Necklaces are likely the most versatile and long-lasting items of jewelry in any collection. Getting dressed up for a night out on the town or injecting a touch of sophistication into a weekend outfit, a well-chosen necklace can make the whole outfit. The trick to styling necklaces is knowing what type of necklace is appropriate for what occasion. If you're heading to work, a wedding, or a Saturday morning brunch, here's how to style necklaces for every occasion.
1. Casual Day Out: Effortless and Fun
When you're out running errands, hanging out with friends, or out for a simple day, you need a necklace that complements your daily wear without overdoing it.
Best Options:
Chokers: A leather, velvet, or sleek metal choker can add a touch of edginess to your daily look. Pair it with a plain T-shirt and jeans for a chic casual look.
Pendant Necklaces: A small, simple pendant necklace is a great go-to for a relaxed day. Choose a symbolic charm or gem related to your style. This is great with a V-neck shirt or a low-neck dress.
Layered Chains: Adding a little extra depth to your look, layering small chains in varied lengths is an effortless trend. Mixing gold and silver chains is enough to create the perfect level of glamour in a plain look.
Styling Tip: Simple as can be! Use neutral or minimalist patterns to create a fashionably simple yet sophisticated appearance.
2. Professional and Polished Workwear
In the workplace, your necklace must be elegant but understated so as not to divert attention from your business attire. Opt for something that complements your office attire but does not dominate your appearance.
Best Choices:
Sleek Chains: A delicate, dainty chain necklace in silver or gold can give a hint of sophistication without being excessive. Pair it with a button-down or a fitted jacket.
Bar Necklaces: Clean and modern-looking, a neat bar necklace supplies a simple geometric element that fits business wear well.
Pearl Necklaces: Pearls are timeless and elegant. A short or a medium pearl necklace is ideal over blouses, dresses, and suits and, as such, is most well-suited to formal office attire.
Styling Advice: When dressed for work, wear understated patterns in calming colors. Use large statement jewelry sparingly because it will often look too sloppy or distracting.
3. Date Night: Romantic and Elegant
An evening out calls for a glamorous, romantic type of necklace. If you are dining out or having an evening out, your necklace should complement the dress and make your neckline stand out.
Best Options:
Statement Necklaces: For a dramatic effect, select a statement necklace. A bright, bold necklace or a crystal-encrusted necklace can transform a plain dress into a showstopper.
Infinity or Heart Necklaces: For something romantic, you can go for a heart-shaped pendant or an infinity symbol necklace, which is a classic.
Dainty Pendants with Chains: For a less formal, more understated look, a dainty silver or gold chain with a small, symbolic pendant (like a heart, star, or initial) adds a personal touch.
Style Tip: Balance out your overall appearance by choosing only one statement. If you choose a statement necklace, have other accessories simple so that you don't over-accessorize your outfit.
4. Formal Events: Elegant and Sophisticated
When attending a black-tie event, gala, or wedding, your necklace should harmonize with your formal outfit and introduce an aura of sophistication. Choose sophisticated, elegant designs that harmonize with your formal outfit.
Best Options:
Diamond or Gemstone Necklaces: A beautiful diamond necklace or one that features gemstones such as emeralds, sapphires, or rubies can provide an air of sophistication to your formal wear.
Pearls or Crystals Chokers: Pearl or crystal choker adds a touch of timelessness and elegance to your evening wear. These types of accessories look especially great with strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses.
Multi-Strand Necklaces: For added drama, metallic-colored multi-strand necklaces or those embellished with shimmery details can be dramatic without being over-the-top.
Style Tip: While getting dressed up for a party, make sure your necklace works well with the neckline of your dress. For instance, a flowing, elegant necklace is ideal for a V-neck, and a choker is suitable for a strapless dress.
5. Boho Vibes: Free-Spirited and Fun
For a relaxed, unstructured gathering (think of a festival, beach vacation, or dinner party), a boho-beaded necklace provides a whimsically uninhibited accent to your appearance.
Best Choices:
Beaded Necklaces: Colorful beaded necklaces, typically in earthy shades, are perfect for boho-chic fashion. They can be layered for a playful look or worn alone with a flowy top or dress.
Feather or Leather Necklaces: If you prefer something more natural and earthy, necklaces of feathers, leather, or tribal-inspired are ideal. Wear with flowing skirts, maxi dresses, or a plain tank top.
Turquoise and Gemstone Necklaces: Turquoise is a bohemian classic for jewelry, often paired with silver or other gemstones. They are perfect for a beachy, laid-back style.
Style Tip: Use layered, eclectic styles. Boho style is moving about layering color and texture, so don't be afraid to mix together disparate materials, like leather, beads, and metal.
6. Weddings: Elegant and Timeless
Regardless of whether you are the bride, bridesmaid, or guest, weddings are a special occasion to wear a necklace that enhances the beauty of the occasion.
Best Options:
Pearl Necklaces: Pearls are the ultimate wedding staples, offering timeless and sophisticated glamour. A bridesmaid or a short pearl necklace may be dressed up by the bride and the bridesmaids.
Vintage-Inspired Necklaces: In case your style is a retro or vintage one, then a vintage-inspired necklace with ornamentation can make your guest or bridal outfit more stunning.
Diamond Necklaces: If you are the bride, a stunning diamond necklace can make your dress sparkle and add extra glamour on your wedding day.
Style Tip: Ensure that your necklace adds to the look of your neckline. For the strapless or off-the-shoulder gown, a choker or statement necklace would work best. For the high-neck gown, a less subtle necklace or earrings would work best.
Final Thoughts
Necklaces are highly versatile jewelry that can provide a touch of style to any look. By choosing the right necklace for the occasion, you can just add a touch of style to your appearance and convey it all without speaking a word. Dressing for a night out or a black-tie event, always remember that the perfect necklace is one that forms your personal style and enhances your appearance. So, the next time you're choosing a necklace to wear, take a moment to think about the occasion and what you'd like to communicate about your style. Whatever, you'll always be beautiful with the right piece on your neck!
What's Your Favorite Necklace Style?
Now that you've become a pro! at dressing up necklaces for any occasion, we have a question for you: what's your go-to type of necklace to wear? Do you have a favorite go-to piece that makes you feel and look fabulous? Let us know in the comments below!