What is a sautoir?
Sautoir — is a women's jewelry in the form of a very long necklace (usually from 80 to 120 centimeters or more), which falls significantly below the collarbones, often reaching the waistline.
The term derives from the French expression "porter en sautoir," meaning to wear over the shoulder or on the back. Historically, the sautoir became popular during the Art Deco era of the 1920s. At that time, it became the perfect complement to the straight, dropped-waist dresses typical of the flapper style. The elongated shape of the garment created the necessary dynamism for walking and dancing.
The main design feature of a sautoir is the addition of an accent piece at the very end of a long chain or thread. This finishing touch is most often a large pendant, a silk or beaded tassel, or a massive gemstone.
Main types
Modern sautoirs vary in materials and style of wear. The main types include:
- Classic pearl sautoir. A long strand of pearls, often tied in a loose knot at chest level or finished with a chunky tassel at the end.
- Sautoir-lariat (Y-shaped necklace). A necklace with open ends and no traditional clasp. It can be worn loosely around the neck or tied in a loop, forming a Y shape.
- Chain sautoir with inserts. Consisting of thin metal links interspersed with glass beads, crystals, or semi-precious stones, this design was popularized by Coco Chanel.
- Transformable sotoir. An extra-long piece of jewelry that can be worn as a single piece, wrapped around the neck in multiple strands, or wrapped around the wrist as a layered bracelet.
What to combine with
The classic way to wear a sautoir is with evening dresses. The piece is worn with a deep V-neck or draped over a bare back, accentuating the neckline of the dress.
In everyday and smart-casual wardrobes, a sautoir is paired with basic knitwear. A long chain is worn over a solid turtleneck or turtleneck. This technique creates a vertical line that elongates the silhouette.
When paired with a pantsuit, a long, thin chain necklace with a pendant is worn under an unbuttoned jacket over a minimalist top or silk blouse. Since the sautoir is a prominent accent piece, the rule of background applies: it's recommended to wear the jewelry over smooth, solid-color fabrics without bold prints or complex textures.
