The main types of necklines are the V-neck, crew neck, scoop neck, sweetheart, square, off-the-shoulder, one-shoulder, halter, boat neck, cowl, turtleneck, mock neck, plunging, strapless, keyhole and collared neckline. Below you will find a picture of each one, how to recognize it, which body types and face shapes it flatters, and what jewelry to wear with it.
Types of Necklines at a Glance
| Neckline | Shape | Flatters | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-neck | Point at the center front | Round faces, fuller busts, short necks | Everyday, work, evening |
| Crew neck | Round, close to the base of the neck | Narrow shoulders, long necks | Casual, layering |
| Scoop neck | Wide, low U-shape | Most body types | Everyday, summer |
| Sweetheart | Two curves like the top of a heart | Small and medium busts, pear shapes | Weddings, prom, dates |
| Square | Straight top edge with corners | Round faces, broad shoulders | Summer dresses, vintage looks |
| Off-the-shoulder | Sits below both shoulders | Pear shapes, narrow shoulders | Summer, parties, beach |
| One-shoulder | Diagonal line over one shoulder | Athletic and hourglass shapes | Formal events, cocktail parties |
| Halter | Straps tie or fasten behind the neck | Toned arms, broad shoulders | Summer, evening gowns |
| Boat neck | Wide, shallow, collarbone to collarbone | Narrow shoulders, small busts | Work, classic outfits |
| Cowl | Soft draped folds at the front | Small busts, slim frames | Evening, satin slip dresses |
| Turtleneck | Tall folded collar covering the neck | Long necks, oval faces | Fall and winter |
| Mock neck | Short stand-up collar, not folded | Most body types | Layering, smart casual |
| Plunging | Very deep V, often to the waist | Small and medium busts | Red carpet, evening |
| Strapless | Straight or curved edge across the bust | Defined shoulders and collarbones | Formal, bridal, summer |
| Keyhole | Small cut-out opening below the neckline | Most body types | Office, cocktail |
| Collared | Folded shirt collar with buttons | All body types | Work, preppy outfits |
Different Types of Necklines with Pictures
1. V-Neck
A V-neck dips down to a point in the center of the chest. It can be shallow, ending just below the collarbones, or deeper for evening wear. It is one of the most flattering necklines because the vertical line makes the neck look longer and the face look slimmer.
Who it suits: round and square faces, short necks and fuller busts. How to style it: a pendant necklace that follows the V, or a simple chain that sits above the point.
2. Crew Neck
The crew neck is the round, close-fitting neckline you see on most T-shirts and sweatshirts. It sits right at the base of the neck and shows little skin, which makes it easy to layer under jackets, blazers and cardigans.
Who it suits: narrow shoulders, long necks and smaller busts. How to style it: a short layered necklace or statement earrings, or leave it plain for a clean casual look.
3. Scoop Neck
A scoop neck is a wide U-shape that sits lower and wider than a crew neck. It shows off the collarbones without being too revealing, so it works for everyday tops, bodysuits and summer dresses.
Who it suits: almost everyone, especially petite frames and pear shapes. How to style it: a dainty layered necklace or a choker fills the open space nicely.
4. Sweetheart Neckline
The sweetheart neckline has two curved arcs over the bust that meet in a dip at the center, like the top of a heart. It is a favorite for wedding dresses, prom gowns and corset tops because it adds shape and a romantic feel. It is often combined with off-shoulder or long sheer sleeves, as in the dress above.
Who it suits: small to medium busts, pear and hourglass shapes. How to style it: a short pendant or a choker, and hair worn up to show the neckline.
5. Square Neckline
A square neckline has a straight horizontal edge with corners on each side. It has a vintage, cottagecore feel and is very popular on summer dresses, puff-sleeve tops and milkmaid dresses.
Who it suits: round and oval faces, broad shoulders and larger busts. How to style it: a short, delicate chain or no necklace at all, with hoop or drop earrings.
6. Off-the-Shoulder Neckline
An off-the-shoulder neckline sits below both shoulders and runs straight across the upper arms, leaving the shoulders and collarbones bare. It is held up by elastic or a fitted bodice, and is one of the most popular summer and vacation styles.
Who it suits: pear shapes and narrow shoulders, because it adds width on top. How to style it: a choker or a short pendant, and statement earrings.
7. One-Shoulder Neckline
A one-shoulder (or asymmetrical) neckline goes diagonally from one shoulder to under the opposite arm. It looks modern and elegant, which is why it is common for cocktail dresses, evening gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
Who it suits: athletic and hourglass figures, and anyone who wants to show off toned shoulders. How to style it: skip the necklace and wear one bold earring or a cuff bracelet.
