Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Picking Your Neckline
This week’s collection will focus on the various necklines of wedding dresses. Each neckline will have a visual example of that dress, so you can see how it looks on a fasting, non-existent model. Which neckline flatters what type of body? Since necklines can be combined (ie sweetheart and strapless) to accentuate what your mama gave you hopefully, you will find the perfect combination.
Strapless
This simple neckline extends from one underarm to the other without the support of straps. This is a classic look that can be slightly modified by having the neckline softly arc up or down depending on how you want your bodice shaped. This neckline looks best on brides who have well-toned arms since the line of the strapless dress draws attention horizontally across your body, which includes your upper arms and shoulders. (Raylia; $500-1000)
Ideal for: Great shoulders, arms and defined collarbone
Not recommended for: Smaller-chested women
The name says it all: the neckline dips down in the front in a v-shape. The v-shape can create an optical illusion for both big and small breasted women. For smaller busted women, a lower dip can making the bust appear visually smaller. While, larger breasted women can minimize their bust line by raising the v-neckline, making the focus on their shape, not their size. (Maggie Sottero Destinations; $500-1000)
Ideal for: B or C cups
Not recommended for: Anyone bigger or smaller than a B or C cup
Scoop
The scoop neckline features a U-shaped line. This neckline is a universally flattering and very classic. It can be cut low, and quite often the scoop will continue on the back of the dress. (Cosmobella; $500-1000)
Ideal for: Just about anyone
Bateau
Also know as the boat neck, the neckline connects at the edges of the shoulders, leaving a long slit that runs across from shoulder to shoulder. This is a modest neckline that can be worn with sleeves or strapless. This is a good option for women with pear-shaped bodies, as it helps to balance the bottom half of the body with the top by drawing attention to the collarbone and neck area. (Vineyard Collection; $1000-1500)
Ideal for: Large busts, well proportioned head/neck and pear-shaped bodies
Not recommended for: Large necks or broad shoulders
Off-the-Shoulder
This neckline sits just below the shoulders to highlight a woman’s collarbone and shoulders. While this style is made for women with medium- or full bustlines, an off-the-shoulder neckline will look good on almost all figures. If you are not sure about showcasing your arms, but still want the chic off-the-shoulder line, consider a portrait neckline. It is just like the off the shoulder, but has more fabric around the arms for more coverage.
Ideal for: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Not recommended for: Broad shoulders, fuller arms (Alfred Angelo Sapphire; $1000-1500)
Square
A square neckline has a straight horizontal lines that meet the straps and the top of the bodice at a 90 degree angle. The clean line creates a beautiful look. (Allure Bridal; $500-1000)
Ideal for: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Not recommended for:
Halter/High Neck
The halter features straps that wrap around the back of the neck, or a high neck with deep armholes. This showcases the back and arms, so be sure to be dress ready. (Sottero and Midgley; $1000-1500)
Ideal for: Broad shoulders, tall women, small bust
Not recommended for: Narrow shoulders
Sweetheart
This neckline forms a heart (hence the name) at the bustline. This popular option is suited for most women, because it accentuates the decolletage, even if your cup doesn’t overfloweth. (Blue by Enzo Ani; $500-1000)
Ideal for: most women
Not recommended for: large chested women (it creates too much cleavage)
Even if you think you know which neckline will look best on you, try to keep an open mind when shopping for your gown. Something that looks great in a picture may not be right for your figure, while something you think you don’t like could turn out to be perfect.
Love this post! Very helpful!