How to Layer Necklaces for Summer | Summer Necklace Layering Guide
How to Layer Necklaces for Summer
Summer is one of my favorite times to style jewelry because outfits get simpler and necklaces get to do more of the work. A good layered necklace look can make even the easiest summer outfit feel more intentional, polished, and personal, creating a unique touch to anything that you wear.
At Dana Blair Designs, layering necklaces has always been one of my favorite ways to wear jewelry. I love how a layered look can feel effortless and expressive at the same time. Whether you like delicate everyday jewelry, colorful gemstone necklaces, or a bolder statement stack, summer is the perfect season to build a layered necklace look that feels like you.
In this summer necklace layering guide, I’m sharing how I like to build layers, which necklace lengths work best together, and which Dana Blair Designs necklaces make beautiful choices for summer layering.
Why summer is the best season for necklace layering
Summer styling naturally makes room for layered jewelry. Lower necklines, open collars, tanks, sundresses, and simple tees create the perfect canvas for necklaces of different lengths. Your jewelry becomes more visible, which means a thoughtful layered necklace look can completely change the feel of an outfit.
I also love summer necklace layering because it gives you a way to wear meaningful gemstone jewelry every day. Instead of choosing just one piece, you can combine shapes, lengths, colors, and chains to create something more personal and dimensional.
If you are new to necklace layering, summer is a great time to start. You do not need a huge stack. You just need a strong base, a complementary second layer, and to elevate your look even more, a third necklace can create length and movement that adds just the right finishing touch to your stack.
How to layer necklaces: start with your neckline
The first thing I always think about is neckline. Your top helps determine how many necklaces you can comfortably wear and how much space you have to create separation between each layer.
If you are wearing a lower neckline, you usually have more room to build two or three layers. If your neckline sits closer to the collarbone, a shorter stack may work better. A simple top also gives layered necklaces more space to stand out.
That is why summer outfits work so well for necklace layering. A clean tank, open neckline, or minimal dress gives you the freedom to build a stack that feels easy and elevated.
Here at Dana Blair Designs, we suggest a short and round PC necklace to start that base layer. It is our favorite base necklace to start layering. It is light and effortless- subtle yet strong, representing inner strength and resilience. Our PC necklace is your go-to foundation for summer layering.
This is our gemstone PC necklace. In this image, we are featuring ruby- but remember that Dana Blair Designs offers customizable jewelry. Requesting a custom piece is easy: simply put a note in your order with 2-3 gems you would like to combine. Every one of our pieces is to order just for you.
In the case that you are not quite sure about starting to your layering journey with a gemstone necklace, but instead would prefer to have as a base a necklace that feels like a white canvas and start building up off of that- which is often recommended when you are just starting- we got you covered too.
We offer you our classic PC necklace.
That is level one in layering officially accomplished.
Step 2: Add in a necklace that frames your stack
Now, it is time to look for a longer necklace that sits just below your collarbones and nicely frames that first necklace. This is when you can start adding gemstones and charms with confidence.
From our selection, what would match perfectly with our PC necklace?
A Venus necklace- a stunning counterpart to our PC necklace. This gorgeous necklace features small, roundel gemstones of your choice, each delicately set on a bar-style chain. Available in 14k gold filled, rose gold filled, and sterling silver. Exuding beauty and femininity t is the perfect statement piece to elevate your layering game.
Our Venus necklace- like all Dana Blair Designs jewelry - is customizable. You can choose from 26 stunning gemstones to adorn both this necklace and yourself with radiant flair.
Need help deciding? Look for your perfect gemstone on our website, on our Gemstone Guide.
And just like that... you have layered two necklaces! Yay! You are officially leveling up your look.
step 3: elevate your layered look to the next level
But they say three is the charm, and we couldn't agree more. If you are feeling bold, and your top’s design allows, let us elevate your look by adding another layer of shimmer.
We have several options for you.
One of our fabulous choice is a Y necklace. which adds elegant length and movement to your layered style.
- You could go for the Y PC necklace, staying consistent with your base, creating the "sandwich" style by having to necklaces of the same style first and last in your stack.
- Or, add Y Venus necklace, which cascades delicately and draws the eye with our charming gemstones.
