How To Layer Necklaces: 6 Expert Tips from Celebrity Stylists
How To Layer Necklaces: 6 Expert Tips from Celebrity Stylists
Chrissy CallahanFri, February 6, 2026 at 2:40 AM UTC
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Awards season is in full swing in Hollywood, and we're having a blast watching all our favorite celebrities dress to impress on the red carpet. Like many fashion lovers, we often take style cues from the glam looks we see at awards shows. Since we don't get many opportunities to rock a ball gown in real life, we tend to be most inspired by celebrities' jewelry game. For instance, we've been fascinated by the way some fashionistas have been wearing accessories in new and unique ways over the last few years. So Parade decided it was about time that we learn the how to layer necklaces to step up our style.While searching for answers, we consulted a handful of celebrity stylists. We also tapped the expertise of Jaclyn Elbaum, the co-founder of Audry Rose, a jewelry brand that Taylor Swift has been spotted wearing recently.We've seen time and time again that the right accessory can take an outfit to the next level. And after picking up a few pointers from the pros, we've started to realize that layering necklaces is easier than it looks. Below, we're outlining everything you to wear layered necklaces, so you can rock this simple yet impactful accessory trend next time you go out.Related: Lace Is Everywhere Right Now—Here Are the 7 Best Ways To Style It, According to Celebrity Stylists
Tips on How To Layer Necklaces
From mixing metals to playing with length, there are plenty of ways to customize your layered necklace look.
Mixing metals
When it comes to mixing metals, Elbaum says she doesn't follow strict rules. "Jewelry is personal. It shouldn’t come with instructions," she states. "I tend to gravitate towards yellow and white gold, as rose gold doesn’t complement my skin tone. But if it works for you, it absolutely belongs in the mix."The jewelry pro has always appreciated the way white and yellow gold enhance each other."The contrast brings depth, dimension and a sense of balance. It’s something I return to often in my designs because life is made up of contrasts, and I love when jewelry reflects that," she shares.Shop the look:
Kendra Scott Elisa Gold Pendant Necklace in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl ($70)
Helzberg Mini Curb Chain Charm Necklace in Sterling Silver, 22" ($89.99)
Mixing lengths
When you're working with multiple necklace lengths, Elbaum recommends starting with the most delicate piece (usually a chain or something with a pendant) as the shortest layer."It creates a soft foundation and gives the rest of the layers room to shine," she explains.She also focuses more on harmony than on matching."Pay attention to how each piece relates to the next through proportion, texture and flow," she shares. "When everything feels considered but not overly styled, the layers move together effortlessly, as if they were always meant to be worn as one."Shop the look:
Audry Rose Whisper Chain Necklace ($480)
Divinely Guided by Theresa Caputo Let The Light In Pendant Necklace ($58)
Mixing chains and textures
Elbaum says varying the chain thickness is "just as important" as varying the length of your necklaces. "Mixing fine, airy chains with slightly weightier ones keeps the look dynamic and prevents it from feeling flat," she notes.Mixed chains can add "depth and visual interest," per the jewelry pro, but it's also a "practical" move."Different chain weights and styles help prevent necklaces from tangling and sitting on top of one another," she states.Elbaum is a fan of mixing textures and loves to pair something modern and clean with a piece that "feels hand-carved or organic.""That contrast brings warmth and ease to the overall look and keeps it from feeling too polished or overly styled," she says.Shop the look:
Patricia Nash Lacey Necklace ($44)
Jared Foxtail Chain Necklace 2.5mm Stainless Steel 30" ($210)
Styling for different necklines
The outfit you're wearing with your necklaces also has an impact on how you should layer them."Let your outfit guide the layers. V-necks pair beautifully with graduated chains, while higher necklines call for longer, linear silhouettes that elongate the body," Tiffany Briseno, a celebrity stylist who has worked with Emily Hampshire, Shawn Mendes and Kane Brown, says.Celebrity stylists and sisters, Elana and Dina Solomon, couldn't agree more."We always consider the neckline of the outfit when layering necklaces," Elana Solomon says. Collectively, she and her sister have worked with Wells Adams, Love Island USA stars Kaylor Martin and Olivia Walker, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City's Meredith Marks and more.Not sure where to start? Dina Solomon suggests shorter layers for crewnecks and longer, cascading pieces for scoop necklines and V-necks"Matching your necklace lengths to your neckline ensures nothing gets lost and the layers frame the outfit effortlessly," the stylist says.Related: A Celebrity Stylist Is Begging Women To Follow the ‘3-Color Rule’
How To Layer Necklaces Without Tangling Them
Want to avoid a tangled mess while layering your necklaces? Elbaum has a few tips."Varying chain thickness is key. When everything is the same weight and scale, tangling is almost inevitable," she explains. "Mixing delicate chains with slightly heavier ones helps each piece sit in its own space and move more independently."Staggering lengths can also ensure that the necklaces don't compete for the same spot on your neckline."That small difference in spacing makes a big impact," she shares.When tangling does occur, Elbaum says it's not necessarily a problem."I don’t always mind it. Sometimes the messiness adds to the charm," she says. "Jewelry doesn’t have to be perfectly controlled to feel beautiful. When it feels lived-in and a little undone, it often feels the most authentic."
