THE ART OF LAYERING

It can be all too easy to fall into a jewellery rut. You wear your favourite pieces every day and over time, they become a part of you. Whether it’s the ring your mum passed down to you, the necklace you treated yourself to after a promotion, or the bracelet gifted to you by your significant other, placing them on your hands or around your neck or wrist, it becomes a habit - and all of a sudden, it feels strange to be without them.

Jewellery forms a huge part of our personal identity, but the best part is that it can be used as a tool to reinvent personal style with a few new additions. For example, if you have a collection of chains and stranded pendants but only ever wear one on constant rotation, learning how to layer necklaces might be the very thing you need to get you out of both a style and/or jewellery rut.

From layers of gold chains to chunky links, simple cuffs paired with dainty bracelets, layering your jewellery has become an art form that our favourite It girls and bloggers have quickly mastered. The good news is you can too. Here, Marisa Horden, founder of London-born jewellery brand, Missoma shows us how.

1. UNDERSTAND WHY BEFORE HOW

Before we learn the ins and outs of jewellery layering, it’s first important to understand the trend for what it is and why it’s having a major moment right now. “What people are looking for at the moment is maximalism, self-expression, fluidity and joy,” explains Horden. “Layering has become a simple art that we can use each day to show the world who we are. The layers represent all the many different facets of our personality. We’re all reaching for bigger and bolder jewellery than ever before, and more of it, because now’s our time to shine.”

2. NAIL THE BASICS

As is the case with learning any new skill, the hardest part is knowing where to start. “Start with a base chain (something like a snake chain necklace), then add a longer or chunkier chain to compliment it (like our Axiom Chain) and then throw in a textured pendant into the mix to draw the eye to a focal point (something meaningful is always good). The rule really is there are no rules! It just needs to feel right for you.”

LAYER UP:

3. FIND A FAVOURITE

Layering jewellery opens up a whole host of styling opportunities, which in turn, can feel overwhelming. The trick is to choose your favourite piece and pair pieces to compliment. “If I had to pick one everyday necklace to layer with all my necklaces, it would have to be the Axiom Chain Necklace,” says Horden. “It’s one of our most versatile styles which means it upgrades any outfit, from a tailored blazer and shirt to accessorising something more evening.”

4. PLAY BY EAR

When it comes to layering jewellery, the neck is the first to be adorned. But a well-curated ear can make just as much of a statement as chain-on-chains. “Start with huggies, from pavé to plain, as these are the foundation of your ear stack,” advises Horden. “Then, level up with a bold hoop or drop earring for some serious drama. Add in smaller studs as you go up the ear.” But remember Horden’s golden rule: there are no rules. “Wear your earrings as they come, or mix and match your pairs to create a new look every time. Some people wear a pair on the same ear, wear just one or play with the order - the more individual, the more interesting.”

MIX AND MATCH:

5. BRACE YOURSELF

Chances are when you picture layered bracelets, you conjure up images of late 90s chunky bangles stacked together. Thankfully, that trend has had a sophisticated upgrade. “For a more pared-back look, try doubling up on delicate chains - or add in a simple cuff for the perfect arm stack,” advises Horden. “As always, think about what you already have and work from there.”

6. TEAM GOLD OR TEAM SILVER?

Fashion styling often comes with its own set rules, one being never mixing gold and silver. But as Horden has already explained, there are no rules when it comes to jewellery. “Don’t limit yourself,” she says. “You no longer have to choose - whether it’s wearing gold and silver rings together or styling our Fused Two-Tone Chains for a contrasting look that’ll set you apart from the crowd, mix the metals.”

ADORN YOUR WRISTS

7. MEANING MATTERS

Jewellery can be an incredibly personal thing with certain pieces having a special meaning. And while reaching for the same necklace, bracelet or ring every day can lead you to a jewellery rut, it doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing those special pieces all together. “I love the idea of collecting different rings over time to mark your memories and moments,” says Horden. “Each anniversary you could stack your engagement ring with a new band on different fingers to create an ever-evolving jewellery look.”

8. MORE IS MORE

If you’ve layered three or four bracelets on your wrist, you may be inclined to leave your neck, ears or hands bare in fear of overdoing it but for 2022, more is more. “I used to think that you had to keep it simple on your ears if you had a lot of necklaces,” admits Horden. “But I’m really into maximalism right now and personally believe there’s no such thing as too much jewellery. It, of course, depends on your mood and vibe but whatever you decide, you have to wear it with confidence. It’s all about what you feel comfortable with.”

RING IT ON

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