Necklaces are more than just pretty trinkets. They show who you are. They make outfits pop. They draw eyes to your face. The right necklace speaks volumes about your style. It can be bold or subtle. It can make a statement or whisper elegance. Every necklace tells a story about the person wearing it.
Ever notice how some necklaces just work on certain people? Or why celebs like Rihanna always nail their jewelry game? It’s no accident. It’s about knowing what works for you. How to wear necklaces and matter. They catch attention. They complete your look in ways nothing else can.
Anna Wintour got it right. “A well-chosen necklace is the punctuation mark in your style sentence.” This guide will show you the ropes. We’ll cover face shapes. We’ll talk necklines. We’ll match necklaces to occasions. You’ll learn from the stars. You’ll discover your own best looks. No more guessing which necklace works. You’ll know.
Read Also: 10 Top Popular Necklace Types in 2025
Understanding How to Wear Necklaces: A Fashion Trend
Necklace trends have evolved dramatically throughout fashion history, from the chokers of the Victorian era to the pendant necklaces of the 2020s. Today’s trends reflect both nostalgic returns to vintage styles and bold new directions in jewelry design.
Fashion industry statistics show that layered necklaces saw a 78% increase in popularity between 2022 and 2024, while sustainable jewelry materials have become a priority for 65% of jewelry consumers under 35.
“Jewelry is like the perfect spice—it always complements what’s already there.” — Diane von Furstenberg.
When approaching necklace styling, consider not just the current trends but how they interact with your style. The most fashionable jewelry choice is always one that feels authentic to you while enhancing your outfit.
Types of Necklaces: Complete Style Guide for Every Occasion
Choker Necklaces
Definition: A close-fitting necklace worn high on the neck, typically 14-16 inches in length.
- Best for: Highlighting the collarbone and neck
- Ideal occasions: Cocktail parties, concerts, casual outings
- Celebrity inspirations: Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift
Did you know? Chokers date back to ancient civilizations but gained particular popularity during the French Revolution when women wore red ribbons around their necks as a tribute to those who died by guillotine.
Pendant Necklaces
Definition: A necklace with a hanging ornament, typically 18-20 inches in length.
- Best for: Adding vertical interest to an outfit
- Ideal occasions: Everyday wear, business casual, date nights
- Celebrity inspirations: Meghan Markle, Jennifer Aniston
Did you know? The world’s most expensive pendant necklace is the “L’Incomparable Diamond Necklace,” valued at $55 million, featuring a 407.48-carat yellow diamond.
Statement Necklaces
Definition: Bold, eye-catching pieces designed to be the focal point of an outfit, varying in length.
- Best for: Elevating simple outfits, formal occasions
- Ideal occasions: Galas, award ceremonies, important business events
- Celebrity inspirations: Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cate Blanchett
Did you know? Statement necklaces gained mainstream popularity in the early 2010s but trace their heritage to ancient Egyptian collar necklaces worn by royalty.
Layered Necklaces
Definition: Multiple chains of varying lengths worn together to create depth and dimension.
- Best for: Creating visual interest, personalizing your look
- Ideal occasions: Casual outings, brunches, creative workplaces
- Celebrity inspirations: Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid
Did you know? The modern layered necklace trend was popularized in the 1970s during the bohemian fashion movement.
Pearl Necklaces
Definition: A string of pearls, typically 16-18 inches (princess length) or 30-36 inches (opera length).
- Best for: Adding elegance and timeless sophistication
- Ideal occasions: Weddings, business formal, family celebrations
- Celebrity inspirations: Audrey Hepburn, Kate Middleton, Jackie Kennedy
Did you know? Natural pearls are incredibly rare—only about 1 in 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl in the wild, making them historically more valuable than diamonds until cultured pearls became common.
Opera Necklaces
Definition: Long necklaces measuring 30-36 inches, reaching below the bust line.
- Best for: Creating a dramatic silhouette with evening wear
- Ideal occasions: Opera performances, formal galas, black-tie events
- Celebrity inspirations: Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie
Did you know? Opera necklaces became popular during the “flapper” era of the 1920s when women wore long pearl strands with their dropped-waist dresses.
Matinee Necklaces
Definition: Mid-length necklaces measuring 20-24 inches, typically falling between the collarbone and bust.
- Best for: Professional settings, adding interest without overpowering
- Ideal occasions: Business meetings, daytime formal events
- Celebrity inspirations: Victoria Beckham, Amal Clooney
Did you know? The name “matinee” comes from the daytime theater performances they were traditionally worn to attend.
Lariat Necklaces
Definition: Rope-style necklaces without a clasp that wrap, drape, or tie around the neck.
