Types Of Necklines: Ultimate Guide

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When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for any occasion, one of the most important elements to consider is the neckline. 

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Necklines come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to accentuate certain body types or enhance an outfit’s overall look. 

In this guide, we’ll explore all the types of necklines so that you can find the perfect one for you!

Types Of Necklines Ultimate Guide

What Are The Main Types Of Necklines?

They say that fashion is a form of self-expression. There are countless neckline styles available to you, and each one can showcase your personal style. 

The top neckline styles illustrate the classic as well as modern versions of popular cuts, such as the boat neck, halter neck, or V-neck; there are even some that have two designs combined in one cut! 

Crew Neckline

The crew style neck is a classic style of shirt neckline that is both comfortable, stylish, and practical. 

  • With its close-fitting design, it hugs your body, making it suitable for many activities such as exercise or everyday errands. 
  • The round shape of the neckline also makes it a great layering piece that can be worn over existing outfits or paired with other clothing items.

Though often associated with casual attire, the crew neck is versatile and suitable for all occasions. For a more formal look, a solid-colored dress shirt with a crisp crew neck finish looks great when paired with tailored trousers or a skirt suit. 

V-neck

The v-neck is a universal style of neckline that is incredibly popular in fashion. It stands out amongst other fashion garments with its diagonal style cuts forming a ‘V’ shape directly at the neckline, yielding a versatile and flattering look. 

No matter what fabric or cut you choose to go with – be it knits, jackets, or camisoles – having a v-neck detail will undoubtedly elevate any outfit you pair it with.

V-necks look great paired with:

  • Preppy blazers 
  • Cape coats

Split Crew Neck

The split crew neck is a popular style for both men and women. It’s a modern twist on the traditional crew neckline but with an interesting cut along the center front. When worn correctly, it provides an effortless chic look. 

Often seen in t-shirts, sweaters, and blouses, this trend has been around since the early 2000s and provides a fun take on a classic silhouette.

Plunging V Neck

The plunging style neckline is a stunning and sexy style that has been around for decades. It is often referred to as the décolleté neckline, where the deep v shape goes below the chest line.

This neckline is usually seen on most evening dresses and formal gowns, but it can also be seen on swimsuits. 

Think of JLo’s infamous Versace green dress she rocked at the 2000 Grammy Awards, where her neckline was taken all the way down to her belly button.

This particular neckline always makes a statement when worn, as it gives off an air of confidence and sexiness to any outfit. 

U-shape Neck

The U-shape neckline is a versatile and fashionable detail that can be seen on a variety of garments. 

This style looks exactly like the letter “U” both from the front and from the back, as it has two straight panels forming an open arc shape around the neck while darker or lighter bands frame the layout. 

We generally see this silhouette in t-shirts, tops, and sweaters as it is particularly flattering when paired with stretchier fabrics.

Boatneck

The boat neck is a stylish option for those who want to keep the look of their outfit simple and modest. This neckline spans from shoulder to shoulder with a straight or slightly curved line that does not dip down very far. 

The boat neck can highlight strong shoulders in a flattering way and has been seen in many fashionable celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn.

Square Neckline

The square neck is the ideal choice for those looking to show off their collarbones and shoulder line in a daring but elegant way. 

The straight neckline creates an almost perfect 90-degree formed angle with a vertical drop, while variations of this look can also feature beveled edges that add structure. 

This look is perfect for dresses and tops that are made from fabrics like jersey and linen, as they offer enough structure while providing comfort at the same time.

  • Square necklines give a timeless sophisticate feel, no matter if you’re wearing a casual top or formal evening wear. 
  • It can be accessorized with statement earrings or even a choker necklace to take the look up a notch, but it can also be complemented with delicate pendant earrings for subtle elegance. 

Off-The-Shoulder

This neckline is a timeless classic that has been around for centuries. This look is incredibly popular for both formal and casual events, as the neckline itself sits off the shoulder and can be adapted to fit any body type or clothing style. 

They are associated with romance and femininity, as the flow of fabric elegantly cascades down the arms with grace.

