How do I choose a necklace for my dress?

One of the trickiest parts of planning an outfit and finding jewelry to match is figuring out what necklaces will look best with different necklines. Not to mention finding the right neckline for your body type and the kind of event you’ll be attending.

I might not be a wardrobe expert, I can’t give you a list of the 3 most flattering necklines for your body type. But, where I can help, is finding the right necklace and the right necklace length for every neckline.

Of course, I specialize in handmade jewelry, which means that I’m going to be focusing on the types of necklaces you can buy handmade. I’ll be including a wide range of styles, including some non-traditional styles, to make sure you know how to match even the most varied necklace collection to your outfits.

Here’s how to match necklines:

General Advice For Matching Necklaces To Your Neckline

Before we dive into the specific necklines I’m going to talk about today, let’s talk a little about some general rules for choosing the right necklace for any neckline. Remember, first and foremost, that your necklace should help elevate any outfit you pair it with. If the necklace makes your outfit look better, fancier, or more put together, you’re on the right track. If your necklace makes your outfit feel busy, crowded, or adds an unnecessary touch, you might want to trade out for a different necklace, or skip a necklace entirely.

For example, a grecian neckline, which almost acts as a built-in necklace already in the blouse or dress you’re wearing, might not need a necklace at all because the addition of a necklace might mean there’s too much going on.

Your necklace should never interrupt the flow of the existing neckline. So, if you like a lot of boat neck blouses, which have a very wide and shallow neckline that shows off your shoulders, but doesn’t show much of your chest, you might want to stick with a very short necklace, or choose a very long one that complements the existing oval of your neckline. You don’t want to choose a necklace that sits just below the neckline because that would interrupt the flow of the existing neckline.

The next bit is that the necklace should be at least as ornate as the blouse, shirt, or dress you’re pairing it with.

For example, a Queen Anne neckline almost creates a picture frame to surround your necklace. Garments made with this neckline feel ornate, regardless of what fabrics were actually used. That means that you want a relatively formal, nice, ornate necklace that will still elevate that neckline. If you don’t have a necklace that fits the bill, you might want to skip the necklace with that garment or you risk making your outfit look worse, not better.

Lastly, the color of the necklace, including the stones or pendant used and the chain, should always compliment the color of the rest of your outfit. If the colors clash or don’t work well combined with the color of your outfit you’ll run the risk of looking like you’re wearing jewelry for no reason other than to wear jewelry - even if it doesn’t look good.

Well chosen handmade jewelry should always match the outfit you’re wearing, and should look intentional and beautiful when paired together. All of the rules I’m about to tell you for matching a necklace to your neckline are secondary to this one.

If the necklace looks good with your outfit, even if it breaks every other rule of choosing the right necklace for your neckline, and wearing that piece of jewelry makes you happy, wear it.

What Necklaces Should You Wear With Each Neckline

There are a lot of different necklines out there, so I’ve opted to cover each type rather than all of the variations on each kind of neckline. These options should give you a good overview of what each neckline looks like, and what kinds of necklaces best compliment the neckline.

Remember, if you want to add a little more personality to your necklace choices, going with handmade jewelry or choosing a birthstone necklace to match your outfit can help make the whole look feel more unique to you.

V-Neckline

V-neck tops are common, and they also happen to be some of the most versatile choices when it comes to pairing a necklace.

A v-neck is any neckline that looks more like a V than an oval or circle, but they can vary from being a shallow V that opens close to the base of your throat, to very deep v-necks that display most of your chest or even expose some of your navel before meeting near the belly button.

The critical thing here is to choose a necklace that either compliments the V shape, or that looks like the top of the V. So choker necklaces, or decorative collar necklaces both work, as do traditional pendant on-chain options.

The only trick is that, if you do wear a chain, it should be long enough to almost mirror the v on either side of the chain. So the deeper your neckline, the longer the matching necklace should be.

Take a look at my jewelry sizing guide for more information about necklace lengths and a reference for where each chain length will sit on most people’s neck and chest.

Crew Neckline/Jewel Neckline

Crew neck tees, blouses, and tunics are some of the most common tops out there. That means that you'll probably be matching your necklaces to a crew neck pretty frequently.

The good news is that crew necklines make finding a good necklace relatively easy.

Statement necklaces are a good option for workwear with this neckline, or for going out on the town. But a pendant necklace long enough to display over your top, with an attractive chain and pendant that will stand out from your top will work well, too. Alternatively, collars and choker necklaces that sit above the crew neckline can be attractive, edgy, or make the top look more formal, depending on the style of the necklace.

That means that the most common neckline also comes with one of the most variable set of necklace pairing options!

