A shopping guide to the best … party necklaces
Buy, rent or thrift it – alternative ways to shop. This week, jewellery that will elevate your workaday outfit to a party get-up
A cocktail necklace – a bit bold, party-ready, not subtle – is the fashion pro’s secret addition to your jewellery box. With very little effort it helps make a statement with even the most nondescript outfit.
A lot of fun can be had by renting a cocktail necklace – go for one as ornate as Venna’s from Mywardrobe and that LBD will look much more interesting.
Vintage is a good market for a classic chunky gold chain. A piece like this one from Susan Kaplan brings a sprinkling of 1980s glamour and looks great with, say, a grey sweatshirt.
Investing in a cocktail necklace requires a little more consideration, with slightly more low-key designs a good idea. Think about the colours you wear a lot, the jewellery you already own and what you wear on repeat. It could feature pearls, charms or gold – whatever gives your outfit a lift.
Lauren Cochrane
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Buy
Pearl and gold, £39.50, marksandspencer.com
Layer a pearl chain with your gold necklaces for a luxe look.
Green glass pendant, £62, shylajewellery.com
Shyla’s beautiful bold designs are made from recycled metals.
Gold with blue charm, £249, missoma.com
This chunky necklace will look eye-catching worn on its own - try it with a slip dress.
Rent
Sunray choker by Paco Rabanne, from £66, hurrcollective.com
Borrow this crystal choker for a black-tie event.
Gold with art deco clasp by Christian Dior, £60 for four days rental, 4element.co.uk
Chunky necklaces will stand out when worn with a simple silk blouse.
Spiked and jewelled by Venna, £34 for four days rental, mywardrobehq.com
Layer over a shirt for a statement daytime look.
Thrift
Craft heart necklace, £45, susancaplan.co.uk
Wear an 80s-inspired gold necklace with a bodycon dress.
Woven with large embellished pendant, £15, rokit.co.uk
Add to a black tea dress to add some extra neckline interest.
Related: A shopping guide to the best … winter cardigans
Gold linked, £150 by Monet, pre-owned from farfetch.com
A chunky gold necklace will never go out of fashion – it’s the ultimate forever wardrobe addition.
