Ever notice how the same dress can look totally different on two people? One big reason: the neckline.

Necklines do much more than just frame your face. They can make your neck look longer, your shoulders broader, or your waist smaller.

The right neckline works with your body shape to make you look your best. In this guide, you’ll learn about the different neckline styles and which ones work best for your body type.

We’ll show you how to pick necklines that highlight your best features and help you feel great in what you wear.

Ready to find your perfect neckline match? Let’s get started.

Understanding the Role of Necklines in Fashion

Necklines play a key role in how clothes look on your body. The right neckline can make your outfit stand out and help you feel good about what you wear.

Necklines are the top edges of a garment that go around your neck. They do more than just finish a piece of clothing – they change how your face, neck, and shoulders appear. A well-chosen neckline can highlight your best features and create balance in your overall look.

Different necklines work better for various body types. The shape of the neckline can make your neck look longer, your shoulders wider or narrower, or bring attention to your face.

Necklines also set the tone of an outfit. Some styles look more formal while others feel casual. The neckline you pick can make the same basic dress work for many different events, just by changing how it frames your upper body.

When you shop for clothes, paying attention to the neckline is just as important as checking the color or size. The right neckline choice helps clothes fit well and feel comfortable while making you look your best.

Want to learn more? Check our blog on how classic fashion choices shape your wardrobe.

A Complete List of Dress Necklines

Necklines define the overall look of any dress. The right neckline can highlight your best features while creating balance with your body shape and personal style preferences.

1. Scoop Neck

The scoop neck has a rounded U-shape that dips below the collarbone. This style works well for most body types but is especially good for people with smaller busts or narrow shoulders.

The curved line adds a soft touch to your look. Wear scoop necks for casual outings or office settings – they’re simple yet flattering.

• Creates a soft, curved line around the neck
• Shows some skin without being too revealing
• Works for most face shapes and body types
• Easy to accessorize with necklaces

2. V-Neck

The V-neck creates a slim look by drawing the eye downward in a V-shape. This style makes your neck appear longer and can make broad shoulders look more balanced.

It’s also great for showing off necklaces. The V-shape brings focus to the center of your chest, making it a good choice for both casual and formal clothes.

• Makes the neck look longer
• Creates a slimming effect for the upper body
• Works well with pendants and drop necklaces
• Good option for people with fuller busts

3. Sweetheart Neck

This neckline curves like the top of a heart, with a dip in the middle. It adds a soft, romantic feel to dresses.

The sweetheart neck works well for people with square jawlines as it brings in curved lines to balance facial features. It’s very popular for wedding dresses and formal wear.

• Shaped like the top of a heart
• Brings attention to the bust in a flattering way
• Adds a romantic, feminine touch to dresses
• Good for balancing angular facial features

4. Boat Neck

Also called a bateau neck, this style runs straight across from shoulder to shoulder, often sitting close to the collarbone. It makes narrow shoulders look wider and balances out fuller hips. This clean, simple line gives clothes an elegant look that works well for work outfits and formal events.

• Creates a horizontal line across the shoulders
• Makes the shoulders look wider
• Balances out pear-shaped body types
• Has a classic, timeless appeal

5. Halter Neck

The halter wraps around the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back open. This style brings attention to toned shoulders and creates a strong visual line. It’s perfect for warm weather and shows off the collarbone area nicely. Halter necks work well for people with smaller busts or those who want to highlight their shoulders.

• Ties or fastens behind the neck
• Shows off shoulders and upper back
• Great for summer wear
• Draws attention upward toward the face

6. Square Neck

With straight lines forming a square or rectangle, this neckline offers good support for larger busts. The clean lines create a structured look that works in formal and casual settings.

Square necks pair well with both short and long sleeves and flatter most body types.

• Features straight lines forming a square or rectangle
• Offers good support for fuller busts
• Creates a clean, structured look
• Works well with many sleeve lengths

7. Asymmetric Neckline

This style has an uneven cut that’s higher on one side than the other. The off-balance look creates visual interest and a fresh, modern feel.

It works well for people wanting to try something different without getting too fancy. Asymmetric necklines add a touch of style to even simple dresses.

• Higher on one side than the other
• Creates visual interest and draws the eye
• Gives a modern, fashion-forward look
• Makes even simple designs look more special

8. Cowl Neck

This neckline features loose, draped fabric that folds over itself at the front. The soft gathers add texture and movement to tops and dresses.

Cowl necks work especially well in soft, flowing fabrics and add volume to the upper body in a gentle way.

• Creates soft folds of fabric around the neck
• Adds texture and visual interest
• Looks best in lightweight, drapey fabrics
• Good for adding volume to smaller busts

9. High Neck

The high neck sits close to the base of the neck, covering the collarbone area completely. This modest style creates a clean, sophisticated look that works well in professional settings.

