how to wear necklace - a style guide
Accessories add a little bit of flair to every outfit. Necklaces are especially popular. The right necklace can make your neck look longer, add a bit more elegance to your outfit, and simply looks feminine.
But many women (and men - working on a post for you too :) ) don’t know the rules of styling necklaces.
If you’re wondering how to wear necklaces, follow this simple style guide for advice.
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Choosing the Right Necklace
It is important to find out which length and type of necklace will compliment your body.
When selecting the correct length for your necklace; you should consider your features like your neck type, your height, your body type, your face shape and the most important, your undertone.
Also, some necklaces simply go better with certain necklines while others can throw off your appearance.
If you have a warm undertone, you should go for warm metals such as gold, copper, brass, etc. If your undertone is cool, silver, white gold, platinum, stainless steel, etc will look on you amazing.
Neck Type
Measuring your neck before buying a necklace is advisable. Use a soft tape measure and wrap it snugly around your neck to get the measurement. To this measurement, add two inches to determine the minimum length for choker necklaces. For a comfortable fit with a short pendant, add four inches.
Short-length necklaces, particularly chokers, are most flattering for individuals with long and slender necks. Conversely, those with thicker necks may want to steer clear of chokers, as they can give the illusion of a shorter neck.
Height
Women under 162cm are best suited to necklaces that are 40cm to 51cm in length, as longer necklaces can overpower a smaller frame. Those who are between 162cm and 170cm can comfortably wear necklaces of any length. Meanwhile, taller women, standing at 170cm or above, can opt for longer chain-style necklaces
which complement a taller stature.
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Body Type
People's eyes will stop at the point where your necklace ends, so your necklace should end the part of your body where you would like to draw attention or vice versa. If you like to accentuate your upper body, you should choose shorter chains such as a collar, bib or statement necklaces.
Women with smaller busts may opt for long, thin chains or layered necklaces. For those with fuller busts, shorter necklaces that sit higher on the body, such as 45- to 56cm lengths, are advisable; it's best to avoid necklaces longer than 60cm as they may not rest comfortably.
If you have a smaller upper body or a pear (triangle) body shape, consider bold, chunky necklaces that sit above the bust to help broaden the shoulders. Necklaces measuring 46 to 61 cm are ideal as they draw attention upwards to your upper body.
Those that have a Standard body shape can typically wear any type of necklace, although longer necklaces can help elongate your body more.
For Rectangle Body Shape, medium length, fine or chunky necklaces, would draw attention upward. You can choose fine necklaces such as several long strands of beads as well.
For an Hourglass shape, try a necklace length that sits on your décolleté to help accentuate your curves. Choose necklaces that are very short or very long that reach your tummy area. Avoid the wide, chunky ones lying over your chest area.
If you have an Inverted Triangle body shape that means you have broader shoulders, longer length necklaces will help to bring the eye down to your waist, highlighting the narrow part of your body. Avoid big chunky necklaces that are close to your neck and shoulders.
If you have an Oval body shape, short lengths are recommended. Avoid placing chunky jewelry around your bust area.
Photo credit - getty images
Photo credit - getty images
Face Shape
A necklace can help you accentuate your strongest facial features. When you choose your jewelry, repeating elements of the facial shape in style details create harmony.
Women with Round faces should avoid short necklaces or chokers as they will accentuate the roundness of their faces.
Oval-shaped faces can take advantage of any necklace.
Individuals with rectangle or oblong-shaped faces should opt for shorter necklaces to avoid elongating their appearance. Choker and princess necklaces, ranging from 41 to 46cm, are ideal. Similarly, those with square face types should select shorter necklaces to soften the face's sharp angles.
Heart-shaped, inverted triangular or diamond-shaped faces look great with chokers or any short-length necklace as they create an illusion of fullness and balance out a narrow chin.
Triangular -shaped faces have a small/narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin areas. Therefore, long necklaces such as opera and matinee lengths are better options.
Neckline
What if your top’s neckline is simple? A necklace will do wonders for your outfit. But you should still find a necklace that accentuates your top’s neckline.
If your top is a V-neck, choose a short necklace with a pendant. The pendant will sit at the centre of your neck, complimenting the V-neck shape.
You also have many options with this necklace type. You can choose a small gem or a large stone. For a more extravagant look, layer several pendant necklaces of different lengths.
If your top has a rounded neckline, go with a short but chunky necklace. This is a great option for formal occasions; chunky gemstone or pearl necklaces are dressy and look lovely with a gown.
If your neckline is higher, such as a turtleneck, choose a longer necklace. The necklace will help lengthen your neckline.
Usually, particular types of necklaces already come in particular lengths.
Choker - 30 to 35cm , sits high and close to the neck
Collar - 31 to 41cm, rests directly above the collarbone
Princess - 41 to 46cm, lays between the lower neck and bust line, on or just below the collarbone
Matinee - 51 to 61cm, sits between the collarbone and the bust
Opera - 71 to 91cm, wrapped to rest on the bust or an inch or two below
Rope - 91cm and above, sits below the centre of the bust through the belly button
Decide If Your Outfit Requires a Necklace
A simple and plain outfit can be transformed into a more dramatic look with the addition of an exquisite necklace. Even with a flashy outfit, a subtle necklace can still be fitting.
However, not every outfit requires a necklace; it largely depends on personal preference.
If you prefer to wear no accessories with extravagant outfits, then you can save a necklace for the next outfit. But if you prefer wearing a necklace with every outfit, pay attention to the top’s neckline.
If you’re wearing a top with embroideries, embellishments, or ruffles at the neckline, adding a necklace will look too loud.
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Choose a Necklace Based on Your Outfit
The classic advice is choosing a necklace based on your outfit. If your outfit is simple, wear a bold necklace, such as these necklaces. If your outfit is bold, wear a simple necklace.
What are some examples of a bold outfit? If your outfit, specifically the top, features prints or patterns, stay simple with the necklace. Opt for a shorter necklace. If you do go for pendants, make sure the pendants are small.
If your outfit (specifically the top) is plain, you have more necklace choices. You can choose longer and extravagant necklaces. Layering your necklaces will also add more flair to a solid-coloured top.
How to Wear Necklaces: Follow These Rules and Add Your Personal Style
There are many necklace lengths, styles, and pendants. Because of the options, it’s best you know how to wear necklaces. But you should always remember to use your own personal style to rock your necklace choices!
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Joe ;)