As fashion trends evolve swiftly, the trend of wearing a single dainty chain has become outdated in 2023. Achieving a maximalist look without resorting to chunkier necklaces can be done by layering multiple simplistic chains. Since this is a contemporary trend in men’s fashion, we’ll guide you on styling men’s silver chains with various outfits in a way that mimics a professional stylist’s touch.
Tips for Styling Men’s Silver Chains with Various Outfits
Layering chains offers a great opportunity to style men’s silver necklaces with a range of outfits. Follow these tips to seamlessly incorporate men’s silver chains into different looks:
Casual Outfit
The ideal way to highlight silver chains is by wearing them against a darker background. Opt for a black or gray T-shirt or sweater.
With a simple top, three layered necklaces can create the perfect look. Because of the neutral base, any combination of layered chains will work.
It’s crucial to avoid tops with bold prints to prevent a cluttered appearance.
Also, pay attention to the neckline of your top. For V-necks, choose chains that form a V-shape. For round necklines, the shortest chain should be round with the longest forming a sharp V.
Classic Outfit
Men who favor a button-down shirt as a casual outfit can also benefit from layering chains. Unbutton the first two to three buttons for the best effect.
This not only reduces neck clutter but also highlights the chains better.
Two layered necklaces suffice with such an outfit, but feel free to experiment with chain thickness.
The smallest chain should be a small to medium-sized, thin silver chain for men, ideally falling around the collarbone and having thicker links for added impact.
The second chain should be more delicate, hang a few inches below the first, and preferably feature a small pendant to complement the V-shape of the shirt.
Formal Outfit
Elegant men’s outfits often include a blazer, dress pants, and a button-down shirt. Incorporating layered chains into this look is easier than it appears.
Keep the first two to three buttons unbuttoned. Choose two delicate chains with simple links that aren’t too close or too far apart, allowing each to shine individually. It’s best if the chains are of the same type and matched with other accessories like a watch or a few rings.
For formal occasions, the second necklace should ideally have a small or medium pendant. Opt for circular, oval, or square pendants for a pleasing aesthetic.
Guide to Layering Men’s Silver Chains
While fashion might have no strict rules, certain guidelines can help create well-coordinated outfits.
Choosing Pieces of the Same Material
We recommend keeping all the necklaces silver and not mixing them with other materials. While some might prefer a color-blocked look, mixing different materials often results in a cluttered appearance.
Other accessories should also be silver. Rings, bracelets, watches, or glasses with silver detailing will bring the entire look together. Otherwise, it can look tacky and poorly planned.
Pair silver with silver, gold with gold, and remember that black goes with everything. If mixing materials, only variations of one material should be considered. A sterling silver chain can be paired with a silver acid-wash or a silver oxidized chain.
Mixing Different Lengths
Although different materials shouldn’t be mixed, different lengths can be. Mixing lengths allows necklaces to be spaced out comfortably and prevents tangling.
Start layering from shorter lengths like chokers, which…is 16 inches, extending up to 30 inches.
The spacing of the chains depends on the number of necklaces being incorporated. For more than two chains, it’s recommended to maintain a distance of about two to four inches.
A Variety of Textures and Details
While mixing various materials can make the layered look appear costumey, selecting chains with different links can enhance the overall aesthetic.
A fundamental rule for layering is to avoid having all chains uniform in width. Differing link sizes and chain styles add to the visual appeal of layered silver chains.
Starting with a delicate silver chain for men as the first necklace sets a good foundation for building the look.
We advocate for a layered necklace style where the longest chain is a thin to medium size chain featuring a pendant.
Combining short and simple silver chains with longer statement pieces accentuates specific physical features, creating a balanced appearance.
Selecting a Statement Necklace
Among the layered necklaces, one chain should serve as the focal point.Opting for a statement silver chain ensures that the wearer will be noticed by observers.
A higher-positioned statement chain draws attention to the wearer’s face, whereas a lower-hanging chain focuses attention on the chest or shoulders, depending on its length and the shirt’s neckline.
Statement chains can include those with pendants or medallions like a cross or dog tags, or even chunky silver chain necklaces.
Matching Necklace Styles with Shirt Necklines
We believe that styling and layering silver chains is a choice driven by specific goals.
The neckline of the shirt significantly influences the final look.
A V-neck shirt can clash with a U-shaped chain; hence, an 18-inch necklace as the shortest in the group is ideal. Gravity will make it appear V-shaped, and the next chain should be longer and preferably have a pendant to enhance the vertical pull.
For collared or round necklines, a mix of round and V-shaped necklaces work best. The round chain complements the round neckline, highlighting the neck and Adam’s apple.
Meanwhile, a longer V-shaped necklace balances physical proportions, accentuating shoulders and drawing attention to the waist.
Considering which body part to highlight will greatly aid in selecting the appropriate shirt, chain lengths, and types of chains.
What to Avoid When Layering Men’s Silver Chains
Avoid Using Chains of the Same Length
Layered necklaces of the same length result in a cluttered and messy appearance around the neck. The human eye tends to dislike clutter, making this look unappealing.
Beyond aesthetics, same-length chains are prone to tangling, which is inconvenient as the wearer will frequently need to untangle them.
In summary, wearing same-length silver chains is troublesome and doesn’t provide a good enough look to justify the hassle.
Avoid Layering Multiple Statement Chains
Though the layered chain look challenges the “less is more” philosophy, keeping designs simple works better than using multiple chunky statement pieces.
Similarly, this approach can make the front look cluttered and poorly styled, appearing tacky and trying too hard.
Moreover, a cluttered chain look may confuse observers. Instead of guiding the eye to highlight a man’s best features, it can lead to unappealing reactions.
Popular Combinations of Layered Chains
While there are endless variations in layering necklaces, three specific combinations tend to be consistently flawless.
Combination 1
A medium-sized chain around Adam’s apple or at collarbone level, paired with a long dainty chain featuring a medium-sized pendant that reaches mid-chest.
Combination 2
A medium-sized chain at Adam’s apple or collarbone level, a medium or small-sized chain two inches below the first, and a long dainty chain with a small or medium pendant reaching mid-chest.
Combination 3
A small or medium-sized chain at Adam’s apple or collarbone level, followed by a small chain with a small pendant two inches below the first, and another small chain with a small or medium pendant two inches below the previous.
Conclusion
Ultimately, creativity and thinking outside the box lead to successful styling of men’s silver chains with various outfits. The versatility of silver chains, along with diverse styles and pendants, offers a broad canvas for creative expression.
Remember, the two most crucial points are to enjoy experimenting and wear your chosen combination with confidence.
