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Our favorite thing about getting dressed is deciding what necklace to wear with our neckline. It’s a trick that when mastered can elevate your style and outfit to effortlessly chic. The key word here is effortless which is why we’re exploring which necklaces go with which necklines and simple dos and don’ts to think about while getting dressed.
We’ve also made a great cheat sheet that you can quickly use to look your best when accessorising and choosing your jewelry. It’s easy to get favorite go-to necklaces for your favorite outfits and a quick and easy way to elevate your style.
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Necklace for Crew Necks
Crew Neckline
Crew necklines are very versatile when it comes to necklaces. The trick is to play with length rather than the style of the necklace. The necklace should be just longer than the neckline or just shorter. A cute short chain with a dainty pendant will look chic with a crew neck. Alternatively, you can wear your favorite pendant slightly longer than the crew neckline. This combination especially looks effortlessly stylish with coin pendants or lockets which have a slightly more substantial pendant.
With crew necks, it’s best to avoid chokers or very long necklaces, and we would also recommend keeping your necklaces symmetrical. If you want to introduce a stronger point of difference, we suggest layering two or three pendants like this to create a detailed and asymmetric look.
Necklaces for V necks
V Neck
Most people will own a necklace that suits a V-neck as they pair well with necklaces that mimic their shaped and naturally falls in a V shape. The pendant shouldn’t be too big or too small so that space around your necklace and neckline in proportion. The pendants should gracefully sweep alongside the neckline without falling into or over the neckline and shouldn’t be too short either. A good guideline is that the necklace and neckline should have an inch of space between them.
With V-Necks you will want to avoid anything that’s too wide or doesn’t complement the v shape. For example, statement bib necklaces look amazing with buttoned-up collared shirt and crew necks, but as most of them fall in a round shape it will look out of place over a V-shape. Just like the crew neck, it’s best to avoid wearing asymmetric necklaces as the V shape is such a key feature of the outfit an asymmetric necklace will detract from this and make the outfit appear more busy or fussy.
Necklace for Boat Neck
Boat Neckline
Boat necklines (also known as bateau) is a high neckline that’s wide across the décolletage. As it’s a wide neckline it’s complemented by necklaces that are longer than the neckline. The style is up to you! You could pair a boat neckline with a double row of pearls for a ladylike look or wear with a slightly longer chain pendant for easy weekend wear like this one.
The trick is that the longer necklace balances and complements the wide neckline. Avoid anything that’s shorter than this neckline especially chokers and also avoid anything that could fall down your neckline. Boat necklines are also quite good for asymmetrical necklaces such as multi-strand necklaces with varying sized beads or pendants.
Necklace for Off-Shoulder Top
Off-Shoulder Top
An off the shoulder top could be a bandeau or a Bardot top; they are both off the shoulder tops, but a Bardot top still has sleeves. Bardot’s are more likely to have a straight across neckline that shows off décolletage and a bandeau can have a more sculpted neckline like a sweetie neckline. Both of these tops look great with short necklaces like chokers which don’t break up the outfit and still mean your décolletage is the focus point.
You can wear longer necklaces with these as well. Mixing a summery Bardot top and long necklace gives a real bohemian vibe. Beaded necklaces also look lovely with Bardot tops as well. If you’re wearing a bandeau style off the should top we’d recommend sticking to the shorter necklaces as a long necklace will look out of balance with this neckline, especially a sweetie neckline.
Necklace with Collared Shirts
Collared Shirt
Surprisingly, collared shirts are probably more versatile than might you think. As you can change things up by wearing the buttons done up all the way or leaving a couple undone, it’s easy to create entirely different looks with a collar and the right necklace.
One of our favorite ways to pair a necklace with a collared shirt is by wearing a statement bib necklace like this one over the shirt. The color block of most shirts will highlight the necklace as a feature piece, and this will make the high neckline look less conservative. You can also wear the collar open and turn this neckline into a V-Neck which makes it perfect for layered chains and pendants.
