Accessorizing transcends the simple act of selecting a necklace or earrings you admire. Mastering necklace wearing entails a deep understanding of personal style, considering factors like neckline type, body shape, and more.
Styling a necklace is loaded with subtleties that can make the process perplexing. This article aims to decode the art of wearing a necklace and guide you through the selection journey.
How to Wear Necklaces
Have you ever noticed that a necklace can appear stunning in a photo or on display but less flattering when worn? The reality is not all necklace styles will enhance your look, and some might even emphasize features you’d prefer to downplay. Thus, understanding how to wear necklaces is crucial.
When styling a necklace, several considerations come into play. These include compatibility with necklines, the type and length of the necklace, all of which contribute to defining the overall aesthetic.
Continue reading to discover how these elements can help you choose a necklace that fits perfectly.
Neckline Compatibility
Two primary considerations influence your choice of necklace: your neckline and the type of necklace. These factors are also impacted by the event you’ll be attending.
This dynamic results in a complex relationship where your outfit dictates the necklace, but the chosen necklace also reflects your personal style. This complexity can sometimes make necklace styling confusing.
To provide greater clarity in selecting the right necklace, we will delve into various considerations for styling.
Occasion and Outfit
The occasion determines your outfit, and every outfit has a neckline type. Some necklines are versatile for both casual and formal looks, while others are best suited for elegant occasions.
We will explore some popular necklines and their matching necklace styles below.
V-neck
A V-neck is versatile, featured in both casual and sophisticated outfits with various depths and shapes. To complement a V-neck, it is advisable to mimic its shape with your necklace.
Depending on the V-neck type, you may opt for a multilayer necklace for simple dresses or a strand of pearls for a more refined look. When pairing a pendant necklace, ensure the pendant sits at least two inches above the V point.
For evening events, a Y-drop necklace with a crystal can add a touch of elegance. This adaptable neckline accommodates a range of occasions, offering ample room for experimentation.
Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are suitable for formal events, such as a night at the Opera, as well as for everyday casual wear. Your choice of necklace will vary based on the occasion. For formal settings, a longer necklace (24 to 27 inches) is an excellent option.
Choose necklaces with ornate decorations for added interest, or a medium-length pearl necklace for a more formal touch.
For casual styling with a turtleneck, go for a collar necklace with a pendant or similar focal point. To introduce boldness to your look, consider a chunky chain necklace like the Big Chain Link Necklace.
Button-down Collar
The button-down collar is predominant in both business and casual attire. A simple, classic choice for this neckline is a delicate pendant necklace. Opt for a shorter length that rests just above the collar to avoid competing with the buttons. A dainty chain with a small pendant or charm adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the collar.
A loose button-down collar pairs well with a delicate pendant necklace, such as the Venus Pendant. This layered look decorates a plain outfit beautifully without overwhelming it.
Strapless
Strapless tops are mostly reserved for formal events, revealing quite a bit of skin and leaving ample space for accessories. However, it’s best to avoid long, thick necklaces. Instead, opt for pieces like a drop or lariat necklace to enhance your evening wear’s elegance. For an attractive touch, you can add a dainty or black choker.
Square
The square neckline, often characterized by its boxy look, can be softened with the right necklace. Opting for an angular or asymmetrical necklace can achieve this effect.
It’s best to avoid more common necklace styles such as square pendants with this neckline. Additionally, steer clear of long necklaces that extend past the neckline.
Necklace lengths and styles
Choker
Chokers, measuring between 14 to 16 inches, rest just above the collarbone and provide ample versatility. They are suitable for both daytime and nighttime events and are particularly ideal for asymmetrical necklines.
Chokers come in varied materials, from metal to ribbons and plastic, making them adaptable to many styles. For example, a pearl choker adds elegance to a crew neckline and highlights the neck and collarbones with a boat neckline. They can also be layered with longer necklaces when paired with a V-neck top or dress.
Princess length
Princess-length necklaces, typically 17 to 18 inches long, rest neatly over the collarbone. Often seen as the standard necklace length, they suit various attires including open-shoulder designs, strapless tops, and dresses, striking a balance that complements different body types. These necklaces work well for elegant looks and bulkier statement pieces.
Matinee length
Matinee necklaces, measuring between 20 to 24 inches, fall two to four inches below the collarbone. While common in casual and business attire, they are also popular with plunging dresses and bridal gowns. Designed to be worn over clothing, these necklaces often serve as statement pieces and are frequently used in layering, sometimes featuring multi-strand designs.
Opera length
Opera-length necklaces generally average around 30 inches but can extend up to 36 inches. These necklaces, intended for formal occasions, complement high necklines and eveningwear. They hang below the bust and can be wrapped to create a layered look.
Rope length
Rope or lariat necklaces, ranging from 36 to 51 inches, are lengthy and versatile. They can be wrapped multiple times for a layered effect or knotted when worn alone. Often combined with pendants, rope-length necklaces add a touch of glamour to an outfit.
Other considerations
Body proportions
When selecting a necklace, remember that it draws the eye to where it ends. If you prefer not to draw attention to your chest, a V-shaped necklace might not be suitable. Instead, follow general guidelines to ensure your necklace complements your body type.
For shorter, bulkier body types, longer necklaces may not fall properly and could be unflattering. Different body types work with distinct jewelry styles, highlighting various features. Women’s pear silhouettes often opt for striking jewelry to redirect attention from their faces, and shorter necklaces like chokers work best for this body type.
Hourglass figures benefit from shorter necklaces that sit above the collarbone to create balance and draw attention away from the hips. For athletic, straight-shaped figures, slightly longer princess necklaces or those just below the collarbone can create the illusion of curves.
Face shape
Your necklace should not only complement your body proportions but also suit your face shape. Necklaces can alter the appearance of your face, and earrings can accentuate prominent features.
Women with oval face shapes are fortunate as they can wear almost any necklace type. In contrast, those with round faces should avoid chokers and shorter necklaces as these styles can make their faces appear even rounder. On the other hand, shorter necklaces suit longer face shapes, as they help to broaden the face. A choker can balance a heart-shaped face by making the face appear wider, offsetting a narrow chin.
Conclusion
The right necklace is essential for enhancing and completing an outfit. Selecting a necklace that aligns with your neckline, face shape, and body proportions is key to achieving a harmonious and visually appealing look.
Understanding how to match necklaces with outfits and occasions, while considering personal taste, is crucial. Factors like neckline type and necklace length can significantly influence the overall appearance. Whether choosing a long opera necklace or a short choker depends primarily on the top you wear and the event you attend.
While these guidelines provide a helpful framework, there is always room for experimentation and discovering your unique style.
