How to Choose a Necklace Length

Choosing the length of your necklace isn't as trivial as it seems. Different lengths are appropriate for different occasions. Some will show off the neckline of your dress while others clash with it and make you look dumpy. Some lengths just won't suit you ever, like a collar style when you have a thick neck. But there are plenty of choices for every style and every neck shape. Here are some tips about necklace length.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider a collar style if you have a thin neck and a top or dress that shows it off. It's 12 to 13 inches in length and goes well with off-the-shoulder and V-neck tops. While you can wear a collar necklace with jeans, it's best to save it for elegant occasions like parties and formal dinners.
2. Wear a choker if you don't like something as close to your neck as the collar style necklace. They run 14 to 16 inches and can be single or multi-stranded. They hang just below the neck but it's best not to wear them if you don't want to draw attention to that part of your body.
3. Go with a princess length if you've found the perfect necklace and don't have time to order it customized. This is the most popular length, ranging between 17 to 19 inches. Make sure the collar of your top is either higher than the necklace (so it hangs below it) or lower (so it clears the necklace).
4. Choose the matinee style for high or very low necklines. It's 20 to 24 inches long and adds elegance to work clothes or casual wear. Make sure there's no decoration on your blouse to clash with it.
5. Add elegance to your formal gown or blouse with an opera-length necklace. At 28 to 34 inches, it draws the eyes down to your chest and away from your neck. This is a good thing if your bosom is more attractive than your chin, but wear a good bra!
6. Pull out all the stops for those special occasions with a rope necklace. They're over 45 inches long so be aware they draw attention to your curves, causing the eye to sweep down your torso. You can double or triple strand them for shorter lengths.
7. Ask your jeweler to order the necklace in a custom length if the standard length doesn't suit you. Consider finding a company that will let you order the necklace in any length you like.

Tips & Warnings

• Collar necklaces are multi-stranded so be prepared for a bulk of material around your neck.
• Chokers are better for informal wear than collar necklaces but work well in elegant settings too.
• Buy your daughter a choker length, which will give her room to grow.
• Get an adjustable necklace as a gift so you don't have to guess what length your recipient prefers.