It’s also good for cooler weather and creates a nice canvas for showing off earrings.

• Covers the whole neck area
• Creates a modest, sophisticated appearance
• Good for professional environments
• Makes long necks look more balanced

10. Off-the-Shoulder

This style runs straight across the upper arms, sitting below the shoulders. It shows skin in a subtle, flattering way by highlighting the collarbone and shoulders.

The off-the-shoulder look has a romantic feel that works well for both casual summer clothes and special occasion dresses.

• Exposes both shoulders completely
• Creates a romantic, feminine look
• Flatter most body types
• Popular for warm-weather wear

11. One-Shoulder

The one-shoulder neckline covers one shoulder while leaving the other completely bare. This eye-catching style creates an interesting line and has a bold, fashion-forward feel.

It’s often seen in evening wear and special occasion dresses.

• Covers just one shoulder
• Creates an interesting asymmetrical look
• Makes a bold style statement
• Popular for formal events and parties

12. Jewel Neck

This simple, round neckline sits at the base of the throat without showing the collarbone. The clean line works well in many settings and provides a perfect background for necklaces and other jewelry.

Jewel necks are versatile and flatter most face shapes.

• Sits right at the base of the neck
• Creates a simple, classic look
• Great for showing off statement necklaces
• Works well for both casual and formal wear

13. Turtleneck

The turtleneck features a tall collar that folds over and completely covers the neck. This practical style keeps you warm while looking polished and put-together.

Turtlenecks work well for people with long necks and add structure to casual outfits.

• Fully covers the neck with fabric that folds over
• Provides warmth and coverage
• Creates a sleek, streamlined look
• Good for cooler weather and winter wear

14. Mock Neck

Similar to a turtleneck but shorter, the mock neck stands up around the neck without folding over. This creates a clean, modern look that’s less bulky than a full turtleneck. Mock necks work well in both casual and business settings.

• Stands up around the neck without folding
• Less bulky than a full turtleneck
• Creates a clean, modern look
• Good transition style for fall and spring

15. Plunge Neck

This dramatic style extends in a deep V well below the bust line. The plunge neck creates a bold, eye-catching look that’s meant to make a statement. It’s best saved for evening wear and special occasions where more daring fashion is welcome.

• Extends in a deep V far below the collarbone
• Creates a dramatic, bold look
• Best for formal events and special occasions
• Often requires special undergarments

16. Queen Anne Neck

The Queen Anne neckline is high in the back and scooped in the front. This classic style has a formal, somewhat regal appearance that works beautifully for wedding dresses and other formal gowns. The contrast between front and back creates an interesting look from all angles.

• High at the back of the neck
• Scooped or heart-shaped in front
• Creates an elegant, classic look
• Popular choice for wedding dresses

17. Portrait Neck

This wide, shallow scoop sits just off the shoulders, framing the collarbone area like a picture frame (hence the name). The portrait neckline has an elegant, romantic quality that works well for formal wear and special occasion dresses.

• A wide, shallow scoop that sits off the shoulders
• Frames the face and neck area
• Creates a romantic, elegant look
• Shows off the collarbone in a flattering way

18. Keyhole Neck

The keyhole features a small cut-out opening at the front of an otherwise closed neckline. This small detail adds visual interest without showing too much skin. Keyhole necks work well for both day and evening wear, adding a subtle touch of style.

• Features a small opening at the center front
• Adds detail to a simple neckline
• Shows a hint of skin in a subtle way
• Works for both casual and formal styles

19. Illusion Neck

This style uses sheer fabric to create a covered but see-through effect. The illusion neckline offers modesty while still looking light and airy. It’s popular for wedding dresses and evening wear, creating a beautiful balance between coverage and style.

• Uses sheer fabric over the neck and upper chest
• Creates the look of skin showing while providing coverage
• Offers a good balance of modesty and style
• Often decorated with lace or beading

20. Strapless

The strapless neckline runs straight across with no straps or sleeves for support. This style shows off shoulders, neck, and collarbone for a fresh, open look.

Strapless styles are popular for formal events and summer wear when showing more skin feels right.

• Has no straps or sleeves
• Shows off shoulders and collarbone fully
• Creates a clean horizontal line
• Popular for formal dresses and summer wear

21. Sabrina Neck

Named after Audrey Hepburn’s movie “Sabrina,” this style sits just above the collarbone and is wider than a jewel neck but not as wide as a boat neck.

The Sabrina creates a simple, elegant line that flatters most body types and works well for both casual and formal settings.

• Sits right above the collarbone
• Wider than a crew neck but narrower than a boat neck
• Creates a simple, elegant line
• Named after Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style

22. Mandarin Collar

This small, stand-up collar doesn’t fold over; instead, it stands straight up around the neck.

