Choosing the Perfect Necklace for Your Neckline
Choosing the perfect necklace to compliment your neckline is a delicate art that requires a keen eye for fashion and a deep understanding of jewellery design principles. To choose the perfect necklace for your neckline, you must take into consideration a variety of factors, including the neckline of your garment, your face shape, and the occasion.
Consider the Neckline of Your Top
Different necklines require different styles of necklaces. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
V-neck top: A pendant necklace that falls just above the neckline would complement the look perfectly.
Scoop-neck top: Opt for a necklace with a slightly longer chain that rests on your chest.
High-neck top or turtleneck: Longer necklaces work best, such as long chains or pendant necklaces.
Lower neckline, such as a sweetheart or plunging neckline: Shorter necklaces work best, such as chokers, collars, or bib necklaces.
Take Your Face Shape into Account
The length and style of the necklace can impact how it looks on you, depending on your face shape. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Round face: A longer necklace can create the illusion of a longer, more oval-shaped face.
Oval face: Most styles of necklaces will work well with this face shape.
Heart-shaped face: A pendant necklace that falls below the collarbone can help elongate the face.
Square-shaped face: A necklace with curves or soft lines can help balance out the face shape.
Consider the Occasion
The occasion should also factor into your choice of necklace. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Formal events: Opt for understated pieces that will complement your outfit without overpowering it.
Casual events: You can go for more playful or daring styles that express your personal sense of style.
Types of Necklines & Best Matching Necklaces
Asymmetric Neckline
An asymmetric neckline is characterised by an uneven neckline that typically exposes one shoulder. For this neckline, a necklace that sits on the opposite side of the exposed shoulder would be a great option. A simple pendant necklace or a choker would work well to draw attention to the exposed shoulder without overwhelming the outfit.
Bardot Neckline
Bardot Neckline: The Bardot neckline, also known as an off-the-shoulder neckline, sits below the shoulders and across the collarbone. With this neckline, a shorter necklace that sits higher up on the neck would be the best choice. A choker or a collar necklace would complement this neckline perfectly.
Off-Shoulder Neckline
The off-shoulder neckline exposes both shoulders and sits just below the collarbone. A statement necklace would be an excellent choice for this neckline, as it draws attention to the exposed skin. A chunky necklace or layered necklace would be a great choice to make a statement.
Boatneck aka Bateau
The boatneck or bateau neckline is a wide, horizontal neckline that sits at or just below the collarbone. For this neckline, a long necklace or pendant that falls below the neckline would work well. A longer necklace will help to elongate the neckline and balance out the wide width of the boatneck.
High Neck
A high neckline is a neckline that sits high on the neck, covering most of the collarbone. With this neckline, a longer necklace that falls below the neckline would be a great choice. A long pendant necklace or a layered necklace would work well to create an elongating effect and add interest to the outfit.
Illusion
The illusion neckline is a sheer panel of fabric that creates the illusion of a strapless or plunging neckline while providing coverage and support. Because the neckline itself is already a statement piece, it’s best to keep the necklace minimal or opt for no necklace at all. Simple stud earrings or small drop earrings would complement this neckline well.
Straight Across
The straight-across neckline is a horizontal neckline that sits above the bust. A short necklace, such as a choker or a bib necklace, that follows the neckline would be the best choice. Alternatively, a longer pendant necklace that hangs above the neckline would also work well.
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline is a curved neckline that dips down in the front to create a heart shape. A necklace that follows the curve of the neckline, such as a pendant necklace or a choker, would be the best choice. Avoid anything that covers up too much of the neckline, such as a chunky necklace.
Square
The square neckline has a straight line across the top and two straight lines that come down diagonally to meet the horizontal line. A necklace that mimics the shape of the neckline, such as a square pendant necklace, would be the best choice. Alternatively, a short statement necklace that sits above the neckline would also work well.
Scoop
The scoop neckline is a U-shaped neckline that dips down in the front. A necklace that follows the curve of the neckline, such as a pendant necklace or a layered necklace, would be the best choice. Avoid anything that covers up too much of the neckline, such as a choker necklace.
V-Neck
A V-neckline is shaped like a “V,” with the point of the V dipping down between the collarbones. A pendant necklace that falls into the V-shape of the neckline is the perfect complement to this style. This necklace draws attention to the neckline and elongates the torso, creating a flattering look.
Halter
A halter neckline has straps that wrap around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and back bare. For this style, a necklace that sits high on the neck, such as a choker, is the best choice. This type of necklace adds some interest to the exposed neckline without competing with the straps of the halter.
Halter-Strap
A halter-strap neckline is similar to a halter, but with a strap that connects the two sides of the neckline. This style looks great with a delicate pendant necklace that falls just below the neckline.
