THE ULTIMATE NECKLACE GUIDE
Your Guide to The Different Styles of Necklaces and How to Wear Them
We all know that necklaces have the ability to elevate even the simplest of outfits. But when it comes down to it, do we really know the difference between a cable chain and a curb chain? Or what style of neckline looks best with a choker chain? Yet it’s these subtle details that can change the whole vibe of your look.
But fear not! This ultimate guide to the different styles of necklaces is packed full of tips and tricks that will have you styling your pieces like a pro in no time.
What is a Choker Necklace and how do you style them?
Choker necklaces are definitely having a moment right now thanks to the 90’s resurgence that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Typically worn tight to the neck, chokers are designed to draw attention to your neckline. Because of this, they work particularly well with tops and dresses that expose some of the top of your chest. Think strappy vests, cute v-necks, retro corset tops and off-the-shoulder numbers.
Slimmer choker chains (like our Beaded Hypoallergenic Choker Necklace) give you more room to play with, so can be easily paired with higher necklines like boat or crew neck t-shirts. Just make sure the choker sits nicely above your collar bone.
In terms of style, there’s a huge amount to choose from. From simple gold chain chokers to beach-inspired bead chokers, there’s something for everyone’s look. But you can’t beat the timeless glam of pearls for an instant showstopper. Our pearl choker necklace is the perfect modern twist on the classic pearl necklace. Team yours with a floaty spaghetti strap dress for instant summer vibes.
But what about the full look? Choker necklaces naturally draw the eye to be a real focal point of an outfit. So you’ll want to keep any additional jewellery relatively low-key. Matching metals always work best. So think gold stud earrings to compliment a gold choker necklace. Or silver short drop earrings to match a silver choker necklace. If you stick to that golden rule, you can’t go wrong!
Solace’s Top Tip for wearing Choker necklaces: Don’t take the name too literally! Your choker is too tight if it’s making you uncomfortable.
What is a Chain Necklace and How do You Style Them?
A chain necklace should be the staple of any self-respecting jewellery box. But with so many different styles, thicknesses and lengths, where do you start? Let us break it down for you.
Cable Chain Necklaces
Probably the most popular of all chain necklaces, cable chains consist of a series of interlocking round or oval links. They’re often designed to sit in the middle of the chest but come in pretty much all lengths to suit the look you’re going for. With the ability to dress cable chain necklaces up and down, they’re the perfect choice for everyday wear. Use them to elevate your favourite athleisure outfit or dress them up with a bardot top for some going out bling.
Curb Chain Necklaces
A curb chain is quite similar to the cable chain in that they’re created using interlocking oval links. The difference is that they’re designed to sit flat against your skin for ultimate comfort. Perfect if you’re looking for something unfussy that won’t get snagged on your outfit.
Box Chain Necklaces
A box chain is the cable chain’s edgy relative. Formed of interconnected square links, the end result is a sleek and modern design that’s highly durable. They’re available in both mini and extra-long options, making the styling options endless. We’d recommend using box chains as part of a layered look to add texture and depth. Ours are available to shop now in gold chain and silver chain variations.
Link Chain Necklaces
Look no further than the link chain if you want to bring your jewellery collection bang up to date. Link chains are made up of round or oval interconnecting links that alternative in direction for a chunky finish. Worn best at a length that sits just on the collar bone or higher, link chains can be worn to add a bit of rock n’ roll edge to a party outfit or some interest to a regular crew neck shirt. Elongated oval link chains, known as paperclip chains, are particularly popular right now, working well as a silver necklace that’s rebelliously cool.
Rolo Chain Necklaces
Rolo chains share some similarities with the link chain as they also consist of symmetrical circular links. The difference being that, whilst they are rounded outside, they’re flattened on the inside for a distinctive finish. These are incredibly solid chains that work well as a statement piece on their own or as a centre piece to a carefully curated layered look.
Rope Chain Necklaces
Rope chains get their name from the twisting pattern of metal that’s woven together to create their unique shape. The resulting design is one of high-end luxury especially if chosen in a slightly thicker, gold metal. In fact, the gold rope chain would put up a good fight in the battle to be named the most popular style of gold necklace for women on the market right now. And with the ease at which they can transform any look from plain to party, it’s not hard to see why!
