The Best Neckline for Your Face and Body Shape

Necklines come and go in popularity. A year hood is everywhere; Then, you’ll see boat collars in every store. Knowing which shape makes your silhouette stand out can be a useful tool when choosing tops and dresses. Below you will find some proportion tips to help you choose the best neckline for your face and body.

“Fashion is architecture: it’s a matter of proportion.” – Coco Chanel

Let’s start with your body shape. This post has become very popular, so I’ve updated it with new information and links.

Round or apple-shaped shape

The round or apple body shape is narrow at the top and bottom and fuller across the abdomen. Your shoulders can be broad, narrow, or rounded, and your back is usually straight. Round and deep V-necklines look good on you as they elongate your torso and draw attention to your face. Turtlenecks will make your chest look bigger than it is.

triangular body shape

Triangular or pear-shaped figures have narrow shoulders and wide hips. The bateau, square, cowl and rhinestone neckline adds width to stabilize your hips. V-necklines are universally flattering, but tall, wider styles look best on you because they draw the eye towards your shoulder.

inverted triangle

Inverted triangle figures have broad shoulders and narrow hips. They often have flat backs and little or no waist definition. Cowl, halter, deep round neckline and V-necklines may suit you best.

rectangular body shape

The rectangular body shape is straight up and down with little or no waist definition. Halter neck, deep round neck and deeper V-necklines suit you very well. Asymmetrical collars and shawl collars add softness and balance to your straight silhouette.

hourglass figures

The hourglass silhouette is balanced across the shoulders and hips with a well-defined waistline. Crew, scoop, boat and V-necks are all flattering. Short tops are not your friend and make you look heavier than you are.

In addition to your body shape, your neck length and face shape also play a role in your best collars.

The best neckline examples for your face and body shape

Boat or boat collar

These look great on women with long necks and faces because they draw the eye horizontally. They help broaden the look of narrow shoulders and balance wide hips. Boat necks look great with oval and round faces. They are less flattering on broad shoulders.

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V-neck

These are universally flattering. It is especially useful for women with broad shoulders and short necks because it helps to draw the eyes to your face by revealing more of your décolleté. This collar helps petite women look taller and adds visual balance to the pear figure.

darling collar

This is almost universally flattering because it elongates a short neck and adds balance to a square chin. It creates the illusion of curves and unobtrusively emphasizes the bust line. The wide neckline helps stabilize the hips in hourglass, rectangular and pear figures.

bike collar

Crew neck models draw attention to your face and neck. They can accentuate a large bust line, make your neck look shorter, and make your face look rounder. A crew neckline looks great on a narrow or angular face. They are less proud of broad shoulders.

round collar

A looser, more relaxed version of the crew neck. These elongate a short neck and help balance a long face. A large and long scoop flatters the small bust and short neck. A deeper scoop accentuates a large bust and makes your neck appear longer. Angular faces look great with round necklines.

athletes

Athletes flatter both large and small bust lines and works with most face shapes. Lighter scarves are the easiest to wear because bulky fabrics make your neck appear shorter.

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turtleneck

These look great with a long neck and face. They emphasize the bust line. Make sure there is space between the top of your neckline and your chin. Double chins rarely flatten with these 🙂 Turtlenecks can make broad shoulders look wider.

Finding your personal style is often a journey of trial and error. Knowing the most flattering proportions to help balance your silhouette can be a great tool when shopping and can save you a lot of time.

Do you have a favorite décolleté? Which and why I would love to hear in the comments.

Thanks for reading and don’t forget to wear what makes you feel safe!