High Neck

High necks can look much more reserved and formal, and are often included in formal office attire, but they can also look severe if you don’t lighten them with a necklace or other jewelry. Especially if you’re wearing a high neck blouse with a solid-color fabric, this is one look that almost cries out to be paired with a handmade necklace.

Fortunately, you can choose almost any chain length with this kind of neckline, as long as you wear the necklace over the blouse.

Both multi-stone and solitaire pendant necklaces look good with this style, so feel free to shake things up and wear different necklaces depending on your mood or the season. You can even layer multiple necklaces of different styles with this kind of neckline for a more daring or expressive look.

Boat Neck

Boat Necks, also called Sabrina, necklines are a little harder to match with necklaces for a couple of reasons. These necklines tend to emphasize your shoulders, and it’s harder to find a necklace that won’t interrupt the flow of the neckline.

For a shallow boat neck you might be more limited to either a very long necklace that sits fairly wide on your shoulders, or a choker that will rest above your neckline. A good combination of those two things are Lariat necklaces which can be hooked short so the chain is like a choker with a long dangling pendant. 

Or, alternatively, skip the necklace entirely and choose a pair of eye-catching dangling earrings instead to help your neck look longer!

Queen Anne Neck

I’ve already mentioned this neckline partially because it’s so ornate that it really calls for a well-matched necklace.

For this kind of neckline you either want to skip the necklace, which I don’t recommend, or choose a necklace that will sit right in the middle of the neckline and look framed by the surrounding fabric.

Solitaire necklaces and multi stone necklaces both work, you just want to choose something that pops, and works well with the color of the top.

Personally, I love Lariat necklaces for this neckline because I can adjust the length to be exactly right, and the dramatic single strand of chain really makes the most of the drama and elegance that comes with this neckline.

Square Neckline

This is another versatile neckline that can work with most necklace styles. The trick is choosing the right necklace length.

For instance, collar necklaces work well, often better than chokers, despite generally having similar designs.

If you want a necklace on a chain, the stone, pendant, or stones, should sit somewhere between half way and three quarters of the way from the top of your shoulder (where they meet your neck) and the edge of the neckline.

Follow this rule and you’ll be able to choose the perfect necklace for any square neckline of any depth.

Deep Scoop Neck

Deep scoop necklines actually follow basically the same rule as a square neckline, length is the most important factor here. You want a necklace that falls somewhere between ½ and ¾’s of he way between the top of your shoulders and the top of your neckline.

However, one big difference here is that the shape of the necklace will change how it looks and how the shirt looks on you. A pendant or solitaire stone necklace will emphasize how deep the neckline is, kind of like an arrow pointing down.

A wider necklace, like a multi stone or bar necklace, will instead make your shoulders look a little broader and your neck a little longer, without emphasizing the depth of the neckline or your chest quite as much.

Sweetheart

Sweetheart necklines are another versatile option. These necklines will naturally emphasize your chest a little more, regardless of what necklace you wear, so you don’t need to think about shape as much as a deep scoop neckline.

That said, handmade necklaces of basically any style work, and you can layer more than one style with this neckline as well.

Just make sure there is at least an inch between the bottom of your necklace and the top of your neckline, and you should be good with this design. And don’t be afraid to pair multiple necklaces like a choker, a short chain necklace, and a medium chain necklace together, especially for a night on the town.

This is a neckline that’s perfect for experimentation and some daring.

Keyhole Neckline

Keyhole necklines are another neckline that is tricky to pair with necklaces because they’re already relatively formal elaborate necklines.

You either, with this style, want to wear a choker necklace or a necklace where the pendant sits perfectly in the keyhole cutout of the neckline, which can be worn over or under the top depending on your personal preference.

Here again, a Lariat necklace can be really useful because you can precisely choose the length of the chain to position the pendant in the perfect spot.

Cowl Neckline

Cowl necklines are another tricky option, and an exaggerated cowl neckline probably doesn’t need its own necklace.

That said, if you have any long-chain necklaces that you can wear over your shirt and have the pendant show under the cowl, that can be a beautiful way to elevate outfits with this neckline.

Other Unique Necklines

There are necklaces for any neckline, but it can take some experimentation to find the right necklaces to pair with your wardrobe that match your style. Of course, the more variety you have in your jewelry collection the easier it will be to find the right necklaces in your collection.

That said, handmade jewelry can help you stand out from the crowd and can help make even the most standard look stand out from the crowd and look personalized to you.

