It's easy to get stuck in a rut with jewellery. You wear your favourite pieces every day and over time they become a part of you, whether it's the ring your mum passed down or the necklace you treated yourself to after that promotion. Placing them on your hands or around your neck becomes habit and, all of a sudden, it feels strange to be without them.
The paradox, though, is that jewellery is one of the best ways to play with self-expression. Just like a lipstick, a statement earring can get you in the mood for an evening out, while a ring can make you feel as pulled together as a good manicure.
What we're having fun with right now? Layered necklaces. Sure, it sounds simple – and in terms of ease, it is – but whether you want to wear a statement (think logo and lettered pieces), standout charm (we're into coins) or experiment with texture and size (think pearl chokers and long chains), there are some smart ways to update your neckline.
Click through to see the styling tricks we're trying right now.
The Rule of Three
Make like Laura Fantacci, founder of Wardrobe Icons, who layered her long-chained Gilda necklace (from her collaboration with Otiumberg) with two shorter necklaces. The only trick here is the number of pieces – the colours, size and detail can be as matching or opposing as you like. You can cheat the system with a three-in-one necklace, too.
We're layering this beauty over a rollneck...
Cornelia Webb Set of Two Gold-Plated Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Necklaces, £180, available at Net-A-Porter
...and pairing with this all-seeing eye.
Alona Eyenamour Necklace in Gold, £95, available at Byalona
We're enjoying the illusion of two necklaces in one here.
Isabel Marant Gold-Tone Necklace, £120, available at Net-A-Porter
Just as cute alone, but we're wearing with a choker and 30" chain.
Deborah Blyth Super Star Pendant, £47, available at Deborah Blyth
Sign us up for anything zodiac-themed.
Luv Aj Zodiac Necklace, £60.44, available at Luv Aj
The Long and Short of It
Adwoa Aboah gives a good lesson in heavy layering here. Pairing a choker of pearls with short- and long-chained pendants and charms, there are endless options for recreating this look. Extra points for mixed stones, textures and sizes, too.
Give your neckline an upgrade with this celestial piece.
Soru Woven Gold & Black Silk Choker With Crescent Moon Charm, from £220, available at Soru
Wear with an open shirt and tan come summer.
Stella & Dot Willa Choker, £38, available at Stella & Dot
This red will pop among gold pieces.
Eyland Olga Necklace, £32, available at Found
Thought chains weren't for you? Think again. The open rings on this Annie Haak piece are super flattering.
Annie Haak Nu & Mii Florence Gold Choker, £68, available at Annie Haak
Pair Your Pendants
Jessica Alizzi's super easy format will take you from lazy weekends to sun-filled getaways. White shirts, denim and standout jewellery never fails on can't-be-bothered days. What makes this a favourite, though, is that each of her charms is a scene-stealer, from her rectangular Them Jewellers necklace to the Cinco Store medallions. The takeaway? Don't be afraid to wear your favourite pieces together.
It's the 10th anniversary of Alex Monroe's signature bee – this leaf remix is divine.
Alex Monroe Bee Leaf Medal Necklace, £150, available at Alex Monroe
A classic mother-of-pearl piece.
Theodora Warre Diamond and Mother-of-Pearl Star Silver Necklace, £385, available at Matches Fashion
We can't get enough of Katie Mullally's charms. Our current fave is this double Irish coin.
Katie Mullally Double Irish 6d Coin Pendant, £100, available at Katie Mullally
We want the entirety of Laura's Otiumberg collab.
Otiumberg x Laura Fantacci Gilda Necklace, £185, available at Otiumberg
Mixed Messages
As well as mixing your metals (rose gold goes fabulously with both silver and yellow gold), make like Kai Avent-deLeon and wear a mix of sentiments around your neck. Tuza's vagina necklace is a firm favourite, initial charms will never date, and wear your heart on your chest with bold italic writing. We particularly love these jewels with an undone silk PJ shirt, too.
Monica Vinader's letters come in varying fonts, so you can mix and match some punked-up writing.
Monica Vinader A-Z Alphabet Letter Gold Vermeil Pendants, £85, available at Net-A-Porter
You'll have spotted this on the neckline of many a street styler.
Tuza Vagina Necklace in Yellow Gold, £198, available at Pam Pam
Ruifier's alphabet pendants are super sweet.
Ruifier ABC's Necklace, £145, available at Ruifier
Destined to be a keepsake – we love coloured enamel mixed with metal.
Pascale Monvoisin Pierrot No.2 9-Karat Rose Gold, Bakelite and Diamond Necklace, £375, available at Net-A-Porter
Alighieri is the jewellery brand to invest in if you're looking for pieces with a narrative.
Alighieri The Velvet Underground Gold-Plated Necklace, £210, available at Matches Fashion
Want more like this?
8 New Brands To Add To Your Jewellery Box
What You Need To Know Before Buying Your First Designer Piece
The Accessories Trend You're About To See Everywhere: Resin Earrings
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