A necklace is one of the most personal and versatile pieces of jewelry you can own.
The right necklace can be the perfect finishing touch that completes an outfit, highlights your features, and expresses your individual style. With so many different types, lengths, and designs to choose from, picking the right one can sometimes feel overwhelming.
The secret to choosing the perfect necklace is to understand a few simple principles: the different types available, how to match them to your outfit's neckline, and how to select a style that suits the occasion.
Understanding the Different Types of Necklaces
The first step is to get familiar with the common necklace styles. While there are countless designs, most fall into a few key categories based on their length and basic form.
The Pendant Necklace: This is perhaps the most classic and popular style. It consists of a simple chain with a single focal point—a pendant—that hangs at the center. The pendant can be anything from a gemstone or a diamond to a locket, a charm, or a simple metal shape. Pendants are incredibly versatile and can be worn with almost anything.
The Chain Necklace: A simple chain, worn on its own, can be a beautifully understated and elegant accessory. Chains come in many different styles of links, from delicate, barely-there chains to bolder, more substantial ones like a curb or rope chain. They are perfect for everyday wear and for layering with other necklaces.
The Choker: A choker is a necklace that is worn very snugly around the neck. It can be made of a variety of materials, from a simple velvet ribbon to a delicate metal chain or a more elaborate, jeweled design. Chokers are a trendy and stylish choice that can add a modern edge to an outfit.
The Statement Necklace: As the name suggests, a statement necklace is a bold, eye-catching piece that is meant to be the centerpiece of your outfit. It is often larger, more colorful, or more intricately designed than other necklaces. It's the perfect accessory to wear when you want to dress up a simple top or dress.
Layered Necklaces: This isn't a single type of necklace, but rather a style of wearing multiple, often delicate, chains and pendants of different lengths at the same time. This creates a personalized and textured look that is very fashionable.
The Most Important Rule: Matching Your Necklace to Your Neckline
The key to making a necklace look its best is to choose a style that complements the neckline of the top or dress you are wearing. The goal is for the necklace and the neckline to work together, not to compete with each other.
For a V-Neck or a Scoop Neck: These necklines create a beautiful "V" or "U" shape that is the perfect frame for a pendant necklace. The pendant should be a similar shape to the neckline and should sit comfortably in the open space, drawing the eye downward.
For a Crew Neck or a High Neckline: With a high neckline, you have two great options.
Go Short: A choker or a very short chain that sits just above the collar of the shirt can look very chic and polished.
Go Long: A long chain or pendant necklace that hangs well below the neckline can create a lovely elongating effect. This is a great way to wear a necklace with a turtleneck sweater.
For a Strapless or an Off-the-Shoulder Top: These styles leave your neck and collarbone area open, making them the perfect canvas for a statement necklace or a choker. A bolder piece can beautifully fill the open space and draw attention to your shoulders.
For a Square Neckline: The angular shape of a square neckline looks best with a necklace that has a more angular or geometric pendant.
For a Collared Shirt (like a button-down): A very popular and stylish look is to wear a short pendant or a delicate choker that peeks out from under the open collar.
Choosing a Style for the Occasion
For Everyday Wear: Simple is often best. A delicate pendant necklace or a simple chain is perfect for daily wear. These are pieces that you can put on and not have to think about, and they will go with almost everything in your wardrobe, from a t-shirt and jeans to your work attire.
For the Office or a Professional Setting: A classic, understated piece is always a safe and stylish choice. A simple pearl necklace, a small diamond solitaire pendant, or a polished metal chain are all excellent options that add a touch of elegance without being too distracting.
For a Formal Event (like a wedding or a gala): This is the time to bring out the more glamorous pieces. A sparkling statement necklace, a classic diamond or gemstone necklace, or a beautiful strand of pearls can elevate a formal gown and make you feel truly special.
For a Casual, Fun Outing: This is where you can have more fun with your style. A layered necklace look, a colorful beaded necklace, or a unique, artistic pendant are all great ways to express your personality.
Mainstream Brands and Where to Buy
You can find a wonderful selection of necklaces at a wide range of price points and from many different retailers.
Fine Jewelry Stores: Retailers like Tiffany & Co., Kay Jewelers, and Zales are the go-to places for high-quality necklaces made with precious metals (like gold and platinum) and genuine gemstones. These are investment pieces that will last a lifetime.
Department Stores: Stores like Macy's and Nordstrom have a large and diverse jewelry department, offering everything from fine jewelry to more affordable fashion jewelry from a variety of well-known brands. This is a great place to see many different styles in one place.
Fashion and Accessory Stores: Brands like Kendra Scott, Kate Spade, and BaubleBar are famous for their stylish and on-trend fashion jewelry. These are perfect places to find a colorful statement necklace or a trendy layered set at a more accessible price point.
Online Retailers and Artisans: The online world offers a nearly endless selection. Websites like Blue Nile are leaders in online fine jewelry, while platforms like Etsy are a treasure trove for finding unique, handmade necklaces from independent artists and designers all over the world.
The most important tip is to choose a necklace that you truly love and that makes you feel good. A necklace is worn close to your heart, and the right one will be a source of joy and confidence every time you put it on.
