How to Layer Your Jewelry for Beach Trips

You wiggle your toes in the sand and breathe in the salty air. You’re ready for your Instagram beach photo op with your favorite people, your favorite beach sarong paired with your favorite jewelry at your favorite place. And it's not just your favorite spot—research shows that more than 50% of Americans reported the beach as their most desired vacation destination in 2023.

But when you're out by the water, what's the best way to accessorize beyond a suit, cover-up and sandals? Well, the right jewelry can easily elevate your beach ensemble, mood, and social media vacation photos. With so many styles, just one necklace or bracelet won't do. It's the beach, remember, so have fun with it! Layer your jewelry to create the perfect seaside look with these tips.

Start With a Statement

Begin your jewelry display with the perfect statement piece. Choose a vibrant bracelet, chunky necklace, or bold ring to set the right tone for your other jewelry pieces. These additional pieces — from anklets to body chains — should have various textures, colors, shapes, sizes, and lengths to complement your statement pieces. They’re ideal for accessorizing your sarong or swimsuit while accentuating your gorgeous figure.

Mix It Up

Mixing metal pieces is all the rage at the beach this year. Pair your favorite gold necklace with a silver bracelet to add visual interest and an eclectic touch to your ensemble. The best materials for beach jewelry are titanium, stainless steel, platinum, white gold, and rose gold since they’re water-resistant and high-quality. Try to choose pieces with similar styles for a cohesive look. Other unique materials to combine include beads and pearls!

Embrace the Long and the Short of It

Another excellent way to layer jewelry pieces for beach trips is to vary their lengths. Let’s say you wear several necklaces. Choose ones at multiple lengths so they don’t get tangled, and pick complementary pieces. An excellent trio is a lengthy pendant necklace, a medium-length one, and a choker for depth.

Remember to pick jewelry with gemstones and decorations that will work well with your skin while giving off beach vibes. These include beach themed necklaces with beads, sea life accents, baby-blue larimar gemstones, or beach sand–filled pendants.

Tantalize the Eyes With Textures

Make your jewelry pieces stand out for all the right reasons by mixing their textures. This may include pairing polished bracelets and watches with beaded necklaces for the ideal contrast.

Pick a Type, Stay Clean & Consider Your Occasion

Wear three pieces max in a single area of your body to avoid having your pieces clash or compete for your admirers’ attention. This means wearing just three rings on your fingers, bracelets on your wrist, and necklaces around your neck.

Another important tip for beach jewelry lovers is to clean your jewels with mild soap and water after your time of fun in the sun is over. Washing the jewelry will help remove residue from salt water, which may cause your pieces to tarnish or rust. Shine your jewels using a polishing or soft cloth.

Keep in mind that certain jewelry pieces work well for specific occasions, outfits, and necklines, too. Suppose you’re wearing a blouse with a high neck, like a turtleneck sweater. Layer lengthier necklaces over your top for a striking look. Chokers and other short necklaces work best for low-cut dresses, giving off a feminine appearance. Make your jewelry more colorful and whimsical for a casual day out on the town, and pick dainty pieces, like elegant chains, for a formal event (e.g., a wedding).

Add Pizzazz to Your Beach Ensemble

Layering your jewelry pieces is an effortless way to take your beach outfit to the next level for your next photo op with your girlfriends or the kids—for all the stylish mamas. Begin with your statement piece, like a chunky necklace, and add complementary pieces of varying metals for depth. Choose necklaces of varying lengths and bracelets of different textures to make your outfit even more interesting. Consider all of these tips for jewelry layering to make your next ocean trip ensemble one to remember.