Building a Necklace Wardrobe: A Guide to Essential Pieces
Many of my styling clients have asked questions lately about building a versatile necklace wardrobe. When this happens, a little bell goes off in my brain that says “hey hey hey, it’s time to share it with the blog family!” So here we have it, the different necklace styles women need in their wardrobe.
Necklaces are a fantastic way to add personality and polish to any outfit. They can be customized to your taste, style, personal interest, and daily agenda. Another bonus is that necklaces, probably more so than other types of jewelry, often act as the "third piece" that truly completes a look.
However, I've noticed many women have an abundance of one type of necklace and a shortage of others. This can make accessorizing challenging. Do you ever feel a disconnect when adding a necklace to your outfit? Perhaps you've tried to recreate a look you saw on Instagram, but it just doesn't translate? If you struggle to achieve that final touch, keep reading!
The Balanced Necklace Wardrobe
Just like a balanced wardrobe with clothing, a well-rounded jewelry collection includes a variety of necklace styles. I'm not referring to length or gemstones, but rather the category of the necklace and how it impacts your overall look.
1. Everyday Essentials: The Foundation
Think of these as your necklace basics – pieces you wear almost constantly. You might even sleep and shower in them! These necklaces are discreet and complement everything in your closet. They often hold sentimental value and feel like an extension of yourself.
My personal everyday essentials include a small Star of David and my "Am Israel Chai" dog tag. In the past, it's been a delicate diamond bar necklace or my Dana Rebecca toggle. These pieces are delicate and serve as a base layer for other necklaces, much like a classic jeans and white t-shirt combo.
SHOP EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL JEWELRY:
2. Elevated Essentials: Casual and Chic
This category features bolder necklaces that are more noticeable than your everyday pieces. They have a casual vibe, making them suitable for everyday wear. Often, they incorporate leather, darker metals, or colorful beads for a relaxed yet eye-catching look.
These necklaces would be visible in a full-body photo, unlike your more delicate pieces. They should layer harmoniously over your everyday essentials.
SHOP ELEVATED ESSENTIAL JEWELRY:
3. Statement Pieces: The Hero Items
Statement necklaces, like statement clothing, are bold and memorable. They often stand alone as the focal point of an outfit. Think of them as hero pieces that work best worn one at a time. Overdoing statement pieces can create a chaotic look.
SHOP STATEMENT NECKLACES:
4. Dressy/Fine Jewelry: Timeless Classics
Dressy jewelry isn't necessarily trendy. These are your classic, timeless pieces, perhaps inherited heirlooms. They're reserved for special occasions. Like trendy clothing, you don't need a lot of dressy jewelry unless you frequently attend formal events.
Fine jewelry can be expensive, so the amount spent in this category might seem disproportionate to how often you wear it.
SHOP DRESSY/FINE JEWELRY:
Building a well-rounded necklace wardrobe takes time and experimentation. Don't be afraid to play with different styles, lengths, and layers to discover what works best for you. Remember, your jewelry should enhance your personal style and make you feel confident and beautiful.
Now I want to hear from you! What are your favorite necklace styles? Do you have any go-to pieces you can't live without? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!