How to Style a Statement Necklace Without Overdoing It

A statement necklace works when it's the only loud thing in the outfit. Pair it with a plain top in a solid color, a neckline that gives it space, and small or no earrings. That's really most of it. When a statement necklace looks wrong, it's almost always because something else is competing with it.

Below are the details: which necklines and outfits work, how to choose the size for your frame, what to do with your hair and earrings, and how to wear one to work, a wedding or a night out.

Keep the rest of the outfit simple

Solid colors are the best background for a statement necklace. Black, white, cream, navy, camel and any single bright color all work. Prints can work if they're small and quiet, but big florals, stripes or busy patterns fight the necklace for attention.

Texture counts too. A plain knit, silk or crisp cotton lets the necklace stand out. Sequins, ruffles or heavily embellished tops already are the statement, so skip the necklace or choose a fine chain instead.

The best necklines for a statement necklace

Bib and collar-style statement necklaces look best on crew necks, boat necks and strapless tops, where they sit on top of a smooth, even surface. On a crew neck, a bib that rests just on or above the neckline looks deliberate and polished.

Scoop and square necklines work with shorter, rounded pieces that sit inside the opening. V-necks are harder, since the V and a round bib fight each other. If you want to wear one with a V, pick a statement piece with a V or drop shape. Collared shirts work with a statement necklace worn under the collar with the top button done, which is a great look for the office, especially with a fitted knit or crisp white shirt. For more combinations, see which necklace for which neckline.

Earrings, hair and other jewelry

With a big necklace, earrings should be small: studs or tiny hoops. Big drops or chandeliers plus a statement necklace crowd the face and neck. The exception is a slim statement necklace with very simple long earrings, which can work for evening if the metals match.

Hair up shows off the necklace best: a bun, a sleek ponytail, or long hair tucked behind the shoulders. Bracelets and rings are fine, but keep them low-key. Skip other necklaces entirely. Layering and a statement necklace don't mix.

Choosing the right size for your frame

Scale matters. On a petite frame or a narrow neck and shoulders, a huge bib can overwhelm you. Look for pieces that stay within the width of your collarbone and don't drop more than 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) below the base of your neck. Taller women and those with broad shoulders can carry bigger, wider pieces easily.

Length also changes the effect. Most statement necklaces sit at 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm). A shorter one draws attention to your face. A longer one at 20 inches or more draws attention lower, which is a good option for anyone with a short neck.

Statement necklace outfits by occasion

For work, pair a sleek metal or pearl statement necklace with a plain knit or a buttoned shirt and a blazer. Keep it to one bold piece and everything else simple. For a wedding, a statement necklace with a solid-colored dress is a great way to look dressed up without being flashy. More on outfits in what to wear to a wedding as a guest.

For a night out, a statement necklace with a simple black dress or a black top and tailored pants is a classic. For a casual day, try it with a white tee and jeans. A sparkly necklace with a basic tee is one of the easiest ways to look put together.

Common statement necklace mistakes

The most common one is wearing it at the wrong height. A bib that sits half on skin and half on fabric looks unfinished. Either it rests fully on the top or fully on skin. The second is ignoring weight: heavy pieces pull the clasp around to the front during the day, so if a necklace is heavy, a slightly shorter length helps it stay put.

The third is matching too much. A gold statement necklace with gold earrings, a gold bracelet, a gold belt and gold shoes reads as a set from another decade. Let the necklace be the one big metal moment and keep the rest small. And don't save it only for special events. A statement necklace worn with a sweater on a regular Tuesday is often when it looks best.

Picking a statement necklace you'll actually wear

It's easy to buy a bold necklace and never wear it because it doesn't go with anything. Choose a metal that matches most of your jewelry, a color that works with your most-worn tops, and a size that fits your frame. A gold or silver piece with one stone color, like emerald or ruby, is much more versatile than a multicolor piece. Before you buy, picture three outfits you already own that it would go with. If you can't name three, keep looking.

Since statement pieces are a bigger investment and harder to judge online, it helps to see the scale on you first. Try a Statement Necklace in Lody's jewelry try-on on a photo of the outfit you plan to wear.

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