The Right Necklace for Every Neckline

Let’s Talk About Lauren! No seriously, let’s talk about her. She’s the writer for her namesake blog, a Shop It To Me Trendsetter, and a graphic designer living in Chicago. Always in search of great design, she knows a thing or two about putting an outfit together. So we’re delighted she’s offering some tips on how (and when) to top off a great outfit with the right necklace.

In the current trend of layer upon layer of drapey clothes and wedged, million-strap-strong shoes, accessorizing is so important to add the finishing touch to any outfit, no matter the occasion. Stack on the bracelets. Show off of your gold toe ring. But how does your necklace accent your neckline? Here are some basics to keep in mind:

Crew: We’ve all had those t-shirt and jeans days, where we throw on our favorite plain crew neck. Ditch the plain Jane look and dress it up with long layered necklaces. Try something beaded so you can add little touches of color that accent the shirt. For a lower crew neck (not as high as a crew, but not as deep as a scoop) try a dangly choker necklace.

Collared Button-Up: If you are wearing a button up, collared shirt, consider wearing a couple shorter layered necklaces either under the shirt with the first button undone for a work look. Or, for an after-work look, try longer layered necklaces over the shirt with another open button and a camisole underneath.

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** V-Neck*: Choose a necklace that sits right above the V. Try a Y-shaped necklace that sits closer to the neck, or something with a bold pendant. If the V-neck is very deep, choose a longer necklace that follows the neckline. Remember that a necklace is an accent to your garment, not an invitation to your cleavage!

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** Scoop*: Try a larger necklace that fills up some of your decollete. Make sure your top doesn’t compete with the jewelry. Choose something less bold for a patterned shirt, and something bigger and more detailed for a solid.
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Here are a few necklines in which I don’t think necklaces work. In these cases, choose dangly earrings instead!

• Halter
• High cowl neck, or draped neck: Let the collar/drape make the statement!
• One-shoulder tops: If you want something extra, try an upper arm cuff on the arm with the bare shoulder.