Honestly I can't imagine what the designer was thinking when choosing this length for this kind of necklace. I mean, it's convenient that it slips over your head and doesn't need a clasp, but is nonetheless puzzling. Overall, it's a strange piece -- too uneven to be formal, too pearly to be really casual... but I happily discovered that it works well with my wardrobe in multiples (at $8 per strand, still far less pricey than a comparable designer piece). Originally I bought just one, and it looked absurd. Then I bought three more, and as a grouping of 3-4 strands worn together it looks great over, say, a slim black turtleneck sweater. Will be interested to see how well it works with summer clothing, but I'm optimistic.