What Necklace to Wear with What Neckline: A Quick Guide to Help You Plan the Perfect Outfit
When pairing a favorite necklace with a favorite dress or blouse, you may first just combine pieces with a similar level of elegance or pieces in complementary colors. However, don’t overlook the very crucial element of shape. Specific neckline shapes look best with certain styles of necklaces, and matching necklaces to your shirt or dress’s neckline requires careful consideration.
To help you choose what necklace to wear with what neckline, here’s a breakdown of some of the different necklines and our favorite necklace styles to wear with each.
What You Will Learn
Necklaces to Wear with Off-the-Shoulder Dresses or Shirts or a Strapless Neckline
Suppose you’re trying to find the perfect necklace with a dress or shirt that shows off your shoulders. In that case, there’s excellent news: You’ll find plenty of necklace-style options that easily complement an off-the-shoulder dress or
If you’re trying to find the perfect necklace to pair with a dress or shirt that shows off your shoulders, there’s great news: You’ll find plenty of necklace style options that easily compliment an off-the-shoulder dress or shirt.
Options for an off-shoulder or strapless neckline include:
- Choker necklaces
- A subtle necklacewith a small pendant
- A stunning statement necklace
- Layered necklaces
The key to choosing what necklace to wear with neckline styles that show off your shoulders is picking the right necklace length. Choose a necklace that falls above the neckline (shorter chains or a choker necklace are ideal). If you go with a statement necklace, ensure it doesn’t touch the fabric of your neckline garment.
Necklaces to Wear with High Necklines
But let’s say you have a shirt or dress with an exceptionally high neckline, like a crew neck, square neckline, halter neckline, boat neckline, or turtleneck. With these necklines, the fabric will sit relatively close to your throat. In these cases, the perfect necklace for a high neckline will depend not just on shape or length but also on fabric and texture.
You have more options if your dress or shirt is relatively simple (think a crew neck t-shirt). Consider a:
- Layered necklace
- Long necklace
- Statement pendant
- Lariat necklace
- Chunky necklace
These necklaces can all be a bit bold, but if the neckline and style of the shirt or dress are simple, they won’t compete for attention.
If you have a more elaborate or textured neckline, such as a halter or turtleneck with ruffles or other adornment, choose a necklace that’s on the simpler side. Long chain necklaces may work well, as could long pendant necklaces, so long as the pendant isn’t overly large.
Whatever the case, make sure you choose the right necklace length. The necklace should not end strictly at your neckline, resting on your collar. For high necklines, it should fall past the neckline onto your chest.
Necklaces to Wear with a Plunging Neckline
If you have a plunging neckline, such as a v-neckline or a sweetheart neckline, choose a necklace that will accentuate that v-neck or the sweetheart neckline’s dramatic dip.
For v-necklines, this means choosing a v-shaped necklace that falls an inch or two above your neckline. The drama of the “v” takes center stage, and your necklace should play along accordingly.
With a sweetheart neckline, you can either pick a necklace that points to the neckline’s middle meeting point, at the center of your chest, or you can go with a shorter necklace that sits closer to your neck, where it won’t detract from the neckline’s appearance (think a collar necklace or short, round necklace, such as a short strand of pearls).
Necklaces to Wear with a Round Neckline
You have several options if you have a scooped neckline, like a cowl neckline.
These necklines offer lots of space to show off your jewelry without the necklace interfering with the neckline. However, unlike a plunging neckline, they don’t typically provide a lot of drama — meaning you can be a little more elaborate or extravagant with your jewelry choices.
For example, consider wearing:
- A bib necklace
- Square or rectangular pendants
- Thickercollar necklaces
- Princess necklaces
The Necklace to Wear with Square Necklines
Similarly, suppose you’re wearing a square neckline. In that case, you have plenty of room to play with a medium-length necklace that’s a little flashier and attention-grabbing.
Just be sure that you don’t pick a necklace that falls directly on the neckline. Try to pick a necklace that’s either delicate and rounded to contrast against the square’s harsher lines or features a similar angular motif.
What Necklaces Go with What Neckline FAQs
Does picking the correct necklines for necklaces matter?
Yes! Knowing how to pick the right necklace for different necklines can make a huge difference in your outfit’s structure and overall appearance, drawing attention to your favorite features and pieces.
How do you pair necklaces for different necklines?
A good rule of thumb is to avoid necklaces that fall directly along your shirt or dress’s collar. This means often choosing long necklaces for high necklines or exceptionally deep necklines or extra-short necklaces like chokers for mid-length or off-the-shoulder necklines. A mid-length necklace is a good fit for a variety of neckline styles.
How do you know when to wear a short or long necklace?
When choosing necklaces for dress necklines, there are no hard and fast rules regarding when you should wear a short or long necklace. Instead, pick a necklace length that complements your neckline without falling directly across it.
What are some of the most versatile necklaces for different necklines?
A simple princess-length necklace is highly versatile. A princess necklace falls right around the collarbone.
Do earrings matter when pairing jewelry with a neckline?
Yes! Just as you avoid a necklace that will detract from or interfere with your neckline, you should do the same when picking earrings. So, if you wear an off-the-shoulder or strapless dress, consider going bigger or bolder with a drop or similarly long earrings. Consider going with something smaller, like studs for high necklines like a turtleneck or halter.
Need More Help?
Now that you know what necklaces to wear with different necklines, the BriteCo blog has even more tips on how to style and care for your jewelry. Beyond explaining what type of necklace to wear with different necklines, we also have quick guides to the 4 Cs of diamonds, engagement ring financing, and more!
Then, make sure your jewelry is safe with BriteCo’s comprehensive specialty jewelry insurance.
From favorite necklaces to engagement rings to luxury watches, whatever the piece, we’ll ensure that it’s protected in the event of natural disaster, loss or mysterious disappearance, theft, damage, and more — and not just when you’re at home. Our coverage extends worldwide, so you can take your jewelry wherever you go and know it’s safe the entire time.
Need to know more? Get your BriteCo insurance quote today.
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