- Best for: Creating a unique, adjustable look
- Ideal occasions: Creative events, fashion-forward gatherings
- Celebrity inspirations: Zendaya, Emma Stone
Did you know? Lariat necklaces are among the most versatile jewelry pieces, as they can be styled in numerous ways—wrapped, tied, or draped—changing their appearance completely.
Chain Necklaces
Definition: Simple metal chains without pendants, available in various link styles and lengths.
- Best for: Everyday wear, layering, minimalist style
- Ideal occasions: Casual outings, business casual, daily wear
- Celebrity inspirations: Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus
Did you know? The oldest known chain necklace dates back to ancient Babylon around 2500 BCE and was made of gold.
Matching Necklaces with Outfits: Accessorizing Tips for Every Style
The right necklace can transform an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary when properly matched. Consider the following guidance when pairing necklaces with different clothing styles:
| Outfit Type | Recommended Necklace | What to Avoid | Celebrity Example |
| Casual T-shirt | Simple pendant, thin chain | Heavy statement pieces | Emma Stone’s delicate gold chain |
| Business suit | Pearl necklace, subtle gold chain | Flashy pieces, noisy elements | Victoria Beckham’s elegant pendant |
| Cocktail dress | Statement necklace, crystal choker | Casual beaded styles | Blake Lively’s gemstone collar |
| Evening gown | Opera length, diamond necklace | Casual materials like wood or leather | Nicole Kidman’s diamond opera necklace |
| Turtleneck | Long pendant, opera length | Chokers, short chains | Katie Holmes’ long pendant style |
| Boho dress | Layered chains, mixed materials | Formal diamonds, uniform pearls | Vanessa Hudgens’ layered boho chains |
| Athletic wear | Minimalist thin chain | Heavy statement pieces | Serena Williams’ delicate gold necklace |
Styling Tip: When wearing prints or patterns, opt for simpler necklace designs. For solid colors, especially black, you have more freedom to choose elaborate pieces.
“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” — Coco Chane.l
This famous fashion advice reminds us that sometimes restraint can make the strongest style statement. However, modern style often embraces maximalism, so know when to follow or break this rule based on your outfit and occasion.
How to Choose the Perfect Necklace for Different Necklines
The neckline of your garment plays a crucial role in determining the ideal necklace style. Following these guidelines will ensure harmony between your clothing and accessories:
V-Neck Styling Guide
- Best necklaces: V-shaped pendants, Y-necklaces
- Why it works: Echoes and enhances the V-shape
- Celebrity example: Jennifer Lopez at the 2020 Oscars wearing a diamond V-pendant with her V-neck gown
- Avoid: Round or horizontal necklaces that contradict the neckline
See Also: Necklace Chain Guide: Types, Care, and Styling 2025
Round Neckline Jewelry Pairing
- Best necklaces: Round pendants, chokers, short to medium length
- Why it works: It complements the curved line of the neckline
- Celebrity example: Taylor Swift’s signature round necklaces with crew neck tops
- Avoid: Long, dangling styles that get lost against the fabric
Off-Shoulder Necklace Selection
- Best necklaces: Chokers, collar necklaces
- Why it works: Accentuates exposed collarbone and shoulders
- Celebrity example: Rihanna’s diamond choker with off-shoulder gowns
- Avoid: Long necklaces that interfere with the horizontal line
Collared Shirts Accessorizing Tips
- Best necklaces: Short pendants, delicate chains worn inside the collar
- Why it works: It adds interest without competing with the collar
- Celebrity example: Meghan Markle’s subtle gold chains with button-down shirts
- Avoid: Chokers or anything that sits at the same height as the collar
Deep Plunge Necklace Styling
- Best necklaces: Lariat styles, long pendants, layered chains
- Why it works: It draws attention to the décolletage in a complementary way
- Celebrity example: Charlize Theron’s stunning Tiffany diamond pendant with plunging necklines
- Avoid Horizontal necklaces that cut across the plunge
“The right necklace can speak volumes before you even say a word.” — Rachel Zoe, Celebrity Stylist
Selecting Necklaces for Your Face Shape: The Complete Guide
Just as necklace styles should complement your outfit’s neckline, they should also enhance your natural face shape. The right necklace can accentuate your best features and create balanced proportions.
