If you’re an adult, chances are your friendship bracelets are long gone, but playful beaded necklaces are still stylish. You can go retro with of-the-moment designs reminiscent of boardwalk kiosks or choose luxe options featuring precious stones. Dress up your lace blouse or neutral-tone linen dress with an elegant natural honey-colored amber beaded necklace for a casual chic look. Keep reading to learn how to style a beaded necklace like a pro!

Choose the Right Necklace

Long beaded necklaces are versatile pieces of jewelry that can enhance the look of almost any outfit. However, when choosing the right one, you must consider several factors. For example, the length of the necklace is essential since not all styles look good on everyone. A necklace that is too short may not complement your neckline, or it may overwhelm your outfit. On the other hand, a necklace that is too long can create an unflattering silhouette. In addition, the type of necklace you choose is also a key factor to consider. For example, a graduated beaded necklace is usually the best choice for women with a pear-shaped face because it can help elongate the face. On the other hand, a single-strand necklace can work well with round-shaped faces.

You can also choose a necklace with a bib-style pendant to create a flattering silhouette. Try layering multiple beaded necklaces together if you want a more stylish look. This necklace style is perfect for adding a touch of bohemian chic to your outfit.

Think About the Neckline of Your Top or Dress

The neckline of a top or dress is the foundation of your outfit and sets the tone for what kind of necklace you can wear with it. For example, crew necks look good with single or layered long beaded necklaces, while V-necks are ideal for statement collars and bib-style necklaces. Strapless necklines call for a dainty choker or a short beaded chain. Whether you’re looking to add polish and finish to an everyday office outfit or are simply trying to spice up your vacation style, beaded necklaces can be the ultimate accessory.

To make sure your beaded necklace is in harmony with the neckline of your shirt, you have to consider your personal shape and body type, as well as the style and color of your clothing. Hourglass shapes are best served by shorter beaded necklaces that rest right on the decolletage. If pear-shaped, choose longer-length beaded necklaces to elongate your frame and accentuate your shoulders.

Depending on your preferences, you can also experiment with mixing jewelry styles and metals to create a fusion of unique and stylish looks. For instance, a necklace featuring large gemstones paired with two dainty chains is a trendy combination that can be worn as an accent piece or a simple layering necklace.

Consider Color Coordination

Beaded necklaces are great for almost any outfit – they can even be layered for a more bohemian look. However, it’s important to consider color coordination when styling beaded necklaces. If you have a bold-colored top or dress, opt for a beaded necklace with a neutral color. This way, the two pieces won’t compete for attention and will complement each other. Another thing to consider is the neckline of your outfit. Choose a shorter beaded necklace if you’re wearing a collared shirt or blouse with a high neckline. On the other hand, if you’re wearing a lower-cut top or dress, a longer beaded necklace will work best.

Lastly, it’s important to consider the physical proportions of your body when choosing a beaded necklace length. For example, if you’re petite, choose a shorter necklace to elongate your frame and avoid looking overwhelmed by your accessories. You can also use other items in your wardrobe as bead color inspiration to create beaded jewelry that will match well with the rest of your wardrobe. For example, you can find bead color inspiration from things like a scarf, bedspread, or accent rug.

Mix Metals

While wearing one metal on your neck and another on your earrings is perfectly fine, mixing metals can add a modern flair to your jewelry. It’s a fashion-forward look that will instantly elevate your outfit. Try pairing gold and silver together to create a bold contrast, or mix gold and tortoise acetate pieces for a chic layered effect. Mixing metals also works for bracelets and rings, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different widths.

Beaded necklaces are the perfect accessory to finish your outfit, whether for a simple neutral look or a bold style statement. The key to styling beaded necklaces is to consider the neckline of your top or dress and choose a piece to complement it. For example, if you’re wearing a high-necked top, opt for a long beaded necklace that will hang over the collarbone and add length to your silhouette. Pair your beaded necklace with a floral or pastel summer shirt and denim cutoffs for a casual take on this youthful jewelry trend. Wear your beaded necklace with a black slip dress for an elegant post-work spritz.