Choosing the right necklace with a specific neckline dress can elevate your overall look and enhance your style. Getting the perfect combo sometimes feels daunting, but with a bit of guidance, you can effortlessly match your jewelry with any dress neckline. Let's dive into pairing necklaces with different dress necklines to create a stunning outfit for any occasion.

Understanding the different types of necklines and their impact on your appearance is crucial in selecting the right necklace. The goal is to achieve a balanced and harmonious look by choosing necklaces that complement the dress's shape and design. With multiple necklace styles available, such as chokers, pendants, and chains, there's a perfect match for every neckline.

While dressing up for various occasions, it's important to consider the event's nature and its dress code when picking a necklace to wear with your dress. Different necklines may call for various types of necklaces, and sometimes, layering can create a unique look. Don't hesitate to accessorize further, as pairing necklaces with other jewelry can achieve a complete and polished outfit.

Key Takeaways

• Pair necklaces with dress necklines for a harmonious and balanced look
• Choose necklaces that complement the shape and design of your dress
• Consider the occasion's dress code and accessorize with additional jewelry items when appropriate

Understanding Necklines

I believe that the right necklace can enhance any neckline and create a standout look. Let's dive into various types of necklines and how to pair them with the perfect necklace.

Fashion Love 26 English Letters Simple Necklace Heart Shape Short Clavicle Chain: by Blue Zone Planet

V-neck and scoop necklines are quite versatile, allowing for various necklace options. For a classic look, I like to wear a pendant or delicate chain with my V-neck dresses. A bold statement necklace can also elevate the outfit. With scoop necklines, I prefer shorter necklaces with multiple layers or a single dramatic piece.


Sexy Open Square Neck Bodycon Dress: by Blue Zone Planet

Square necklines and sweetheart necklines look fabulous with shorter necklaces that sit at the collarbone's base. I also enjoy pairing these with chokers or simple round chains that complement the angular lines.

Women's titanium steel necklace colorful beaded necklace

When it comes to halter necklines and crew necks, I find that necklaces can sometimes be overbearing. For these styles, I often choose to focus on statement earrings instead, while opting for a minimal or no necklace. However, a delicate chain or a choker can work well in some cases.

Strapless necklines and bandeau tops provide an opportunity for versatile accessorizing. I enjoy wearing a choker, a thin chain with a pendant, or an eye-catching statement collar necklace that gracefully follows the collarbone.

Turtleneck dresses and high necklines demand a different approach. I like to pair them with long chains, multi-layer strands, or even a pendant that hangs several inches below the neckline to elongate the neck.

V-Neck Rolled Short Sleeve Gathered Curved Linen Dress: by Blue Zone Planet

As for the asymmetrical and boat necklines, a simple pendant or a bold, chunky necklace can help balance the outfit. Cowl necklines usually don't need a necklace as they already have an accessory-like quality.

Off-the-shoulder and bardot necklines offer a lot of room for creativity. I recommend opting for chokers or collar necklaces to highlight the collarbone and emphasize the bare shoulders.

When you have a boat neckline, you'll want to add something that counteracts its width. Opt for a necklace that drapes over the front of your sweater or top to create a sense of balance and add a touch of intrigue.

Finally, I find that plunging necklines work best with longer chains, lariats, or Y-drop necklaces that follow the neckline and draw attention to the décolletage.

In conclusion, understanding various neckline styles and pairing them with the right necklace can enhance your overall look and showcase your personal style. Just remember to have fun and experiment with different combinations.

Guide to Necklace Styles

When it comes to accessorizing your outfits, necklaces can make a big impact on the overall look. There are various styles of necklaces that work well with different types of neckline dresses. In this guide, I will explain how to choose the perfect necklace to complement your dress and neckline.


Stainless Steel Two Piece Necklace Set: by Blue Zone Planet

When wearing a dress with a V-neckline, pendant necklaces are a great choice. They follow the shape of the neckline and create a balanced look. Opt for a simple pendant or a more intricate design, depending on your outfit and personal style. Layered necklaces can also work well with V-necklines, as they add depth and draw attention to your décolletage.

Solid Color Ribbed Scoop Neckline Cropped Tank Top: by Blue Zone Planet

For dresses with a scoop neckline, try a statement piece or a collar necklace. These types of necklaces fill the open space created by the neckline and add visual interest. Alternatively, you can choose a pearl necklace or princess-length necklace for a more classic and elegant appearance.

Square Neck Casual Printed Long Sleeve Shirt Top: by Blue Zone Planet

Square necklines can be tricky to accessorize, but choker necklaces are a great option. They create a nice contrast against the angular lines of the neckline. Another option is to wear a bib necklace, which can add a sense of drama and accentuate the lines of the square neckline.

