10 summer necklaces every jewellery lover should own

Jul 6, 2023

Looking for summer necklaces you can wear with almost anything? The right necklace can instantly elevate warm-weather outfits, adding colour, texture or sparkle to even the simplest look.

From colourful beads to delicate pendants and layered chains, certain necklace styles return to our jewellery boxes every year because they work so beautifully with summer wardrobes. Here are ten timeless summer necklace styles that pair effortlessly with everything from beachwear to evening dresses.

Why are necklaces so good for summer?

Summer outfits naturally lend themselves to necklaces. With lighter fabrics, open necklines and fewer layers, there’s more opportunity to showcase your favourite jewellery.

Bardot necklines, strappy dresses, bandeau tops and relaxed linen shirts all provide the perfect canvas for necklaces of different lengths and styles. Whether you're dressing for a holiday, garden party or relaxed weekend brunch, the right necklace can complete your look with minimal effort.

Here are ten necklace styles that capture the spirit of summer and work beautifully with warm-weather outfits.

Beaded beauties: the beach-inspired necklace

Beaded necklaces are a summer staple thanks to their relaxed, coastal feel. Whether crafted from colourful beads, gemstones or simple metallic spheres, they instantly bring a playful, laid-back energy to an outfit.

They work beautifully with linen dresses, denim shorts, oversized shirts or swimwear. For extra impact, layer multiple strands in complementary colours or mix them with simple chains to create texture and interest.

Daisy london silver beaded necklace

Moonstruck: the beauty of a gemstone necklace

A gemstone pendant is one of the easiest ways to introduce colour into your jewellery collection. Soft, iridescent stones like moonstone, opal or labradorite create a subtle glow that works perfectly with summer fabrics and natural textures.

Wear a gemstone pendant with flowing maxi dresses, broderie anglaise blouses or relaxed denim to highlight the natural beauty of the stone while keeping the look effortless.

Daisy silver moonstone necklace

Summery shades: colourful statement necklaces

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with colour. Necklaces featuring vibrant stones, crystals or enamel details can add personality to even the simplest outfit.

Pair a colourful necklace with neutral clothing such as white linen, denim or black dresses to let the jewellery take centre stage, or use it to complement shades within a patterned summer outfit.

Coeur de lion dopamine necklace

Classic charm: the long necklace

Long necklaces bring movement and elegance to summer styling. Their length helps elongate the neckline, making them particularly flattering with simple dresses or loose blouses.

They can be worn on their own for a relaxed daytime look or layered with shorter chains for added depth and texture.

Annie haak gold tassel necklace

Meaningful talismans: necklaces with symbolic charms

Jewellery with symbolic charms or talisman pendants is a beautiful way to add meaning to your accessories. These necklaces often feature engraved motifs, small charms or gemstones associated with luck, protection or love.

They work especially well layered with other delicate chains, creating a personal jewellery story that reflects your style.

Photo of talismani necklace series by Nomination

Pair a meaningful necklace with your favourite denim shorts and summer dresses for those long sundowners at the beach.

A touch of sparkle for summer evenings

Even in summer, a little sparkle can elevate an outfit. Delicate necklaces featuring crystals or subtle gemstone details add just enough shimmer for evenings out.

They transition effortlessly from casual daytime looks to dinner or drinks, pairing equally well with jeans and a blouse or an elegant dress.

Olivia burton classic crystal charm necklace, the perfect summer necklace

A crystal charm necklace will look just as good with jeans as a little black dress, so wear it with anything to bring a touch of glamour to your ensemble.

Celestial charm: sun and star motifs

Sun, moon and star designs are perennial favourites in summer jewellery. These symbolic motifs bring a sense of warmth and light to layered necklaces and pendants.

Whether worn alone as a delicate statement or combined with other chains, celestial necklaces add a playful yet elegant finishing touch to summer outfits.

Shyla full sun necklace in pale blueWe all need a bit more sunshine and starlight in our lives and with this Shyla London necklace you get both! This gorgeous design could be either, bringing a shining focus to your look, whether you’re stepping out during the day or dressing up for an evening out. You can even choose the colour of the crystal centre by opting for a pure, clear stone or pale blue.

Effortless layering: multi-chain necklaces

Layered necklaces are a simple way to create a polished jewellery look. Multi-chain designs combine several strands of different lengths into one piece, making layering effortless.

They add instant dimension to your outfit and work particularly well with open necklines, allowing each chain to sit naturally along the collarbone.

Olivia Burton illusion gold chain stack

Personal touches: initial necklaces

Personalised jewellery remains a favourite because it adds individuality to everyday styling. Initial necklaces are subtle, meaningful pieces that can represent your own name or that of someone special.

They also layer beautifully with other chains, creating a combination that feels personal and unique.

Turquoise and gold: the ultimate Summer pairing

Few colour combinations capture the feeling of summer quite like turquoise and gold. The vibrant blue tones evoke clear skies and sparkling water, while warm gold settings add richness and contrast.

Turquoise necklaces pair beautifully with white dresses, natural fabrics and relaxed beachwear, making them a perfect finishing touch for holiday styling.

Woman wearing turquoise and gold necklace

Finding your perfect summer necklace

The beauty of summer necklaces lies in their versatility. Whether you prefer colourful beads, delicate pendants or layered chains, the right necklace can elevate even the simplest outfit.

Experiment with different textures, lengths and colours to discover combinations that suit your wardrobe and personal style. With a few well-chosen pieces, you can create countless warm-weather looks that feel effortless and unique. Explore our full collection of necklaces at Niche.