As if it wasn't hard enough picking the neckline in the first place, now you have to find accessories to match! Which necklaces will complement a scoop neck, strapless, boat neck, or a wrap-style gown? What about finding jewelry for the bridesmaids dresses? Custom jewelry designer Sarah Stephens offers her professional opinion on this style stumper.
1. Boat Neck
Boat-neck dresses feature sharp necklines that go straight across the collarbone, from shoulder to shoulder. Shorter necklace lengths, like the collar or choker styles (about 12 inches and 15 inches, respectively), are flattering with this neckline. Avoid longer styles as they tend to make the chest look broader than it is.
2. Scoop or Ballet Neck Tops
The scoop and ballet necklines offer wide openings to the neck, exposing most of the collar bone and stopping just at the top of the cleavage. Necklaces should be choker length, hitting at the collarbone or just below and should be delicate and feminine. As opposed to a longer style, this length balances the exposed space of the chest in an appealing way.
3. Deep V-Neck
The deep V-neck permits either a feminine, lengthy necklace that mirrors the cut of the dress, or a rounder, wider shaped piece that balances out the sharp V. Layered strands and longer necklaces emphasize cleavage, while shorter pendants highlight the neck and collarbone. Be sure that the necklace falls either an inch below the V or remains a few inches above. Otherwise the cut and the necklace will intermingle and hide each other.
4. Plunging Neckline
There are a variety of options for this daring look. Longer necklaces, at about 32-45 inches, including lariats, are a sexy option for plunging necklines. On the other hand, a delicate princess length (17 inches) can be a teaser that leads the eye to the cleavage. Be sure not to choose a necklace that ends exactly where the V-neck begins; it will fall inside the dress material and distract the onlooker.
5. Wrap Dress
Depending on the design, this fashionable look exposes a good amount of neckline and decollete. Pendants that fall between 16 and 18 inches are perfect-either bold or delicate. I recommend in particular a layered necklace that is punctuated by identical pendants at the base of each strand.