Best Jewelry for Round Faces
Recommended styles: Long pendants, V-shapes, Y-necklaces
- Pros: Creates the illusion of length, slims the face
- Cons: Very short necklaces can emphasize roundness
- Celebrity example: Selena Gomez often wears longer pendants to elongate her round face
Necklace Styles for Oval Faces
Recommended styles: Almost any style works, especially chokers and princess length
- Pros: Versatility, ability to wear multiple styles
- Cons: Very long pieces may disrupt natural balance
- Celebrity example: Bella Hadid’s frequent choker choices highlight her oval face shape
Heart-Shaped Face Jewelry Recommendations
Recommended styles: Chokers, shorter necklaces that add width to the lower face
- Pros: Balances wa ider forehead with a narrower chin
- Cons: V-shapes can further emphasize a pointed chin
- Celebrity example: Reese Witherspoon’s preference for shorter necklaces balances her heart-shaped face
Square Face Necklace Styling Tips
Recommended styles: Rounded pendants, curved designs, and longer lengths
- Pros: Softens angular jawline, adds femininity
- Cons: Angular or geometric designs can emphasize sharpness
- Celebrity example: Angelina Jolie often chooses rounded pendant necklaces to soften her square jawline
Quick Reference Chart:
| Face Shape | Best Necklace Type | Necklace to Avoid |
| Round | Long, vertical designs | Short, round necklaces |
| Oval | Any style | Very bulky pieces |
| Heart | Short, wider designs | V-shaped pendants |
| Square | Curved, rounded designs | Angular, geometric pieces |
Necklaces for Special Occasions: Event-Specific Jewelry Guide
Different occasions call for different jewelry approaches. Using the appropriate necklace for each event demonstrates style awareness and social savvy.
| Occasion | Formality Level | Recommended Necklace Styles | Celebrity Example |
| Red Carpet Event | Highest | Diamond statement pieces, rare gemstones | Lady Gaga’s 128-carat Tiffany diamond |
| Wedding (Guest) | High | Pearl strands, subtle gemstone pendants | Kate Middleton’s sapphire pendant |
| Wedding (Bride) | Highest | Family heirlooms, meaningful pendants | Meghan Markle’s Cartier diamond pendant |
| Business Meeting | Medium-High | Subtle gold chains, small pearls | Victoria Beckham’s understated gold necklaces |
| Job Interview | Medium | Minimal, non-distracting pieces | Emma Watson’s delicate chain |
| Casual Outing | Low | Layered chains, fashion pendants | Gigi Hadid’s mixed metal layers |
| Beach/Vacation | Lowest | Shell necklaces, colorful beaded styles | Vanessa Hudgens’ bohemian beach jewelry |
| Music Festivals | Low | Statement pieces, unique designs | Coachella-inspired layered coin necklaces |
“When it comes to jewelry, less isn’t always more. Sometimes, it’s just less.” — Iris Apfel, Fashion Icon
This advice from the 101-year-old fashion icon reminds us that certain occasions call for making a bold statement with your jewelry choices.
Celebrity Necklace Trends: Iconic Styles that Shaped Fashion
Celebrities often drive jewelry trends through their high-profile appearances and personal style choices. These influential figures have created signature looks that resonated throughout the fashion world:
Rihanna’s Diamond Choker Trend
Rihanna revolutionized the modern choker trend when she wore a stunning Chopard diamond choker to the 2017 Met Gala. This sparked a resurgence in chokers necklaces across all price points.
Impact: High-street brands reported a 268% increase in choker sales in the months following Rihanna’s appearance.
“My jewelry is like how I approach everything in life—bold, dramatic, and always making a statement.” — Rihann.a
Kim Kardashian’s Layered Chain Style
Kim Kardashian popularized the layered gold chain look, often wearing multiple necklaces of various lengths simultaneously.
Impact: Created a global trend for mixing metals and lengths, with jewelry retailers reporting a 45% increase in multiple-chain purchases since 2018.
Deepika Padukone’s Royal Necklace Influence
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone introduced traditional Indian “kundan” and temple jewelry styles to Western red carpets, most notably at the Cannes Film Festival.
Impact: Created cross-cultural jewelry trends and sparked interest in South Asian jewelry designs, with searches for “kundan necklaces” increasing by 124% from 2019 to 2021.
Meghan Markle’s Minimalist Jewelry Approach
The Duchess of Sussex pioneered the “quiet luxury” jewelry trend with her preference for delicate gold chains and meaningful pendant necklaces.
Impact: This led to a surge in demand for personalized initial pendants and ethical jewelry brands, with Meghan’s favorite jewelers reporting up to 300% increases in sales after she wore their pieces.
Award-Winning Celebrity Necklace Moments in Fashion History
Some necklace moments become so iconic that they transcend typical fashion coverage and become cultural touchpoints:
Must Read It: How to Style Men’s Pearl Necklaces 2025
Lady Gaga’s Tiffany Diamond Oscar Look
The piece: The legendary 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond Designer: Tiffany & Co. Estimated value: $30 million Event: 2019 Academy Awards Cultural impact: Only the third person in history to wear this diamond (after Audrey Hepburn and Mrs. E. Sheldon Whitehouse)
“The Tiffany Diamond is extraordinary… to wear a piece with this level of cultural significance is humbling and an honor.” — Lady Gaga.
