How to Wear the Right Pearl Necklace with the Right Neckline

Pearl, leather and BOHO jewelry have been worn by some of the most prestigious women in the world like Queen Elizabeth, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Sienna Miller, Zooey Deschanel, Princess Grace, Kate Moss and even Cleopatra. Knowing that, it’s safe to say that pearls, leather and BOHO jewelry never go out of fashion.  No matter how high or low hem lengths go, or how many times designers reinvent a pant style, the right necklace length with the right neckline has a place as a fashion staple in every women’s wardrobe.

How to Select the Right Length whether it’s Pearl, Leather or BOHO

Choosing strand length depends on where you plan to wear your necklace.  Do you want to wear a BOHO chic accessory to the office or wear that special pearl necklace to black tie events?  Regardless of where you plan on wearing that leather, pearl or BOHO chic jewelry, consider that an understated look goes further in accentuating your style, and simply states either ‘elegant’  or ‘relaxed chic’ effortlessly. Besides considering the type of event you’re attending, always think about the neckline of your top or dress. Some necklines look better with a certain necklace length and pearls, leather and BOHO jewelry are no exception to the rule.

Pearl and Leather Choker Length

The shortest of all strands is 10 to 14 inches and rests as close to the base of your neck as possible. This type of pearl, leather, or BOHO necklace is great to wear with almost any neckline from boat necks to v-necks to conservative crewnecks and is especially gorgeous if you have a strapless evening gown or off-the-shoulder sweater, peasant blouse or dress. Chocker-length necklaces make quite a statement if there are multiple strands, 2 or 3 at the most.

Pearl, Leather or BOHO Bib necklaces are another style best suited for strapless or off-the-shoulder tops or dresses.  These multi-layered strands of various lengths make pearl or leather bib necklaces appear more glitzy, or boho-chic depending upon your style, and can bring a resplendent look to an otherwise understated neckline. The layers are brought together with one clasp and can be worn for both formal and informal occasions.

Pearl, Leather and BOHO Princess Length

The pearl necklace called princess strand has a length of 16 to 18 inches. This is perhaps the most coveted length for any pearl or leather necklace because it will pair well with any neckline.  At that length, strands fall anywhere from the base of the neck, right below the hollow, to your collarbone.

Pearl, Leather or BOHO Matinee Length

At 20 to 24 inches, pearl or leather necklaces look best with collared shirts or worn with a chocker for a layered look.  You could also wear the pearl matinee strand around the collared neck of a dress shirt and against a lovely v-neck sweater for a more conservative look.  Another dress item that looks great with pearl matinee strands are cashmere turtlenecks in black, always elegant and always chic.

Pearl, Leather or BOHO Opera Length

At 30 to 36 inches in length, the length of opera necklace is best suited for formal wear.  Although great for a relaxed, bohemian look, it’s also great with plunging necklines of pantsuits or floor length cocktail dresses.  Asymmetrical necklines, otherwise known as one-shoulder tops or dresses, paired with pearl and leather bohemian-style opera lengths bring class to more modern fashion staples.

Any pearl, leather or Bohemian-style necklace over 36 inches in length is considered a rope strand necklace. This length can be doubled over for a layered look or knotted for a sophisticated look.  The ideal fashion statement is to pair longer length pearl strands with higher neck lines and shorter hem lines, as in your favorite LBD – or little black dress.  For a more boho-look, try a layered look of leather and pearls starting with a choker, matinee-length statement necklace followed by a rope strand of pearls over a peasant skirt and lace v-neck top.