Neckline - which one is for you?

Necklines are arguably the most important thing to consider when choosing new pieces for your wardrobe because they draw attention up to your face, create height and can really determine whether something is flattering or not. No one wants to walk around with ‘the monoboob’…

With so many dreamy tops and blouses out there right now, it can be hard to know where to start. It helps to get acquainted with each neckline so that you can pick one that suits your body-shape and works with your bust. Necklines don’t get the credit that they deserve, and I spend a lot of time talking about the importance of them with my clients.

Do you know which suits you? How many different necklines do you have in your wardrobe? Do you reach for the same neckline with every top, dress, and jumper you own? Do you know your body shape? If not, here is the link to my free Body Shape E Book.

Discover each neckline below and who they will suit and why. I also explain who should avoid the neckline and again, why. Necklines provide the fundamentals for tops to fit from everything from a big bust to no bust to broad or even sloping shoulders. Knowing which ones suit you will make your wardrobe, shopping, and day to day life an absolute breeze and wardrobe drama free zone!

V neckline - quite literally a neckline having straight sides meeting at a point to form a V-shape. If I had to recommend a neckline for everyone, it would be the V neck by far. It breaks up broad shoulder as well as a larger bust by changing the rectangle they create and making it into three equal triangles. Peoples eyes are then brought up to your gorgeous face and your body appears longer and with a slimmer silhouette. There is no body shape it will not suit, be mindful of the V neck being too low if you are petite or have a smaller bust.

AVOID if; you are conscious of a ‘bumpy or bony’ décolletage, or if you want to create curve or a bigger bust.  

A scoop neck is one in which the scoop-shape neckline drops significantly below normal limits. ... The exact shape of the neckline may vary from a slightly exaggerated circle to extremely severe parabolae, with limitless variation between. Similarly, to the V Neck, it breaks up a big bust and opens up the chest to reveal the most flattering shape. They are a great alternative if you aren’t keen on a V-neck. There is no body shape it won’t suit, be mindful of the V neck being too low if you are petite or have a smaller bust.

AVOID if; you are conscious of a ‘bumpy or bony’ décolletage, or if you want to create curve or a bigger bust.

Square neckline is a wide and low-cut square frame. Again, it’s great to break up a large bust. I think it’s a more contemporary neckline and can create both a feminine but also super edgy style. They look incredible with the current puff sleeve style tops and dresses.

AVOID If you have broad shoulders, it can create a horizontal line that may accentuate your broader frame, however, if you like strong shoulders, bloomin’ go for it! If you feel conscious of a ‘bumpy or bony’ décolletage, or if you want to create curve or a bigger bust.

A Crew neck is a close-fitting round neckline. It’s the classic T-shirt neckline that many women find very useful as a staple to have in their wardrobe. There is nothing it won’t go with. It looks particularly good on women who have a small or medium bust. If you have narrow or slightly sloping shoulders, add a small shoulder pad (not the scary 80s style!) or a puff sleeve to balance out your proportions,

AVOID If you have a large bust, it can enhance their size further and can give the illusion of being top heavy or the ‘monoboob’ Also, if have broad shoulders, it may accentuate your broader frame, however, if you like strong shoulders, bloomin’ go for it!

Boat neck is a type of wide neckline on a garment that sits just below the collarbone. I think it is an underrated neckline! Its gorgeous on a smaller or less busty frame (Think Audrey Hepburn style) Its shows off your collar bones beautifully and is extremely elegant for an evening outfit. It can also be worn more casually in a T-shirt style. The wider the boat neck, the better for broader shoulders and bustier boobs, although Id still recommend the V or scoop neck.

AVOID If you have a large bust, it can enhance their size further and can give the illusion of being top heavy or the ‘monoboob’ Also, if have broad shoulders, it may accentuate your broader frame, however, if you like strong shoulders, bloomin’ go for it!

A Roll Neck is a top with a high neck than can be rolled over, think classic British style! They look incredible under a blazer, a strappy dress in winter and simply tucked into a leather skirt or jeans. A layering wardrobe essential, even busier ladies can wear these IF they layer over a V neck dress or top to break up boobs or a broad frame. Super flattering on less busty ladies with smaller shoulders.

AVOID If you have a large bust, it can enhance their size further and can give the sense of being too top heavy or the ‘monoboob’ Also, if have broad shoulders, it may accentuate your broader frame, however, if you like strong shoulders, bloomin’ go for it!

Off the shoulder necklines tend to be a low neckline extending around upper part of arms, baring the shoulders. Some can be a low-cut neckline or even plunging, usually V-shaped, extending to the level of the boobs or even to the waist (super saucy) Like square or boatnecks these add an instant touch of glam, in fact I’d say even more so and they can be incredibly sexy. Think a night with the girls or date night. I recommend them to pretty much all of you with of course a couple of exceptions. Perfect again for showing off your feminine décolletage and great for hiding the top of your arms if you worry about them (not that you should worry at all!)

AVOID if you feel broad on top, where the straps sit, can enhance the width of your top half. Don’t go too low if you are really busty because it may distract whoever you talk too… unless you want that to happen!

A Sweetheart neckline is low at the front and shaped like the top of a heart. A super romantic top and much rarer to find. Its most common in wedding dresses! Its great for adding structure and opens up the chest and creates length so people are drawn to your face, similarly to the V, Scoop and square. A great all-rounder!

AVOID if you are small chested as it could fall down or create fidgeting which sadly, isn’t a great look. It can also make you look even smaller chested.

A Halter neck has strap that runs from the front of the garment around the back of the neck, and leaves most of the back uncovered. In another style of the halter top, there is only a narrow strap behind the neck and a narrow strap behind the middle of the back, so that it is mostly backless. This neckline is PERFECT for broader shoulder and for it you want to show off your shoulders and back. Super simple and VERY elegant. It can also be a great Athlesuire look. If you do not like to accessorise it avoids you needing to add a necklace too!

AVOID if you have a small bust or smaller/sloping shoulders or feel anxious about getting your arms out.

Asymmetrical neckline is where one shoulder is covered and the other is bare, or a style that begins at the natural waistline and angles down to one side. Its wonderful on women who have a straight athletic shape or narrow shoulders. Its also great for showing off your bust as the line directs eyes straight down.

AVOID if you are too busty or broad on top

Keyhole necklines are a style of neckline similar to a halter-neck, where the converging diagonals of the neckline's construction meet at the front. But rather than there being solid fabric here, they have a have a central cutaway usually just below the collarbone.

AVOID if you have a small bust or smaller/sloping shoulders and choose a sleeved option if arm conscious.  

Cowl neckline hangs in draped folds. I genuinely used to think it was called a cow neckline (haha) It can at times appear to look quite old if in jersey or cotton. Thicker fabric and lower drape are good for a small busted woman, whilst a finer fabric and shorter drape is good for a large busted woman. If you choose this neckline select slinky fabrics like Satin and spaghetti straps to make it look up to date and then BAM one sexy top for ladies with a smaller bust or even broader shoulders! Style with leather or a pleated skirt to maximise the effect the charming neckline has!

AVOID if you are small chested as it could fall down or create fidgeting which sadly, isn’t a great look

As a Personal Stylist in London, I can’t stress how important it is to have the understanding of your shape so that you grow in confidence and transform your relationship with clothes and shopping! Let me know how you get on and which is your fave neckline. If you are unsure on your body shape or which neckline is for you, Id love to offer you a complimentary style session where you can ask me quite literally ANYTHING style related and we can see if we can make a bespoke plan tailored just to you, your needs and budget.

Stylish wishes,

Sian x