What Necklace To Wear With What Neckline (With Cheat Sheet) (2023)

Finding the right necklace to match your outfit, or more specifically your neckline, can be quite difficult. In fact, it’s essentially a form of art, with a careful mixture of science. You should feel free to explore your creativity, however, there are some good rules to follow to make sure your necklace compliments your neckline.

Everyone’s been in a situation where you get your perfect outfit for the day, only to realize that none of your necklaces go well with what you are wearing…or at the very least, you aren’t sure which one looks best.

In this article, we will explain exactly what necklace to wear with what neckline via a simple necklace neckline cheat sheet.

Choosing necklaces for necklines doesn’t have to be difficult. We are here to help.

Let’s get started…

Why necklines matter

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that necklaces and necklines are equally important elements and they go hand in hand. Some necklaces simply go better with certain necklines while others can totally throw off your appearance.

Therefore, when you buy necklaces, you should always keep in mind your wardrobe and what kind of shirt or dress you plan to wear it with.

Things to consider:

• Shirt and necklace color
• Necklace length
• Makeup
• Hairstyle.

In this world of ever-flowing options, it is easy to find the perfect accessory but it can also be overwhelming(…not to mention costly if you want to have a wide selection to choose from every day).

With that being said, don’t overthink it, just follow the tips in this article, use your creativity, and don’t ever be afraid to be yourself and rock what you love.

Now, before we get into what necklaces to wear with what necklines, let’s discuss the different types of necklaces so there is no confusion.

Different Necklaces & Lengths

Here are a few types of necklaces and their lengths & style.

Choker

A choker, as the name suggests, is a necklace or band of fabric that fits very closely around the neck. These are the shortest length necklaces you will find (obviously, as any shorter and they’d be bracelets). They are usually around 14-16 inches long (or should I say…”short”). They should fit high, towards the middle of your neck, without any hang. Chokers are super in right now, as you’ve likely noticed.

Princess necklace

A princess necklace is around 18-20 inches long. This is one of the most common sizes for necklaces. The necklace will fall a bit below your neck, resting nicely on your collar bone. They work incredibly well with pendants and diamonds.

Matinee necklace

Resting just at the bust line, a matinee necklace is around 22-23 inches in length. This necklace super versatile in its design and pairing for clothing.

Opera necklace

An opera necklace ranges from 26-36 inches long, resting perfectly around the breastbone. It can be worn as a single or double strand. If knotted up, it really gives off a vintage style. They are meant to hangover clothing, not under.

Rope Necklace

A rope necklace is any necklace longer than Opera necklace length. They can rest as far as your belly button and they are often made with beads or chains. Note: A lariat is a longer variation of the rope, but without the clasp. A lariat can be crossed or doubled over, knotted, or looped in a variety of ways.

Bib necklace

Although a bib necklace isn’t one of the main classifications of necklaces, we are adding it here because it is trending hot right now. Bib necklaces usually are made with multiple layers of beads, bobbles or precious stones and metals. They sit higher up than princess necklaces, just above or on the collarbone. A bib necklace is an incredibly eye-catching and ultra feminine, offering a grandeur appearance that works when dressing casually or formally.

Of course, colors and materials play a big role as well. We won’t get into all of that because it’ll be quite in-depth and the most important factors will be explained below. Nevertheless, be creative with colors and materials as you please, you are a creative, empowered woman after all.

Necklace neckline cheat sheet

V-neck

V-necks naturally pull people’s eyes to the cleavage area. Therefore, it is best that your necklace does the same.

Pendants and princess necklaces are a classic option for a v-neck. A pendant necklace is very compatible as it creates the same V shape, especially a pendant with a sharper, triangle shape.

The necklace should end just about an inch above your neckline, this is a good rule of thumb. You don’t want the pendant to be over the neckline or too short.

Furthermore, the wider the v-neck, the bigger the pendant, and vice versa. This creates proportion, which is what you want.

Avoid any necklace that doesn’t compliment the V shape, such as bib necklaces. Asymmetric necklaces and round shapes will throw off the look and appear out of place too.

18k White Gold 22ctw Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace

Boatneck

Boatneck shirts and dresses have a broad neckline, stretching wide across the collarbone. They are a very graceful neckline, requiring a necklace that is similarly just as graceful.

Necklaces that suit a boatneck are ones that won’t distract from the neckline. Elegant, minimalist necklaces are best. Moreover, princess necklaces that are either one or two string, or beads, are perfect companions for this neckline. Additionally, pearl necklaces that rest past the neckline are wonderfully tasteful and ideal thanks to the ladylike appeal. Asymmetrical necklaces with multi-strands can be a good option too.

It’s best to avoid snazzy, flashy or bold statement type necklaces when wearing a boatneck. It’s also smart to stay away from any necklace that is shorter than the neckline. Chokers definitely aren’t a good choice. Furthermore, necklaces that will fall under your neckline should be avoided.

Off the shoulder

Off the shoulder tops and dresses can be either bandeau or Bardot. Bandeaus are sleeveless and more of a young and sexy look and the necklines usually rest just above the cleavage. Bardot’s are with sleeves and more of a sensual and sophisticated look, and the necklines are likely to flaunt décolletage.

