Image Source: Amandaferri
While careful selection of every design element of a gown, be it the silhouette, the fabric, or the sleeve style , is important, it is the right neckline that will frame your face and accentuate your bust area in the most flattering manner. The front and back necklines of gowns need to be chosen as per the wearer’s body type because the neckline is what determines whether your closeup pictures will be a hit or a miss
The ideal neckline is one that highlights your best features, such as a sharp collar bone or majestic shoulders, and masks your problem areas, which could be heavier arms or a long neck. Not only can the right neckline help you flaunt your favourite features, it can also be a reflection of your personal style. Simply switching the neckline of a gown from one style to another can change the entire mood of the outfit and can make it more formal, modern, or flamboyant. Therefore, having some basic knowledge about different necklines will allow you to work better with your designer to come up with the most suitable design as per your body type, style, and the occasion. Here is an overview of the most common gown necklines along with the body types they complement the most
The A-Z of Gown Necklines
1. Asymmetrical/ One-Shoulder
Source: Weddingwire
An asymmetrical or one-shoulder neckline consists of a single strap that lies on either the left or the right shoulder and is draped diagonally across the chest. This modern and glamorous neckline highlights the collarbone beautifully and is perfect for pear-shaped body types because it draws attention to the shoulders and away from the wider hip area
2. Halter Neck
Source: davincibridal
A halter neckline features straps that go around the neck with a tie, hook, or snap closure at the back. This neckline is perfect for those who wish to flaunt their broad shoulders and works particularly well for taller women. It is also ideal for those with a heavier bust area because it draws the attention away from the bust and towards the shoulders
3. High Neck
Source: womangettingmarried
A high neckline is similar to a turtleneck and is ideal for those with a thin neck and a smaller bust size. It adds a hint of sophistication to the gown and is the neckline of choice for a more modest look. However, this neckline can also be glammed up by placing illusion netting around the bust area
4. Illusion Neck
Source: hitched.co.uk
An illusion neckline makes use of sheer fabric in the upper region of the bodice to give the illusion of a strapless neckline but with more coverage. This neckline is a good choice for those who want the gown to highlight their bust area but don’t want to show too much skin. The use of sheer netting and lace adds a delicate and feminine look to the gown
5. Jewel Neckline
Source: modernwedding.com
A jewel neckline is essentially a round neckline that sits above the collarbone and is often studded with gemstones to resemble a necklace. This neckline accentuates the neck beautifully and gives the appearance of a fuller bust area. It is an elegant neckline that is perfect for evening gowns, especially for those with a smaller bosom
6. Off-shoulder
Source: herworld
An off-shoulder neckline consists of straps that rest on the arms, below the shoulders. This neckline is ideal for flaunting a sharp collarbone. It works well for fuller-busted women because it creates a balance between the bust and the exposed shoulders. This style may not be suitable for those with wide shoulders or fuller arms
7. Queen Anne Neckline
Source: mywedding.com
The Queen Anne neckline typically features a higher collar at the back and a deep sweetheart or scoop neck in the front. This neckline is suitable for those with narrow shoulders as it creates the illusion of a broader upper bust area while accentuating the collar bones. It is a popular neckline for modern wedding gowns
8. Scoop Neck
Source: weddingsxp.com
The scoop neckline is a deep and round neckline that flatters most body types. It is particularly suitable for those with a shorter neck because it draws the attention downwards and creates the illusion of a longer neck. It also flaunts a hint of the collarbones and looks modern yet elegant on wedding dresses and party wear gowns
9. Square Neck
Source: perfectweddingguide
A square neckline has a horizontal bodice which is perpendicular to the straps, creating a rectangular shape between the bust and the neck. This neckline elongates the neck and gives the illusion of narrower shoulders. It also works well for those with a round face because it draws attention vertically downwards, making the face look longer
10. Straight Across Neckline
Source: mywedding.com
A straight-across neckline is a strapless neckline that runs straight across the chest. It imparts a clean and sophisticated look to the gown and is ideal for those who wish to show off their neck. This neckline is perfect for those who wish to pair the gown with a statement necklace
11. Sweetheart Neck
Source: weddingstodaymag
A sweetheart neckline has a bodice that dips in the center to resemble the curves of a heart. This neckline is often strapless but can also be paired with slender straps. It works well for those with a heavier bust area by accentuating their curves in a flattering manner
12. V-Neck
Source: archiecho
A V-neckline is one that dips into a V-shape in the front. This neckline suits most body types, creates the illusion of height and has a slimming effect. It has a narrowing effect on wider shoulders and can also make the bosom area appear fuller. The flattering nature of this neckline makes it a safe option for bridal and engagement gowns
This list covers some of the most commonly used necklines for gowns. For a more comprehensive list of all possible necklines, you can refer to this article & consult your gown designer boutique to design any specific neckline you would like for your gown dress
Most Flattering Back Necklines
Choosing the The back neckline is just as important as the front neckline of the gown. It helps create a balance between the front and the back of the garment and brings the design of the gown together. Similar to the front necklines, you can choose the back of the gown to look as conservative, modern, or bohemian as you want. You can either match the back neckline to the front neckline, for example, a V-neckline on both sides, or can opt for a statement back style. The perfect back neckline for a gown can be determined by the wearer’s body type as well as the occasion and the dress code. Here is an overview of some of the most popular back necklines and their unique features
1. Plunging Back
Source: Stylishwedd
As the name suggests, a plunging back neckline plunges deep at the back, adding oodles of glamour to the outfit. This back style is suitable for those who don’t mind showing some skin and have a narrow back or an hourglass figure. A plunging back neckline pairs well with clean front necklines such as halter, V-neck or square, to create a modern and crisp look
2. Keyhole Back
Source: Weddingwire
The keyhole back brings the best of both worlds to the table by allowing the wearer to show off some skin while covering up other parts of the back. It essentially covers the upper and lower back with a gape in the middle that can be of different shapes such as a circle or a diamond. This back style accentuates the bone structure and creates a slimming effect on those with a wider back
3. Illusion Back
Source: Rico-a-mona
An illusion back essentially consists of a sheer netting or lace that covers the back. It is perfect for those who want to flaunt their back but in a more conservative and minimalistic manner. When paired with a high neck, scoop or jewel front neckline, this back style can look extremely sophisticated yet delicate. It complements everything from bridal gowns to flowy gowns for daytime events, depending on the choice of the sheer fabric
While these are some of the most popular back designs, numerous other combinations of front and back necklines are possible. Here is an article on statement back details for more inspiration
With this comprehensive neckline guide, terms such as Queen Anne and Sweetheart Neckline won’t seem like jargon anymore! Once you are well-versed with the different necklines, you can also refer to the following links to find out which hairstyles and necklaces pair well with what necklines.
Now that you have a good idea of what front and back necklines work well for what body types and occasions, consult your gown dress designer regarding the latest trends to choose a fashionable and flattering neckline for the gown of your dreams
