When it comes to completing an outfit, necklaces are an important part of defining your entire appearance. However, choosing the right necklace length for various necklines can take a lot of time. There are many options available; out of this, it is important to understand how necklaces can define different necklines or complement your attire of the day. In this necklace length guide, we’ll walk you through how to match necklaces with different necklines to enhance your look. The necklace guide will help you make the right choice.
Understanding Necklace Lengths
Before diving into the specifics of pairing necklaces with necklines, let’s start by understanding the different lengths available. Necklace length ranges from choker to opera style, with every piece having a different purpose. Here’s a necklace length guide to break down the different categories:
- Collar (12-14 inches): Sits tightly around the neck and is perfect for open necklines like off-the-shoulder tops.
- Choker (14-16 inches): Fits snugly around the base of the neck and goes well with boat necks.
- Princess (17-19 inches): This is the most common length that fits well on the collarbone and is ideal for crew necklines and high-neck tops.
- Matinee (20-24 inches): This type of necklace fits between the collarbone and the bust, making it an ideal match for formal attire.
- Opera (28-37 inches): As it falls below the bust, it is often worn with higher necklines or even for a double-layered look.
- Rope (37+ inches): The longest type, often wrapped around multiple times or knotted, giving a classy or royal appearance for all necklines.
Finding the Perfect Match: Necklace Neckline Pairing
Moving forward in the Necklace Length Guide, the next step is to ensure necklace neckline pairing is on point. The main aim is to highlight the neckline without overpowering or underpowering it to create a balance. Below is a breakdown of different necklines and the necklace lengths that suit them best.
V-Neck
V-necklines offer an elongated silhouette, and the point here is to match the necklace’s shape to the neckline. A pendant necklace or a V-shaped necklace goes well with the cut.
Necklace Length Tip: Choose a princess-length necklace to follow the V-shaped neckline. If you are searching for something longer, a matinee-length necklace can also work, but make sure it still follows the V-shape to complement the look.
Off-the-Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder necklines leave plenty of room for the neck and collarbone to be highlighted. This is the perfect time to let your collar or choker necklace shine.
Necklace Length Tip: A collar necklace measures 12 to 24 inches. This means it will sit above the collarbone and create a frame for the necklace in a beautiful way. In this case, a choker works well adding a more relaxed and casual feel. This will beautify your entire appearance.
Turtleneck
With a turtleneck, the goal is to create contrast and elongation. Turtlenecks tend to cover the entire neck, so a longer necklace is essential.
Necklace Length Tip: Choose an opera-length necklace (28-37 inches) to drape over the high neckline. This long length will balance the covered neck and chest area, giving the illusion of length and elegance. Alternatively, you can go for a rope necklace for a layered look by wrapping it around twice.
Crew Neck
Crew necklines are round and sit high on the neck, making them ideal for necklaces that sit on or near the collarbone. The goal here is to choose a necklace that sits above the neckline to avoid any awkward overlaps.
Necklace Length Tip: A princess-length necklace (17-19 inches) is perfect for crew necks. It sits just above the collarbone, adding a subtle touch of elegance without overwhelming the neckline.
Sweetheart Neckline
Sweetheart necklines are soft and feminine, creating a heart shape across the chest. The curved neckline works best with a delicate necklace that mimics its shape.
Necklace Length Tip: Choose a necklace that sits just below or on the collarbone, such as a choker or princess-length necklace. Additionally, a pendant with a gentle curve highlights the necklace’s neckline perfectly.
Strapless
Strapless tops and dresses are like a blank canvas that allows you to style old and minimal necklaces very well. You have the freedom to experiment different styles with chokers and longer necklaces.
Necklace Length Tip: A choker works well for strapless styles, as it draws attention to the neck and collarbone. For a bolder statement, go for a longer ladies necklace that falls just below the bust, creating a classy and fashionable contrast. You can wear two necklaces as well. For example, choker and a long-length necklace.
Boat Neck
Boat necks are wide and straight, often covering the collarbone. The main aim is to add an extra length and avoid necklaces that are too long.
Necklace Length Tip: A longer necklace, such as a matinee or opera-length piece, works beautifully with a boat neckline. It adds vertical length, balancing the horizontal neckline.
Halter Neck
Halter necklines draw attention to the shoulders and collarbone, leaving minimal space for necklaces. The key here is to keep it simple.
Necklace Length Tip: A delicate pendant on a princess-length necklace is a great choice for halter necklines. The pendant should sit just below the collarbone, providing an elegant touch without overwhelming the neckline.
Choosing the Right Necklace for Your Face Shape
In this necklace guide, the face shape also plays an important role in determining the necklace length. For example:
- Round Faces: Longer necklaces like matinee and opera styles help elongate the face.
- Oval Faces: This shape suits most necklace lengths, but choker or princess lengths tend to enhance the natural balance.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: opt for shorter necklaces, such as chokers, to soften the sharpness of the chin.
By keeping face shape in mind along with your neckline, you can ensure that your necklace not only flatters your outfit but also enhances your natural features.
Accessorizing Beyond Necklaces
While following the Necklace guide and choosing the right necklace is essential, pairing your necklace with the right earrings or other fashion jewellery can elevate your look further. For example, pairing statement earrings with a delicate necklace creates a balanced, cohesive look. On the other hand, if you’re choosing a bold, long necklace, keep your earpieces delicate. The combination of necklace necklines can be subtle, depending on the occasion and the outfit.
FAQs
How do I determine the ideal necklace length for a specific occasion?
The occasion is important when selecting the ideal necklace length. For formal events, wear longer neck pieces such as a matinee. For a casual outing or a semi-formal occasion, wear a short-length necklace such as a choker or princess necklace.
How do I choose a necklace length that enhances my overall height?
If you want to outline your height, choose longer necklaces such as opera lengths. They are vertically aligned that adds texture to your appearance. Avoid using chokers or shorter necklaces in this case.
Is there a rule for matching the necklace length with the type of occasion?
While there are no rules for necklaces, it is seen that shorter necklaces like chokers and princess lengths are best when worn for casual day out, everyday wear and informal occasions. While, longer necklaces are suitable for formal events. These necklaces add elegance to your appearance.
Are there specific necklace lengths that are more comfortable for all-day wear?
Chokers and shorter necklaces like princess lengths are more comfortable for everyday wear as they can stay in place for a longer period of time. Longer necklaces, like opera lengths, can move around, making them less comfortable for prolonged use unless and until they are made of lightweight materials.