A Guide To Choosing the Right Neckline for Your Body Type

When it comes to fashion, every detail plays a role in shaping your confidence and showcasing your unique style. Necklines often don’t get the spotlight they deserve, yet they can dramatically enhance your look. From highlighting your favorite features to creating balance in your silhouette, choosing the right neckline for your body type can make a difference in the way your clothes fit and flatter you.

However, you might feel overwhelmed by the many options. Whether you’re all about comfort, looking for ways to flaunt your curves, or curious about which collars pair best with your favorite accessories, we’re here to help you find what works for you.

Understanding Different Neckline Styles

Before we break down how to match a neckline with your body type, let’s explore the different styles. Here are some of the most popular necklines you’ll come across everywhere:

V-Neck

A classic go-to shape, this neckline forms a V to elongate your frame and draw attention to your neck and collarbones. Great for creating the illusion of length and slimming the figure.

Scoop Neck

With its wide, u-shaped design, the scoop neck softens angular jawlines. This style creates a balanced and feminine look.

Boat Neck

Elegant and chic, this neckline follows the collarbone straight across. A boat neck is ideal for adding width and interest to narrow shoulders. Think Audrey Hepburn vibes.

Square Neck

Bold and structured, the square neckline brings symmetry and enhances the collarbone. Perfect for creating a confident, vintage-inspired look.

High Neck/Turtleneck

While sophisticated, a high neck focuses attention upward and is perfect for chilly days or smart, polished looks.

Sweetheart Neckline

This romantic style is shaped like the top of a heart. It highlights the décolletage and adds curves for a soft, flattering silhouette.

Halter Neck

Highlighting the shoulders and upper back, the halter draws the eye upward while showing off your arms. This is ideal for sporty or bold looks.

Off-the-Shoulder

Flirting with elegance, this neckline highlights your collarbone and shoulders while creating a perfect feminine touch.

Asymmetrical Neckline

Modern and edgy, this neckline boasts a one-shoulder design that creates visual focus while looking effortlessly cool.

How To Determine Your Body Type

Determining your body type will make finding a matching neckline that much easier. Here is a quick run down of the common body types:

• Hourglass Shape: Your shoulders and hips are balanced, with a well-defined waist.
• Pear Shape: Narrow shoulders with wider hips.
• Apple Shape: A fuller waist with similar shoulder and hip widths.
• Rectangle Shape: A straight silhouette with equal shoulder, waist, and hip measurements.
• Inverted Triangle Shape: Broader shoulders that taper down to narrower hips.

Taking the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips can give you a clear sense of your proportions. However, if you don’t have a measuring tape handy, you can always observe your silhouette or notice how clothes typically fit you!

Best Necklines for Each Body Type

Now, the magic begins! Based on your body type, here are the necklines that will give your outfits a flattering edge:

Hourglass Shape

Celebrate your balanced proportions with necklines that showcase your curves.

• Sweetheart neckline and V-neck are your BFFs.
• Avoid overly high necklines that hide your natural symmetry.

Pear Shape

Look for necklines that broaden your shoulders to balance out your hips.

• Boat neck and square neck are great for creating structure and width at the top.
• Avoid necklines that draw attention to your lower half, such as plunging V-necks.

Apple Shape

Direct attention away from the waist and toward vertical lines or your neckline.

• V-neck and halter neck styles add length and definition.
• Skip overly tight or high necklines which can add volume to your top half.

Rectangle Shape

Add curves and interest with dramatic necklines.

• Sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder, and soft scoop necks are ideal for creating dimension.
• Avoid straight cuts that may create a boxy appearance.

Inverted Triangle Shape

Focus on softening your shoulders and drawing attention to your waist.

• Scoop neck and halter neck do a great job of balancing proportions.
• Steer clear of wide necklines, such as boat necks, that can make shoulders appear broader.

Necklines and Face Shapes: A Bonus Tip

Your face shape can also determine which neckline will look best on you. If you’re curious what necklines go with face shapes, here are some brief examples:

• Round faces look best with necklines that create angles and elongation, such as V-necks.
• Heart-shaped faces shine with soft scoop necks or sweetheart styles.
• Oval faces are the lucky ones; most necklines suit you, so experiment away!
• Square faces, try boat necks or asymmetrical options to soften your look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Neckline

Here are a few things to sidestep when choosing your next women’s summer top or dress:

• Ignoring Proportions: If your neckline overpowers your frame, it can look awkward. Lighter builds may want to avoid overly chunky turtlenecks, for example.
• Forgetting Undergarments: Certain necklines, such as halter or off-the-shoulder, require specific bras for a clean look.
• Choosing What’s Trending vs. What Flatters: Trendy doesn’t always mean flattering! Go with what works for YOU.

Ultimately, choosing a neckline is about complimenting your features and not forcing a trend to fit.

Styling Tips for the Perfect Neckline

Now that you know exactly what necklines to look for when you’re shopping, here are a few styling tips that will take your look to new levels:

1. Add accessories that enhance your neckline. For example, a long necklace complements a V-neck, while statement earrings pair perfectly with an off-the-shoulder style.
2. Use layers strategically. A scoop neck can work beautifully under a blazer, while a turtleneck is a great base layer for colder months.
3. Experiment with textures and fabrics to add depth to your ensemble.

Fashion is about fun and self-expression, so don’t be afraid to experiment and break the “rules” once in a while. Remember, choosing the right neckline for your body type is about celebrating your unique shape while having fun with your style choices.

Arrow 22 is proud to offer various clothing items for a wide range of body types and style preferences. Once you know which neckline will flatter you the most, our boutique will be waiting so you can find the best looks with our premium quality clothing.