Nothing adds pizzazz to an outfit like a necklace and few things are as much fun to shop for. But, have you ever purchased what you thought would be your new favorite only to have it linger, unworn, in your jewelry box because it never looks quite right with anything you pair it with? Beyond beading, gemstones and monograms, the real key to finding a necklace that is a wardrobe-winner is selecting the right length for both your outfit and figure.
Know Your Necklaces
Sometimes it might seem that necklace lengths are random, and figuring out how they will fit feels like guessing. However, necklaces come a handful of standard lengths, designed to hit an average-sized woman at specific points along the neckline. Understanding these standard lengths, and how they will lay on the body can make shopping easier.
- Choker: At 14 - 16 inches, this classic style closely circles the neck and hit slightly above the collarbone.
- Princess: One of the most common lengths, these 17 - 19 inch necklaces graze the collarbone.
- Matinee: Falling just above the cleavage, this style ranges from 20 - 24 inches.
- Opera: These 28 - 34 inch necklaces, which rest on the bust, are versatile options because they can often by knotted or doubled.
- Ropes & Lariats: At over 35 inches, these long strands rest below the bust if left at their full length, or they may be doubled or even tripled.
Teaming up the right necklace length with your top’s neckline can complete a look. However, the wrong necklace length for your neckline can make an otherwise fabulous outfit look awkward and ill-fitting.The key to finding the right necklace length is to balance the proportions of the exposed neck, shoulders and collarbone to the neckline of the top, filling in the open spaces and highlighting the best features. Short of standing in front of the mirror, pawing through your collection and trying on all the necklaces you own, the best way to find the perfect length is to understand how the most common clothing necklines and the standard necklace lengths work together.
- Turtlenecks: The simple silhouette of a turtleneck calls for the contrast and drama of a long opera-length necklace, which will pull the eye downward from the high neckline and elongate the entire look. Alternatively, a chunky matinee-length necklace can work well with a basic, solid turtleneck. Stay away from choker and princess-length necklaces as they won’t fit well and will add too much bulk.
- Crew necks: A basic crew neck can be enhanced with a choker or princess-length necklace that rests just at or above the neckline. This brings the focus up and to the neck and face. In some cases, a long opera-length necklace can work well. Veer away from matinee styles, which fall too close to the neckline without providing enough contrast.
- Scoop necks: Rounded scoop neck tops leave a large portion of the chest bare. Use the open space as the backdrop for a princess or matinee-length necklace with substantial volume to fill the area. Be sure that the entire necklace rests on the skin, rather than bisecting the neckline.
- V-necks and Halters: Similar to a scoop neck, the best way to enhance a v-neck top is to fill the space with a princess or matinee-length necklace. Pendant styles work better with v-necks than larger, chunky styles. Avoid chokers, which are too short to provide sufficient contrast, and long opera lengths, which can appear confusing and messy with this neckline.
- Boat necks: The wide silhouette of a boat neck calls for a long opera-length necklace to contrast and bring balance to the width of the top. Stay away from matinee styles, which will fall too close to the neckline.Strapless: Perhaps the most dramatic of necklines, a strapless top calls for a necklace that matches its impact. A close-fitting choker embraces the openness of the revealing neckline while a matinee-length necklace offers a bit of coverage for those feeling a tab shy. However, long strands will conflict with the open, airy look.
- Collared shirts: Shirts with collars often pose a quandary when selecting an accent. The best bet is to tuck a princess or matinee-length necklace under the collar so that it rests on top of the shirt. Another option is to place a princess-length necklace inside the top so that it peeks out from the loose buttons. Stay away from opera-length options, which will conflict with the row of buttons, and chokers, which will hide behind the collars.
Consider Your Body Type
Ladies spend hours in fitting rooms trying on clothing and reading online about how to flatter their figures. But, few realize that jewelry can play a big role in highlighting some features and downplaying others.
- Give yourself some height: Do you constantly look for the tallest heels to give yourself an extra inch or two? Choker and collar necklaces can do a bit of the work for you, without all the foot pain. Short necklaces can make you appear taller but long opera-length necklaces can emphasis a short torso.
- Flatter your bust: Ladies with large chests look lovely in matinee-length necklaces, which help to bring attention upwards. On the other hand, ladies looking to enhance their bust should choose long, opera-length options.
- Make the most of your curves: Full-figured ladies often look best in matinee and opera-length necklaces that help to balance proportions and elongate the body. Avoid princess and choker styles, which can look overly small, fit too tightly and draw attention to a larger neck.
- Frame your face: The best thing about a fabulous necklace is that it brings attention right wear you want it, upwards to your face. Oval-faced ladies are lucky in that any length necklace flatters them. However, the long strands of an opera-length necklace will slim a round face. A long face is balanced by a short choker or princess style. Angular and heart-shaped faces with prominent chins are softened by a choker that hugs the neck.
Whether you gravitate towards short styles or long lengths, the perfect necklace is the one you love. As with everything else in fashion, when you feel beautiful, you will look beautiful. So, keep these tips in mind, but wear what makes you feel glamorous, even if it breaks all the rules.