Necklaces for a Turtle Neck
Turtle Neck
Turtle necklaces are a staple layering piece that you can wear with jeans or under a dress for colder months. When you wear a turtleneck, long necklaces look amazing with the high collar as they draw the eye down and elongate the body. As a layering piece it’s easy to chuck on a gorgeous long necklace over a turtleneck and be on your way. This also works if you’re wearing a funnel or turtleneck knitwear too! Don’t be afraid if your necklace swings while you walk. Own it with confidence or start with a smaller lighter pendant if you want to avoid this. A sleek and understated chain will look gorgeous over a plain turtleneck top.
Necklaces for a Halter Top
Halter necks are a tricky one to pair a necklace with as the detail of the top means that it creates a narrow space for a necklace to sit so rather than focusing on a length choose a necklace that has a narrow width or choose an angular pendant. Avoid short necklaces that will detract detail away from the straps and also avoid statement bib necklaces.
Are there any necklines that you shouldn’t wear a necklace with?
This is really a personal styling choice as there is a necklace to suit every neckline, but your overall look will achieve more impact and look stylish if you make sure to balance your other jewelry with. For example, off the shoulder necklines can be tricky to pair with a necklace and might look better with a statement pair of earrings but don’t be afraid to try a cute pendant and see how you look and feel.
Do: Try lots of different combinations to see what looks good in your jewelry box with your wardrobe.
Don’t: Don’t be afraid to layer several necklaces. Sometimes adding another necklace might just make the perfect look.
Necklaces with Low Cut Necklines
Wearing a necklace with a low-cut neckline is a highly contested debate, and the best way to think is about the occasion and whether it’s appropriate. Necklaces can look very sexy with a deep V-neck, but we’d recommend striking the right balance. If you want to wear a necklace with a deep V-neck, then that should be a feature part of your outfit, so perhaps wear a plain dress rather than a print or mix it long sleeves or a midi length skirt. If you’re looking for a real va-va-voom, then chokers and lariat necklaces can also look really sexy when combined with the right neckline.
Necklace for Neckline Cheat Sheet
| Neckline | Dos | Don’ts |
| Crew | One to two inches above or below the neckline. Also looks goods layered. | Anything too long or too short. Asymmetrical necklaces. |
| V | Matching Vs and symmetry. | Wide Necklaces, Statement Bibs, Chokers. |
| Boat | Necklaces longer than the neckline | Chokers |
| Off the Shoulder | Chokers, Very short pendants | Statement pieces |
| Collared Shirts | Medium length pendants and statement necklaces. | Multiple Strands, Super Long Necklaces |
| Turtleneck | Super long pedants | Very short necklaces, anything that’s above your bust. |
| Halter | Angular pendant | Anything too wide or short. |
Our favorite thing about learning these tips is it gives us an excuse to try on all our clothes and see which necklaces you think look best! It’s also a smart idea to layer your necklaces together to see which combinations stand out and then think of outfits that you can wear these with too. A way to inspire yourself and get creative is to set a goal of never wearing the same necklace two days in a row. Always switch it up for a different one or layer another one on top. Exploring your personal style is fun, and with our handy cheat sheet, you’ll be out the door in no time!
FAQs
What necklace to wear with round neck top? ›
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.
High necklines don't leave much room for necklaces, so make your other jewelry pieces the point of focus. Statement earrings are the ideal jewelry for a high-neck dress, and you can complete the ensemble with a bracelet, if you like.
What neckline to wear a short necklace with? ›A crew neck shortens the neck and gives the illusion of a fuller chest. This neckline looks great with short necklace lengths, such as a choker or collar style.
How do you pick the right shape of a necklace? ›Before purchasing any necklace, take the time to measure around your neck and down to the focal point you prefer. Using a string or another necklace is an easy way to do this. Write down your measurement. For chokers, add two inches to your neck measurement for a comfortable length.
