How to wear summer’s biggest jewelry trends, according to a jewelry designer

We’ve been layering gold chains of varying lengths for a few summers now, but if you want to switch it up, Ansell’s take on layering results in a cool new look. To layer necklaces for summer, she connects multiple necklaces together to create one longer piece, then wrap it around your neck to form distinct layers, she says. 

“If you attach like three beaded necklaces that might all be different, you can then wrap this really long beaded necklace around your neck,” Ansell says. “And that’s a fun way to add a little bit more interest. You have like three strands that might, if you just put them on individually, all fall in the same place. So it’s a good way to create the nice layers of the beads.”

Soho Jewelry Shop Statement Gemstone Necklaces, from $310 at Soho Jewelry Shop

Ansell heads straight to the necklaces at Solo Jewelry Shop for this styling trick. “I think she does really fun colorways of beads,” she says about the brand’s statement gemstone necklaces, from $310. Using pieces from the same line helps the layered look coordinate, too: “I think when you’re finding a beaded necklace, if you do want to do this trick, it’s helpful for the clasps to all be able to connect together,” Ansell says. 

The collection features larger clasps so you can create a layered look without constantly readjusting multiple strands of necklaces to sit just right. 

“With all the color of beads, I would pair that with a more simple outfit,” she says. “I also think a dress that you’re trying to dress down a little bit. I think beads are a nice accessory to make it a little bit more casual and beachy.”

How do I play with texture when it comes to jewelry? 

“Another way to make an outfit interesting is texture,” says Ansell. Rather than just focusing on the color or style of jewelry, she suggests turning an eye to texture.

“Turquoise is a great base for an outfit,” she says. “I personally think of it as a neutral, so that could go with any sort of color. It’s almost like I see it as a material, not a color.” 

“I’ll pair it with an orange. I’ll pair it with a yellow. I’ll pair it with green,” Ansell says. “I found that it really works with every color that you pair it with and every texture. I think it’s a very textural stone. Playing with that…that’s a nice way to add interest.”

A charm necklace can add personality to a simple summer outfit without requiring much extra styling. And with maximalism as our maxim again, you can find cool ways to mix-and-match with other pieces — or just keep it simple. 

“I think it is an easy way to add interest to a very simple jeans and T-shirt look and really let the jewelry shine,” Ansell says. “I think you can also add it to an already kind of loud outfit.” 

Hysteria Jewelry Keeper of All Treasures Charm Necklace Set, $990 at Hysteria Jewelry 

“One of the things that I think is interesting is I feel like we’re having a moment with charms,” Ansell says. “It’s kind of been happening for a little bit, but I think everyone kind of has at least one or two charms that they’ve collected over their lifetime, whether it be a really special piece from their grandmother or a piece from when they were younger from a charm bracelet or something.”

For those who have old charms in childhood jewelry boxes, in the backs of drawers, or scattered across a few pieces, Ansell’s piece lets you slip them all on the chain and wear them all at once.  

“I love the versatility of that, where you can either keep one charm on there or you can add like 10 of them,” she says. “It’s a really fun way to add some interest and also tell a story on your neck.”

And when it comes to outfit pairings, charms give you a lot of room to work with.

“I think it can go multiple ways,” Ansell says. “It is an easy way to add interest to a very simple jeans and T-shirt look and really let the jewelry shine. I think you can also add it to an already kind of loud outfit, and it just adds that something more. So I think both ways are equally wonderful.”

Don’t get rid of your minimalist gold studs and huggies yet: Even as we edge back into more statement-driven pieces, there’s still a place for them as layering elements with other, brighter earrings. 

“I think sometimes people shy away from the more bold pieces, and I think of it as an easy way to add some interest to an outfit,” says Ansell. 

Hysteria Jewelry Warm Cascade Chandelier Earrings, $550 at Hysteria Jewelry

To really highlight a pair of bold earrings, let them have their moment: Styling your hair back or keeping the rest of your jewelry simple can help draw attention to the statement piece.

“I love a statement earring. I didn’t put any earrings on [today], but I would say with Hysteria, my focus is necklaces and earrings,” she says. “I think earrings especially are also having a moment, like longer, bigger earrings.” 

“I have a pair that’s more mismatched, and I think that’s a really interesting take on a chandelier earring.”