Neckline does more work than almost anything else in an outfit. It frames your face, it decides where the eye goes first, and it sets whether a look reads relaxed or deliberate.
Open necklines
V necks, square necks and scoop necks all show a little collarbone and draw the eye up, which lengthens the torso. A square neck is the most modern of the three and sits beautifully under a blazer.
V necks, square necks and scoop necks all show a little collarbone and draw the eye up, which lengthens the torso.
High necklines
Mock necks and crew necks still work. The trick is to keep the rest streamlined, a close shoulder and a clean sleeve, and let the neckline be the only volume above the waist.
Halters and one shoulders
These frame the shoulder and work best when your hair is up or swept to one side. Keep jewellery minimal, the neckline is already the statement.
Matching necklines to jewellery
A square or scoop neck takes a short pendant well. A V neck suits a longer chain that follows the same line. With a halter, skip the necklace and wear an earring instead.
One rule worth keeping
Whatever the shape, the seam should sit flat against your skin without gaping. If it gaps, the garment is too wide through the chest, not too big overall.
