A lariat necklace is a necklace with a chain or strand that drops vertically from a central point, creating a Y-shaped or elongated silhouette. Some lariats thread through a loop; others use a clasp or a convertible chain to create the drop. The effect is a little longer, a little less expected, and surprisingly easy to wear.
Our take? One chain should have range. The Stella & Dot Tatum Convertible Lariat Chain Necklace lets you switch between a classic chain and lariat styling, with room to add your own charms.
What makes a necklace a lariat?
The defining feature is the descending line below the main necklace. Instead of ending at a single pendant on a continuous chain, a lariat creates a drop or tail. The fastening varies by design, so not every lariat ties, slides, or adjusts in the same way.
A Y necklace describes a similar silhouette, but the terms aren't always interchangeable. Some Y necklaces have a fixed drop; some lariats let you change the configuration. Check the individual design rather than assuming every Y-shaped necklace works the same way.
Meet Tatum: a convertible take on the lariat
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 29 published customer reviews on Judge.me, checked October 16, 2026.
The Tatum Convertible Lariat Chain Necklace pairs a medium paperclip chain with a pavé serpent charm-keeper clasp. Its included 1.5-inch extender gives you options for length and styling. Attach the extra chain length to the serpent ring to create a lariat or a longer necklace, or wear Tatum as a classic chain.
For a personal touch, clip charms directly onto the serpent ring or along the chain. The serpent clasp can be part of the look, not just something hidden at the back.
- Gold: Genuine 10-karat gold-dipped brass, in 17- and 20-inch chain lengths.
- Silver: Rhodium-dipped brass, in a 17-inch chain length.
- Extra length: Each option includes a built-in 1.5-inch extender.
- Styling options: Classic chain, lariat styling, or a personalized look with clip-on charms.
Find your Tatum Convertible Lariat Chain Necklace
How to wear the Tatum necklace as a lariat
- Start with the necklace laid flat. Identify the pavé serpent ring and the extra chain length before adjusting the configuration.
- Attach the extra chain length to the serpent ring. This is the conversion described for Tatum. Use its intended attachment points rather than tying or forcing the chain through a fitting.
- Bring the lariat detail to the front. Arrange the descending chain so it sits comfortably against your neckline.
- Check the look and closure. Make sure the attachment is closed, the chain lies freely, and the drop works with your top.
Tatum is a convertible chain, not a necklace you need to knot. Follow the design's intended conversion rather than instructions for a different type of lariat.
How to style a lariat necklace with different necklines
With a V-neck
Let the drop follow the opening of the neckline. Our styling preference is to keep the focal point clearly above the fabric or clearly over it, rather than catching at the edge. The clean vertical line does the work.
With a button-down shirt
An open collar makes room for the lariat detail. Try the chain against the skin with a few buttons open, adjusting your outfit so the drop isn't tucked out of sight.
With a crewneck or simple tee
Wear the lariat over the fabric as the focal point, or switch Tatum back to a classic-chain configuration for a quieter look. One necklace, two different moods.
With an evening outfit
Give the lariat some space. A simple neckline and smaller earrings can keep the descending chain in focus. You don't need a full jewelry reset to make the look feel dressed up.
How to choose your lariat necklace length
Choose for your fit and your clothes, not a universal placement rule. Tatum's 17-inch chain offers a shorter starting length than its 20-inch gold option, and both include the 1.5-inch extender. Where either sits depends on your neck size and how you configure the necklace. The listed chain length is not a promise of a particular lariat-drop measurement.
Before choosing, measure a necklace you already like and compare it with the neckline you plan to wear most.
Can you layer a lariat necklace?
Yes. Our recommendation is to pair the lariat with a shorter, simpler necklace so the descending detail remains visible. Leave separation between the chains, and avoid putting several pendants at the same point. If they compete, let Tatum stand alone.
Lariat necklace FAQs
Does a lariat necklace have a clasp?
It depends on the design. Some lariats thread or loop without a traditional clasp, while others use a clasp to create the silhouette. Tatum has a pavé serpent charm-keeper clasp and a convertible chain design.
Can you wear Tatum as a regular necklace?
Yes. Tatum can be worn as a classic paperclip chain as well as styled into a lariat. You can also personalize it with clip-on charms at the serpent ring or along the chain.
Do you tie a knot in the Tatum lariat?
No knot is needed for the described conversion. Attach the extra chain length to the serpent ring to create the lariat styling.
Is a lariat necklace only for dressy outfits?
No. Try it with a simple tee or an open-collar shirt for an everyday look. The same descending silhouette can work with an evening outfit when you keep the neckline uncluttered.
What is the difference between a lariat and a pendant necklace?
A pendant necklace typically features an ornament suspended from a chain. A lariat emphasizes a descending chain or strand. A convertible design can offer more than one way to wear the same piece.
For more multi-way styling ideas, explore our Convertible Jewelry Guide. Packing for a getaway? Our guide to the best jewelry for travel shows how versatile pieces can simplify your jewelry case.
Ready to find your angle? Shop Tatum and make one chain work a little harder.