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Trend Alert: How to Wear Tribal Necklaces

Apr 26, 2011 / By Pamela Simmons

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Leighton Meester pairs accessorizes her simple black frock with a tribal necklace.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Thinking about going native? Slip on a funky tribal necklace. Tribal necklaces are fantastic statement pieces that can make your look really stand out. If you think this trend is hard to pull off, think again. Tribal necklaces can be seamlessly integrated into a bevy of ensembles that feature simple tees, sleek dresses and even printed pieces. Rock the tribal necklace trend and create your own edgy look.

Make your tribal necklace the statement piece of your ensemble by wearing it with an outfit with a simple, monochromatic silhouette. A sleek black dress is the perfect backdrop for a bold tribal necklace. If black isn't your thing, opt for any other neutral shade, or go for something more colorful. Keep other accessories to a minimum. You want your necklace to do all the talking.

If you don't have time to think about your outfit before you run out the door, don't fret. Just throw a native-inspired necklace with jeans and a plain tee. Finish off with a pair of gladiator sandals or ballet flats, and you've got an easy-to-pull-off look that still looks totally chic.

If you really want to have fun, rock a tribal necklace over a printed piece. Take a cue from actress Carey Mulligan, who wore her tribal statement necklace with a Lanvin leopard-print dress. Pairing your tribal necklace with a funky printed piece makes for an interesting, unique and avant-garde fashion statement that everyone is sure to notice.

If you have a few tribal necklaces in different lengths, layer them. Lanvin's Alber Elbaz masterfully layered three tribal necklaces at his spring 2011 runway show in Paris. If you go this route, choose necklaces in complementary colors and wear them over a simple silhouette. Anything else runs the risk of looking messy.

Got a red carpet to walk down? No? Even so, try out a tribal necklace over a dressier frock. Choose a dress that doesn't have too many frills or the necklace will look out of place. Go for sleek, slicked-back, simple hairstyles so your locks don't compete with your necklace.

Tribal necklaces are chunky by nature, so when you wear them, don't pile on too many other accessories or colors. Make your fab necklace the main statement piece of your outfit.