Necklace Styling 101: What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline?

Undoubtedly, necklaces can add instant sparkle and perk to the look of any outfit. But with so many necklace styles and necklines out there, it can be tricky to determine which necklace would be appropriate for your ensemble. Sounds relatable?

Well, the good news is that we intend to make things less stressful and easier for you. Take notes because we’re about to shed some light on the different types of necklines and the best necklaces to go with them.

Say goodbye to your necklace styling woes and let’s get started!

Factors to Consider When Deciding What Necklace to Wear With What Neckline

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What do you want your necklace to do for you?

Do you want your pretty neckpiece to steal the spotlight, accentuate your facial features or merely draw attention to what you’re wearing?

2. Where do you want to create a focal point?

All eyes will naturally fall where your necklace falls; for instance, if a neckpiece ends under your bust, you will draw attention to the narrowest point on your rib cage. Therefore, it’s best to keep the focal area and necklace length in mind while selecting a necklace for your neckline.

3. What is the shape of your neckline?

Is it long or wide enough for your neckpiece to shine through? Or does the shape contradict the neckpiece? E.g., necklace pendants with softer edges best compliment the curves of a sweetheart neckline, whereas necklaces with sharp edges may cause a blunt and confusing disruption.

4. How to complement the neckline in the best possible way?

If your neckline is already busy, it’s best not to overcrowd it with a statement necklace. Or if it’s already low, don’t go lower with a neckpiece.

What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline?

1. Crew Neckline

Crew neck outfits feature a basic, round and close-fitting neckline. So, if you want to transform this old-school look into something fashionably striking, we suggest infusing a hint of drama with your (you guessed it!) necklace. You can opt for choker-style pieces or create a collar effect with rivière-style necklaces. However, if you want to add some structure to your crew necks, you can pair them with station necklaces as well.

2. V Neckline

When it comes to V-neck tops and dresses, you can either choose a necklace that mimics the cut of the dress with a V-shaped necklace or a triangular pendant that ends just above the neckline. However, if your V-neck dress or top is wide or if you wish to make a plain jane outfit look dressy, we recommend layering pendants over your V-neck top. This will highlight your decolletage and help create an illusion of a longer neck.

Are you new to layering necklaces or don’t know how many necklaces are too many necklaces? We’ve got you covered with these easy tips for layering necklaces.

3. Halter Neckline

Halter neck tops and dresses are fun to wear AND accessorize! The halter neckline emphasizes your shoulders and makes them look slimmer. Since this neckline already makes quite a statement on its own, we recommend offsetting it with symmetrical lariats or sleek pendants. Most halter neckline outfits have the same effect as a V-neck. Therefore, you can go for pendant necklaces with sharp-ended designs.

4. Turtleneck

Raise your hand if you love wearing turtleneck sweaters during winter. They’re classic and stylish, and they keep us and our necks warm. But styling them is an entirely different story! Luckily there are a bunch of necklaces you can experiment with the next time you don a turtleneck.

The first (and the most widely known) way is to accessorize your turtle neck with a dainty pendant. This will give it a minimal yet subtle look, perfect for your work days. And if you want to make your whole look pop, you can choose a gemstone pendant necklace. However, if your OOTD could use a little more glamour, you can also opt for a long chain necklace. It’ll look visually interesting, fill in the space between your high neck and waist and elongate your torso. Layering necklaces is another way to add a focal point to an otherwise plain turtleneck.

If you’re planning to flaunt multiple necklaces, then we recommend you also learn how to keep necklaces untangled, so that you can pull off this look hassle-free!

5. Off-Shoulder Neckline

Off-shoulder dresses and tops show off your shoulders beautifully but they also draw attention to your bare neckline. While you don’t want your jewelry to be a distraction, you want the attention focused upwards with this neckline; which is why a statement pendant necklace would work beautifully.

6. Sweetheart Neckline

A favorite of many, the sweetheart neckline exudes a sweet, feminine appeal. It’s very easy to go OTT with this particular style, so we urge you to keep two things in mind to avoid overdoing the accessories: First, this neckline is eye-catching, so consider simple yet prominent neckpieces to be your BFF. Second, since this is a curved, heart-shaped neckline, pick a necklace that enhances the curves as against pieces with sharp angles since they will cause a blunt and confusing disruption.

