Lariat is one of the most versatile style of necklace. Generally speaking is a long strand, chain or rope with adorned ends and no clasp. There are several ways to wear this style:

This is a finely beaded, almost woven Lariat Necklace from the 1920s.

Fold in half, wrap it around the neck and pass the ends through the loop. It will look like this.

Wrap around the neck twice, then knot it in the front. You can knot the loop too and will look like this image. If you just knot it, it will have one short plain strand higher in the neck and one longer one where the knot is. Doing it as seen on the image avoids the weight of the end making it too tight around your neck.

Here is another way, just let the ends fall in the front or for a Summer evening out, bring your hair up and let it fall down a low cut back.

In this style, you knot it as high as it is comfortable to wear, then leave the long ends which can be both worn to the front, the back or one in the fron and one in the back if you place the knot on the side.

The weight of the beads at the ends is what keeps a lariat in place. These are Italian Murano beads and this style is called "wedding cake".

The best way to figure out how to wear a lariat necklace is to think of it as a scarf. How many different ways can you wear a scarf?  It really depends on the occasion, your style, how daring you are.  You can make a fashion statement that steals the show or a demure and classic finishing touch to your outfit.

Other ways not pictured are as a belt, a wrap bracelet and even braided in your hair if it is long enough. Feeling like a Flower Child today? Wrap around your forehead.  Wearing a Menswear inspired suit?  Replace the tie with a lariat.  The only limitation is your imagination and how daring you are!

If you have an idea not mentioned here, please post your comment.

If you have any questions and would like more instructions, please post and I’ll try to help.

The gorgeous vintage 1920s Flapper Lariat featured in this article is available at Vintage Jewelry, Fashion Magazines and Fine Collectibles plus Jewelry by Vera Battemarco.