Paperclip chain necklaces: how to wear and layer them

In this guide

This guide uses the Stainless Steel Paper Clip Box Necklace from our shop as its example. Everything said about the piece itself comes from its listing.

What a paperclip chain is, why it became a modern classic, and how to wear and layer one.

What a paperclip chain is

A paperclip chain is made of long, flat, oval links that look like a row of paperclips. The shape has existed for a long time, but it became a modern classic in recent years because it is bold and light at the same time: the long open links have presence without the weight of a chunky chain.

Wearing it alone

On its own, a paperclip chain is a quietly bold piece that goes with almost anything: a white T-shirt, a black polo neck, a shirt open at the collar. It looks clean and modern, and gold-tone versions add warmth to plain outfits.

Layering

Paperclip chains are made for layering because their texture is so different from fine chains. A classic stack is a fine chain or choker at the top, a pendant in the middle and the paperclip chain as the anchor, or the other way round with the paperclip chain shortest. Several layers in one necklace give the same effect without tangles.

Adding charms

The long links make it easy to clip on a charm or a pendant, so one chain can change with your mood.

About the Stainless Steel Paper Clip Box Necklace

The Stainless Steel Paper Clip Box Necklace is a gold-tone necklace with several chains layered in one piece, paperclip-style links and a box chain. It is the kind of piece you put on in the morning and forget you are wearing until someone asks about it.

• Design: several chains layered in one piece, paperclip-style links and a box chain.
• Material: Stainless steel, gold-plated.
• Comes in: Gold and Silver.
• Size: Chains about 36.5, 42.5 and 47 cm, each with a 5.5 cm extender.
• What arrives: One three-layer necklace.

See the Stainless Steel Paper Clip Box Necklace →

Styling any necklace like this

A good rule for any necklace is to look at your neckline first. Crew necks suit pieces that sit above or well below the collar; V-necks frame a pendant; open collars and strapless tops leave room for anything. Keep the metal the same as your earrings and you can hardly go wrong.

If you wear more than one necklace, give each one its own height, about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, and vary the texture: a fine chain, a pendant, a bolder link. Fasten each clasp before you put the next one on and they are far less likely to tangle. For work, one or two quiet layers; for evenings, one standout piece is usually enough.

Wearing gold-tone jewellery

Gold-tone pieces look warm and slightly vintage. They flatter warm and olive skin tones and look especially good with cream, camel, white, olive, black and denim. Keep your other jewellery in gold-tone, or add one silver piece on purpose, such as a watch, so the mix looks intentional.

Choosing a necklace that suits you

When choosing a necklace, check three things on the product page: the chain length (16 to 18 inches, 40 to 45 cm, is the most wearable), the size of the pendant, and the material. A pendant that is a little smaller than you first imagine is usually the one you end up wearing every day.

What to wear it with

Pieces from the shop in the same tone that complete the look: - Geometric Dangle Wear Hoop Earrings: earrings, $21.00. - Asgard Crafted Paracord Hammer Bracelet: bracelet, $21.00. - Pearl Zircon Necklace & Earrings Set: set, $20.00.

Wearing it all year

Through the year: in summer, a necklace is often the only jewellery you need with a vest top or a linen shirt, and shorter lengths show best against bare skin. In autumn and winter, wear it over a fine knit or a polo neck, or let a longer chain sit on top of a jumper so it is not hidden by coats and scarves.

Caring for stainless steel

Stainless steel is tough and keeps its colour well, so it is one of the easiest metals to live with. A wipe with a soft cloth keeps it bright. If it has a gold-tone finish, put it on after lotion and perfume and take it off for the gym, the shower and the pool, so the colour lasts longer. The listing adds: Keep it dry, wipe gently after wearing and store it flat or hanging so the layers do not knot.

As a gift

A necklace is one of the easiest gifts to get right: no size to guess, and it is seen every day. Check the delivery dates on the product page before you order if you are buying for a date, and add a short handwritten note: it turns a pretty piece into a message.

Buying from Liravelle

The product page lists what the piece is made of, what arrives and the delivery dates before you order, and the confirmation email repeats them. Free US delivery over $50. 30-day returns. Tracked delivery.