Last Updated: April 2026
TL;DR:
- Yes, long necklaces (75cm/30 inches or longer) remain in style in 2026, with lariat, opera, and sautoir styles among the most versatile.
- A long necklace typically falls between your belly button and lower bust, while standard necklaces sit around 18 inches at the collarbone.
- Long necklaces can be styled multiple ways — draped, looped, knotted, or even wrapped as a choker or bracelet — making a single piece more versatile than it looks.
Long necklaces have stayed a wardrobe staple precisely because they’re so adaptable — one piece can be worn a dozen different ways depending on how you drape or wrap it. Here’s everything you need to know about styles, pros and cons, and how to wear them well in 2026. For shorter necklace options, see our guide on what necklaces are in style right now.
Are Long Necklaces in Style in 2026?
Yes — long necklaces remain a stylish, versatile accessory in 2026. With so many variations available, from lariat to sautoir to beaded designs, there’s a long necklace style suited to virtually any outfit or personal taste.
What Counts as a Long Necklace?
A long necklace is generally defined as 75cm (about 30 inches) or longer, falling between the belly button and lower bust. Standard necklaces, by comparison, run 18-22 inches and sit at the collarbone.
Within the long necklace category, an opera necklace runs 30-36 inches, a rope necklace is 36+ inches, and a matinee — at 20-22 inches — sits on the shorter end of what some consider “long.” Lariat necklaces, sometimes called Y or rope necklaces, skip the clasp entirely, letting you drape, loop, twist, or knot the ends for a customizable length and look.
What Are the Most Popular Long Necklace Styles?
Lariat Necklaces
Clasp-free necklaces available in chain or bead versions, versatile enough to wear at belly-button length or wrapped as a choker.
Beaded Necklaces
Long strands made of glass, clay, crystal, crocheted seed beads, or coral — a more textured, casual alternative to chain styles.
Single Pendant Long Necklaces
A single gold or silver chain with one focal pendant, often customizable and easy to personalize with an initial, symbol, or birthstone.
Lavalier Necklace
A slender chain with a decorative pendant, originating in the early 20th century — light, feminine, and carrying a bohemian feel.
Festoon Necklaces
Inspired by ancient Greek garland designs, this style weaves metallic chains and decorative elements into a draping, layered look.
Sautoir
Typically 30-36 inches long, featuring an ornamental pendant or suspended tassel, and pairs especially well with v-neck, scoop neck, or off-shoulder tops.
Pros and Cons of Wearing Long Necklaces
Pros
- Wide variety of styles to fit any taste
- Makes an effective statement piece
- Versatile — can be styled multiple ways with the same necklace
- Complements many necklines and outfit styles
Cons
- Not ideal for every outfit or occasion
- Higher risk of tangling compared to shorter necklaces
- Can catch on things during active movement
How Do You Style a Long Necklace in 2026?
Match the necklace length to your neckline — opera necklaces pair well with V-necklines and can be layered with a choker, matinee necklaces work best with higher necklines like a turtleneck, and lariats can be reworked into a choker by wrapping them multiple times around the neck.
A sautoir offers the most versatility of all — beyond wearing it as a necklace, it can double as a headpiece, an arm wrap, or even be doubled up into two shorter necklaces.
The Bottom Line
Long necklaces remain a smart, versatile addition to any jewelry collection in 2026 — the variety of styles means there’s an option for nearly every outfit and neckline. Learn a couple of styling tricks (draping, looping, doubling) and a single long necklace can function as several different accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for a long necklace?
Anything 75cm (about 30 inches) or longer qualifies as a long necklace, with opera (30-36 inches) and rope (36+ inches) being the most common long styles.
Can I wear a long necklace to work?
Yes, especially a single pendant or lavalier style, which reads as polished and professional. Save chunkier statement or layered long necklaces for more casual or evening settings.
How do I keep a long necklace from tangling?
Store it hanging separately from other jewelry, or use a necklace organizer with hooks. When wearing multiple necklaces together, vary the lengths to reduce the chance of them tangling against each other.
What neckline works best with a long necklace?
V-necks, scoop necks, and off-shoulder tops generally pair best with long necklaces like the sautoir or opera style, since the neckline doesn’t compete with the necklace’s drop.
Are long necklaces still considered a statement piece in 2026?
Yes — a bold, long necklace still reads as a statement accessory, especially styles like the festoon or sautoir, which carry more visual weight than a standard collarbone-length necklace.
Stephanie is a jewelry lover when she was a teenager. Her major was fashion design when she was in college. She is a jewelry designer at SOQ Jewelry and other design companies. Now she is also a writer for our website. She writes a lot of designs&brands posts with very actionable tips.