Tips To Keep Necklaces in Place
Jewelry sometimes has a mind of its own, especially when you're layering different necklaces together. Luckily, Elbaum has a few tips for keeping your perfectly layered necklaces in place if you prefer that look to a more chaotic one. "If keeping necklaces polished and in place is important to you, I recommend layering no more than three necklaces and wear[ing] them at varying lengths," she shares. "Any more and I think entanglement is unavoidable."She also suggests buying necklaces that are pre-layered to take the guesswork out of things.If your necklaces do fall out of place, that's OK too."I always say to embrace the messiness. My favorite layered looks are the ones that don’t feel overly calculated," she says.Related: 7 Best Ways To Style a Bandana at Any Age, According to a Celebrity Stylist
Necklace Length Guide
Since necklace layering is all about using different lengths of necklaces, we asked Elbaum to share a go-to guide for the different lengths you might find in your jewelry box.
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14”–16”: This length, often known as a choker necklace, typically sits right at the collarbone or just above it. "I love them as the starting point for layering because they frame the neckline and create a clean foundation," Elbaum shares. "The vibe is intimate, modern and slightly nostalgic all at once. When layering, I usually try to space the next piece about an inch lower so everything feels intentional rather than crowded."
17”–19”: Slightly longer in length, necklaces of this size typically fall just below the collarbone. "It works beautifully on its own or as the second layer in a stack. The feeling is effortless and everyday," she explains. "This length is perfect for small pendants or simple chains that you never take off."
20”–24”: "These necklaces fall at the upper chest and add movement and dimension to a layered look. The vibe feels relaxed and confident, easy to wear but visually interesting," she says.
28”–36”: Often referred to as an opera-length necklace, this jewelry box staple falls lower on the chest and "instantly adds drama and elegance," per Elbaum. "They’re beautiful worn long, doubled up or paired with shorter layers for contrast. This length feels expressive and intentional. It's perfect for making a statement while still feeling fluid and wearable," she shares.
Mistakes To Avoid When Layering Necklaces
Want to master the art of necklace layering while avoiding some common mistakes? Elbaum and Briseno recommend avoiding the following faux pas:
Don't make everything too similar: "A little contrast in scale and silhouette goes a long way in creating balance," Elbaum says.
Don't overthink it: "Layering should feel natural, not overly styled. If you’re constantly adjusting or second-guessing a combination, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t working. Trust your instinct and remove a piece rather than forcing it to fit," she shares.
Don't get too literal or themed: "Mixing modern with organic, polished with hand-finished, keeps the look relaxed and personal. When everything matches perfectly, it can start to feel stiff," she states.
Don't be afraid to make a statement: "Every layered set needs a hero. Think a medallion, pendant or vintage charm. Let that piece ground the look while the others support it," Briseno shares.
Don't forget to balance storyline with style: "The most compelling layers often mix personal pieces, heirlooms, talismans, charms or modern staples. The result feels lived-in, intentional and uniquely yours," she explains.
Don't forget to play with texture and shine: "Combine polished chains with matte, hammered or beaded textures. The variation adds visual interest and gives the layering a more curated, editorial feel," she says.
Related: 12 Ways To Make Any Outfit Look More Expensive, According to a Celebrity Stylist
6 Best Ways To Layer Necklaces, According to Celebrity Stylists1. Classic length staggering
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images (Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Elana and Dina Solomon are big fans of layering necklaces and always like to start with varied lengths. "Begin with a shorter necklace, like a choker or collarbone-length chain. Add a mid-length piece and finish with something longer. This creates a clean cascade that keeps each necklace visible and intentional," Elana Solomon says.This distinct spacing between lengths can prevent tangling and add polish to the overall look."For that polished finish, leave about two inches of space between necklace lengths so each piece is visible and it doesn’t feel like too much," she shares.
2. Start with a focal piece
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images (Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
While layering necklaces, Dina Solomon likes to ground the look with a focal piece."We like to choose one necklace as the anchor—a coin pendant, gemstone or meaningful charm—and build around it with simpler chains," she explains. "Letting one piece lead gives the entire stack direction and ensures the look feels curated rather than cluttered."
3. Mixed chain textures
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images (Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Elana Solomon says mixing different chain styles in the same stack is one of her "favorite tricks.""Think a sleek snake chain paired with a paperclip or rope chain," she shares. "The contrast in texture adds depth and visual interest, making even minimal layers feel elevated and fashion-forward."
4. Mix metals thoughtfully
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images (Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)
The Solomons love a mixed metal moment. "Gold, silver and even rose gold can absolutely live together," Dina Solomon says. "The key is intention. We recommend repeating at least one metal across multiple necklaces so the mix feels cohesive rather than random. This approach gives a modern, effortless edge."
5. Combine pendants with plain chains
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images (Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)
Elana Solomon says a pendant necklace is the "perfect centerpiece" when it's layered with simpler chains. "We like alternating statement pendants with delicate or textured chains to create balance. This keeps the look dynamic while still allowing each piece to have its time to shine," she notes.
6. Play with proportions
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images (Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Dina Solomon recommends pairing a choker or other necklace that fits close to the neck with a longer drop or lariat necklace to "create drama.""The contrast in proportions elongates the neckline and adds movement, making even the simplest outfit feel styled," she says.Up Next:
Related: 9 Best Petite Jeans for Women, According to Celebrity Stylists
Sources: -
Jaclyn Elbaum is the co-founder of Audry Rose, a jewelry brand that Taylor Swift has been spotted wearing.
Tiffany Briseno is a celebrity stylist who has worked with Emily Hampshire, Shawn Mendes and Kane Brown.
Elana and Dina Solomon are sisters and celebrity stylists. Collectively, the sisters have worked with Wells Adams, Love Island USA stars Kaylor Martin and Olivia Walker, Meredith Marks and more.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