One Shoulder

The one-shoulder neckline is a glamorous and eye-catching look for any outfit. It has the defining feature of a single exposed shoulder, which gives it a unique and modern style. 

The neckline can either be curved or straight depending on preference, making it suitable for multiple occasions. 

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical necklines are an interesting and unique fashion choice that can really draw attention to an outfit. 

Asymmetric necklines are essentially characterized by their unbalanced single element in the general neckline area – if each opposing side of the garment isn’t equal in length, size, or shape, then it is likely a sign of an asymmetric neckline. 

  • Popular examples of asymmetrical necklines often feature one-shoulder designs or off-the-shoulder cuts, where only one side of the top has fabric draping across the shoulder. 
  • Another popular design within asymmetric necklines is a cut-out formation in the center of the top that gives variation to the overall look and creates a dynamic silhouette when worn.

These types of designs not only give garments more character but also provide possibilities for added flair and creativity when dressing up. 

Strapless

The strapless style neckline is a versatile look that has been around for centuries. Popularized in the 1960s, it offers an elegant and feminine style that can be worn for day or night. 

The neckline eliminates the need for straps and is essentially two straight pieces of fabric that hug gently under your bust to keep you secure. 

Collared Necklines

Collared necklines are extremely popular and instantly recognizable. They can be seen on clothing items throughout almost every wardrobe around the world. 

Popularized by the classic button-down shirt and oxford boots, collars bring a timeless, formal touch to any outfit. However, there is more to collars than meets the eye. 

There are numerous different collared styles available, making it possible to find something suited to virtually every occasion and personal taste.

  • From crisp mandarin collars that give off a professional vibe, to classic Peter Pan collars that exude a playful charm, there’s no limit to what you can do with a collar. 
  • For those feeling extra adventurous, some wilder designs such as band or sailor collars have burst onto the scene in recent years and provide incredibly unique looks for those looking to stand out from the crowd. 

Spaghetti Strap

This neckline is a classic style that never goes out of fashion. It is often seen in dresses, camisoles, and tops, but can also be found in one-piece swimsuits. 

The straps consist of two very thin straps which hold up the top or dress, making it an ideal choice for warm weather and summer styles. 

This relaxed neckline provides a breezy feel to the outfit while still being able to stay secure with its thin straps.

The spaghetti straps are made from many fabrics, including: 

  • Chiffon, 
  • Silk, 
  • Satin, 
  • Cotton blends. 

Depending on your outfit style and occasion, you could opt for something fancy like satin or something more casual like cotton/linen blend fabric.

Cowl Neckline

Cowl necks are a great style of neckline that can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. 

A cowl neck is created by draping fabric along the front neckline area and is often seen in sweaters with a comfortable, soft fit.

It can actually be very casual when found in knit tops, but it can also have more elegance when done in fabrics like:

  • Velvet, 
  • Satin, 
  • Silk. 
  • For example, try pairing a velvet cowl top with trousers and heels for an amazing evening look.

The beauty of cowl necks lies in their ability to flatter any body type due to their versatile construction. 

Halter Neckline

Halter necks are a versatile neckline design that wraps directly around the neck to tie or buckle directly behind the very back of the neck. It is a popular choice for dresses, adding an attractive detail and emphasizing the area of the décolletage. 

The straps can be thin or thick, allowing for various designs. Halterneck dresses come in many styles, such as casual day dresses and formal evening wear. 

Keyhole

The keyhole neckline is an eye-catching design that is often seen on evening gowns and blouses. It features a small hole at the center of the chest, which can create a statement look for any outfit. 

For example, if soft fabric is used the keyhole neckline can create a boho vibe, or if structured fabric is used it can evoke a 60s mod look.

Turtleneck

The turtleneck is an iconic and timeless piece of clothing that has been around forever. Not only do turtlenecks look incredibly stylish, but they’re also incredibly versatile, working well with most outfits. 

Whether you wear a classic black knit turtleneck with jeans or layer a bright patterned one over a dress, the possibilities are endless.

Turtlenecks are usually made from knitted fabric such as wool, cashmere, and cotton blends, which helps them to fit snugly around the neck area (Also check out How To Iron Wool). 

