simple and dainty layering necklaces in silver on model. Necklaces have a nature/forest theme and sit 2" apart from each other.

We decided to list some of our favourite ways to layer necklaces. Later, we’ll show you some tips on how to layer necklaces without tangling.

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Start With a Pendant Necklace

Minimal and dainty jade bead necklace on gold chain layered with a gold smile necklace.

Some pendant necklaces are gorgeous but they can look a little out of place by themselves. Pairing a pendant necklace with a matching secondary chain can make the pendant pop! If you’re new to layering necklaces, this is a great way to test out the trend.

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Start with a pendant necklace that matches your outfit. This should be your shortest necklace and will act as the base layer. Next, find a matching chain that’s 2” longer than your base layer necklace. Depending on the size of your pendant, the pendant may sit on your second layer. Experiment with the size of both necklaces until you find a look that suits you!

Indigenous whale tail pendant in silver with garnet stone by Hollie Bartlett on a sterling silver rope chain. Pendant necklace is layered with Harold Alfred's Canoe necklace in sterling silver. Picture explains why you should layer necklaces with the same metals.

Infographic explains that layering necklaces with mixed metals can be distracting and busy. A thick gold chain necklace and a silver canoe necklace are used for this example.

If you feel bold enough, try to “hide” your pendant necklace under a string of pearls!

Try Adding a Third Necklace

Three simple and dainty gold necklaces are layered on a mannequin. The overall look is simple but cohesive.

Now that you’re more comfortable with layering, try working with three necklaces. Use the same coloured chains that are all 2” apart from each other. When layering more than two necklaces, pick one necklace as your base layer and choose necklaces that compliment the base layer. Experiment with different shapes and textures of chains until you find cohesive pieces.

Notice the different aesthetics between the top and bottom pictures? The first look is very dainty and minimal, whereas the second look is much more playful.

Floating jade bead necklace, smile arc necklace, and thick gold link chain with glass beads layered together. Glass beads are orange, indigo, and blue. Look is subtly colourful and cohesive.

Now that you’ve picked out some necklaces, it’s time to style them. Wear a white t-shirt and jeans to keep the focus on your jewellery. Pay close attention to the shape of all the necklaces when they sit on your body.

The other necklaces should complement the base layer, not compete with it. Keep playing with your necklaces until you find the “right order.” You may find that you need to switch up some necklaces or one layer might take over as the base layer.

Small and dainty gold necklace with nature theme is layered with a read beaded necklace and an ornate pearl necklace. Infographic explains that your eye is instantly drawn to the colour of the rad necklace in the arrangement.

Imagine moving the smallest necklace to the middle layer. How would this affect the overall look? Would the focal point change or stay the same? Would this look seem more balanced? Ask yourself these questions when layering necklaces.

Mix and Match Materials

Red beaded necklace layered with thick gold link chain with three glass beads, and a multi-coloured beaded necklace with glass and wood beads. Arrangement is very contemporary and bohemian.

When mixing up your materials, it’s important to make sure you stick with one metal. Adding in necklaces with gemstones like jade or pearls can really add dimension to your outfit. Keeping all the metals the same will keep the focus on the other materials you want to feature.

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Layering Thicker Necklaces

When layering necklaces, most people will opt for small and dainty necklaces. Although this is a great way to start layering your necklaces, adding in a chunky necklace as a statement piece will really make you stand out.

Dainty gold necklace with small circle pendant layered with a very chunky pearl necklace. Pearl necklace is very textured and busy. The overall look is not balanced. Infographic explains that you'll need to add a third necklace to reform the look.

This look uses the red beaded necklace to balance the overall look of the previous picture. Infographic explains that there is a lot going on but that the look is balanced. The infographic explains that to make the look less busy, you'll need to replace one of the necklaces.

Layering chunky or thick necklaces is similar to layering other kinds of necklaces. Thicker necklaces are more challenging to find complementary pieces for, but it can 100% be done.

Tangles? Use a Chain Extender or Necklace Detangler

A helpful tip for layering necklaces is to use a chain extender. Most chain extenders are around 2” long. If you have two necklaces that are the same length, a chain extender can help space out your necklaces more.

Silver and gold necklace extenders. Necklace extenders are roughly 3 inches long.

Necklace Detanglers in silver and gold. Detanglers have two to three clasps held together by a magnet.

The other way you can stop your necklaces from tangling is to use a necklace detangler. This nifty device allows you to organize three necklaces into cohesive layers.