Hi girls! 💖 Hellen here.
If there is one thing I love about the Boho style, it’s that feeling of abundance, freedom, and story-telling. And where is this best seen? In necklace layering, of course! A properly layered set is like a piece of art—it’s bold, eye-catching, and tells an entire narrative without you having to say a word. ✨
But I know it can be tricky. How do you combine five necklaces without it looking like a tangled mess? I have a simple rule for you, the 3 T Rule, which I use for our own necklace collection: The Length Game, The Texture Play, and The Tone!
Rule 1: The Length Game (The Depth) 📏
The foundation of perfect layering is length separation. We want to create a visual scale where every necklace has its own designated space.
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1. The Anchor: Start with a short necklace, a Choker (35–40 cm), or a delicate beaded piece that sits near your collarbone. This is your starting point.
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2. The Transition: Continue with a medium-length necklace (45–55 cm). It should be 5–10 cm longer than the first and is ideal for a smaller, but significant pendant (like a Cowrie Shell).
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3. The Statement: End with your dominant piece (60–80 cm), which often falls below the cleavage. This is where a massive African pendant or a fringed necklace belongs. This draws attention down and elongates the silhouette.
Hellen’s Tip: Always leave "breathing room" between each necklace so they don't get tangled!
Rule 2: The Texture Play (The Weight) 🌿
Forget uniformity! The secret to Boho and African layering is the contrast of textures and materials.
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Fine vs. Chunky: Combine a thin gold chain with a thick, beaded Maasai necklace.
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Metal vs. Organic: The combination of cool metal (a brass pendant) with natural materials (wooden beads, Cowrie shells, or a piece of fabric) works beautifully.
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Our Collection: Try pairing one of our subtle layering chains with one of our beaded statement necklaces!
Rule 3: The Tone (The Colour Balance) 🌈
You can opt for harmony or intentional contrast.
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Harmony: All pieces are the same metal (e.g., brass only) and stick to one colour palette (e.g., terracotta, orange, and brown). (A more elegant look)
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Contrast (Boho Vibe): Mix different metals (gold and silver – YES, absolutely!) and let one vibrant, colourful piece stand out (e.g., hand-painted beads).
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Tip from Kisumu: If one necklace is extremely colourful, keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Let your neck do the talking!
Conclusion: Layering is Therapy 💖
Remember, layering is a game, not mathematics. It's a chance to express your story, your journeys, and your vibe. In Africa, the rule is: the more stories you carry, the more interesting you are! So don't be afraid to experiment.
Grab two or three pieces from our collection, and you'll see how that feeling of freedom and glow kicks in!
🔥 READY TO LAYER? SHOP THE LOOK!
Ready to start creating your perfect set? You can find all the pieces you need for combinations following the 3 T Rule directly in our necklace collection:
CLICK FOR THE GLOW BY HELLEN NECKLACE COLLECTION
SHOW US YOUR GLOW! What layering style is your favourite? Tell us how you combine our necklaces, and send us a photo! With your permission, we would love to publish it and inspire other Glow Ladies in our community.
With love and playfulness, Hellen Anyango (Founder of Glow by Hellen)
