Jewelry: Layering 101

If you are wearing the right piece of jewelry it can change nothing into something.

So let’s talk layering. 

It should appear as though you threw on your jewelry as you walked out the door, when in reality it can take some careful consideration to get it just right.

Coco Chanel did it in the 40s and 50s with her pearls. Madonna reinvented the trend in the 80s with a bunch of chains and bracelets, and it’s a look I still love today.

Don’t feel like you have to go and buy a pre-layered necklace. You can achieve the layered aesthetic with pieces you already own. For instance, today I started with a long thin chain with little gold beads. Then, I added a long strand of tiny seashells my mom gave me from Hawaii.  I topped this off with a long gold and copper Buddah amulet by Vanessa Mooney.  Though they are all long, they are all different lengths that complement each other.  I like that all of the necklaces have beads that are different shapes, sizes, and textures. 

Don’t focus too much on matching.  Try putting leather with metal, or pearls with natural stones.  The juxtaposition of materials can make your mixture much more interesting. Try mixing metals together. It’s modern and it can lend a little edge to a look that is perhaps too sweet.  I love rose gold and gold together, or oxidized silver and gold together.  Just think to yourself while you’re picking your necklaces, ‘unifying theme’. Do you want it to have a natural organic feel?  Add a natural stone.  Need some edge? Put on a chunky chain. 

Of course, it depends on where you’re going to decide what to layer. If you are going to work at a more conservative office you shouldn’t come in dripping in chains. For more conservative occasions I like to double up my pearls and a thin chain together. Sometimes I fasten my cameo brooch to the necklaces if I want a ‘fancy’ look.  I like the look of shorter necklaces layered together, too. When I do two or three shorter necklaces I usually find it works best with delicate pendant necklaces that have thinner chains.

You can also layer bracelets. I love a good stack of bangles clanging around on my wrist. The heavier the better for me.  Then I can tone my arms and accessorize at the same time! One of my favorite jewelry designers, Jacqueline Rose, does great bracelets with vintage beads and coins that are perfect for stacking up. Friendship-style bracelets made out of cord, string, or nylon are a hot trend right now.  I like mixing them in with my metal or Lucite bangles. If you do choose to stack up your bracelets take it easy on the necklaces. If you have a lot of necklaces layered up do a very small or no earring. You only want one area to stand out.  After all, the point of jewelry is to complement the outfit you are wearing. 

So, start mixing ladies. And experiment! Playing around with what you have is the best way to get started.  The old with the new. The gold with the silver. Add an unexpected layer or a hit of color in. Your jewelry is a huge representation of your style, and layering is a great styling tool to make any look your own!