The 411 on Layered Jewelry: How to Layer Like a Pro

Layering is all the rage right now, and we're not talking about sweaters—one of the most prominent trends in accessories this season is layered jewelry! While it can be tricky to get right, this fashion statement will take your style to a whole new level when done properly.

Jewelry Layering Basics

The first layered necklace looks started cropping up a few years ago among fashion-forward bloggers and style icons. Instead of putting on just one necklace, these trendsetters would put on two or three, and the fashion world quickly fell in love with the multidimensional look.

Today, the layering trend is at the height of its popularity. It's even stretched beyond necklaces, with some people layering rings and bracelets as well.

The great thing about the layered look is that it can be achieved using jewelry you already have. It's just a matter of mixing and matching different pieces to see what works best.

Necklaces

When you're layering necklaces, you'll want to sort your options by length. For an optimal stack, use a shorter necklace and a longer one to ensure each is visible and they don't get tangled.

Most people prefer to have a smaller, more delicate necklace at the top of their stack and then use chunkier pieces as the longer layers. This produces a graduated effect that's effortlessly chic and stylish.

Rings

Many of the same rules apply when you're stacking or layering rings. Try to place bolder, heavier rings (such as your engagement ring) closest to your hand, and then place more delicate rings on top.

You can mix and match different metals when stacking rings, but if you try this, make sure there's a similar element to pull the look together. Rings with the same gemstone, design, or theme will look natural and cohesive when layered.

Bracelets

You might picture a stack of bangles when you think of layered bracelets, but you can mix up your look by layering arm candy of different sizes and shapes.

Don't be afraid to play around with your stacked bracelets—include a watch in your stack, or pair bracelets of different materials. For instance, wear your favorite diamond bracelet next to a leather wrap or beaded bangle.

The downside of stacking bracelets is that too many metal pieces will not only be noisy, but can become scratched if they bang against each other. For this reason, try to limit yourself to one or two metal bracelets per arm.

Pro Tips for Layered Jewelry

Once you've got the hang of layering your jewelry, use these tips to take your stacked style to the next level:

• Include a Lariat Necklace: You can make an extra-bold statement by using a lariat necklace, a style that has a strand hanging down your chest, as the longest layer in your stack.
• Incorporate Midi Rings: Give your stack of rings more dimension by wearing a midi ring on the same hand. These accessories are designed to fit above your knuckle and are great for visually elongating your fingers.
• Upgrade to Many Layers: Two or three necklaces are certainly enough to create a fun, trendy look, but you can up the wow factor by piling on even more chains—even five or six! When you have this many necklaces on, they're bound to get a bit tangled, so embrace the unpolished look and pair it with a messy-chic outfit.
• Use the Latest Trends: New necklace, bracelet, and ring trends are always cropping up—for instance, choker necklaces were huge this year. Use the latest jewelry styles in your layered looks for an ultra-stylish trendsetter vibe.

By using these tips, you can master the layered jewelry look and switch up the way you wear your favorite diamond jewelry.