How big should a statement necklace be? - YouLookFab Forum

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How big should a statement necklace be?

Gigi

Veteran

Jewelry idiot Gigi here. I have no statement necklaces but have been wanting to get one or two, mostly to wear with turtlenecks. I don't like the large expanse of fabric on my front--seems like it needs to be broken up with something.

Freckles' recent post on dainty jewelry vs. statement necklaces got me thinking. How big does a statement necklace need to be? I was thinking about something like this:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....&Cate

I'm guessing from the ad copy that this pendant is about an inch long. Is that big enough for a statement necklace? Or does a statement necklace need to have more width, such that a pendant of any size wouldn't really cut it?

I also very much like the look of rosary-style necklaces, like this one:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....4&

This is not big per se, but it does take up a lot of room. But would this not be considered a statement necklace because it is more dainty than chunky? Do you think this would look frumpy on a turtleneck?

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Gigi

Mo

(website)

Veteran

My understanding is that true statement necklaces are more than just pendant necklaces.
Perfect example would be the bubble ones all the bloggers wore to death last year.
But if you're a jewelry newbie, any necklace would be statement over none lol. Also, the scale of the piece on the person should be considered.

Editing to show 2 necklaces I have that I consider statement, on me. The second is just a pendant, but it's 2 1/2" long and on a much shorter chain that brings it up close to the collar bone, and more prominent.

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Adelfa

Veteran

I don't think pendants usually qualify. I don't think the rosary would either. To my mind statement necklaces have dimension. They are thick, or they are bib style. That is my best stab at it. I personally don't wear them ever.

I like both of your selections! My guess is that with a turtleneck, a pendant is a less modern look.

rabbit

Veteran

I'm new to wearing statement necklaces too. But my understanding is that right now they often function like decorative collars. A mass of color, form, and pattern is prized over any personal meaning. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Because of this the heart motif doesn't read statement to me, even if it's a large size, it reads as traditional dainty feminine jewelry, which is often associated with personal meaning or sentiment (by the wearer or giver). In the same way a rosary could have a graphic element (especially if it's very long), but a traditional rosary doesn't read as fashion (although over-sized versions did during various eras).

Gigi

Veteran

OK, this is helpful. So it sounds like a statement necklace really needs to have some "meat" on it. It can't just be a pendant, unless it's like Mo's, where it is extraordinarily large (mainly wide) and is worn up higher, near the collarbones.

Rabbit, yes, one has to be careful with the rosary-style necklaces. Some of them look like actual rosaries--and maybe they are (anything to get a buck!). I wouldn't wear the one in the pic, probably, but one that was quite a bit simpler, with fewer beads and without the corpus on the cross. That way it reads more as jewelry. I saw some on Etsy that were more what I wanted, but I was too lazy to post them here. Argh.

On to question 2: If the idea is simply to break up a large expanse of fabric, would a bib-style necklace not work as well? Is it too close to the neck of the turtleneck to be of much help in breaking up the fabric?

Diana

Veteran

I think of them as the big bib type that Mo mentions. I have a huge pendant (like 2+" diameter) that still doesn't read as very statementy because it's on a thin chain.

Fwiw, Angie told me once that true statement necklaces (like bubble necklaces) would overwhelm me because I have a short neck and short waist, so I don't have much space in which to put a giant necklace and have it lay correctly. I mostly stick to medium or small necklaces, or longer chains, as they are better with my proportions. So you have to consider your proportions as well.

Gigi

Veteran

Thanks, Diana. I have a long neck but a very short waist...and I am also very small boned. So my proportions probably won't be suited to a giant necklace either!

rute

Veteran

oh.. that is not a statment necklace, those are fab nacklaces but on the smaller side. It has not to do with the lenght but with volume.

I have one similar to the first you posted and love. To me really statment necklaces are chunkier and can go really big.

You can always combine two ore more necklaces.

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gryffin

Veteran

Gigi - if I remember you are very petite. So you need to scale a necklace to your size. Those bubble necklaces might overwhelm you. I look a couple of examples from the sundancecatalog.com, more what I thought you were looking for and I thought this style might work and have a little more uumph without being overwhelming on your frame. Just a thought!! I actually have the capitol chain necklace with I really like. Also freepeope often has some really quirky but interesting light scale pieces. Just another place to check out.

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krishnidoux

Veteran

I think it depends on your own proportions and what you will wear it with. For a turtleneck, you would need something either a bit bigger (fuller) or something long. I like Rute's suggestions.

That said, did you know that your choice number 2 is to be banned in Quebec (at work) for being an ostentatious religious symbol?
http://www.thestar.com/news/ca.....eased.html

April

Veteran

Agreeing that most pendants would not be considered statement. Unless you were Flavor Flav.