8. Halter Neckline
A halter neckline has straps that go around the back of the neck instead of over the shoulders, leaving the shoulders and upper back bare. Halter tops and halter dresses are summer staples and also show up on swimsuits and evening gowns.
Who it suits: broad shoulders and toned arms. It also offers good support for larger busts. How to style it: no necklace, with hair up and drop earrings.
9. Boat Neck (Bateau)
The boat neck, or bateau neckline, is a wide, shallow neckline that runs almost straight from one collarbone to the other. It is a classic French look, often seen on Breton striped tops and simple shift dresses.
Who it suits: narrow shoulders and small busts, since it widens the upper body. How to style it: stud earrings and a long pendant, or no jewelry for a minimalist look.
10. Cowl Neck
A cowl neckline is made from extra fabric that falls in soft, draped folds at the front. It looks best in fluid fabrics like satin, silk and jersey, and it is the signature neckline of the slip dress.
Who it suits: small busts and slim frames, because the drape adds volume. How to style it: no necklace, so the drape stays the focus, with small earrings.
11. Turtleneck
A turtleneck has a tall collar that folds over and covers most of the neck. It is the go-to neckline for fall and winter sweaters, and a fitted black turtleneck is a wardrobe classic that pairs with blazers, coats and skirts.
Who it suits: long necks, oval faces and narrow shoulders. How to style it: a long pendant necklace worn over the knit, or bold earrings.
12. Mock Neck
A mock neck is a shorter version of the turtleneck. The collar stands up around the base of the neck but does not fold over. It gives a sleek, sporty look and is easier to wear than a full turtleneck in mild weather.
Who it suits: most body types, especially if a turtleneck feels too high. How to style it: hoop earrings and a high ponytail.
13. Plunging Neckline
A plunging neckline is a very deep V that can reach the bottom of the sternum or even the waist. It is a red-carpet favorite and is usually supported with fashion tape or a built-in panel of sheer mesh.
Who it suits: small to medium busts and tall frames. How to style it: a long, thin pendant that follows the line, or earrings only.
14. Strapless Neckline
A strapless neckline has no straps or sleeves and is held up by a fitted bodice. The top edge can be straight across, curved, or shaped as a sweetheart. Strapless dresses are popular for weddings, proms and formal events.
Who it suits: anyone with defined shoulders and collarbones, and pear shapes. How to style it: a statement necklace or a choker, and an updo.
15. Keyhole Neckline
A keyhole neckline is a round or crew neckline with a small opening, usually a teardrop or circle, cut out just below it. It adds a little detail to a modest top and is often fastened with a single button at the back of the neck.
Who it suits: most body types, and it is a good choice for the office. How to style it: stud or drop earrings; let the cut-out be the feature.
16. Collared Neckline
A collared neckline has a folded band of fabric around the neck, like a classic button-up shirt. Common styles include the point collar, Peter Pan collar, mandarin collar and wide lapel collar.
Who it suits: all body types; leave the top buttons open to create a V-shape. How to style it: a thin chain under an open collar, or pearl studs for a polished look.
How to Choose the Right Neckline
- Round face: V-neck, plunging and square necklines add length and angles.
- Long or oval face: crew, boat, cowl and turtleneck necklines balance length.
- Broad shoulders: V-neck, halter and one-shoulder necklines break up the width.
- Narrow shoulders: boat neck, off-the-shoulder and square necklines add width.
- Large bust: V-neck, scoop and wrap necklines give shape without adding volume.
- Small bust: cowl, sweetheart, halter and high necklines add volume.
- Short neck: open necklines like the V-neck and scoop make the neck look longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most flattering neckline?
The V-neck is considered the most flattering neckline for most people. Its vertical line lengthens the neck and torso and works for almost every face shape and bust size.
What is the difference between a scoop neck and a crew neck?
A crew neck sits high and close to the base of the neck. A scoop neck is wider and lower, cut in a U-shape that shows the collarbones.
What is the difference between a turtleneck and a mock neck?
A turtleneck is tall and folds over on itself. A mock neck is shorter and stands up around the neck without folding.
Which neckline is best for a wedding dress?
Sweetheart, strapless, off-the-shoulder and V-neck necklines are the most popular for wedding dresses. The best choice depends on your shoulders, bust and the style of the venue.
What neckline makes you look slimmer?
V-necks, plunging necklines and open scoop necks create a vertical line that makes the upper body look longer and slimmer.