How do I know what necklace suits me? ›For a super-quick way to figure out the perfect necklace length, measure the extended length of the necklace you wear most often (or the clasped length, then double it). That's likely the most flattering length for you, or the one that works best with your wardrobe.
What kind of necklace do you wear with an off the shoulder top? ›Choker necklaces work very well with both traditional off-shoulder dresses and modern off-shoulder dresses.
What kind of necklaces go with round faces? ›With a round-shaped face, you should look for necklaces between 20” to 25” to elongate your face. This helps to create a heart-shaped look by lowering the position of your eyes. If your face is more oval-shaped, you will probably find that you can be quite flexible with your necklace length choices.
What neckline is best for a round face? ›Round Face Shape
Width: Go for wider necklines to make your face appear more balanced. Avoid rounded necklines with crew or bateau neckline. Depth: Try for lower necklines to create length, so collared shirt that open at the neck creates a great balance for your face shape.
What is the Most Flattering Necklace Length? The standard necklace measures 16 inches (choker length). This length is flattering on all women and it usually falls on the clavicle.
Should you wear a necklace with a low neckline? ›If you choose to wear a necklace with a low neckline, make sure it is a delicate piece that will not overpower your look. You also want to be careful not to wear a necklace that is too long, as it could end up looking like you are trying to hide something. Choose a necklace that suits the look you're going for.
Who should wear a sweetheart neckline? ›
For those with smaller busts, it gives the illusion of curves without feeling overdone. A sweetheart neckline lengthens a shorter neck while adding roundness to those with square jaws. Because of this flattering style, it's a common pick for wedding and cocktail dresses – but don't neglect it for daily wear either!
What shape is almost fit to all kinds of necklace? ›The oval face is soft and curved, slightly longer than it is wide. This face shape can wear almost any neckline or jewelry style.
Are longer or shorter necklaces better? ›A long necklace tends to overwhelm a smaller frame. Women who fall between the height of 5'4” to 5'7” can wear necklace of any length. Taller women who are 5'7” or above can wear any length necklace. Longer chain style necklaces look best on taller women as they accentuate a tall frame.
What is the best chain length for a woman? ›The most common women's necklace chain length is 18 inches. This size fits the average sized woman. Refer to the chart above for more details about they types of necklines that go best with different length necklace chains.
Can I wear a necklace with a high neck dress? ›Similar to a halter neck dress, a high neck dress leaves little space for a necklace. Dangling diamond earrings or a pair of daring earrings that go up the ear would work well with this style dress. Another option of jewellery with a high neck dress is bracelets.
Do you guys know where I can get a necklaces with a T on it? ›' In season 2 episode 13, Maeby does the same thing: Maeby: Do you guys know where I can get one of those gold necklaces with a "T" on it? Michael: That's a cross.
Do necklaces make you look more attractive? ›Necklaces
The second place on our list is reserved for a piece of jewelry that is probably the sexiest and most feminine jewelry a woman can wear. That's right, number two on our list is necklaces. A necklace is a real eye-catcher.
You must definitely avoid chokers, collars and princess lengths especially if you have a shorter and wider neck. The round face is ideal for wearing long, drooping, vertical and dangly earrings. Any styles with a strong vertical line are most flattering on round faces.
Do you wear a necklace with an off-the-shoulder top? ›As drop-shoulder dresses mean to be asymmetrical, the trick is to go as the neckline goes. Choose an asymmetrical necklace. An angular, abstract motif or design would be the best-suited necklace for your off-shoulder top or dress. We suggest something like our Pro Power Diamond Necklace.
Do you wear a necklace with one shoulder top? ›A long necklace generally works with a one shoulder dress because it hangs low enough to show up without getting lost in dress material. You can double loop a long necklace to make the jewelry more prominent and shorten the length.
What type of necklace does not pull your hair? ›
In general as a rule of thumb, bolder thicker and larger linked chains with simple shapes are least likely to pull on your hairs.