Snake Chain Necklaces
The tightly joined curved plates of the snake chain give this necklace a sleek and smooth finish that oozes chicness. Their semi-solid design looks practically seamless when viewed from a distance although close up you can spot the tiny grooves resembling scales that gives the snake chain it’s name. Snake chains are versatile enough for most occasions but particularly suit a dressy look. it’s best to keep them as a short or mid-length necklace because of their weight.
Figaro Chain Necklaces
Classic yet contemporary. Timeless yet bold. The figaro chain necklace has it all. Their design is made up of a sequence of several (usually 3) small oval links followed by a larger link. This is another style that’s typically worn as a gold chain that sits on the collar bone. They’re striking enough to be worn alone but can also be accompanied by a simple gold pendant or charm.
What Is A Pendant Necklace and How Do You Style Them?
A pendant necklace is any necklace that has a separate decorative piece of jewellery hanging freely from the chain or cord. Generally, this piece is attached to the necklace itself by a small loop that gives the pendant some movement. Popular pendant styles include a simple bar, hearts, initials or birthstones which we’ll talk about in more detail later.
Pendant necklaces are an easy win addition to any wardrobe. But with so many ways to wear them, it can be daunting to know where to start. Here’s our top tips to get the most out of your pendant necklace.
When wearing a pendant necklace with a T-Shirt or Jumper, it looks best when the length sits just below the neckline. The same goes for elevating turtlenecks with a pendant that hangs loose below the collar. Warm gold pendant necklaces look especially good sat on the bare skin exposed when wearing a v-neck or similar. You’ll want to make sure the decorative piece sits roughly in the middle between the bottom of your neck and start of the shirt. The lower cut the top, the longer you can go with the chain!
Solace’s Top Tip Style Tip: Create a sleek, minimal pearl necklace by pairing a slim silver chain with a larger pearl pendant. Pearl pendant necklaces become a statement piece with ultimate impact when paired with a dark, monochrome outfit.
Type of Pendant: Initial and Letter Necklaces
Mixing timeless style with uncopiable individuality, initial necklaces never go out of vogue. An initial necklace symbolises something of emotional importance to the wearer. It could be the name of a partner, child, family member, pet or even a special place. The beauty is their subtle ability to pack so much meaning into a simple design.
In terms of styles, larger stand-alone letters look good on longer chains on their own or paired with a shorter choker. Whereas the engraved pendant of our gold initial necklace would suit being framed by two other gold chains of varied textures.
Types of Pendant: Birthstone Necklaces
Like initial necklaces, birthstone necklaces are personal and significant to the wearer. Each month of the year is represented by a different beautiful gemstone. For example, the June birthstone is pearl and the October birthstone is Opal. People often gift birthstone necklaces as birthday gifts or people might choose to wear them as pendants because of the special properties they’re said to possess. For many, they are a symbol of luck and protection. Style yours in a similar way to the initial necklaces above.
How Do You Style Layered Necklaces?
Now you’re an expert on all the different types of necklaces out there you’re going to want to get in on the trend that all the A-list celebs and fashion bloggers are sporting right now; layered necklaces.
There’s no set rules to the layered necklace trend but for layering newbies, we’d suggest starting with three chains to perfect your spacing. Another key tip is to vary the styles, weights and textures of your necklaces to create a perfectly curated neckline.
To glimmer in gold, start with a gold choker necklace or short gold snake chain necklace. Next, add a second piece that’s a few centimetres longer. Something like a gold rope chain or gold link chain would work well. Finally, add a slightly longer gold cable chain necklace to complete the look.
Pendants can also work well with a layered look. Especially as the final point on the longest chain in the set or framed in the middle by two chains of equal length apart.
Solace’s Top Tips For Layering Necklaces: Layered necklaces look best against bare necklines or plain white tops. Anything else can risk looking too fussy.
So that’s it! Your complete guide to all the different types of necklaces and how to wear them. Ready to shop a new style? You’ll find everything you’re looking for in our full range of silver and gold stainless steel necklaces.
HYPOALLERGENIC. WATERPROOF. TARNISH FREE>
We have a 100% happiness guarantee, in the unlikely event you have a reaction, or simply don't like the necklace after trying it on, you can send back for a refund.
Flat Snake Chain Hypoallergenic Necklace
Rope Chain Hypoallergenic Necklace
Figaro Chain Hypoallergenic Necklace
A-Z Letter Necklace Gold
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