How to Choose the Right Necklace for Different Necklines

Simple or elegant, bold or beautiful, the right necklace will flatter any neckline you choose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diamond Necklaces
• Pearl Necklaces

1. Consider the occasion. Opt for a simple, understated piece for daytime and a more precious or extravagant piece for evening.

2. Accent a V-neck with a drop pearl necklace or solitaire pendant. This same piece also complements boat-neck and crewneck tops. Match gemstone colors to those found in your outfit and earrings.

3. Accessorize strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines with a necklace that remains close to the neck. Pair a faux gem choker on an invisible string with a top made of satin or silk. Add elegant sophistication with a short strand of pearls.

4. Pair an open-collar blouse with a thicker, chunkier piece of costume jewelry. Faux silver or gold interlock chains that lie flat on the collarbone accent a dressy casual outfit or business suit. Coordinate your earrings and belt with the tones in your necklace.

5. Enhance a jewel-neck or turtleneck sweater with a long string of colorful beads. Precious stones work well with a thicker day look, while crystals bring a little glamour to an evening ensemble.

6. Pair a square-neck top with a pendant that dangles from a long chain. Consider lengths that fall between the collarbones.

Tips & Warnings

• The oils from your skin and body lotion will build up on your necklaces over time. Clean them regularly to ensure brilliance.
• Keep in mind that necklaces will draw attention to your bust and neckline. Avoid any neck accessories should you wish to downplay these areas.

Who Can Help:

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on 8/8/2006 Remember that the scale of your body affects the scale of the necklace (and all jewelery) you wear. Tiny jewelery doesn't sit well with a large frame or an athletic rangy build. Smaller people can get swamped by huge jewelery. I'm tall and average build, and I wear a lot of dramatic jewelery, my friend doesn't top 5 feet, she needs delicate, quality jewelery.

on 11/22/2005 Be wary of chains, pendants, or beads that disappear into your cleavage or catch around either breast. Having an ample bust and double chin, I find a necklace falling to about 1 hand width below the collarbone is most flattering (whether the neckline is high or V cut). On a high round neck, I like to pin a pretty brooch close to the neckline, either at the center or to the side about 1/3 way around the neckline toward the shoulder. It leads the eye up to the face, which can be adorned with a pretty smile, of course!!

on 11/22/2005 If you wear your necklace outside your collar, it should be at least four inches below the collar. This way the necklace doesn't compete with the collar.