How To Layer Your Jewelry: Tips and Ideas

One of the most enjoyable aspects of having a large jewelry collection is that you get to spend time having fun experimenting with looks to suit your personal style. Various trends come in and out of fashion but one that has been running in full force for the past few years is jewelry layering also known as stacking.

What is Jewelry Layering?

This term refers to wearing multiple jewelry items in one focal region. There are four primary regions for jewelry: the neck, wrists, ears, and fingers. So you might create a necklace stack, layer your ears with different types of earrings or stack a variety of bangles on your wrist.

The art of successful layering involves knowing what to combine, how much to wear and what kinds of pieces to wear together. The aim is to create a balanced look, something that isn't overly fussy or messy. 

It isn't difficult to achieve if you follow some of the key fashion tips and tricks that have naturally evolved with the trend. So, here are some of the best styling tips for great layering. 

Don't Layer Everywhere At Once

The most important thing to remember when it comes to getting this kind of look right is that you don't need to overwhelm with any single element of your look, which essentially means you should not layer everything or everywhere all at once!

For example, if you are going to layer your necklaces, you should probably not layer your wrists with bangles and bracelets. You want whichever area you choose to stand out as the feature of your ensemble, so let that one part of your body shine rather than making it compete with others.

Wearing too much of everything all at once will not only cause confusion for the eye, it will also weigh down the look of your outfit and stop things from looking fresh and modern.

The key to perfecting the trend is not being too fussy and elaborate. If you are wearing an array of layered bracelets, then stick to a simple chain necklace and perhaps a single ring on each hand rather than going over the top.

One good tip is to choose your statement piece for the day and decide to build your layer around that. Another option is to decide on something in your outfit you want to focus on or even a part of your body. For example, layered necklaces look great on a plain unembellished top/sweater. 

Be Multidimensional

Layering should not just be three random pieces of jewelry worn together. It should be multidimensional. What does that mean? Essentially, when you layer you should create interest, depth and length. 

Necklines

18K White and Rose Gold Pendant Pair 

A necklace stack should be at least three necklaces of different lengths but they don't all have to be simple chains. The shortest necklace may be a choker or a pearl necklace. The middle piece may be a chunky necklace and you finish with a delicate chain necklace. There are also pieces of jewelry that are made to look like they are already layered either as a whole piece or a set of two pendants. 

An important thing to remember is that although you may layer necklaces so they are very well spaced out, they all come together at the back of your neck, so don't discount comfort as a factor. Sometimes the hottest trends don't equal comfort no matter how good they look. 

Wrists

18K White Gold Bangle 

The design elements to consider for layering jewelry on your wrist are delicate bracelets mixed with chunky bracelets or ones with lots of detail along with minimalist bracelets. A mix of materials is also effective. Mix chain bracelets with ones made from solid metal, wood, beads or leather. 

For example, something like a chunky silver cuff bracelet can be very prettily stacked with thinner bangle bracelets or chain bracelets, as this layers up without creating a clash of thickness and width on the wrist. They might be different, but they share a similarity of style and texture.

Also, look for bracelets and bangles that are styled to seem they are more than one piece as these have the look of stacked bracelets and it's easier to just add another piece to create an eye-catching look. (Coiled bracelets work great here)

Ears

 18K Rose Gold Earrings

For earrings, consider a mix of hoops, dangly earrings and studs. It's harder to mix and match sizes of earrings because you've got limited space to work with but the graduated nature of ear piercings will help and you can make use of different lengths to add width or size.

You can be clever with your choice. For example, choose a pair of diamond studs as your anchor then wear with a pair of pull-through dangly earrings and finish with a pair of hoops or huggies. 

Fingers 

 18K Rose Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring 

For rings, the classic layer is already a norm. Many women wear three rings on their third finger as a matter of course - an engagement ring, wedding band and eternity ring. This doesn't mean you can't layer rings on other fingers. You can wear rings on a different finger or even the opposite hand. This means if you want to express your personal style on your hands, you can choose to wear cocktail rings and fashion rings. Because layering has become such a staple trend, you can buy stacked rings and stacking rings. 

Don't Be Scared Of Color

18K Yellow Gold Dark Green Garnet Diamond Bracelet

Color can be your best friend when it comes to layering jewelry, so don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and do things that don't just include the usual silver and gold necklaces and gold rings!

If you are hesitant or nervous about going over the top, then a good way to start is to pick a central item of gold or silver, and then add smaller items around it that can display a pop of color.

For example, a central piece like a chunky gold chain can look absolutely fabulous when it is paired with a thinner necklace that features pops of green or red.

If you want to throw caution to the wind and go all out with color experimentation, then pick something like a bold blue necklace that would look sensational when layered up with silver accompaniments!

Think About Thickness

18K Vintage Inspired Gold Bracelet

When it comes to good layering, thickness can be just as important to the final look as the various length of the jewelry pieces.

Every person into layering should have at least two or three statement chunky pieces in their collection, but don't make the mistake of wearing them together! These should always be paired with thinner, less assuming items to create the best effect.

Try not to go too thick if you already have a wider set neckline or wider wrists, as the whole ensemble will definitely start to look a little bit too 'busy' to be on trend. You can almost create an optical illusion if you take one chunky piece and then pair it with a couple of much thinner pieces alongside.

Use What You Already Have

The great thing about layering is that you don't necessarily have to go out and buy yourself a whole new collection of jewelry items. Instead, it can be easy to incorporate any number of your favorite pieces and use them in ways that you might not have before.

From white gold to yellow gold to sterling silver to rose gold and everything else, it doesn't matter what your statement necklace or bracelet is made from if you know how to appropriately style it! There is nothing wrong with going out and treating yourself to a new piece of jewelry when you want it, but don't make the mistake of thinking that you have to start from scratch if you want to get the layering look right.

The chances are that you already have all of the pieces you need in order to create the perfect layered look, you just have never experimented with putting them together before!

Choose to Layer With the Right Outfit

Beautiful jewelry should be seen. If you are going to go to all the trouble of curating a terrific stack of jewelry, the outfit choice is just as important.

An outfit that is busy with lots of print will detract from the effort you put into your stack. Plain clothes, particularly for layered necklaces, provide the best canvas.

Layered bangles/bracelets shouldn't be hidden by long sleeves and earrings should be visible with your hairstyle.

Jewelry should be fun so play around with the pieces you have to see what works well together. And, should you need new pieces to create even more stunning ensembles, we're sure you'll find them on Moyen and Co.