Golden rules for choosing the right clothes for your neckline
Short and wide neck
Good - Scoop Neck |
Bad - Crew Neck |
If you have a short or wide neck you need to lengthen your neckline by opting for lower necklines. Plunging necklines (a deep V-neck) or open necklines (scoop neck) will elongate the neck. Keep in mind that your neckline shouldn't start less than 2-3 fingers width below your collarbone. Stay away from any bulk, fuss or details such as neckties, ruffles and any high necklines like turtleneck or big stand up collars, because they will make look your neck wider, shorter or both. Opt instead for flat collars or no collars at all. Keep it clean and clutter free.
Long and Thin Neck
Good - High chunky collar |
Bad - Flat collar |
When you have a long neck then high and chunky collars are better than short, small, flat or no collar at all. Neckties, ruffles, rolls or any other bulk will complement your long neck. Higher necklines with details will work better than low necklines with these features – the exception to the rule here is when you have a big bust.
Short décolleté and Big Bust
Good - Sweetheart Neck |
Bad - Roll Collar |
The bigger your bust the lower the necklines you should go for - V-necks, scoops, squares or tops with front openings – anything that takes the eye down. Keep your necklines simple and free of any bulk and clutter. Avoid high necklines, which draw the eye up and make large breasts look lower than they really are.
Small Bust with Long décolleté
Good - Ruffles |
Bad - Scoop Neck |
If you are small chested you will benefit more from high necklines rather than low unless you decide to layer in that area, either with multiple tops, scarves or chunky jewellery. Bulk or volume in the collar line area are great features if your neck is relatively thin or long too.
Long décolleté with Normal Bust
Good - V-Neck |
Bad - Roll Neck |
If you are long in your décolleté line with a normal bust then you should avoid any high necklines. A great focal point is the area between your collar bone and the top of your bust line. But if you are bigger busted with a long décolleté line then layering, either with clothes or jewellery are fabulous options. Try a low neckline combined with a front opening shirt or multi layered necklaces.
Short décolleté with Small Bust
Good - Necktie |
Bad - Halterneck |
If you are short in your décolleté line but have a small bust you can wear the same style line as someone with a normal or long neck. But if you have a short or wide neck, then those are the rules that apply. The only difference is that you can pull off having more bulk around your chest area.
Also, remember that your décolleté line is very much determined by your skin condition and age. The more damaged it is through sun or aging, the more the phrase ‘less is more' applies. Even if you have a great bust, try to display it in an appropriate, elegant and stylish manner, one that fits with your personality and lifestyle.
Head Larger in Comparison to Body
Good - Cowl |
Bad - Square |
If your head is disproportionately bigger compared to your upper body (e.g. if you have a small ribcage and bust),try to balance it with higher necklines and features near your neck whilst easing your way downwards. If you have a short or wide neck then keep the details below collar bones rather than above or next to your neck.
Head Smaller in Comparison to Body
Good - Square |
Bad - Cowl |
If you have a smaller head in comparison to your body then don't overpower it with chunky collars, rolls or neckties because your neck will disappear under all the bulk.
Double Chin
Good - Scoop Neck |
Bad - Roll Neck |
If you've got a double chin you should avoid any sort of bulk and fuss around your neck. That includes high necklines such as turtle necks but also necklines that finish just below the double chin e.g. crew necks. You need to put some distance between your top and neck, so it draws focus downwards. Similar rules will apply here as with a short and wide neck.
Broad Shoulders
Good - V-Neck |
Bad - Bardot |
If you've got broad shoulders wear necklines that sit close to the neck and do not extend too far out towards the shoulder – you want to draw the eye into the neck. Avoid boatnecks and bardots, which will accentuate the width of the shoulders.