The clean, minimal look has roots in traditional Asian clothing but has become a mainstream option for those wanting a neat collar without the bulk of a traditional folded one.

• Small collar that stands up around the neck
• Creates a clean, structured look
• Has origins in traditional Asian clothing
• Good alternative to a traditional folded collar

23. Collared Neck

The classic collared neckline features a traditional shirt collar that folds down. This timeless style creates a crisp, put-together look that works well for professional settings. Collared necks add structure to casual pieces and come in many variations.

• Features a traditional folded-down collar
• Creates a crisp, polished look
• Good for professional settings
• Comes in many styles and points

24. Spaghetti Strap

This style features very thin straps that support the neckline. The minimal straps show off shoulders and collarbone for a light, summery look.

Spaghetti straps work well for hot weather and casual settings, offering minimal coverage with maximum coolness.

• Very thin straps, usually less than 1/4 inch wide
• Shows most of the shoulders and upper body
• Creates a light, minimal look
• Popular for warm weather and casual wear

25. Surplice Neck

The surplice neckline crosses over in front like a wrap. This V-shaped style flatters most body types and adjusts well to different bust sizes. The wrapped effect creates a flattering line that works for both casual and semi-formal settings.

• Crosses over in front like a wrap
• Creates a V-shape that’s adjustable
• Flatter most body types
• Works well for many different occasions

26. Notched Neck

This style has a small cut-out or notch at the top of a round or V-neck. The small detail adds visual interest to an otherwise simple design. Notched necks work well in casual and business settings, adding a subtle design element.

• Features a small cut-out at the top of the neckline
• Adds visual interest to simple designs
• Creates a casual yet interesting look
• Works well for both tops and dresses

27. Peter Pan Collar

This small, rounded flat collar sits close to the neck and creates a sweet, somewhat youthful look. Named after the collar worn by the character Peter Pan, this style adds a touch of whimsy to dresses and blouses. It works well for casual settings and those wanting a softer collar option.

• Small, rounded, flat collar
• Creates a sweet, youthful look
• Good for casual settings
• Adds a soft touch to simple necklines

How to Choose the Right Neckline for Your Body Shape

The perfect neckline can enhance your natural shape, bring balance to your proportions, and highlight your best features. Finding the right style for your body type can make a big difference in how your clothes look and feel.

Pear-shaped

If you have narrower shoulders and wider hips, choose necklines that add volume to your upper body and create balance with your lower half.

• Boat necks work well by creating width across your shoulders
• Off-the-shoulder styles draw attention upward and make shoulders appear wider
• V-necks with details or embellishments bring focus to your upper body
• Cowl necks add volume to the chest area and balance wider hips
• Avoid high necklines that can make your upper body look smaller

Apple-shaped

For those with fuller midsections and less defined waists, select necklines that draw the eye upward and create length in your torso.

• V-necks create a slimming vertical line and draw attention to your face
• Scoop necks in moderate depths flatter without adding width
• Surplice (wrap) styles create diagonal lines that slim the upper body
• Deep plunge necklines create length and draw attention away from the middle
• Avoid boat necks and straight across styles that can add width

Hourglass-shaped

With balanced shoulders and hips and a defined waist, you can wear most necklines, but some will highlight your natural curves better than others.

• Sweetheart necklines complement your curves and feminine shape
• V-necks showcase your balanced proportions
• Square necklines frame your upper body nicely
• Halter necks highlight your shoulders and balanced frame
• Almost any neckline works well—choose based on the occasion and your personal style

Athletic body types

If you have a straighter shape with less definition between waist and hips, look for necklines that create curves and soften angular lines.

• Cowl necks add softness and volume to the chest
• Sweetheart necklines bring a curved, feminine line to your upper body
• One-shoulder styles create asymmetry that adds visual interest
• Halter necks draw attention to shoulders while creating the illusion of curves
• Avoid crew necks and other straight-across styles that emphasize a rectangular shape

Conclusion

The right neckline can make a big difference in how you look and feel in your clothes. It can highlight your best features and help create balance in your overall appearance.

Don’t be afraid to try different styles to see what works for you. What looks good in theory might not always feel right when you wear it.

Remember that your personal style matters too. The best neckline is one that makes you feel good when you wear it.

Have you found your perfect neckline? We’d love to hear which styles work best for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure for a neckline?

Measure around your neck base where it meets your shoulders. For depth, measure from this point down to where you want the neckline to sit at its lowest point.

What neckline looks best for petite women?

V-necks and scoop necks create length for petite frames. Avoid high necklines or very wide styles that can overwhelm a smaller body.

Can I alter an existing dress neckline easily?

Simple changes like lowering a neckline can be done at home. Complex changes need a professional. The fabric type and dress construction affect how easy an alteration will be.