To pick a necklace for any neckline, either echo the neckline's shape or fill the open skin above it. A V neck takes a V shaped pendant or lariat, a strapless or sweetheart neckline takes a choker or collarbone length chain, and a crew neck or turtleneck takes a long pendant worn over the fabric.
The simple rule: the necklace should sit clearly above the neckline or clearly on top of the fabric, never right on the edge. The chart below covers 11 necklines.
The Neckline Matching Rule in 30 Seconds
The neckline matching rule has two parts: shape and space. Repeat the shape of the neckline, and leave a visible gap between the necklace and the edge of the fabric.
- Open necklines (V neck, strapless, sweetheart, off the shoulder) show skin, so the necklace sits on the skin above the fabric.
- Closed necklines (crew, high neck, turtleneck) cover the chest, so the necklace sits on top of the fabric.
- Angular necklines (V neck, square) pair well with angular or pointed pendants; curved necklines (scoop, sweetheart) pair well with round pendants and curved chains.
Necklace length decides where the piece falls. The International Gem Society gives standard names for each length, which the chart uses.
The International Gem Society lists standard necklace lengths as choker at 14 to 16 inches, princess at 18 inches, matinee at 20 to 24 inches, opera at 28 to 32 inches, and rope at anything over 32 inches. Matching one of these lengths to the neckline keeps a chain from landing on the fabric edge (International Gem Society).
See the International Gem Society necklace size chart, and the EVRY necklace length guide for how each length looks on the body.
Necklace and Neckline Chart
This chart pairs 11 common necklines with the necklace shape and length that suit them best. Lengths follow the International Gem Society names.
| Neckline | Best necklace | Length | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| V neck | V shaped pendant, lariat or Y necklace | Princess to matinee, 18 to 24 in, sitting above the point of the V | Round collars that fight the V |
| Plunging V | Long lariat or fine layered chains | Matinee, 20 to 24 in | Heavy chokers that cut the line |
| Scoop | Round pendant or curved chain | Princess, about 18 in | Angular bib necklaces |
| Sweetheart | Choker or short pendant | Choker to princess, 14 to 18 in | Long chains that land on the bodice |
| Square | Choker or short chain with a geometric pendant | Choker, 14 to 16 in | Pendants that fall into the square edge |
| Strapless | Choker, tennis necklace or statement collar | Choker to princess, 14 to 18 in | Very long, thin chains that look lost |
| Off the shoulder | Choker or short layered set | Choker to princess, 14 to 18 in | Long pendants that pull the eye down |
| Halter | Minimal or no necklace; try earrings | Short, if any | Anything that competes with the straps |
| Crew neck | Pendant or layers over the fabric, or a short chain above it | Matinee to opera, 20 to 32 in | Chains that rest on the collar seam |
| High neck | Long pendant over the fabric | Matinee to opera, 20 to 32 in | Short chains hidden by the collar |
| Turtleneck | Long pendant or rope | Opera to rope, 28 in and up | Chokers and short chains |
What Necklace to Wear With a V Neck
A V neck looks best with a necklace that repeats the V, such as a pointed pendant, a lariat or a Y necklace. The pendant should stop above the point of the V so a little skin shows below it.
A lariat is the easiest V neck match, because the drop follows the neckline. Try the Dahlia Lariat Necklace, browse lariat necklaces, or read what a lariat necklace is and how to wear it. For a deep plunge, two or three fine chains at staggered lengths fill the space without weighing it down.
Necklaces for Strapless, Sweetheart and Off the Shoulder
Strapless, sweetheart and off the shoulder necklines leave the collarbone bare, so a choker or a short necklace that frames the neck works best. These necklines are common on formal and wedding dresses.
A tennis style or sparkly choker suits evening looks, such as the Frost Beam Tennis Choker Necklace or the Spotlight Choker Necklace. For a softer look with a sweetheart neckline, a single drop at the hollow of the neck repeats the curve; try the Single Pearl Drop Necklace or browse pearl necklaces. Dressing a wedding party? The bridesmaid jewelry guide covers matching sets.
Necklaces for Square and Scoop Necklines
A square neckline pairs best with a short chain or choker that sits well above the straight edge. A scoop neckline pairs best with a round pendant on a princess length chain that echoes the curve.
The International Gem Society places the choker at 14 to 16 inches, falling to the hollow of the neck, and the princess length at 18 inches. That gap decides the match: a choker clears a high square edge, while a princess chain drops lower to fill a scoop (International Gem Society).
For a square neckline, a geometric pendant reinforces the clean lines. For a scoop, a heart or round charm softens the look; browse pendant necklaces for both shapes.
Necklaces for Crew Neck, High Neck and Turtleneck
Closed necklines such as crew necks, high necks and turtlenecks look best with a longer necklace worn on top of the fabric. A long pendant draws the eye down and keeps a covered top from looking flat.
For a crew neck, you have two options: a short chain that sits just above the collar, or layers that fall over the fabric, as in the photo above. For a turtleneck, go long with the Aurora Glow Long Necklace or the Siren Glow Long Necklace. A personalized pendant, such as the Custom/Personalized Heart Locket Necklace, also stands out well against plain knitwear.
How to Layer Necklaces by Neckline
Layering works with almost every neckline as long as the shortest chain clears the fabric edge and each layer has its own length. Aim for a gap of about 2 inches between layers so each one shows and they are less likely to tangle.
- V neck and plunge: layer down into the V, shortest at the top.
- Crew neck: start one chain above the collar and let the rest fall over the fabric.
- Strapless and off the shoulder: keep layers short, within choker to princess length.
A pre layered piece, like the Perfect Pair Double Layered Necklace, makes this easy. See more in layered necklaces, the necklace layering style guide, and how to untangle a necklace for when layers knot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Necklaces and Necklines
What type of necklace complements a high neckline?
A long pendant worn over the fabric complements a high neckline best. Choose a matinee or opera length, which the International Gem Society places at 20 to 24 inches and 28 to 32 inches, so the pendant lands mid chest rather than on the collar. Short chains disappear under a high collar. If the top already has detail at the neck, skip the necklace and wear statement earrings instead.
What kind of necklace looks good with a round neckline?
A round neckline, such as a crew or scoop, looks good with a necklace that echoes the curve: a round pendant, a curved chain or a short strand of beads. For a scoop, a princess length of about 18 inches sits inside the curve. For a crew neck, either choose a short chain that sits above the collar or a longer pendant of 20 inches or more over the fabric.
What necklace goes with a strapless dress?
A choker or a short statement necklace goes best with a strapless dress, because the neckline leaves the neck, collarbone and shoulders bare. A choker of 14 to 16 inches, the International Gem Society range, frames the neck without touching the bodice. Tennis style chokers suit formal dresses, while a single pendant or pearl drop suits a softer, daytime look.
Should a necklace sit above or below the neckline?
A necklace should sit clearly above the neckline on open necks and clearly on top of the fabric on closed necks. The mistake to avoid is a chain that lands right on the edge of the fabric, where it looks cut off. Leave at least 1 to 2 inches of space between the necklace and the neckline, and check the length in a mirror before you head out.
What necklace should I wear with a halter neck?
A halter neck usually looks best with no necklace or a very fine short chain, because the straps already frame the neck. Shift the focus to earrings or a bracelet instead. If you want a necklace, choose a delicate choker of 14 to 16 inches that sits inside the halter straps and does not compete with them, or let a small pendant rest at the hollow of the neck.
Find the right shape and length for your favorite neckline in EVRY necklaces.