Can round face wear choker necklace? ›No choker necklaces as they tend to make a round face rounder. Make sure not to pick a necklace that starts and ends very high up the neck. Avoid round jewellery designs. Whether it is the end of your maangtikka, mathapatti the earrings or the pendant of your necklace, Round designs will make the face look rounder.
What part looks best on round faces? ›Round Face: Middle or Deep Side Part
“If you have a round shape, the ideal part line is down the middle or a deep side part,” Fowler says. “Both of these parts will give the illusion of length and create symmetry around your face.” If your face shape is round, part your hair down the middle or with a deep side part.
Long before Oprah wore her circle of life necklace on her show, this simple geometric symbol has had significant meaning in all cultures throughout history. The message is as simple and beautiful as the design itself: Unity, Wholeness and Completeness.
Which neckline is best to look slimmer? ›Halter necklines highlight shoulders while moving the eye upward for a balancing effect. This shape can flatter a variety of body types while also making your necklines appear slimmer. These halter necks can make your neck appear longer and thinner.
What neckline makes you look younger? ›Pay attention to the neckline.
You may try to hide an aging neck under your clothes, but in fact, an open neckline will make you look younger and more attractive. Try a V-neck sweater, jacket, or dress with a narrow, ruffled collar.
Scoop Neckline
While large scoop necks create curves, a low scooped neckline can also give the illusion of a longer neck and is flattering to those carrying extra fat under the chin.
Women's necklaces usually range between 16 inches and 20 inches, with the most popular length measuring at 18 inches. The way the necklace rests will be determined by the unique shape of a women's body – so we recommend taking in factors like neck size and torso length.
How thick should a woman's necklace be? ›As a rule of thumb, average chain width for women is around 1mm and the most common styles are cable, rope, and wheat chains.
How long should a necklace be for a large woman? ›Necklaces that are too short may not fit at all. 16" or 41cm - "Choker Length" wraps loosely around the base of the neck like a collar. On a petite woman it will hit your collarbone while for plus size women it might feel more like a choker. 18" or 46cm - "Princess Length" sits just below the throat at the collarbone.
What neckline looks best with a choker? ›
Chokers pair best with strapless necklines. That is because chokers draw attention to your neck and away from your stomach. If you don't have a chocker, you can go for shorter pendants, as a strapless outfit can also be the perfect moment to show your style.
What jewelry to wear with a low neckline? ›Low-cut and plunging necklines are often best complemented by a statement choker or collar. A thick choker necklace can create a unique, eye-catching look without detracting from the neckline. You can also wear layered necklaces in different lengths.
Do necklaces make your neck look smaller? ›Wear Long Necklaces
Just as an open or long neckline will flatter a shorter neck, so will a long necklace. The vertical line of a long chain will give you an instant lengthening effect.
Sweetheart Necklines: Medium length pendants or medium length drop necklaces perfectly accent the dip in a sweetheart neckline. Simple necklaces, earrings, and bracelets tend to work best with sweetheart necklines, since this dress style has a delicate, romantic look.
What is a princess neckline? ›The sweetheart neckline—which is actually shaped like the top half of a heart— accentuates the decolletage. It's also commonly known as the "princess neckline," because of its soft edges and feminine shape.
Where should your hair neckline be? ›The best neck line is a natural neck line. Most people have some sort of cowlick, duck tail, or uneven line at the back of their neck. This means tapering the neck line is the most flattering.
What is the most popular style of necklace? ›Chain Necklace
Among the most common types of necklaces, chains come in all lengths and widths. They can have anything from one to many layers, and most have more than two. They also come in a variety of metallic hues, including white gold, silver, gold, and rose gold.
The rope chain is the most common type of necklace chain. A rope chain is also called a standard or cable chain because the rope looks like a cable.
