What Are the Different Types of Necklines & How Do I Know Which Looks Best on Me?
Blog Summary:
Necklines are more than just a style detail—they frame your face, influence your silhouette, and can completely transform your outfit. In this guide, we break down 14 of the most common neckline styles—from elegant boat necks to bold one-shoulders—and provide tips on which ones best flatter your body type and features.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the defining features of 14 neckline styles, including cowl, scoop, square, and more
- Get style tips based on your body shape, including how to elongate a short neck or balance wide shoulders
- Discover how to shop smarter by focusing on necklines that enhance your natural shape
Don’t underestimate the power of a neckline.
When deciding between different tops or dresses, it’s important to consider how the neckline of the garment looks on your body. That can be difficult when there are so many different styles of necklines to choose from, especially if you’ve never paid much attention to this sort of thing before.
The good news is that we are here to walk you through your options and determine the best styles of necklines for your body type and unique needs.
So, without further delay, let’s plunge right into the wide world of women’s necklines.
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14 Common Kinds of Necklines for Dresses and Tops
There are plenty of resources that provide information on neckline types for dresses and blouses, including “The Ultimate Guide to Every Type of Neckline for Dresses and Tops” by Lulu’s and “25 Types of Necklines (Illustrated Guide)” by Makyla Ata.
You might find it helpful to consult these for additional visuals as you read through our guide, since necklines are visual in nature, after all.
That being said, we’ve found many online resources to have confusing or overlapping information, and some resources cover less-common types of necklines without covering essentials, providing unnecessary information. Therefore, we’ve analyzed some of the most common types of necklines and provided only those to you with tips on which ones work best for your body type.
4. Halter: Back-Tied & Bare Shoulders
Halter tops feature straps or a tie that closes behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back bare. This type of neckline is great for accentuating the shoulders and upper body. While most commonly found in swimsuits, it is also featured in dresses and evening wear.
5. High Neck (Mock Neck / Turtleneck): Covered & Minimal
Turtlenecks feature a “tube” of fabric that covers the neck and folds over itself for extra warmth. In terms of common high neckline shirt types, sweaters and long-sleeve shirts are common. Mock turtlenecks or mock necks, for short, have a slightly shorter fitted collar that doesn’t fold, and sometimes feature zippered styling.
6. Off the Shoulder: Exposed & Feminine
An off-the-shoulder neckline rests below the shoulders, leaving them bare. Often, it includes elastic or fabric bands to provide tension to keep the garment in place. It’s best worn with strapless or stick-on bras and is popular in summer styles and evening looks.
7. One Shoulder: Asymmetrical & Bold
One shoulder necklines have a strap or sleeve on one side, with the other side being exposed at the shoulder. This type of neckline can be either curved or straight, and it’s common in both formalwear and jumpsuits.
9. Square: Angular & Framing
Square necklines have straight horizontal and vertical lines that enhance structure and balance, especially on curvier figures. This type of neckline also enhances the neck and collarbone areas. You’ll often see square necklines paired with wide straps or puff sleeves, and in vintage-inspired designs.
11. Strapless: Bare & Clean-Lined
A strapless neckline sits above the bust but under the arms, exposing the shoulders, collarbone, and upper chest. Similar to an off-the-shoulder neckline, this type of neckline often includes elastic for support, and is often featured in formalwear as well as bridal gowns or summer tops.
12. Convertible: Versatile & Multipurpose
Convertible necklines have straps that you can reconfigure or remove, transforming it into a halter top, criss-cross shape, or one-shoulder configuration. This type of neckline is, therefore, extremely versatile and great for travel, giving you multiple different looks in one piece of clothing.
13. Illusion: Sheer & Decorative
Illusion necklines have transparent or semi-transparent fabric at the neckline, creating the illusion of a strapless style with extra coverage. Often, the transparent or semi-transparent fabric is embellished with lace, beads, embroidery, or other decorative elements. This type of neckline adds a touch of whimsy and elegance while maintaining modesty.
How to Choose the Best Neckline for Your Body Type
Each of the fourteen necklines listed above features a different personality and flavor. But choosing a neckline is about more than just aligning your clothing with your style preferences.
The right neckline can help you flatter your face and neck, balance your silhouette, and elevate your entire ensemble.
With that being said, here are some tips for choosing the right neckline for your body type.
- For Round/Apple-Shaped Body Types: Deep scoop and V-necklines draw the eye up, elongate the torso, and minimize the midsection. High necklines should be avoided.
- For Triangle/Pear-Shaped Body Types: Boat neck, square, jewel, and cowl necks add width to the shoulders. Wider style V-necks can also help balance the hips.
- For Inverted Triangle Body Types: Cowl, halter, scoop, and V-necklines can help soften broader shoulders. Wider necklines, like off-the-shoulder and boat, should be avoided.
- For Rectangle Body Types: Halter, deep scoop, and V-necklines add curves and softness. Asymmetrical and draped necklines, meanwhile, add visual appeal. Boxy styles that flatten the figure should be avoided.
- For Hourglass Body Types: Scoop, boat, crew, and V-necklines help to maintain natural proportions. Overly high necklines and shapeless tops should be avoided.
Regardless of body type, if you have a shorter neck, a V-neck, a deep scoop, or a sweetheart neckline can help elongate it. Meanwhile, if you have a longer neck, choosing a turtleneck, crew, or boat neck can add balance.
Discover More Fashion Tips or Find the Perfect Outfit Now
At Anthony’s, we offer a variety of dresses and tops with necklines to fit your body type. Want to learn more about how to dress for your body type? Explore our blog post “The Rule of 3 Clothing Trick”.
Ready to find the perfect outfit for you? Shop all clothing for women over 50 now.