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Halter: The halter neckline consists of two triangular points of fabric that rise along the chest and join in some fashion at the back of the neck. The width of the points may vary by design. It has a plummeting neck to show cleavage. Flatters moderately sized to small busted women with toned arms. It does not flatter larger women or women with broad shoulders as it will emphasize larger proportions. Just about any style and length of necklace will work with a halter providing it does not get lost in the cleavage. Empire: The empire neckline is square and has a horizontal coverage of the breasts. It dips to a point halfway between the top of the breast and the areolas. Flatters average to larger women with short necks as it offers a balance and makes the neck appear longer. It does not flatter small or petite women, as it will draw attention to the less endowed. Like the halter, just about any style and length of necklace will work providing it does not get lost in the cleavage. Sweetheart: The sweetheart is an open neckline beginning 2 inches inside the shoulder line and is shaped like a heart. The vertical dip of the neckline elongates the face and gives balance to larger proportions making it the most popular style of wedding and evening gowns. Flatters most every woman. Chokers to about 26” (depending on the depth of the bottom of the “heart”) leave at least 3” of skin showing below the necklace to keep a clean classy look. | ||||||||
Open Collar: As the name implies, the shirt, blouse or dress has an unbuttoned area around the neck front. Flatters almost everyone and will enhance the neck. Does not flatter multiple chins. Collar, chokers to matinee length necklaces flatter this neckline. Turtleneck: This close neckline has an extended collar usually worn folded over to about 2” below the chin. Flatters women with narrow shoulders and long necks and faces, as it helps to balance them. Any style and length of necklace other than collars will work with this neckline; bold pendants are especially striking. Off the Shoulder: This is an open neckline that sits below the shoulders front and back accentuating your collarbone and shoulders. A flattering neckline for most figures. Does not flatter broad shoulders or larger arms. This is a versatile neckline and almost any style necklace that fits close to the neckline will flatter. | ||||||||
Jewel: The jewel neck is a high, close neckline encircling the base of the neck and covers the top of the torso to the shoulders. It is almost always sleeveless. It gets the name as the neckline is often selected to present a backdrop for showing off a special piece of jewelry. It does not flatter women with larger arms in the sleeveless version. Chokers as long as they are well below the neckline or a necklace at least 22-30” long. Vee Neck: The vee neck is close to the neck on the back and sides and dips to a shallow point in front. Flatters most women as it emphasizes an oval shaped face and causes the neck to appear longer and is possibly the single most flattering neckline style. A choker with a pendant to 22” depending on how low your vee neck dips in the front. Queen Anne: Britain’s Queen Anne popularized this neckline. The diamond shape opening of the chest area will make the chest and shoulders appear larger and wider by drawing the eyes to the horizontal line along the right and left points. Flatters women who are small breasted with narrow of shoulders. It does not flatter broad shouldered woman for the same reason. With the striking high collar of this neckline you do not usually want a necklace, just a fabulous pair of earrings. | ||||||||
Cowl Neck: The cowl neck is similar to the turtleneck but features a collar of folded fabric but instead of being close fitting, the cowl neck's collar is wider and drapes loosely around the neck. Flatters larger women with heavier builds and wide faces and necks. Does not flatter smaller or petite women as the width of the collar will emphasize a horizontal line and make the woman look stumpy. This neckline needs a longer necklace due to the width of collar; any style works as long as it is 24” or longer depending on the width of the cowl. Sabrina: The Sabrina neckline (after Audrey Hepburn's character in the movie) is a wide, shallow, straight neckline that begins 2 inches inside the shoulder and is close to the base of the neck. Flatters women with narrow necks and thin faces, making them appear wider. This is another classic neckline that looks best with a collar or choker with or without a pendant. Portrait: The portrait neckline is lower-cut, wide scooped and stands away from the body, it features a shawl-like addition that drapes around the shoulders. It is the most classic feminine look. Flattering with a view of skin on the chest, without revealing cleavage. Just about any style of necklace suits this neckline from collars to 22” (above the bust). | ||||||||
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There are variations on each and every style listed that could make a choice not normally recommended more acceptable. If you keep "balance" in mind, you will make good decisions.
Compliments from Isabol of
Copyright © Shining Knight Jewelry 2006. All full copyright rights are reserved by Shining Knight Jewelry Other websites and journalists are allowed to excerpt and link to this article as long as full credit/attribution is given to Shining Knight Jewelry. |
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