You want to pick mid-length necklaces with soft edges as they lead the eye right to the heart of the neckline. You can also opt for wider pendant necklaces to balance the open space around your neck. Trust us; both these styles will look spectacular with this neckline.

7. Square Neckline

Unlike the sweetheart neckline, the square neckline is angular and contrasts the body’s natural curves. The golden rule of thumb for this neckline is to avoid choosing pendants that’ll make you look too ‘boxy. Rather choose pieces that blend in with this shape and create a harmonized look. Your best bet would be pendants with sharper angles or geometric patterns. They’ll soften the ‘boxy’ look of this neckline plus add an edge to your attire.

8. Scoop Neckline

We all have days when we want to feel ‘sexy’. Such occasions have us reaching out for our beloved scoop neck tops and dresses. Scoop necks have a U-shape with usually a deep, wide curve.

If you wish to emphasize the collarbone, choose a short, rounded necklace, or go big and bold with short neckpieces with optimum volume. Even a pearl-strand necklace would add that oomph to this neckline.

9. One-Shoulder Neckline

This neckline is already prominent and topsy-turvy. So, you want to offset it by bringing back attention to your face. It is best to skip a necklace and instead create a visual balance with the help of statement earrings. Long danglers, edgy hoops or drop earrings embellished with vibrant gemstones would do the trick!

10. Boat Neckline

Boat necks exhibit a broad neckline that stretches wide across the collarbone. This is a classic neckline with a very graceful appeal, so you want to accessorize with a necklace that’s just as graceful. Enter long layered necklaces. They will draw the eye inward, add length to your look and infuse elegance into your attire. Alternatively, you can choose a princess or a matinee necklace with this neckline.

In case you need a little help breaking out of a layered-necklace styling rut, we recommend reading our necklace layering ideas.

11. Button-Up Shirt

Are you someone who reaches out for their favorite plain white shirt again and again? Well, in that case, you already know how it can look a bit too repetitive. The good news is that you can spruce it up with short round necklace(s) to add a flair without being too overpowering. It’s business-like yet playful, toeing the line between traditional and sexy. Who else is excited to score major style points with this one?

12. Button-Down Shirt

A button-down shirt, like a crisp oxford or a silky blouse, is a wardrobe staple for most of us. It’s versatile and honestly, works almost for any occasion. You can wear it to the office, a brunch with friends, a date night or even while running errands – The possibilities are truly endless!

The best way to accentuate this neckline would be with a delicate and dainty necklace. For the ultimate stylish yet laidback look, grab your favorite shirt, throw on some mom jeans, a pair of bold flats and a gemstone pendant necklaceand voila, you are ready to SLAY!

13. Cowl Necks

With its folds and draping fabric, a cowl neck already has so much going on. The last thing you want to do is overcrowd the area with a necklace and have it compete with your neckline. Therefore, it is best to wear these garments with large hoop earrings that complement the bold neckline or just diamond studs for that subtle hint of sparkle.

PS: For a touch of added drama, you can pull back your hair in a bun and throw on your oversized sunnies!

General Tips To Follow When Deciding What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline

• Don’t leave too much space between your necklace and neckline.
• Wear simple and long necklaces when your outfit has a lot going on to prevent a confusing look. A pearl strand or a solitaire pendant necklace would look best with such necklines.
• Avoid wearing necklaces when the necklines are embellished with bling or bows.
• There are times when the neckline commands a statement necklace. In such situations, avoid teaming your necklace with statement earrings. Choose one of the two to prevent a cluttered look.
• Make sure your necklace accentuates your face shape and enhances your features. You do not want to add length to an oval-shaped face or shorten a round face with your accessories.

Necklace Styling 101: What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline? FAQs

• What kind of necklace to wear with a high neckline?
  High necklines, like halter necks or turtlenecks, create an upside-down V that narrows your shoulders and lengthens your torso. Therefore, you must go for lariat necklaces or long necklaces that do not compete with a high collar.
• What necklace to wear with a halter neckline?
  Most halter necks look stunning with symmetrical lariats or necklaces with sleek pendants. However, if your outfit does have a V-neckline, we recommend a V-necklace that mimics the neck.
• What necklace to wear with a sweetheart neckline?
  You can go for mid-length necklaces with soft edges or wider pendant necklaces.
• What necklace to wear with round necklines?
  If you’re wearing a round neckline, like a crew neck or scoop neck, make sure your necklace is also a round shape. Don’t choose a V-shaped necklace or one with a pointed pendant.