Similarly, you could achieve the "sandwich" tactic by wearing a long, round classic PC necklace for simplicity.
This third piece not only elongates your neckline but also creates the kind of dimension and visual interest that turns heads.
Or opt for a completely different necklace. Again, they say that three is the charm, and our Mini Divine Necklace definitely has a charm to it.
The Mini Divine necklace features a dainty 12 mm gemstone on a delicate satellite chain. The chain is available in your choice of 14k gold filled or sterling silver.
Is there a gem you would like that is not listed? We have got you covered! Just send a message and we will do our best to find the exact gem you are looking for! The Mini Divine necklace is available in 20 gemstones options- made to order, just for you.
If your style mantra is "go big or go home," then for you, we introduce the Super Divine necklace...
Gift set Mini Divine, PC gem Y necklace, PC gem bracelet
A Venice Beach favorite! Our 25-30 mm teardrop stone long necklace brings the perfect touch of natural beauty to your day.
Choose from three elegant finishes: 14k yellow gold fill, 14k rose gold fill, or sterling silver. Customize the look with a your choice of gemstone: labradorite, Peruvian opal, or moonstone- each offering unique beauty and properties. To complete your perfect piece, select your preferred chain style: a satellite chain for delicate sparkle or a PC chain for a classic silhouette.
And there you have it! A summertime guide to layering necklaces using our customizable gemstone jewelry collection- designed to help you shimmer all season long.
Of course, if you would like to take an easy route and not worry about the daily styling and stacking up necklaces every day, we have made it easy. Our curated gift sets take the guesswork out of layering, giving you a ready-to-wear combination that is both beautiful and effortless.
Gift set Dream Catcher necklace, PC gem Y necklace, Duplicity gem ring
Reminder! These gift sets are also totally customizable on our website.
And now, our layering gallery, for your fashion inspiration
And if you loved our layering guide, or any of those pieces, post a picture on social media and tag us! @danablairdesigns on Instagram and @danablairdesigns1 on TikTok
Don't go yet! Because we have
BIG NEWS!!!
If you loved our PC and Venus necklaces, this will make your day.
Dana Blair Designs is releasing new variations with new gemstones of those necklaces!
Allow us to introduce:
- Venus round and Y necklaces in Peruvian Opal and tourmaline
- PC necklace in two shades of blue chalcedony.
PC 14K gold round and Y necklace featuring two shades of blue chalcedony.
Stay tuned because soon enough, on Tuesday 22nd, a new collection will appear to make your summer necklaces layering even more stylish and fun! Follow @danablairdesigns on Instagram and @danablairdesigns1 TikTok for exciting updates!
Get ready for new necklace layering options! Make some room in your jewelry box for your new and best summer companion: the Solstice Collection.
Here a sneak peek:
Love,
-Dana
Summer necklace layering FAQ
How do you layer necklaces for summer?
Start with a short base necklace near the collarbone, add a second necklace that sits slightly lower, and finish with a longer piece like a Y necklace or pendant if your neckline allows. Summer outfits make this easier because open necklines create space for multiple layers.
What necklaces are best for layering?
The easiest necklaces to layer are short chain necklaces, gemstone detail necklaces, Y necklaces, and delicate pendant styles. A mix of lengths usually creates the most balanced layered look.
How many necklaces should you wear at once?
Two necklaces are often the easiest place to start. Three can look beautiful too, especially with summer necklines, as long as each necklace sits at a different length.
What is the best base necklace for layering?
A short, simple necklace that sits at the collarbone makes the best base. It creates structure and gives the rest of the stack something to build around.
Can you layer gemstone necklaces?
Yes. Gemstone necklaces work beautifully in layered looks because they add color, texture, and personality. They are especially effective when paired with simpler chain styles.
Are Y necklaces good for layering?
Yes. Y necklaces are excellent for layering because they add length and movement without making the stack feel heavy.
How do you keep layered necklaces from looking crowded?
Choose necklaces with different lengths and vary the chain styles, shapes, or gemstone details. Give each necklace its own visual space.
What jewelry is best for summer outfits?
Lightweight layered necklaces, gemstone necklaces, delicate bracelets, and simple earrings all work beautifully for summer because they add detail without feeling heavy.
