by Jesús Zabala - 6 min read

How to Wear Necklaces with Dresses

When it comes to accessorizing, necklaces are arguably some of the most impactful pieces that elevate a dress from simple to utterly stunning. However, pairing the right jewelry with your dress is where it may get tricky. So, whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or a casual stroll around town, knowing how to wear necklaces with dresses is key.

In this guide, we’ll share some of our best tips and tricks on selecting the perfect necklace for different types of dress styles and colors!

Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: flywish

How to wear necklaces with dresses

With endless styles of dresses ranging from the swift elegance of a high neckline to the powerful allure of a V-neck, each one calls for its own shiny companion. So, whether you’re going for a cotton casual or gracing a gala in silk, the right necklace can make all the difference.

We’re here to help guide you through the process of finding the perfect piece.

Dress style and embellishments

The first factor we’re going to consider is your dress style. This sets the tone for the type of necklace you’ll want to wear.

Here’s how to wear jewelry with a dress:

Casual and boho dresses

When pairing necklaces with casual or boho dresses, the goal is to complement their laid-back nature without overwhelming the look.

For instance, boho fashion embraces earthy, natural elements. To match this style, opt for necklaces that reflect the same effortless charm. This could include wooden beads, semi-precious stones, shell necklaces, or our Black Onyx necklace, which is perfect for summer vibes.

A single pendant necklace with a small, charming symbol, like the Arka Pendant necklace, can accentuate the relaxed vibe, while a tassel necklace can add movement and flair to any casual outfit.

However, one key trend in casual and boho fashion is layering necklaces for pronounced depth and elegance. You can combine different lengths, textures, and materials, but remember to maintain balance.

Cocktail or formal dresses

When selecting a necklace for your cocktail dress, you need to match the neckline style with the necklace length for a more refined and harmonious feel. A necklace can definitely make or break your look.

Go with a pendant necklace that mirrors your neckline’s shape if your dress has a deep V-neck, but don’t let the necklace clash with the neckline of the dress. If the dress has a higher neckline, choose shorter necklaces to not overwhelm the look.

Keep the metal in mind. Depending on the attire and the dress, silver or white gold match well with vibrant colors, while gold and rose gold go with more subtle colors and add a sophisticated touch.

Besides the length and the metal of the necklace, you might want to add a bit of pop of color. You can achieve this with beads or gemstones. If elegance is what you are after, opt for pearls, gemstones, or even diamonds.

Depending on the dress’s neckline, experiment with layering and combining necklaces of different lengths and styles, like a delicate Small Rectangular chain paired with a longer pendant necklace.

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Maxi dresses

Maxi dresses are the epitome of relaxed elegance. With their long, flowing designs that can range from casual daywear to more formal evenings, the versatility they offer leaves plenty of room for creativity when choosing necklaces.

One of the best ways to complement the flowy and relaxed nature of a maxi dress is by wearing long, layered necklaces. This effect not only elongates your silhouette but also creates dimension, allowing each piece to shine.

Moreover, a large, eye-catching pendant like our stunning Hanu Pendant or the chunky Ula Chain can serve as a focal point to your look, especially if your maxi dress has minimal embellishments or a higher neckline. It adds a perfect touch of drama and flair. However, make sure the piece is proportional so you don’t disrupt the flowy nature of your dress.

Balance and proportions

When choosing a necklace for your dress, the most important factor you need to consider is the neckline of the dress. A Strapless Neckline dress is an ideal canvas for bold, statement pieces like intricate chokers or collars. If you prefer something subtler, a simple short pendant or princess necklace can also work wonders. V-neck dresses draw attention to the neck and collarbone, demanding pieces that mirror the shape of the neckline. A long, sleek necklace or thin, refined, layered chains can complement this look beautifully.

Off-the-shoulder neckline dresses offer multiple options for necklaces, but short pieces or chokers are definitely the most stunning, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance like none other.

Lastly, we have the Sweetheart necklace. The Sweetheart neckline offers the perfect opportunity to highlight the style’s romantic curves. Keep it simple with a short necklace or a classic pendant to avoid overcrowding the shape.

Dress colors

In addition to balance, the color and patterns of your dress play a major role in determining the necklace you choose. The right adornment can either harmonize your look or add eye-catching contrast.

For instance, if your goal is an elegant, sophisticated appearance, select necklaces in shades that compliment your dress’s color. For example, a black dress can pair well with a classic gold chain or a silver statement pendant.

Finally, if you’re looking to entice people with a bold statement, choose a necklace in a contrasting color. For example, a bright turquoise necklace pops beautifully against a neutral dress, expressing individuality and character in your style.

Additional tips - Coordinating with Other Accessories

When creating a well-rounded look, it’s essential to think beyond just the necklace – coordinate with complementary accessories like earrings, bracelets, and rings for a complete, polished style.

Here are our tips on ensuring that your accessories don’t overwhelm but complement each other and your style.

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Choose a focal point

If you’re going for a bold, statement piece on your neck, opt for subtle earrings, bracelets, or rings to keep the attention on the necklace.However, if you want the focal point to be elsewhere, for instance, the bracelet, the other accessories should be subtle, allowing the centerpiece to shine.

Harmonize materials and metals

An often overlooked aspect of accessorizing is ensuring the metals and materials you choose are in harmony. Mixing gold and silver, for example, can work in some cases, but in many situations, it may be best to choose accessories from the same metal to complement each other and your style.

Consider the occasion

The level of formality of your accessories should match the occasion you’re wearing them for. For instance, casual pieces like leather bands or bearer jewelry are perfect for everyday wear or casual outings, while gem-encrusted accessories suit formal events.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to wear necklaces with dresses, you can experiment with different styles and materials to find the style that best suits your character and style. Accessorizing your attire with jewelry is an art that can transform your look, whether casual or formal, into something stunning and enticing.

By understanding the style of your dress, how to balance proportions, and how to pick complementary pieces, you can confidently choose the perfect necklace that will take your look to new heights. At Jewelry Lab, we offer a wide selection of necklaces that are designed to enhance every outfit, from elegant evening events to laid-back days.

Regardless of your style, we hope this guide has helped you create the perfect combination of dress and necklace to express your unique taste and individuality!