Love Your Look: Top 3 Tips for Picking Your Perfect Necklace Length

by Farrah Wiberg August 16, 2021

Necklaces are the easiest way to dress up even the most simple tops, t-shirts, and sweaters, elevating your everyday look. (I'm looking at you, Mama.)

But how do you choose the perfect one for you?

These days, shopping online has become the new normal - but it can sometimes be challenging to choose the perfect necklace when you can’t actually try on pieces to know exactly where they’ll fall.

Luckily, we have a few tips to make the process easier for you!

Types of Necklace Lengths

First off, let's chat about the options for necklace lengths. While you’ll discover quickly that many jewelers do their own thing and may have different names for lengths of necklaces, here is a quick guide to the typical lengths and placements for necklaces that’ll help you on your search:

16” Choker - Also known as a bib, choker necklaces may be either kind of tight around your neck or may fall closer to the base of your neck.
17-18” Princess - If you feel constricted with a choker but still want something short, opt for the princess necklace. Typically, it will fall against your collarbone.
20-24” Matinee - Yes, it has a wider range, but these are pretty popular lengths and will sit comfortably between your collarbone and the top of your bust.
28-36” Opera - For a little more drama, consider the opera length necklace. It has a flowy effect and looks awesome with a higher-cut top or dress.
36”+ Rope - You can take one rope necklace and double it up for an easy layering technique.

And now, let's move on to a few helpful tips to help you navigate towards your perfect pieces!

TOP 3 TIPS FOR PICKING YOUR PERFECT NECKLACE LENGTH

TIP #1: What Feels Good to You?

We consider this THE most important consideration when choosing a necklace length...after all, jewelry is meant first & foremost to complement your style & make you feel GOOD!

It’s a good idea to measure yourself before choosing a necklace length. The simplest way is to drape a soft measuring tape around your neck. (If you don't have a measuring tape, simply find a piece of string.)

Start the zero-inch mark where you typically like your necklaces to fall. Then, wrap the measuring tape/string around your neck and align it with the start of your tape. Take a peek at the number of inches where they meet, and you've got your match!

TIP #2: Think About Your Height and Shape

When considering what necklaces to choose for layering, you’ll need to think about where/how the different lengths will fall on your particular body.

If you are on the shorter side (5’4” or shorter), it may be ideal to stick to collar, choker, princess, and rope lengths. For taller ladies (5’9” or taller), you can pretty much take your pick of the lot. (Of course, this is just a general guideline....not a hard & fast rule!)

Overall height is a consideration, but so is the build of your frame. If you have a shorter torso, the different lengths of necklaces are going to fall at varying places than is normal. And, the same is true for those of us with longer torsos.

Also, if you have a wider frame or neck, then shorter chains may feel too constricting. You may find that a matinee necklace will actually look like a princess necklace on you. Stick to longer lengths for a more comfy feel, or add an extender so you can adjust as you please. (Because jewelry should never make you feel uncomfortable!)

TIP #3: Think About Your Face Shape

Yep! Knowing your beautiful face shape can help not only with clothing decisions, but jewelry choices as well.

For the ladies with a more pointed or heart face shape, you can pretty much wear it all! And, when you layer longer necklaces, it will not only frame your face but can make your torso look taller.

If you have a rounder face, you may find that a princess length necklace works best. Or you can add a layer with a simple choker to elevate your look.

That's it, my friend! And as we mentioned, these tips are here just if you find yourself needing some guidance - most importantly, we want you to LOVE the jewelry you choose to adorn your beautiful self, regardless of length!

So, tell us...what is YOUR favorite necklace length?

(Looking for some options to choose from? Check out our EVER Collection!)