What necklaces can you wear all the time? ›When it comes to figuring out what kind of jewelry is sweat- and water-resistant (whether it's rings, necklaces, earrings, or even a medical bracelet), check that it's solid gold, gold filled, or sterling silver. These metals are also hypoallergenic, which means it won't make your skin break out, itch, or turn green.
Are tight necklaces in style? ›One thing is for certain, chokers are a permanent fashion fixture and won't be going away trend-wise anytime soon. Today, the choker is a closet classic, always offered in many jewelry brands' permanent collections.
Is there a difference in chain over length and chain wear? ›
Over time, the chain's pins and inner links will wear, and as a result, the pitch (length) of each link will grow. Because the chain's overall length grows with wear, chain wear is commonly called 'chain stretch' – even though the metal does not (measurably) stretch.
Is an 18 inch necklace too short? ›An 18in chain length is meant for smaller neck sizes. This is generally the shortest chain length for men. At this shorter length, necklaces tend to be very tight and fall right around the base of the neck. This can be a good option for men wanting their entire chain visible without being covered by a shirt collar.
How do I know if my chain is the right length? ›Check & Remove Chain
The chain should be long enough to make this shift with two slight bends at each pulley of the rear derailleur. Next, shift to the smallest chainring and sprocket. There should be no slack in the chain, and the derailleur should not pull so far back that the chain contacts itself.
Match your necklace to your neckline.
If you are going to wear a necklace, Hartman says the general rule of thumb is to pick one that follows the neckline of your dress. V-necks work best with a pendant; chokers and statement necklaces go better with strapless and sweetheart necklines.
Collar Necklace
Shorter necklaces that rest on the collarbone are known as collar necklaces. They are the ideal necklaces to wear with a square neckline because they draw attention to the outfit and give your whole look more depth.
The right necklace lengths vary from person to person. Standard women's necklace lengths are 16 to 20 inches, but different chain lengths are appropriate for different styles and outfits.
Do you wear a necklace with an evening gown? ›The neckline of your gown will serve as the best guide for choosing jewelry. A deep V-neck calls for an elegant pendant necklace, while a sweetheart neckline or sleeveless gown looks best with a shorter, bolder necklace, or a refined choker, respectively.
What does it mean when a woman wears her wedding ring on a necklace? ›Some people believe they should not wear a ring on their finger until they are married. As a result, they wear the engagement (or any other ring) around their neck. Others believe that charms bring good fortune and consider their wedding rings to be a charm.
Do you wear a necklace with formal dress? ›When it comes to formal wear, necklaces are important. They provide a touch of elegance which is needed for formal occasions. Check out the neckline of your dress, and buy jewelry accordingly.
Who should avoid square necklines? ›Incidentally, a square neckline also helps elongate a short neck and narrow shoulders, but if you have a square-shaped face, you may want to avoid this neckline. Turtlenecks look best on people with longer faces, thin necks, and narrow shoulders. A smaller chest also helps.
What body type does square neck look good on? ›
Like the scoop and v-neckline, the square neckline is a flattering option for most body types. This neckline shows off the collarbone, which is a universally attractive feature of women. While creating the sought after long and lean look, it also provides a stylish frame without revealing too much skin.
What color necklace goes with everything? ›Neutral outfits: go with diamonds and black jewelry. All outfits go well with diamonds!
How do you tell if you should wear gold or silver with an outfit? ›- Deciding whether or not to wear gold or silver jewelry may be a struggle for you. ...
- A warm dress with earthy tones might look best with gold pieces, such as golden hoop earrings or layered necklaces. ...
- Silver, on the other hand, tends to look best with cool and icy toned clothing.
- Create layers with rings, necklaces or bangles. ...
- Know when to stop. ...
- Consider your earrings. ...
- Don't forget to change your earrings. ...
- Experiment with mixing metals. ...
- Accessorise to complement your clothing. ...
- Decide the focus of your overall outfit. ...
- Choose the focal point for your jewellery.