Collared
A collared neckline features a collar or lapel, often seen on button-up shirts or blouses. With this style, you can opt for a simple pendant necklace or skip the necklace altogether and opt for statement earrings. The focus should be on the collar and the shirt’s buttons. Some prefer necklaces with strands, just like in the picture below.
Cowl Neck
A cowl neckline is draped and gathered, creating folds of fabric around the neck. This style looks best with long necklaces that hang down in front of the fabric folds, complementing the neckline’s soft, draped effect.
Crew Neck
A crew neckline is a classic round neckline that sits at the base of the neck. For this style, a shorter necklace that sits above the neckline, such as a collar necklace or choker, is a perfect choice. This type of necklace adds some interest to the neckline without overwhelming it.
Jewel Neckline
A jewel neckline is a rounded neckline that sits at the base of the neck, similar to a crew neckline. This style looks best with shorter necklaces that sit above the neckline, such as a choker or collar necklace.
Keyhole Neckline
A keyhole neckline features a small opening or cutout just below the collarbone. This style looks best with a short pendant necklace that falls into the keyhole opening. Most of the time worn without a chain, and with statement earrings, the game changes to another level.
Plunging
A plunging neckline features a deep V-shape that can extend to the waist or beyond. For this style, a delicate pendant necklace that falls into the V-shape of the neckline is a great choice. This type of necklace adds some interest to the exposed neckline without overwhelming it.
Queen Anne
The Queen Anne neckline features a high collar at the back of the neck and a deep V-neckline at the front. A long pendant necklace, a layered necklace or a cute choker would work well with this neckline as it complements the long lines of the collar.
Scallop Neckline
The Scallop neckline is a curved neckline that dips down in the front, forming a scallop shape. A delicate pendant necklace or a choker would be a great choice for this neckline, as it complements the curved shape of the neckline.
Spaghetti Strap
A spaghetti strap neckline is a narrow and delicate style that doesn’t offer much space for a necklace. A simple pendant necklace or a delicate chain or a simple choker would be a great choice for this neckline as it doesn’t compete with the thin straps.
Strapless
A strapless neckline is a style that is completely bare around the neck and shoulders. A statement necklace or a collar necklace would be a great choice for this neckline, as it creates a focal point on the bare skin.
Strapless Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline features a curved top that dips in the centre, resembling the shape of a heart. A choker necklace or a pendant necklace that complements the curve of the neckline would be a great choice for this neckline.
Surplice
The surplice neckline is a wrap-style neckline that crisscrosses in the front, creating a V-neckline. A long pendant necklace or a layered necklace would be a great choice for this neckline as it follows the lines of the crisscross and complements the V-neckline.
Turtleneck
The turtleneck neckline covers the entire neck and sometimes folds over onto itself. Since this neckline already covers the neck, no necklace is necessary. However, a pair of statement earrings or a bold bracelet would be a great choice to accessorise with this neckline. The picture below shows what it is like when wearing a necklace with a turtleneck.
One shoulder
A one-shoulder neckline features one bare shoulder and one covered shoulder. A bold statement necklace or a collar necklace would be a great choice for this neckline, as it creates a focal point on the bare shoulder and complements the asymmetry of the neckline.
U-Shaped neckline
The U-shaped neckline forms a “U” shape around the neck and décolletage. A necklace that follows the curve of the neckline, such as a pendant necklace or a necklace with a delicate chain and a U-shaped pendant, would be a great choice for this neckline.
Decollete Neckline
The décolletage neckline is a deep V-neckline that accentuates the cleavage and collarbone. A long pendant necklace that falls just above the neckline would be the perfect accessory for this neckline.
Florentine Neckline
The Florentine neckline features a high collar that is gathered or folded over at the front of the neck. This neckline is already ornate, so it’s best to keep jewellery to a minimum. A simple necklace or small stud earrings would add a touch of elegance without overpowering the neckline.
Horseshoe Neckline
The horseshoe neckline is similar to the U-shaped neckline, but it is wider and more shallow. A necklace with a U-shaped pendant or a short necklace that follows the shape of the neckline would be the perfect accessory for this neckline.
Sabrina Neckline
The Sabrina neckline is similar to the boatneck neckline, but it is wider and more shallow, exposing more of the collarbone and décolletage. A necklace that sits just above the neckline, such as a choker or no necklace, would be a great choice for this neckline.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the key to choosing the right necklace for a particular neckline is to consider the shape and depth of the neckline, as well as the overall style of the outfit. By selecting a necklace that complements the neckline and enhances the outfit, you can create a perfectly put-together look.