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Join Paula Dsouza as she walks you through all the steps necessary to layer your jewellery like a natural!
It is often pondered upon: The idea of balance. How indefectible symmetry is formed, and more importantly, maintained. Be it art, ecology, physics or philosophy, it serves to be the basis of almost every theory known to man. This idea doesn’t isolate itself from the overall workings of the world. Everything requires balance, including the jewellery you adorn yourself with. ‘Layering’ jewellery is an ever-growing trend wherein people wear multiple pieces of jewellery at the same time. It involves mixing styles, textures and metals, which will leave you with your own personalised aesthetic. However, there are so many ways this could go wrong. Here are a few suggestions which could help you avoid that hassle…
Mixing Metals
First things first, don’t be afraid of mixing metals. People often think that gold jewellery can only be layered with itself. The same goes for silver, beaded, black, crystals, and everything else. However, that simply isn’t the case. It’s all a matter of balance and aesthetics. Balancing the warm-toned metals with the cool-toned ones is key. Warmer-toned metals are those which have a more yellow-toned base, whereas cooler-toned metals are those which have a more blue-toned base. If you have an equal amount of both, they complement each other very well. On the other hand, a lack of that balance can make your creation look a little overdone or tacky. Moreover, a major part of pulling off a look is dependent on confidence; believe you can pull it off, and you will.
Synergy
Quite often, layering pieces of jewellery relates to creating synergy. Pieces that look simple by themselves can be elevated by being paired together. Fret not, this doesn’t mean you have to go rushing to the store to buy new pieces of jewellery; you can simply use the ones you already have! If you want variety without actually making any more unnecessary purchases, this is a great way to repurpose already-owned jewellery. Secondly, pairing a variety of necklaces together allows you to create a completely new aesthetic than what you started off with. This holds true for all kinds of jewellery – rings, necklaces, anklets or bracelets. If paired well, stunning is an understatement of how you’ll be looking!
Varying Lengths
When layering jewellery, another thing to consider includes the lengths of the necklaces that you would want to wear together. Ideally, it is best to pick pieces of varying lengths to avoid any overlap or clutter. People tend to stick to 3-4 pieces to layer when it comes to necklaces. In that way, it isn’t too much or too little. On the other hand, pairing necklaces of the same length is not a complete no-no. If you have a short single pendant necklace, you could pair it with another necklace of a similar length with rhinestones and smaller beads throughout, therefore creating the illusion of a fuller single chain.
Focal Point
Another thing you should consider when layering jewellery is what you’d like your focal point to be. In creating a focal point, what you do is decorate pieces around your statement piece. Therefore, when you have an idea of where you’d like to create the most drama, you can balance the rest of your pieces around that. This allows you to ensure that the rest of the pieces you layer on appear more pleasing to the eye and isn’t a haphazard entangle.
Start Individually
Look at which pieces you’d like to pair together before putting them on. Layering jewellery is about trial and error. If you don’t like something together, scrap the concept and start over. Moreover, in the process of putting things together and moving them around, you realise what works for you as an individual; and what promise your jewellery pieces hold. Once you have an idea of what you like, try it on and see what it feels like. This process will seem less scary and more fun, as compared to if you randomly put pieces on.
Consider Your Outfit
An important detail people tend to sideline when layering is the outfit. What you plan to wear with the jewellery you layer heavily impacts its presentability. The neckline is a defining factor in the necklace layering process. A high neckline, like a turtleneck, tends to dramatize your necklaces. Therefore, if your creation is something you want to flaunt, or is on the more delicate side, definitely go with a higher neckline. If your neckline is low, on the other hand, you can go way more dramatic without attracting as much attention. Moreover, a bare décolletage warrants accessories, so why not go to town?! The same goes for bracelets. A longer sleeve under any kind of bracelet stack will make it stand out much more than it would otherwise. Therefore, layer accordingly!
Consider Your Aesthetic
As earlier mentioned, mixing metals is good and often advised as it leaves you with a creatively unique look. Mixing certain aesthetics, on the other hand, can prove to be a little more problematic. For instance, if you are going for a more bohemian-styled aesthetic with your overall look, pearled jewellery would be uncomplimentary. Therefore, styling pieces according to your aesthetic as a whole is also very important. Pair pieces that complement your hair, your outfit, and your vibe. Even the best accessories can’t save a disjointed look!
Balance
Balance is one of the most important aspects of layering any kind of jewellery. It amplifies differences while embracing the collectivity of a piece. Balance the heavy with the light. The chunky with the delicate. The edgy with the elegant. When layering, be it different metals or the same, balance is a necessity. Balancing length, weight and texture can make or break your look. A layered, entirely chunky look can come across as overly gaudy and extra, whereas a layered, entirely delicate look can come across as a little inconsequential. However, if you put them both together, it’s fireworks!
Celebrities Playing The Layering Game
If layering jewellery is not really your cup of tea, maybe your favourite celebrity can convince you otherwise! A lot of A-list celebrities have shown their love for accessorising, especially when it comes to jewellery. For instance, Blake Lively has time and again been pictured wearing the most stunning gemstone pieces. Models like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Gigi Hadid have rarely been seen out and about without a layered jewellery moment. As for actors, Jaden Smith and Timothée Chalamet have reinvented male accessorising. No longer is it considered a quirk for men to wear jewellery. If you still need convincing, simply look up a decently well-known singer called Harry Styles. Even other artistes like Maluma and Machine Gun Kelly have often been pictured wearing layered jewellery.
The bottom line is layering jewellery isn’t as terrifying as it seems. With just a little bit of creativity and some careful consideration, anyone can master this art. So without further ado, get your jewellery out and start creating!