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What Necklaces Look Good with Off-the-Shoulder Dress Styles?

We can all agree that off-the-shoulder dresses are a timeless favorite, perfect for just about any occasion–casual brunches, glamorous evenings, and date nights! Our favorite thing about them is their flattering off-shoulder neckline, which highlights our collarbones and shoulders perfectly. 

This creates a gorgeous opportunity to accessorize, with the right necklace pairing taking your look to the next level, enhancing the dress but without stealing the spotlight. However, if your necklace collection is overflowing and you’re unsure which one to choose, take our advice–the following guide will show you which necklaces look best with off-the-shoulder dresses.

Why Your Necklace Choice Matters with Off-the-Shoulder Dresses

As we mentioned during the introduction, an off-the-shoulder dress does more than show off your shoulders—it creates a stunning blank canvas for jewelry to shine. A strapless dress or one without fabric near the neckline allows your collarbones and décolletage to become the perfect backdrop for a statement chain or delicate necklace. 

However, this isn’t just about aimlessly filling the space; you should make the most of the opportunity to balance your overall look, drawing attention to the neckline in just the right way. Depending on whether you’re aiming for elegance, playfulness, or drama, different necklace styles can truly tie your entire outfit together. Let’s check out the best pairings!

Choker Necklaces

Stargaze Gold Delicate CZ Choker Necklace Sterling Forever

These days, an increasing number of women are wearing choker necklaces, the modern epitome of chic sophistication. They provide an impressive statement that highlights the neck and collarbone, and their close-fitting design draws the eye upward, emphasizing your neckline in the most elegant way. As a result, they’re ideal for evening events or cocktail parties–especially with sleek metal chokers or one adorned with gemstones.

Pendant Necklaces

If understated elegance is your vibe, a dainty pendant necklace might be your go-to. The simplicity of a pendant-style delicate necklace paired with a small charm complements the open neckline, but without overwhelming your outfit. A single pearl, a sparkling crystal, a minimal geometric design, or any other delicate pendant necklace that catches your eye will work wonders here, and they’re versatile enough for casual outings or semi-formal gatherings.

Layered Necklaces

For a trendy, bohemian feel, layered necklaces definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. Combining multiple delicate pendants in varying lengths creates depth and visual interest, beautifully framing the off-the-shoulder neckline. This effortless style is perfect for relaxed daytime events, garden parties, or even brunch with friends, giving your look a free-spirited yet polished vibe. Probably not best to wear it to the office, though!

Statement Necklaces

On any occasion when you want to turn heads, a bold statement necklace is going to work amazingly with any off-the-shoulder dress. Feel free to go wild with oversized gemstones, intricate designs, or vibrant colors–as long as it’s appropriate for the event, of course. However, the key is still balance, so you need to let the necklace take center stage by choosing a dress with minimal embellishments. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Necklace for Your Off-the-Shoulder Dress

As you may have gathered by now, pairing a necklace with your off-the-shoulder dress isn’t only about the necklace itself–it requires more thought than that. You’ll need to look holistically at your dress style, the perfect necklace length, and of course, the occasion. Let’s dive deeper into why that is.

Consider the Dress’s Style and Fabric

First of all, the style and fabric of your dress play just as important of a role in choosing the right necklace. If your off-shoulder dress ensemble features intricate details like lace, sequins, or bold patterns, it’s going to be more tasteful to stick to a necklace that is simple, helping to avoid clashing with the design. In contrast, a sleek, solid-colored dress provides the perfect canvas for a chunkier necklace, allowing you to add visual interest and personality without overwhelming your outfit.

Opt for a Necklace Length That Complements Your Neckline

Next up, remember that the length of your necklace can completely change how your outfit looks and feels. To illustrate, shorter necklaces, like chokers, emphasize the collarbones and work well with dresses that sit lower on the shoulders, whereas longer necklaces, such as pendants, draw the eye downward, elongating your silhouette and creating a more balanced look. So, experiment with lengths to find the one that best highlights your neckline.

Match the Necklace to Your Personal Style and Occasion

Finally, you should never forget that your necklace is meant to reflect both your unique and personalized style and the event you’re attending. For a casual work meeting, a statement bracelet or statement earrings just wouldn’t work together, although your favorite pair of drop earrings or pearl necklace would certainly make your outfit feel perfectly glamorous and polished for an elegant evening affair. Think carefully about this, and let the occasion (and your style) guide your choice to create a cohesive look.

What to Avoid When Styling Necklaces with Off-the-Shoulder Dresses

In most cases, off-the-shoulder dresses work beautifully with necklaces, but the combo can also lead to complications. Therefore, be vigilant to avoid the following faux-pas which could reduce the perfection of an otherwise winning combination. 

  • Don’t Over-Accessorize - a simple off-shoulder dress already creates a striking look, so avoid going overboard with accessories, and keep things simple–especially if your dress is extravagant.
  • Avoid Necklaces That Are Too Long - Necklaces that fall too far down can draw attention away from the neckline and disrupt the balance of your outfit. So, stick to shorter or medium-length necklace styles that truly flatter your collarbones.
  • Stay Away from Clashing Metals - Finally, mixing too many metals or piling on excessive layers of necklaces can make your look feel chaotic rather than chic. If you’re layering necklaces, stick to a cohesive theme—such as gold necklaces or minimalist silver pieces.

Additional Accessories to Complement the Look

Rather than pairing a luxurious off-the-shoulder dress with a subtle necklace or vice versa, it’s sometimes a nice touch to keep both pieces simple, adding a cheeky flair through one or two additional accessories. You shouldn’t overdo this, but the following pieces could be the finishing touches that your necklace and off-the-shoulder dress combination needs.

  • Earrings - Find the right earrings, and you could be onto a real winner, without competing with your necklace or dress. Simple studs or subtle hoops are perfect for adding a touch of sparkle while keeping the focus on your neckline.
  • Bracelets - If you can’t quite find a pair of earrings that work with your off-shoulder dress and necklace, consider a subtle bracelet instead. Keep things basic such as through delicate bangles or cuffs, and you’ll complement your look without overwhelming it.
  • Hairstyling - While it’s not exactly an accessory, your hairstyle can make a big difference in showcasing your necklace and off-the-shoulder dress. An elegant updo will draw attention to your collarbones and necklace, but if you’d prefer wearing your hair down, style it in soft waves pushed to one side, keeping the neckline open.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s no secret that the right necklace can transform an off-the-shoulder dress, enhancing its elegance and showcasing your unique style. Don’t quite have the right pieces for this? Here at Sterling Forever, we don’t have an off-shoulder gown collection, but we certainly have plenty of necklaces and complementary jewelry. Take a look at what we’ve got on offer today, and you might just find yourself your new favorite combination!

Sources: 

1: https://www.pm-atelier.com/en-eu/pages/the-right-jewelry-for-a-off-shoulder-dress
2: https://coveti.com/how-to-accessorize-a-formal-off-the-shoulder-dress/
3: https://hatton-garden-jewellers.co.uk/what-kind-of-necklace-goes-with-what-neckline-of-the-dress/

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