Sweetheart

The sweetheart neckline is actually one of the most popular and flattering necklines for evening gowns. 

This classic silhouette features two curves that come together at the center, forming a convincingly realistic heart shape. 

  • It’s an especially great choice for women who want to emphasize their décolletage with a touch of femininity while keeping the allure of mystery with a moderate neckline. 
  • Additionally, it works well on nearly any body type because it draws attention to the chest without covering too much or too little skin.

Queen Anne

The Queen Anne neckline is a timeless piece of fashion history, named after the style icon, Queen Anne. It has become especially popular in wedding dresses due to its elegant and sweetheart neckline style. 

This classic look features curved sleeves or straps that travel around the very back of the neck, creating a graceful look.

It is a very good way to highlight the chest area and shoulder blades, while still being delicate and feminine. 

Jewel Neck

The jewel neckline is a sophisticated type of neckline that any fashionable woman can wear. It forms a classic and timeless look as it tightly follows the collarbone for an elegant curve, flattering the face and emphasizing the neck. 

The round shape of the cut was originally designed to showcase fine jewelry or ornate adornments around the wearer’s neck, inspiring its name – jewel neckline.

Grecian Neckline

The Grecian neckline is a classic and timeless look that has been in fashion for centuries. It features a circular piece of material that wraps around your neck, with the fabric beneath falling from a particular small point in the very center of your bust. 

This is a perfect option to choose when looking for something elegant and sophisticated. 

Grecian necklines are commonly featured on: 

  • Evening gowns, 
  • Maxi dresses, 
  • Evening jumpsuits, 

Surplice Neckline

The surplice neckline is a timeless style that makes any outfit look chic and elegant. It is versatile and flattering, as it can be used on flowing dresses and sleek tops alike to add visual interest to any ensemble. 

The cross-over design offers a unique and stylish touch without being too distracting or overwhelming.

Ruffle Neck

This neckline is an elegant look that adds a bit of a romantic, feminine flair to any clothing item. It is composed of a series of soft frills or ruffles that encircle your neck shape. 

The ruffle can either be more subtle or lay softly around a round neckline. It can also be small upright ruffles that stand around the neck shape in this style of garment.

Scalloped Neck

The scalloped neckline is a timeless silhouette that has been popular in fashion for decades. It is characterized by a line of soft, convex curves around the neckline, which adds a feminine and graceful look to an outfit. 

Due to the delicate shapes needed to create it, this style of neckline typically works best with heavier fabrics, such as twill and canvas, that can retain their structure so that the scallops hold their shape. 

Envelope

The envelope neckline is actually not a common style of neckline for most women’s clothing, but it is an interesting option when you are looking to switch up the usually typical design. 

Instead of a straight cut, the envelope neckline features overlap fabric, with one that comes from the very back of your top overlapping onto the front-creating an asymmetrical wraparound look.

It definitely stands out in comparison to other traditional women’s clothing styles.

Cardigan Neck

The cardigan-style neckline is one of the newest designs to hit the fashion scene. Unlike a traditional neckline, which requires fabric and shapes to be just right in order to truly look fashionable and flattering, a cardigan neckline is made up of layers that help create sheer texture. 

The feature also proves versatile as you can play around with changing buttons or opening up the entire piece for a slightly different look each time you wear it.

Yoke Neck

A yoke-style neckline is a style of garment construction that focuses on the neckline or the very top of your garment.

It is formed separately from the lower part and fits along the chest before being securely attached with either sewing or buttons. 

Final Thoughts

No matter what type of neckline you are looking for, there is an option to suit your needs. From the classic Grecian style to the modern cardigan look, each neckline has its own unique characteristics and style that can help make any outfit stand out. 

Whether you are dressing up for a night out or just want to add some visual interest to your everyday wardrobe, exploring different necklines can be a great way to express your fashion sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know Which Neckline Will Suit You?

When looking for the perfect kind of neckline, it is important to consider which style will be most flattering and comfortable for your body type.

Be sure to look around and test out different types to decide which works best. Taking into account whether you prefer high or low necks, these elements can define our fashion statement.

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Jessica White
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