The Right Neckline for You...

Just had to share this with you ladies from our friends at Victoria Kay... Finding the perfect neckline to suit you on your wedding day. Illustrations by Benjamin John Ellerby at BJE art.

Every woman has their own characteristic facial features and body shapes, and when it comes to choosing an outfit, it’s the neckline that is likely to make all the difference between a look that flatters your figure and face, and one that accentuates your less-than-perfect parts.

Without a doubt, when choosing the right outfit to flatter the most – to make the look appears taller, slimmer and more stylish – women are required to look for necklines that complement their body frame, wardrobe and lifestyle.

Whether taking the plunge or cover up, V-neck, boat-neck, halter neck or strapless, necklines have the ability to remove pounds, as well as to give an air of sophistication and lend comfort – or do the opposite. You have to factor in your bust size, neck length, height and even face shape. Learn some of these guides to discovering which necklines work for you, and which should be avoided by one specific frame.

V Neckline

Because it gives vertical impression to the outfit, this type of neckline can create a leaner, longer, and taller silhouette. It’s universally flattering and popular for all figures, as it can create a balanced look, not only draws the eye upward to the face but also enhance the neck and elongate the body. Plus, there’s also versatility in a V-neck because you can lower or raise the V with a button-down shirt.

Especially for those who have broad shoulders, thick torsos, or short necks, this neckline is well suggested. But overall, depending on cut of the neckline, whether you are petite, skinny, or plus size, the V-neck flatters almost every body shapes. And for those with a large bust, watch the cut. A very high V can make a large bust look saggy, while a plunging V can be too revealing, while a wide V balances out pear shapes.

 Suit for almost every body type and size, but best recommended for:
– Those who have a large bust or like a little cleavage
– Full figured women as it give vertical illusion to the outfit which is good for
– A good bra gives maximum uplift and a great cleavage, which look fabulous with this neckline
– Short neck and broad shoulders as it draws attention to the centre
– Wide, round, and square jaws as it elongates face shape

Boat Neck

Also known as princess or bateau neckline, boatneck is great for offsetting wide hips since it softly follows curve of the collarbone and tends to make shoulders visually wider.  Generally, these look best on women with long necks and smaller heads because the style can make both look wider. So, pay attention if you have broad shoulders because this can also make your shoulders look even broader.

It enhances chest area so it’s great for ladies with small chest. These look best on hourglass figures, and because it covers the arms elegantly and comfortably, it’s also best suited for women with bulky arms. But if you have a short, thick neck or double chin, be careful with this high necked style, as it will only call attention to these areas.

 Best recommended for:
– Average to small busted ladies as it gives the illusion of larger breasts
– Narrow shoulders – particularly if reinforced with small shoulder pads
– Banana (Rectangle) body shape as it balances up the shoulders
– Long face as it cuts the length of the facial structure
– Long neck
– Beautiful collarbone

Halter Neck

Because they attract attention to the centre of the body, halters are perfect for women with tall and/or broad shoulders. They cut broad shoulder lines up and also add curves. This shape is incredibly flattering, and also very flexible that can be worn well by almost any kind of body shape, particularly for those with hourglass type. However, for the busted ladies, especially if they also have bulky arms, pay more attention since this neckline also creates the impression of greater volume, making you look wider than you actually are.

Suited for almost every body type and size, but best recommended for:
– Well-toned arms
– Good shoulders
– Average to small busted ladies

Scoop Neckline

Generally, these can be worn by almost every silhouette. This neckline displays the collarbone beautifully and elongates a short or thick neck, but depending on its cut, different body type has different width of scoop.  A wide or large scooped neckline on a shirt, for example, tends to flatter women with narrow shoulders since it makes the shoulders appear wider. It also fits better for smaller chests or women with athletic body types

As for bustier ladies or those with broad shoulders, they can do a smaller scoop to disguise their large bust area – unless they want to show much of their cleavage. 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. However, the curvy neckline also highlights a round, full face.

Best recommended for:
– Short neck, long face, or narrow shoulders as it gives the illusions of longer and wider look
– Hourglass shape as it creates a balanced look between upper and lower body part
– Great to create an illusion of large bust.

Sweetheart Neckline

Just like its name, a sweetheart neckline forms two curves like a type of heart shape at the bust line that rise over the underarms and reach high over the breasts. Since this neckline has a shape to provide considerable coverage to the breasts, this works well in accentuating cleavage and perfect for large busted ladies. A sweetheart neckline gives a lot of room to work with since the shoulders are mostly bare – especially if it’s strapless.

The best thing about this shape, it visually elongates the face and provides proportional balance to the overall silhouette. The shape is quite different from a V neck, although it may somehow appear the same to some people.

Suits for almost everyone, but best recommended for:
– Busted ladies – to accentuate cleavage
– Short chin and neck
– Angular face shape as it balances the contours of the sweetheart
– Petite women with small breasts and narrow shoulders may wear them to show more curves

Strapless (Tube)

It’s one of the most favourites among women and is widely used for cocktail party or special occasion. Because it shows great value around neck and arms area, a strapless top tends to be most flattering on women who have wider shoulders and a small bust-line. In some cases, this neckline doesn’t fit all body types. In fact, because it leaves shoulders and arms fully displayed, women with medium or small breasts – preferably thin – take most benefit from this look.

On the other hand, if you are with curves and full chested, it’s actually fine to go bra-less as long as you know how to pull the look off with comfort, confidence and elegance. Go for seamless shaping garments or a strapless bra with great support. Stay clear of clear bra straps and uncomfortable sticky bra pads. Women with petite figure, however, can also invest in this neckline to give longer and taller silhouette. A strapless style also helps to elongate the neck.
Suits for almost every body type and size, but if you are busted lady, just make sure you have good support throughout the day.

This is best recommended for:
– Long Neck
– Well-toned arms
– Good Shoulders
– Medium Bust