In today's blog post, we will talk about necklines, an important part of clothes that are often overlooked.
Like the waistline, the neckline can completely change the fit and look of clothing.
Sometimes, when you look in the mirror and see that an outfit is not working, it could be because of the neckline.
From crew necks to v-necks, various necklines are available on dresses and tops. What are the different types of necklines? And how do you know which ones will look best on you?
Some necklines are more flattering on certain body types than others, while others work well for almost everyone.
Every woman is beautifully different and has a unique body shape.
The most important consideration when selecting a neckline is your body shape (check out our previous blog post to find your particular body shape). Embracing your figure and wearing the right neckline for your body type will help accentuate your best assets and create a balanced silhouette.
From the round neck to the boat neck, here are some of the more common necklines and how to choose which ones will make you look best.
Crew/Jewel/Round
This common and classic shape has a round neckline that sits close to the neck. The lower version of the crew neckline is sometimes called a jewel neck.
Best for body types:
- Rectangle, Hourglass, Apple, Pear
- Inverted Triangle – opt for a jewel neckline as it tends to be wider and lower, opening up your chest and elongating your neckline
- Small to medium bust – not always the best option for women with a larger bust. Because of the high neckline, the amount of exposed skin between the chin and chest decreases, emphasizing your bust and making it appear larger.
- Long neck – the high neckline shortens your neck
Shop our round neck dresses here and here.
V-Neck
This universally flattering neckline has an open neck that forms a v-shaped point at the bustline.
Best for these body types:
- Hourglass and Pear - a wider V-neck balances the hips
- Apple - the open neck elongates the torso
- Rectangle and Inverted Triangle - a narrow and deeper V-neck draws the eye in, balancing out wide shoulders
- Small to large bust - smaller busts should choose a higher V, while larger busts should wear a deeper V (but not a plunging V as it can be too revealing)
- Narrow to wide shoulders
- Short neck
Shop our v-neck dresses.
Wrap/Surplice
One side of the dress or top is layered over the other and fits into the waist, forming a V-shape neckline.
Best for these body types:
Follow the same guidelines as the V-neckline.
- Rectangle, Hourglass, Apple, Pear, Inverted Triangle – this neckline is universally flattering as the crossover effect cinches the waist, giving it definition.
- Small to large bust
- Narrow to wide shoulders
Shop our wrap neck dresses.
Scoop
A round neckline that usually comes down just above the bust.
Best for these body types:
- Rectangle, Hourglass, Apple, Pear, Inverted Triangle – works for all body types. The deeper, wider neckline draws the eye downward, lengthening the upper body.
- Small to large bust
- Narrow to wide shoulders – for narrow shoulders, go with a wide scoop and for wide shoulders, go with a narrow scoop
- Short neck
Collar
A neckline that has a collar at the neck, usually with a buttoned front.
When fully buttoned, the neck is similar to a round neck. When unbuttoned, the neckline has a V-shaped opening.
Best for these body types:
Follow the same guidelines as the V and Round necklines.
- Hourglass, Pear, Apple, Rectangle, Inverted Triangle – round or V-shaped, this neckline can work for all body types
- Small to large bust – button up high if you want to make your bust appear fuller or unbutton if you have a larger bust
- Narrow to wide shoulders
Boat Neck/Bateau
A wider neckline that almost reaches the shoulders, runs high in front and back, and skims just below the collarbone.
Best for these body types:
- Hourglass, Pear – this neckline balances out fuller hips and draws the eye out toward the shoulder
- Small to medium bust
- Narrow shoulders
Halter
A sleeveless neckline with the front of the garment attached behind the neck.
The neckline comes in a variety of options, like V-neck or crewneck.
Best for these body types:
- Rectangle, Hourglass, Inverted Triangle – this neckline draws the eye up and in, away from the shoulders' width. This shoulder-narrowing silhouette is ideal for square and broad shoulders.
- Medium to full bust
- Wide shoulders
Off-the-Shoulder/Bardot
This neckline ends on the upper arms and sits below the shoulders, highlighting the collarbone and shoulders.
Best for these body types:
- Hourglass, Pear – balances out bottom-heavy shapes, drawing attention to the collarbone and shoulders
- Rectangle – creates the illusion of a smaller waistline
- Small to medium bust
- Narrow shoulders