With the ever-changing and fickle nature of the fashion world, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. Fashion frenzies come and go, people's taste changes, and what was once popular can quickly become outdated. However, some timeless staples always manage to make a comeback. One such item is the sautoir necklace.

What Is a Sautoir?

In a nutshell, a sautoir is a long, often beaded, necklace that hangs down to the waist or below. Most sautoir necklaces feature a colorful array of beads usually strung on a thin chain or cord. The beads can be all in one color or multiple colors, and can be arranged in various patterns. Other optional features include tassels, charms, and pendants.

Regardless of the specific details, all sautoir necklaces share one common characteristic: they are meant to make a statement. Sautoirs are not your average piece of jewelry as they are designed to be unconventional and eye-catching in all the right ways.

The History of the Sautoir Necklace

The origins of the sautoir necklace date back centuries ago. They were first popularized in the 18th century by French aristocrats who wore them as status symbols. Back then, sautoir necklaces were often made with expensive materials like gold, silver, and pearls.

In fact, the name itself is French, and it derives from the word "sauter," which means "to jump." This is likely in reference to how the beads on the necklace seem to jump and move as the person wearing it walks around.

This accessory eventually spread to other parts of Europe and the rest of the world. In the early 1900s, beaded sautoirs became all the rage in America as well.

For instance, the flapper girls of the Roaring Twenties loved to accessorize their dresses with these long and chic necklaces. This trend continued into the 1930s and 1940s, with Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly often being spotted wearing sautoirs.

Today, this type of necklace is just as widespread as it was centuries ago. It has been featured on the runways of major fashion designers, and celebrities and everyday fashionistas alike regularly wear it.

How Can You Style a Sautoir Necklace?

Versatility is one of the many reasons why the sautoir necklace has remained popular for so long. There's no limit to how you can style it, regardless of your taste or the occasion. Plus, part of the magic of the sautoir lies in its ability to suit all body types. Its elongated design appears flattering for everyone, and its length can be adjusted to achieve the desired look.

To help you get started, here are some of the easiest ways to style a sautoir necklace.

Keep It Simple

Let the necklace be the star of the show by pairing it with a plain outfit. A little black dress or a white button-down shirt would be perfect, leaving the necklace to steal the spotlight. Monochromatic ensembles can be played up with a sautoir in a contrasting color to give them an extra edge.

Add Layers

Create an interesting and unique look by layering multiple necklaces of different lengths. This adds a bit of dimension and visual interest to your outfit. Just make sure not to go overboard, as too many necklaces can look cluttered and messy.

Dress It Up

For a more formal look, pair your sautoir with a cocktail dress with a plunging neckline. This will allow you to show off the necklace while still looking chic and put together. Keep the rest of your jewelry to a minimum to avoid looking overdressed.

Some of Our Favorite Sautoir Pieces

Last but not least, we've picked out some of our all-time favorite sautoir necklaces to help inspire your next outfit.

Mother of Pearl Sautoir

This one offers the ideal blend of simplicity and style. It's made up of a single strand of semi-precious stones, including mother of pearl, amethyst and quartz. Its discreet yet fashionable color palette is definitely a subtle way to make a statement.

Multi Stone Sautoir

For a more playful and colorful look, you should try this sautoir necklace with a spectrum of different hues and shades. It can be worn long or doubled up for a shorter length, and it's perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit. The soft tones of the stones also make it suitable for both day and night.

Keshi White Pearl Sautoir

Finally, the somewhat chunkier appearance of this sautoir makes it an excellent choice for those who want a more statement-making necklace. It's made with white Keshi pearls, which are some of the most sought-after varieties out there. The beautiful luster of the pearls is sure to make a few heads turn.