If you have a dress with a turtleneck, long necklaces are your best option. They create a vertical line that elongates your neck and adds visual interest. Lariat necklaces and rope necklaces are two styles that work well with turtlenecks.

For dresses with a collar or boat neckline, I recommend choosing a short chain with a subtle necklace pendant. This will avoid competing with the neckline and add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

In conclusion, choosing the right necklace style for your dress neckline is essential to creating a harmonious and visually appealing outfit. Keep in mind the shape and style of the neckline when selecting a necklace, and don't be afraid to experiment with different styles to find the perfect combination.

Matching Neckline and Necklace

I know that choosing the right necklace for a specific neckline can make all the difference in elevating your style. Here, I'll guide you through the process of matching necklaces with various necklines.

For square necklines, I suggest opting for a necklace that complements the angular shape. Angular pendants or statement pieces with a combination of square and round edges are a great choice for this style. These necklaces highlight the collar bone and create a balanced appearance.

Titanium Steel Double-Layered Necklace: by Blue Zone Planet

When it comes to V-necks, I recommend selecting a necklace that follows the plunging shape of the neckline. Delicate pieces with a little sparkle work well for casual V-neck dresses, while a bold and more elaborate necklace can transform a simple V-neck evening gown into a showstopper.

Synthetic Pearl Star Shape Alloy Necklace: by Blue Zone Planet

For dresses with a higher neckline, focusing on the focal point is essential. Choosing a necklace that lays just above the collar bone adds an elegant touch to any outfit. Look for pieces that are delicate and minimalistic – they emphasize the neckline without overpowering it.

In terms of jewelry, I believe it's important to consider not only the neckline but also your personal style. Experiment with different necklace styles and materials to find what suits you best. Ultimately, confidence is key, and wearing a necklace that makes you feel great will always be the best choice.

Dressing Up for Occasions

When I'm dressing up for a special occasion, it's essential to select the right necklace for my outfit. As a confident and knowledgeable individual, I understand that the type of neckline on my dress plays a significant role in determining the style and length of the necklace I should wear.

For instance, with a strapless dress, I opt for a choker or a shorter necklace that highlights my shoulders and neck area. This pairing allows me to maintain a balanced look, complementing the dress without overpowering my overall ensemble. On the other hand, when wearing a collared shirt or a button-down, I typically choose a longer necklace that complements the V-shape created by the collar, drawing attention to my face while adding a touch of elegance to my outfit.

Aside from considering the neckline, it's also crucial to take color into account. When I wear monochrome or single-toned outfits, I like to add a pop of color through my choice of necklace. A bold, colorful necklace can make a statement and give my outfit an extra layer of dimension. Conversely, if my outfit already features vibrant patterns or bright colors, I opt for more neutral-toned necklaces to prevent overwhelming my ensemble.

In conclusion, selecting the perfect necklace for my outfit ultimately depends on the neckline of my dress and the color palette I'm working with. By keeping these factors in mind, I ensure that my accessory choices enhance my overall ensemble, allowing me to look and feel my best for any occasion.

Layering Necklaces

Layering necklaces can be a great way to elevate any outfit, but you can make the biggest impact by choosing the right jewelry for your neckline. I've found that matching layered necklaces with different necklines can really accentuate your features and make your outfit stand out.

When working with a V-neckline, I love to go with a long pendant necklace that falls within the V, or multiple shorter necklaces, to showcase the shape of the neckline. It's also great to include a choker or short necklace to add some contrast and depth to the ensemble. Layering long necklaces with a choker can create a stylish, eye-catching look.

For a crew neckline, I find that the ideal approach is to choose layered necklaces of varying lengths that sit just below the collarbone. This helps to emphasize the neckline and adds visual interest to an otherwise simple style.

A square neckline is another fashion-forward choice, and I suggest layering necklaces with varying lengths to accentuate the shape. You can also choose either smaller or chunkier pieces, depending on your personal style and the dress's design.

A high neckline can be challenging to work with, but adding a long necklace or even a Y-drop necklace can create an elongated appearance that looks both elegant and sophisticated. I like to focus on vertical elements in my layered jewelry when I'm wearing a high neckline.

Lastly, for off-the-shoulder or strapless dresses, I prefer a bold statement piece - like a collar or bib necklace - layered with a longer, delicate chain. This draws attention to the neck and shoulders, showcasing your features and enhancing the overall look.

In conclusion, layering necklaces can completely transform a neckline and make a significant statement. By carefully selecting your jewelry pieces to match your neckline, you can create a unique and confident style everyone will admire.