Statements, as shown above, usually take up a fair amount of real estate at the neckline. You could wear one with a plain white crewneck tee and still look like there was a lot going on. The necklaces at J Crew are pretty much all statements: https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry.jsp

And here are some examples from Angie, including tips on finding the right neckline:
http://youlookfab.com/2013/04/.....-necklace/

P.S. Speaking as another petite, Gigi, when I was wearing statement necklaces, I always ignored the rule about scaling your jewelry to your frame. (For a variety of complicated reasons having nothing to do with fashion, I haven't worn necklaces in a while.) Big and bold -- that's what makes it a statement.

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MuseumGal

Veteran

Since you want to wear with a turtle neck, a simple strand of beads (even pearls) can work, if they are long enough, and might be less intimidating than a statement necklace. Plus I bet you already have at least one hiding out somewhere.

Liz

Veteran

Gigi, I'm wondering: If you are truly a very small petite, are you sure a turtleneck creates such a large expanse of fabric that it needs to be broken up?
If you truly do feel out of proportion in one and want to wear a necklace, to me it would seem that your necklace would need to be quite modern to make it work. To my eye, a necklace worn with a turtleneck can easily wander into dated or frumpy territory. (Of course, that's me speaking as a relatively-classic dresser, and a middle-aged woman. I'm already skating closer to "frump" and can go there more easily than others with a more edgy or youthful style!)

always trying

Veteran

If by "statement" one thinks of something big enough and interesting enough to be the item you notice, then that is what a statement necklace is supposed to be.

Problem with some is weight. try wearing something too weighty, and the pressure on the back of the neck can get uncomfortable after a while.

Freckles

Veteran

Gah. I have absolutely no idea so am watching your thread...
Are scarves a better idea for turtlenecks? Even when they're smaller scale and knotted like a necklace? Maybe with a chain or pearls wrapped around it or is that veering into frumpy too?

Gigi

Veteran

Rute, thanks for your pictures! Those are some serious necklaces. :^)

Gryffin, thanks for the sundance ideas. I went to the website, and they do have some nice jewelry! It's very tasteful and not too gaudy--I don't look good in things that are too over-the-top. Unfortunately, the Sundance stuff is a little too pricey for me at this point, since I'm just testing the waters. I don't really know if I'm a jewelry person yet, and I hate to sink a lot of money into something that I later decide isn't "me."

Krishnidoux, I had no idea about the Quebec thing! It seems like it would be a bit subjective as to when one crosses the line over into ostentatious. And what about people who are members of a religious order? It seems like there would be so many problems with enforcing such a thing that time would be better spent elsewhere.

April, thanks for the link to Angie's blog post. I read it, and I saw that she actually had a pendant in the one outfit! Of course, it's bigger than the one I posted...and she was also dressing seventies-style. Oh well!

Museum Gal, believe it or not, I have no pearls! But I think that getting some pearls would be a good way to dip my foot into this jewelry thing. If I wear a few strands, that would substitute for a statement necklace, I think. I'll see what I can scare up at the mall tomorrow.

Liz, yes, I feel like there is a large expanse of material that needs...something! Maybe it doesn't need a statement necklace but just something to emphasize the vertical line. Thanks for the frump warning! I hate the thought of crossing over into frumpdom, and it is best to nip it in the bud! :^) Angie said the same thing in the blog post that April linked to--turtlenecks plus dainty jewelry equal frump.

Always Trying, I like how you said that the statement necklace is supposed to be the main thing you notice. That really puts things in perspective.

Freckles, we are in the same camp! I have been wondering if maybe I just need to stick to scarves, as you suggested. Most of the jewelry designs I am drawn to are dainty as well. I really think that the key is to either combine a few necklaces that are on the dainty side (like the ones gryffin posted) or else look for a chunkier necklace that contains traditional elements with intricate detailing, which will give the dainty look but on a larger scale. Unfortunately, I'm wondering if the latter option will be quite expensive. Most of the statement necklaces I see tend to be pretty simply constructed. I don't want to be spending hundreds of dollars on something until I know exactly what statement I want to make, lol!

unfrumped

Veteran

What Adelfa said.

But, you have a more specific goal of wearing something with your T neck.
You might dmsearch for photos of just that styling. There are also short necklaces with a lesser degree of bib style, but still some substance, that are often worn beneath the collar of a fully buttoned shirt or with a T neck - something like that might be what you want. The Ann Taylor site tends to show some examples.

April

Veteran

Lucky has a nice slideshow of some examples that reflect typical sizing, Gigi: http://www.luckymag.com/shoppi.....r-under-25

Also, let me say that I have a one-inch pendant that was a gift from SO. Very beautiful and delicate but definitely *not* a statement necklace. I was glad to hear from Angie that delicate pieces are having a fashion moment.

If you'd like to try one without making an investment, just PM me. There's an inexpensive one hanging in my closet that hasn't been worn in a long time. I'd be glad to pass it along so you could try it with your turtleneck and get a sense of whether it's a good size for you.

Gigi

Veteran

Unfrumped, I like the idea of doing a search for photos showing necklaces with a turtleneck. That might be very helpful! And I'll check out Ann Taylor.

