Guide To Styling Bead Necklaces

Whether you’re aiming for a carefree bohemian or elegant formal look, beaded necklaces are the perfect addition to any ensemble. But with so many designs to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one to pick.

We’ve compiled this guide on how to style beaded necklaces to take some of the guesswork out of it, so you can feel confident about your fashion choices.

Where Do Bead Necklaces Come From? 

Humans have been stringing objects together to create beaded jewelry since time immemorial. Some of the earliest materials that were used as beads include shells, stones, and bone. Beads have also been made from ivory, wood, porcelain, clay, and glass, as well as precious metals like silver and gold.

Beaded jewelry has been used in many ways. One is purely for decoration. Another is to represent wealth or status. Some cultures have crafted their own style of beaded jewelry that represents something unique. The Ndebele tribe of South Africa, for example, is known for their colorful and elaborate beadwork that is used to mark the different stages of a woman’s life.

How To Match a Beaded Necklace To Your Outfit

Styling a bead necklace is about creating harmony and balance. You want your necklace to complement your outfit as a whole. Here are some things to consider when choosing a bead necklace so you can be sure it’s the perfect choice:

Consider Your Outfit’s Neckline

Generally, a bead necklace is a statement piece. This means it will look best when paired with a minimal neckline. If you’re wearing a turtleneck or high-collared shirt, choose a longer necklace. For shirts with an open collar or a low neckline, opt for a shorter style.

Choose Colors Wisely

If you’re wearing bright colors or bold patterns you’ll want to choose a necklace with beads in neutral shades of black, white, grey, beige, or brown. On the other hand, if you’re wearing more muted attire, you can add depth and interest with a brightly colored or patterned necklace.

Play with Texture

Mixing and matching different textures can add visual interest to any ensemble. Pair a flowy dress or blouse with a chunky beaded necklace or wear multiple necklaces for an edgy, layered look. You can also combine beads made from different metals and materials to create an interesting contrast and add depth to your outfit.

Less is More

When pairing beaded necklaces with bracelets, earrings, or other accessories, try not to go overboard. Limit yourself to one statement piece (i.e., the necklace) and keep everything else to a minimum.

Think About Dress Code

Consider the occasion you’re dressing up for – whether it’s casual or formal will determine how you should wear your beaded necklace.

Closing Thoughts

In this guide, we’ve provided you with some of our favorite tips for styling beaded necklaces. You learned to consider factors like neckline and color palette, as well as texture for creating contrast and interest. By following these tips for styling beaded necklaces, you’ll be able to wear your jewelry with confidence.