Pairing Necklaces and Shirts

When it comes to pairing necklaces with different shirt necklines, I find it essential to consider the style, length, and overall look of both the necklace and the shirt. Let me share with you some helpful guidelines for matching necklaces and shirts with various types of necklines.

For turtlenecks, I suggest opting for long pendant necklaces or bold statement necklaces to add some visual interest to the covered neckline. This combination creates balance and prevents the neck area from looking too cluttered.

Collared shirts, on the other hand, can be slightly tricky. With buttoned-up collared shirts, I recommend wearing a short necklace that sits comfortably on the collar or a longer necklace that hangs below the collar. For open collared shirts, layering a necklace inside the open collar can create an elegant look.

Crew necklines are quite versatile when it comes to necklace pairings. With these, I find that shorter necklaces, such as choker styles or those that rest just above the neckline, work best. However, a long pendant necklace can also complement a crew neckline, adding a touch of sophistication to a simple shirt.

When selecting necklaces for necklines, it's important to ensure that the necklace length and style complement the neckline without overwhelming it. Remember to consider factors like the color and fabric of the shirt, as well as the occasion you'll be wearing it for.

Ultimately, the key to pairing necklaces and shirts is to strike the perfect balance between the two. By following these guidelines, I'm confident that you'll be able to choose the right necklace for any neckline and effortlessly elevate your personal style.

Accessorizing with Other Jewelry

In addition to choosing the perfect necklace for your neckline dress, it's essential to consider how to accessorize with other jewelry pieces. When making your selections, remember that balance is key.

Statement earrings can elevate the look of your chosen dress. In case you decide to wear a bold necklace with a strapless or off-shoulder dress, opt for smaller, more delicate earrings like studs. This way, you can avoid overpowering your overall appearance. However, with higher necklines like turtlenecks, feel free to experiment with bold earrings to enhance your outfit's overall appeal.

Bracelets also play a vital role in achieving a harmonious look. If you plan to wear a vintage-inspired necklace with intricate details, consider wearing a simple, minimalistic bracelet. This approach allows your necklace to be the star of the show without clashing with other eye-catching elements.

On the other hand, if your chosen necklace is more on the delicate side, like pearls or a simple gold chain, you have the freedom to showcase statement pieces on your wrist. That can create a balanced and refined look with your dress.

Don't forget that mixing and matching is always an option. Playing with different styles, materials, and textures can bring your entire ensemble to life. For example, mixing vintage-inspired pieces with modern accessories can create an elegant and chic look. Experimenting with combinations of pearls and metallic accents can also help you achieve a polished, contemporary aesthetic.

Finally, always remember that choosing the right accessories should complement your dress without overshadowing it. The resulting look should be harmonious, stylish, and reflective of your personal taste. Trust your instincts and don't forget to enjoy the process of creating your unique ensemble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Solid Color Package Hip Slit Dress: by Blue Zone Planet

What type of necklace goes well with a round neckline?

When wearing a dress with a round neckline, I recommend choosing a necklace that either matches the curve of the neckline or has a pendant that falls at least an inch below the neckline. A simple chain with a pendant or a delicate pearl necklace can complement the round shape without overwhelming it.

Which necklace style complements an off-shoulder dress?

With an off-shoulder dress, it's all about showcasing your collarbones and shoulders. Opting for a choker necklace or a slightly longer necklace with a statement pendant can beautifully highlight this area. When in doubt, a classic string of pearls always works well with an off-shoulder dress.

What necklace choice would suit a square neckline wedding dress?

A square neckline wedding dress can be paired with a bold necklace that matches the angular lines of the neckline. I suggest either a collar-style necklace or a statement bib necklace. Alternatively, a simple, elegant strand of pearls can balance the square shape and add a touch of sophistication.

What type of necklace is ideal for a sweetheart neckline wedding dress?

A sweetheart neckline wedding dress has a romantic and feminine silhouette. I find that a delicate pendant or a layered necklace with a drop pendant complements this neckline best. Avoid excessively heavy or chunky necklaces, as they can distract from the beautiful shape of the dress.

What neckline works best with a choker necklace?

Choker necklaces work well with a variety of necklines, but they particularly shine with strapless dresses or off-shoulder styles. These necklines naturally draw attention to the neck and shoulders, making the choker a perfect accessory to enhance that area.

How to choose a necklace for a high neckline dress?

When it comes to high neckline dresses, I recommend either going without a necklace or opting for a long pendant that falls below the neckline. A long necklace can create a visually appealing vertical line, counterbalancing the horizontal emphasis of the high neckline. Alternatively, you can skip the necklace altogether and focus on statement earrings or other accessories to complete your look.