Necklaces and chains come in lots of different lengths depending on style, occasion, and even your height, build, or face shape. Here are some general tips to help you choose without overthinking:
- The taller you are or the fuller your frame, the longer the necklace you can effortlessly wear:
Petite frames – When in doubt, opt for 18”. It’s the ideal length for pendant necklaces and lands right below the collar of a crew neck tee.
Larger or taller frames – 20” can be a go-to. This is just long enough for everyday wear with a little wiggle room to suit your height or curves. - The more reflective/metallic the material, the more formal the occasion a necklace can suit.
- A longer chain will draw focus downward, add length to your face, and even accentuate curvy hips.
- A shorter chain will draw focus upward, soften an angular face, and minimize the hips.
Common Lengths and Styles
Collar Length (14" or less) and Choker Length (14" to 16")
Collar styles fit higher around the neck, while chokers rest closely around the base of your neck. A right-sized choker necklace should fit comfortably with a finger-room between the chain and your neck.
Vibes: Retro-classic, 90s
Compliments: Long slender necks, pixie-cut hairstyles, open-neck and off-the-shoulder tops, basic tees, layered with longer necklaces
Princess/Short Length (About 18")
Perhaps the quintessential and most popular all-around go-to necklace length, it is designed to fall perfectly just below the base of the neck, resting around the collarbone. On petite bodies, this necklace will hang comfortably in position, however, on plus-size women, it might look more like a choker.
Vibes: Classic, casual, minimalist, effortless
Compliments: Petite frames, scoop necklines, hanging gemstones and pendants
Matinee/Medium Length (20" to 24")
The Matinee necklace sits beautifully on your chest pointing gracefully towards your cleavage. It’s a bold beauty choice and an ideal piece for stacking necklaces since it falls between the short choker and the extra-lengthy opera necklace. A matinee necklace can also bring balance when you want to draw attention away from high-necked pieces like turtlenecks.
Vibes: Feminine, sultry, classic
Compliments: Round faces and fuller body types, plunging and high necklines
Opera/Long Length (26" to 34")
These longer necklaces are very versatile, lending themselves to lots of outfits and style statements. They can be worn plain or bear an oversized pendant. Depending on the length and your build, you may be able to style an opera chain doubled over to create the layered look of a choker plus princess chain all in one.
Vibes: Sophisticated, black tie
Compliments: Tall body types, high or plunging necklines, layered looks
Rope/Very Long Length (36" or longer)
A rope necklace is perfect when you want to create the illusion of layering in double or triple tiers. Like opera chains, the additional length adds versatile styling options: Wear them ultra-long, knotted in the middle, or even folded in half around your neck to create a stylish lariat.
Vibes: Elegant, boho, artsy
Compliments: Tall body types, high or plunging necklines, layered looks
Tips for the Perfect Layered Look
When it comes to layering necklaces, we have two bits of advice: First, layer in graduating lengths (avoiding overlaps), and second, just have fun with it!
With or without a pendant? If you plan to incorporate a pendant necklace into your layer mix, consider the total length of the chain plus the pendant length when combining your necklaces so that nothing overlaps or covers your charm.
| EARRINGS | NECKLACES | BRACELETS | RINGS |