Keeping Big Earrings and Necklaces from Competing for Attention

When you’re rocking big, bold earrings, it can be tricky to choose the right necklace without creating a jewelry clash. Both pieces want the spotlight, but with the right styling tricks, you can let them complement each other beautifully.

1. Understand the Visual Weight of Your Jewelry

Big earrings naturally draw the eye because of their size and presence. When you add a necklace, especially a bold one, the two can clash or overwhelm your overall look.

• Visual weight means how much attention a piece commands.

• If your earrings are large and dramatic, a subtle necklace helps balance.

• Conversely, if your necklace is statement-making, consider simpler earrings.

2. Match Necklace Length to Earring Size

Length plays a big role in harmony.

• With big, dangling earrings: Opt for a shorter, delicate necklace like a choker or a small pendant that sits high on your neck. This keeps focus on your earrings without overcrowding your neckline.

• With large statement necklaces: Choose smaller stud earrings or minimal hoops to avoid visual overload.

• If you want to wear both big earrings and a longer necklace: Try to keep one piece simple. For example, big earrings with a long chain but no pendant.

3. Choose Complementary Styles and Materials

Coordination is key.

• If your earrings are ornate and colorful, pick a necklace in a simpler style or one that shares a subtle color from the earrings.

• If your earrings are minimalist but large, a bold necklace can add interest without competing.

• Metals should generally match (e.g., gold earrings with gold necklace) to unify the look.

4. Consider Neckline and Outfit

Your outfit’s neckline and style influence how jewelry looks.

• Big earrings and necklaces work best with necklines that create enough space, like off-shoulder, V-neck, or scoop necks.

• Busy patterns or embellished clothing may mean simpler jewelry is better to avoid too much going on.

5. Play with Negative Space

Negative space—the empty area around your jewelry—is essential for creating a balanced, harmonious look.

“Leaving space” doesn’t mean physically moving earrings and necklaces apart (which isn’t possible), but rather avoiding overcrowding the same area with heavy or busy pieces.

For example:

• If your earrings are big, detailed, or long, choose a necklace that is simple, thin, or short.

• Avoid necklaces that hang too low or have large pendants that clash with your earrings.

• Let each piece have its own “breathing room” so your eyes can clearly see and appreciate both without feeling crowded.