12 Different Types of Flattering Necklines and How to Accessorize Them
- by Sahana Kanjilal
- 11th February 2023
A neckline is a defining factor of a dress and there are variations regarding it. Finding out which one suits you is important as some complements you, and some don’t, depending on your figure. Get an idea from the following and choose your clothing accordingly.
Neckline Styles and How They Complement You
1. Sweetheart Neckline
What is it: A plunging neckline, defined by two curved edges with a plunging point at the middle, resembling the top part of a heart. The substantial coverage of the bodice accentuates the cleavage and looks balanced with an angular chin.
The semi-sweetheart neckline is more or less the same sans the plunging point.
Looks best on: Plus size, petite, and pear shaped bodies (skinny upper and narrow shoulders), and angular face shapes with a short neck and chin.
Most common on: Wedding, quinceanera, and prom dresses
2. Halter Neckline
What is it: The fabric wraps around your neck, leaving the shoulders bare, and comes down diagonally under your armpit meeting at the back, adding volume to the upper part of your body.
Looks best on: Small and medium bust, broad shoulders but not sloppy ones
Most common on: Formal gowns and bikini tops
3. High Neckline (Built-up or Funnel Neckline)
What is it: This fitted neckline starts from a few inches below the chin (collar), bulking up the collar zone. It adds volume to the neckline, making a long neck appear shorter.
Looks best on: Slender and square shaped body, narrow shoulders, thin neck and oval face
Most common on: A-line dresses, tops, and sweaters
4. Crew Neckline
What is it: A basic Round neckline, known as scoop when it is deep and daring. Sometimes, it ends at the base of your neck, creating another round style known as jewel. When the neckline is deep, with the length being more than the width, it is known as a U neckline. All these variations flatter the shoulder in their own way.
Wrap dresses often have a keyhole under the crew neckline which is a statement itself.
Features it looks best on: Long neck, small to medium bust, and wide shoulders
Most common on: T-shirts, blouses, and sundresses
5. Off-Shoulder (Strapless or Bardot Neckline)
What is it: This neckline typically ends on your upper arms, revealing the shoulder, collarbone and the neck. It has a shoulder broadening effect and elongates the overall appearance.
Looks best on: Small and medium bust lines, well toned arms and shoulders, athletic, skinny and hourglass figures
Most common on: Wedding gowns and mini cocktail dresses
6. Square Neckline
What is it: A square cut angular neckline revealing your collarbone and neck. It broadens the shoulder, balances the roundness of the face with angular style, and elongates the necklines. When there is more curves on the neckline, it is known as the Florentine style.
Looks best on: Petite shoulders of pear shaped bodies, round face, and a small neck
Most common on: Tank tops and bodycon dresses
7. Boat Neckline (Bateau or Princess)
What is it: This horizontal neckline runs along your collarbone and stretches from the front to back, meeting at the shoulders. This style widens the shoulder and adds volume to your bust line. Sabrina is just another variation with a subtle change in the length.
Looks best on: Pear-shaped body with small shoulders and small bust
Most common on: Mid-length bodycon dresses
8. “V” Neckline
What is it: Just like its name, the “v” neckline has a deep vertical plunge, similar to the English alphabet. It lengthens and slims down your figure, and short face, while shortening a broad shoulder.
Looks best on: Small, medium, and large bust, curvy and apple shaped bodies
Most common on: T-shirts, rompers and kimono dresses
9. Button-Up Neckline
What is it: A typical neckline exclusive for shirts. With its graceful style, it accentuates curvy shapes and athletic bodies
Looks best on: Short and medium bust lines and curves
Most common on: Formal shirts
10. One Shoulder Asymmetrical Neckline
What is it: It covers one shoulder with a strap and reveals the other, accentuating both shoulders and collarbones.
Looks best on: Narrow shoulders and slender arms
Most common on: Maxi dresses and tops
11. Pentagonal Neckline
What is it: Technically a fusion of sweetheart and square necklines, with a pointy plunge. It elongates the figure with its vertical silhouette. Sometimes it is combined with a small high-neck collar to create the Queen Anne neckline.
Looks best on: Narrow shoulders, small and medium busts, small and petite figures
Most common on: Mid-length dresses
12. Illusion Neckline
What is it: Strapless neckline with a sheer fabric layer giving it a high neck finish. The sheer part may actually look like it’s not there, so you appear to be wearing only the strapless part.
Looks best on: Pear shaped and hourglass figures
Most common on: Wedding and party gowns
Any neckline rightly complements your figure only when it is accompanied with the perfect pieces of jewelry. Also, the hairstyles are changeable, as it depends more on the occasion than the dress.