Angelina Jolie’s Emerald Academy Awards Style
The piece: 115-carat Colombian emerald drop earrings and matching 65-carat emerald necklace Designer: Lorraine Schwartz Estimated value: $2.5 million Event: 2009 Academy Awards Cultural impact: Created a surge in emerald jewelry popularity and established vibrant green gemstones as a red-carpet staple
Aishwarya Rai’s Diamond Choker at Cannes
The piece: Multi-layered diamond choker with matching earrings Designer: Boucheron Estimated value: $3+ million Event: 2022 Cannes Film Festival Cultural impact: Credited with revitalizing interest in traditional chokers for formal occasions
Beyoncé’s Met Gala Diamond Statement
The piece: 300+ carat diamond necklace Designer: Lorraine Schwartz Estimated value: $8+ million Event: 2018 Met Gala Cultural impact: Set the standard for statement necklaces on red carpets globally
Priyanka Chopra’s Bvlgari Serpenti Design
The piece: Diamond and emerald Serpenti necklace Designer: Bvlgari Estimated value: $4 million Event: 2021 BAFTA Awards Cultural impact: Popularized serpent motifs in high jewelry
Trendy Necklace Designs: How to Layer and Style Multiple Pieces
Layering necklaces has evolved from a trend to a styling technique embraced by fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The key to mastering this approach lies in understanding proportion, balance, and harmony.
Step-by-Step Layering Guide
- Start with a foundation piece – Usually the shortest layer, like a choker or 14-16″ chain
- Add a middle piece – Something in the 18-20″ range to create dimension
- Finish with a statement piece – A pendant or longer chain (24-30″) as your anchor
- Consider weight and visual balance – Mix delicate and substantial pieces
- Play with textures and materials – Combine different metals, beads, or gems
Do’s and Don’ts Checklist
Do:
- Mix metals strategically (gold, silver, rose gold)
- Vary textures and chain styles
- Include one focal piece
- Consider your neckline when layering
- Adjust lengths for visual interest
Don’t:
- Layer pieces that tangle easily
- Wear all heavy pieces together
- Combine competing statement pieces
- Layer more than 3-4 pieces for beginners
- Mix extremely different styles (e.g., formal diamonds with casual beads)
“Jewelry should be like a woman’s wardrobe. You should be able to mix it all and create something that’s uniquely you.” — Jennifer Meyer, Jewelry Designer
Quick Reference Table for Layering Combinations
| Style Goal | Layer 1 | Layer 2 | Layer 3 |
| Minimalist | Thin gold choker | Delicate pendant (18″) | Simple chain (24″) |
| Bold Statement | Chunky chain choker | Coin pendant (18″) | Tassel or crystal (26″) |
| Bohemian | Chokers with charms | Beaded necklace (20″) | Long pendant with natural stone (30″) |
| Elegant | Pearl choker | Diamond solitaire (16″) | Opera length pearls doubled (32″) |
| Edgy | Leather or velvet choker | Chain with small spikes (18″) | Long chain with geometric pendant (28″) |
FAQ’s
How do I choose the right necklace for my face shape?
Match your necklace to your face shape—round faces benefit from long pendants, oval faces can wear almost any style, heart-shaped faces look best with chokers, and square faces are complemented by rounded pendants that soften angular features.
What necklace style works best with a V-neck top?
V-shaped pendants and Y-necklaces work best with V-neck tops as they echo and enhance the neckline’s shape, creating a harmonious visual flow.
How do I layer necklaces without them looking messy?
Start with a shorter foundation piece (14-16″), add a middle layer (18-20″), finish with a longer statement piece (24-30″), vary textures and weights, and ensure at least 2″ between each layer to prevent tangling.
What’s the best necklace to wear for job interviews?
Choose minimal, non-distracting pieces like a subtle gold chain or small pearl necklace that add polish without overwhelming your professional appearance, similar to Emma Watson’s delicate styling approach.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of necklace styling opens up endless possibilities for enhancing your style and making fashion statements that reflect your personality. From understanding the fundamental necklace types to learning how to pair them with different outfits, necklines, and face shapes, you now have a comprehensive guide to navigate this essential aspect of accessorizing.
Key takeaways from this guide:
- Choose necklaces that complement your neckline and face shape
- Consider the occasion and formality level when selecting jewelry
- Draw inspiration from celebrity styles while developing your aesthetic
- Master the art of layering for a contemporary, personalized look
- Remember that jewelry should enhance, not overwhelm, your overall appearance
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” — Rachel Zoe
As you apply these principles to your wardrobe, remember that the most important aspect of personal style is confidence. The perfect necklace isn’t just one that follows all the rules—it makes you feel like the best version of yourself when you wear it.
Experiment with different styles, break a few rules, and discover the necklace combinations that speak to you. Your personal style journey is an ongoing evolution, and your jewelry collection should grow and change alongside it.
