You’ve heard the phrase, “the devil is in the details.” Well, when it comes to picking out accessories such as jewelry, particularly necklaces, this statement is especially true. To avoid your fashion-forward thinking becoming a necklace no-no, here are some things to consider when choosing a length.
Collar
Collars are 12 to 14 inches, with multiple strands that sit very close to the neck. They’re popular at more elegant occasions and look best with V-neck, boat or ballet neck and off-the-shoulder necklines.
17 to 19 inches, a princess necklace hangs just below the collarbone.
If you also have a slender neck, a collar style necklace will show it off nicely.
Choker
15 to 16 inches in length, a choker can be single or multi-stranded.
Chokers are perfect if you want a short necklace without being too snug around the neck.
They work well with many formal dresses, but it depends on what they’re made of: silver or gold looks classic, while cord or leather looks grungy at high-fashion events.
Chokers also help balance a rectangle or heart-shaped face by softening an angular chin.
While this is a versatile length for many clothing types, it’s best to avoid turtlenecks.
Princess
17 to 19 inches, a princess hangs just below the collarbone. This is, by far, the most common and versatile necklace length out there.
Just make sure that your neckline or collar sits clearly higher or lower than the necklace. You’ll find that pendants, lockets and charms tend to come on chains of this length.
If searching for pearls, this is the model length for formalwear.
Matinee
At 20 to 24 inches, this length is considered ideal for the professional office setting while still being casual enough for after work drinks.
Be sure to wear simple tops without much decoration to avoid clashing with the necklace or losing it in a busy pattern.
Women who want to accentuate their cleavage will love this length, as it sits below the collar bones and draws the eye down the chest.
Opera
28 to 34 inches; hangs below the breast area or can be doubled as a choker. This length can also help elongate a round-shaped face.
Evening wear, formal blouses and higher neckline outfits work well with this.
The opera style is ideal if your bust line is more attractive than your neckline, but wear a good bra if your chest will be the focal point.
Rope and Lariat
At over 45 inches, both rope and lariat necklaces cause the eye to sweep down the torso, drawing valuable attention to your curves.
Rope styles hang close to the navel, can be doubled to make a two-strand princess length, or tripled to make a choker or collar.
Lariat styles are not attached at the ends and can be tied in various knots to make a lasting statement.
For pearl wearers, these longer lengths are best suited for relaxed occasions, but can be doubled or tripled to accent for more formal clothing.
Beaded necklaces are extremely popular in this length as well.
Necklace selection is important to more than just women. The standard length for children’s necklaces is about 14 to 16 inches, which allows them plenty of room to grow.
If searching for a men’s necklace, aim for the 18 to 24 inch range, with the 22 inch length being ideal for wearing with a pendant or medallion.
Finally, if you have a treasured pendant that you love wearing no matter what, consider having a few various chain lengths on hand and alternate to suit the occasion.
Also, when gift-giving, never underestimate the versatility of an adjustable length necklace for a truly customizable piece of jewelry.
Where to Buy a Necklace?
Check out the great selection of necklaces at Amazon and at GemsNY.
For diamond necklaces and pendants, we recommend James Allen (read review) because you can take a 360-degree look at any stone before having it set in a pendant.
Blue Nile is another reputable diamond retailer we recommend.