I was in the mall today on another errand and stopped in Forever 21 to check out their jewelry. I just didn't see anything I liked. And I hate it that you're not allowed to return jewelry at all! And they just give store credit for returns, period. Absolutely no refunds. I'm starting to really get a bad taste in my mouth about that store and will stay away once I use up my store credit from a failed online purchase. At least my store credit allows me to shop and return stuff, because the return would have been store credit anyway.

I'm off to check your link, April. Thanks for the offer of the pendant, but I think that the 1-inch size is probably just too small. I think part of my issue may be my style--I'm not really a big jewelry wearer. I wear a little bit--rings and some small post earrings--but that's it. I wonder if a statement necklace is just not what I am really about. Maybe I need to just stick with scarves for the time being. Sometimes I feel like I have to "respect" my style, that I can't just move it where it will! It's kind of like a stubborn cow. But I mean that in the best way. :^)

rabbit

Veteran

Yes, I avoid Forever 21. H&M has been a much better experience for me. Macy's has sales every weekend (and many during the week) and a lot of their statement jewelry is discounted. Last weekend there were tables and tables for 7.99$ I think. (Nice Betsy Johnston & enameled flower pins, too bad I'm not a pin person. Also they have a lot of Downton Abbey jewelry on sale.)

I'd try Macy's at the mall. Lot's of variety in many, many styles, lot's of price points, and if it isn't too busy, more helpful sales people than a Target or Forever21 or H&M.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

There are the department store sales, yes--don't forget Kohl's, they have markdowns and loyalty discounts often--and I'll add that off-price stores are a good place to look for somewhat trendy yet quite discounted pieces: Ross if you have them, then move up through TJMaxx, then Marshalls. Oh, and Nordstrom Rack.

April

Veteran

I'm sorry for not being clearer, Gigi -- it's a statement necklace that I was offering rather than my pendant. Offer still good if it's tempting you at all.

lyn67

Veteran

It all depends on your frame, and proportions. Nowaday the bigger the better. (see bib, collar necklaces).BUT they are so hard to pull off! I love Y necklaces (esp steampunk) very much, and consider they can also be considered of a statement if charms chuncky enough. They also do a great job with a turtleneck. I like pendants, and multistrains(like MO's), too. But a simple strand of irregular and bigger stones, or ethnic ones can also be considered making a statement.

rabbit

Veteran

I second Ambergreen on Kohls and Nordstrom Rack. Ross/TJ Maxx have jewelry, but it's all behind the case so not convenient if you just want to try several inexpensive styles. Marshalls very rarely has jewelry.

Actually if anyone is into crafting, statement necklaces are fun and simple projects. Many bead stores offer brief hour or more classes (basically necklace making parties). A SA can also help you out with finding the right framework (stiffer wire loops rather than softer materials usually, if you are making a bib). Pick out colored beads that go with a lot of the items in your wardrobe, some kind of spacers to separate them, and go to town. If you are unsure about your own eye and bead preferences when picking contemporary looking beads and arranging them, ask for the SA's help (I'd avoid Micheals). Or hit pinterest first and do a copycat.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have another multi strand I'm purging, let me know if you want it.

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Gigi

Veteran

Rabbit, I'm glad I'm not the only one who has soured on F21! I hadn't thought of TJ Maxx and the Rack. I've been to H&M, and a lot of their styles were too "tough" for me...lots of them looked like they might poke an eye out! :^) I can check out the Rack next time I go to the mall...and I'll take a gander at Macy's too. When I go to the mall, I go during the week, when not many people are there. So I should be able to get help if I need it. And I'd completely forgotten about Kohl's. I haven't shopped there in a long time since it's tough to find clothes there that fit. So they fell off my radar. :^)

April and Mo, thanks so much for your offers! I love the supportive nature of YLF. But since I'm still a bit in the dark as to even my own preferences, I think I need to go the usual route and just shop until I find one. I did discover that I want something that is somewhat angular--it goes better with my features. I think I look a little saccharine in ovally, drapey necklaces. (I have kind of young-looking, girlish features in my face, and I think that softer, curvier accessories just accentuate that.)

Lyn67, I've been wondering if a Y-style with large, chunky pieces might work. I'm keeping my eye out! I love how the Y-style has angles and also really seems to extend the vertical line. But so many of them are dainty. And I don't have the patience to make my own, as Rabbit suggested. (Though desperation may cause me to change my tune later on! Ha ha.)

At least shopping for jewelry isn't as bad as shopping for petite XXS clothes! I have a lot more options with the jewelry. :^) I did see one at AT that I liked, thanks for unfrumped's suggestion to check them out. I'm going to check it out at the mall next week.

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Mo

(website)

Veteran

I like your idea of the Y style. Good luck!

Have you tried shopstyle? http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=Y+necklace

Gigi

Veteran

Thanks, Mo! I've never tried shopstyle. There's a ton of stuff on there. It's funny...there was even a necklace with a big letter Y on it. Gotta love electronic search engines!