Layering Necklaces, a collaboration with Simply Style
We’re delighted to be collaborating with Kristine from Simply Style (below), bringing together her expertise in personal styling with our shared love of beautiful, thoughtfully chosen jewellery.
Kristine is a qualified Personal Colour Analyst and Stylist, having trained with professional stylist and image consultant Trudy Van Zyl of Colour Me Beautiful NZ, before further developing her skills through the Australian Style Institute’s Certificate in Personal Styling.
Through Simply Style, Kristine helps women discover the colours, shapes and styles that feel most natural to them. Her approach is practical, personal and centered on building confidence, whether someone is ready for a complete style refresh or simply wants to make more of the wardrobe they already have.
This collaboration is all about showing how jewellery can become part of that personal style story. Together, we’re exploring the art of necklace layering, how different pieces work with different necklines, and how to create a look that feels polished, individual and entirely your own.
What is a “neck mess”?
Despite its playful name, a “neck mess” is not a tangled jumble of jewellery. It is an intentionally layered collection of necklaces, chosen to create a look that feels relaxed, interesting and personal.
The necklaces may vary in length, texture, colour and style, bringing together everything from delicate chains and meaningful pendants to pearls and bolder statement pieces. No two combinations need to look the same—the beauty of necklace layering is that it allows you to create something that reflects your own personality and the pieces you genuinely love to wear.
Why necklace layering works so well
Layering necklaces adds depth and detail to an outfit without requiring a complete wardrobe change. A simple blouse, dress, knit or T-shirt can feel instantly more polished once a few carefully chosen pieces are added.
It is also a wonderful way to make more use of the jewellery you already own. A necklace that may feel a little understated when worn alone can take on a completely new look when paired with a pearl strand, pendant or contrasting chain. Sentimental favourites can sit alongside newer pieces, allowing your jewellery to tell a story that is uniquely yours.
The look can be as subtle or as expressive as you choose. Two delicate necklaces may be all you need for everyday wear, while several different textures and lengths can create a more distinctive statement for an evening out or special occasion.
Choosing jewellery to suit your neckline
Your clothing neckline provides a helpful starting point when deciding how many necklaces to wear and where each one should sit.
A lower V-neck or open shirt creates space for several layers, allowing necklaces to follow the shape of the neckline and draw the eye downwards. Try a shorter chain near the collarbone, followed by one or two longer pendants.
With a crew neck or higher neckline, consider wearing necklaces over the fabric. A longer pendant or bolder chain can create a clear focal point without competing with the neckline.
Open scoop and square necklines work beautifully with shorter layers that fill the space above the clothing. Pearls, delicate chains and small pendants can be combined to create texture while still allowing each piece to be seen.
For collared shirts, leave a few buttons open and layer necklaces within the opening, or wear a longer statement necklace over a fully buttoned shirt. The most important thing is to keep the finished look balanced. Your jewellery should complement the shape of your clothing rather than fight against it.
Creating your necklace layers
Begin by varying the lengths. This gives each necklace its own space and helps reduce tangling. Start with a shorter piece near the neckline, then gradually add longer necklaces beneath it. Even a small difference in length can make the overall arrangement feel more considered.
Next, combine different textures. A fine chain can look beautiful beside a stronger link necklace, while a smooth pearl strand creates a lovely contrast against metal chains. Mixing fine and substantial pieces keeps the arrangement visually interesting.
Pendants are ideal for creating focal points. Try placing a small pendant higher on the neckline and a larger or more detailed pendant beneath it. Meaningful pieces, natural stones and favourite charms can make the combination feel especially personal.
Pearls can soften a layered look and bring a touch of classic elegance. They do not need to be reserved for formal occasions—a pearl necklace worn alongside a contemporary chain or pendant can feel relaxed, modern and very wearable.
There is also no need to keep every metal perfectly matched. Sterling silver, gold and rose gold can be worn together, particularly when one metal is repeated elsewhere in the arrangement. For example, a rose-gold pendant can be balanced with another warm-toned detail or clasp.
Begin with two or three necklaces and build from there. Take a moment to adjust the spacing and make sure each piece can be seen. The goal is not perfection—it is to create a combination that feels balanced, comfortable and unmistakably yours.
Examples of successful layering
Pearl with Fume Crystal necklace (top), paired with a Pearl Thistle Pendant (middle) and Art Deco Hex Crystal Pendant (bottom). 
Black Agate & Silver Pearl necklace (bottom), and a Grey Pearl & Uruguay Agate Necklace (top) paired with a Swarovski crystal square pendant (middle).
Smoky Quartz Double Strand Necklace (top/bottom), a single-strand Smoky Quartz Necklace (middle), paired with a Smoky & Lemon Quartz Pendant. 
Round Silver Pearl Necklace with clasp (top), a Cultured Silver Pearl Knotted (bottom), paired with a Cloudy Quartz Double Strand Necklace (middle).
Professional styling advice
Of course, knowing the tips is one thing—bringing everything together in a way that truly suits you is another. If you’d like to really nail the look you’re going for, a little professional styling advice can make all the difference.
That’s where Kristine at Simply Style comes in. Kristine can help you understand which colours, clothing shapes, necklines and accessories work beautifully together, while also taking into account your personality, lifestyle and the way you want to feel in your clothes.
Whether you’re experimenting with necklace layering, refreshing your wardrobe, discovering your best colours or simply wanting to feel more confident putting outfits together, Kristine offers personalised guidance to help make style feel easier and more natural.
Kristine’s Simply Style services are available to clients in the lower North Island of New Zealand. If you’re based elsewhere in New Zealand or Australia, we’d encourage you to seek out a qualified personal colour analyst or stylist in your own area. Having someone work with you personally can be a wonderful way to discover what suits you and learn how to put those finishing touches together with confidence.
Get 10% off with our special collaboration offer
As part of our simply fabulous collaboration, Simply Style is offering 10% off any personal styling services booked before 31 October 2026. This offer is only available to Simply Italian customers.
Just mention our referral when booking, and the discount is yours.
It’s a lovely opportunity to take the next step—whether you’d like help discovering your best colours, refining your wardrobe, or feeling more confident about the styles and accessories that suit you.