The best choices for an off the shoulder neckline are short necklaces, such as chokers and short pendants as well as statement pieces and asymmetric necklaces, allowing you décolletage to remain the focal point of your outfit.

With that being said, long necklaces work well with Bardot necklines too, such as beaded necklaces. However, if you have a bandeau style off the shoulder neckline, we highly recommend keeping to short necklaces as long necklaces create an imbalanced appearance with bandeau necklines.

Collared shirt or button down

Collared shirts are quite flexible in terms of what kind of necklaces you can wear with them, surprisingly. It makes sense if you think about it, though – It all really depends on how many buttons are done up. You can create completely unique looks simply by buttoning it differently and changing up your style of necklace.

We love to match up our collar shirts with bib necklaces worn over the fully buttoned button up. It offers a conservative yet fun appearance. Additionally, a choker style works if you have a long neck.

Another go-to option is leaving a couple buttons undone, which makes it essentially a V-neck and then the same rules apply from the v-neck section. Avoid any necklaces that are too wide, as there really isn’t enough space for them.

Turtleneck or high crew/sweater

When it comes to turtlenecks or high crew shirts and sweaters, long necklaces like rope and lariat necklaces look amazing. The high collar with the long necklaces draws the eyes down and lengthens the body. Turtlenecks make for the perfect layering piece and it’s super simple to just throw one on underneath a coat or dress then place a gorgeous long necklace over your head and be on your way. Let that necklace ‘swang’!

Long necklaces aren’t the only options, however. Small, light pendants work as well and bibs work for a crew neckline nicely.

Halter or one shoulder

A lot of women think no necklace, or should we say neckless, is the best choice for a halter or one shoulder top. This is especially true for halter tops that sit high up near your neck.

Nonetheless, you do have options. If your halter top produces a similar neckline as a v-neck, which some do, then the same rules apply. If it has a more rounded neckline, then wear a small, short pendant or a choker even. Either two will draw attention away from your chest and to your neck. You can also wear a longer necklace to draw attention to your stomach.

Strapless, low cut or tube top

Chokers go beautifully with strapless necklines. They will pull the focus to your neck rather than your stomach.

You can also go for shorter pendants in princess length for any of the three tops to keep the focus on your collarbone while accentuating your neck. This is especially nice for women with collarbones that pop.

It’s always best to avoid any necklace that will cover and take away from your décolletage.

Scoop neck

Scoop necklines have a deep curve and wide neckline. This kind of neckline is the easiest for choosing necklaces, as they go well with a wide variety of styles and lengths.

A good choice will be one that takes up that open space. A necklace with volume, layers or multiple strands will look fantastic.

As versatile as they are, you should keep away from necklaces that fall below the neckline of the scoop or necklaces that are so tiny they barely take up any of that large space from your neck to neckline. This means chokers and very short pendants.

Asymmetrical necklines

Asymmetrical or uneven necklines go well with asymmetric necklaces. Makes sense right? They complete the overall asymmetrical look. A necklace with different shapes of beads could be very nice for this kind of neckline.

Play it safe by wearing a choker or a pendant necklace that falls above the neckline. You can play it even safer and wear no necklace, which is something many women opt to do when wearing asymmetrical tops or dresses. A simple dangling earring will be more than enough to complete the elegant look of the asymmetrical neckline dress.

Sweetheart neckline

A sweetheart neckline accentuates your neck, shoulder and usually the upper breast. A necklace that follows this effect is ideal. A necklace with a wider style pendant will create balance to the open space. Although, small petite pendants work as well.

Go for curvy and soft angles rather than sharp, hard angles. Moreover, choker and princess necklaces are much better than long rope or opera length necklaces.

Square neckline

Pendants with rigid angles go well with square necklines, they make for a nice harmonized look. Any length will work just so long as it isn’t past your neckline. A good necklace length will fall somewhere above the neckline. You want to avoid a necklace that falls below your neckline as it will not match and it could make you appear shorter, while also drawing attention away from your neck and chest.

More tips for choosing the right necklace for your neckline:

• Be creative and be yourself.
• Don’t be afraid to try out different combos to find what looks good with your existing wardrobe and necklace collection.
• Layer multiple necklaces to see how it looks, you might just create an amazing look.
• Go for simple styles during the day and fancier, more intricate styles for nights out. The time of the day makes a big difference, so does the occasion.
• Don’t just consider the neckline, take the outfit as a whole into account. This means colors and patterns. If your clothing is bold and unique, go for a simpler necklace, and vice versa.
• Consider buying an adjustable necklace. They can adjust to the exact length you want and they are some of the hottest options in the industry right now.

Buy necklaces at Diamonds by Raymond Lee in Boca Raton

If you a looking for fine, high-end necklaces for your wonderful wardrobe full of different necklines, Diamonds by Raymond Lee offers a wide range of gorgeous necklaces in various length and styles. We can help you choose the best necklace for any neckline, so you can create the most stunning look that will astonish your friends and loved ones while giving you a look of prestige that can’t be beaten. Our prices are super competitive and the quality and service unparalleled. You can shop online or come into our boutique showroom in South Florida’s city of Boca Raton any time. We look forward to hearing from you!