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What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline
What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline
Everyone has been in a situation where you're wearing the perfect outfit, only to realise none of your necklaces seem to complement your ensemble. Perhaps you have several different styles of necklace, but aren't sure which looks best with that particular outfit.
Finding the appropriate necklace to wear with a specific outfit or neckline can be quite challenging. In fact, accessorising your clothing with luxury necklaces is essentially a form of art.
Never fear, as help is at hand. While you should explore your creativity freely, it helps to follow a few guidelines to ensure your necklace perfectly complements your neckline. In this guide, we'll explain what necklace to wear with what neckline to ensure you get it right every time.
Choosing your necklace shouldn't be a hassle. It should be enjoyable. Fine jewellery is never merely decorative: it expresses your style, can steal the show, emphasise your outfit, highlight your best features, or make a statement of its own. The choice is yours.
What's the shape of your neckline?
The first factor to consider is the shape of your neckline. As a general rule, there are some basics that everyone should know. First, you should try to match the shape of your necklace to the shape of your neckline.
Also, when you're wearing a low neckline, don't go lower with your necklace, but don't leave too much empty space between your necklace and neckline either. Never add a statement necklace to a busy neckline, as it can look too much.
Read on for some useful tips on choosing the right necklace for every neckline to help inspire your selection.
Necklace for a round neckline
If you're wearing a round neckline, your necklace should ideally be a round shape. Try not to combine a round neckline with a pointed pendant or V-shaped necklace, as these will not sit well.
The necklace should be just a little shorter than the neckline. For example, a short chain with a small, round pendant can look chic. Try coin pendants, or a round or oval locket, for a more substantial appearance.
Necklace for a V-neck
When you wear a V-neck outfit, it elongates your shape. The necklace you combine with it should do the same. Wear a necklace that creates a shorter "V" shape and falls inside your garment's V-neckline. Don't wear a necklace longer than the V-neck.
A necklace with a medium-size pendant that sweeps gracefully alongside the neckline, without falling into or over it, is a good choice. A popular guideline is that the neckline and necklace should have one inch of space between them.
Necklace for a crew neck
With a crew neckline, the secret is to play with the necklace length, rather than the style. It can look good with a short or long necklace. Your choice should be based on whether you want a longer necklace that goes over the chest, or a shorter one that sits above it.
However, avoid the extremes of very long necklaces or chokers. For a more striking look, try a multi-chain look, layering two or three necklaces. Your necklace can create the effect of a collar on a crew neck, especially if you wear a sparkly one with plenty of gems on a plain top.
Necklace for a scoop neckline
A scoop neckline emphasises the collarbone, so ideally, choose a short, round necklace to further enhance it. A scoop neckline is the ideal setting for a statement piece, such as a bib necklace.
You can also wear longer necklaces with this style, as long as your necklace doesn't hang below the neckline of your garment. A necklace that is too long can create distracting empty space above.
Necklace for a high neckline
A high neckline creates an inverted-V look that can narrow your shoulders and lengthen your torso. Select a long necklace that does not compete with a high collar. A rope or a lariat necklace is a great choice.
There are different types of high neckline that can be worn with different jewellery. For example, a halter neckline shows off your shoulders and makes them look slimmer, so wear a V-shaped necklace that also enhances the long, slim outline.
With a turtleneck top, choose a necklace that draws the attention downwards and away from the neck. Wearing too short a necklace can look overcrowded. The turtleneck shape looks great with long pendants and layered necklaces.
Necklace for a sweetheart neckline
Wear a necklace to enhance the curves of a sweetheart neckline. A medium-length necklace looks best, as it attracts the eye to the heart of the neckline. Don't wear a necklace with sharp angles, as it will cause a blunt disruption that doesn't hang well.
A necklace with a wider pendant creates balance in the open space, while choker and princess necklaces are also suitable for a sweetheart neckline.
Necklace for a square neckline
A square neckline is a sharp contrast against the body's natural curves, creating an angular look. Your necklace should have edges too. This neckline is ideal for square or rectangular pendants. In fact, any pendant with rigid angles will complement the square neckline.
You can vary the length, as long as it isn't longer than the neckline. A suitable necklace length should fall somewhere above the garment's neckline, although the exact length doesn't matter.
Necklace for one-shoulder top
If you're wearing a garment with one shoulder strap, or one that drapes off the shoulder, this leaves enough space for a stunning statement necklace, so go bold. The best choice is a collar-length necklace to create a focal point that stands out. Don't wear a chain that's too long, because it shouldn't rest on the garment's neckline.
A negligee necklace that sits below the collar bone and has embellishments such as tassel drops, or multiple gemstones, hanging below can look stunning with a top with one shoulder strap, particularly when you get the fall right to mirror your outfit's neckline.
Short necklaces, such as pendants and chokers, are great for ensuring your décolletage remains the focal point of your outfit. If you're wearing a Bardot neckline, a longer beaded necklace can be worn, but short necklaces are the best choice for a bandeau-style neckline.
Necklace for a boat neckline
A boat neckline widens the shoulders, so a good choice is a necklace that draws the gaze inwards and adds length. A matinee or princess necklace with a pendant can help you achieve the desired effect.
Because boat neck tops stretch wide across your collarbone, they look graceful, so choosing a necklace with a similarly graceful design is always a good match. Don't distract from the neckline: choose an elegant, minimalist style. A princess necklace with one or two strings is a perfect choice.
Necklace for a cowl neckline
A cowl neckline makes a bold statement, so your necklace doesn't have to compete for attention. Wear a necklace that falls above the cowl neckline, rather than on top of it. A simple pendant on a short chain can be ideal. Alternatively, choose a simple princess-length necklace, or a gold woven chain.
A pearl necklace can look elegant and won't interfere with the draping neckline. You can wear a versatile opera pearl necklace full-length for a more formal occasion, or double it up to create a layered choker or matinee style, depending on your preference.
Necklace for a strapless dress
You can afford to be dramatic in your choice of jewellery with a strapless dress. A collar or bib-style necklace will frame your face, but a new trend, seen on plenty of celebrities recently, is a longer pendant or chain necklace that falls to mid-chest, or even almost to the waistline, looking fabulous.
If your strapless dress is in a solid colour, an eye-catching statement piece or a big, bold cuff, can look stunning. If your dress features embellishments or a bright pattern, a more subtle necklace, such as a chain, can be preferable.
Layering necklaces can be easier than you think and will create a bold statement with a strapless top or dress. You can layer necklaces with multiple small beads or charms, a number of pendants, or an assortment of embellishments. You could also vary the colour of the chains if you're wearing multiple pendants.
Where to buy luxury necklaces?
There are exceptions to styling rules, as everyone has their own personal taste and tends to know what suits them best.
When you're looking to buy luxury necklaces, or another piece of fine jewellery, we have many top brands available here at Rich Diamonds to give you inspiration.
There's something for everyone in our selection of high quality necklaces and pendants, so please don't hesitate to contact us for further information on any of our fine jewellery.