neckline
Sweetheart
A sweetheart neckline curves over each side of the bust and dips to a point in the center, like the top of a heart.
Queen of Victoria
Dress for the occasion.
Glossary
Necklines: the glossary
Dress necklines defined one by one, with line drawings, when to wear each neckline and what to pair it with.
neckline
V-neck
A V-neck dips from the shoulders to a point at the center front, forming the letter V.
neckline
Plunging
A plunging neckline is a deep V that dips well below the bust line, often to the waist, sometimes with sheer mesh filling the gap.
neckline
Halter
A halter neckline has straps that run up from the bodice and fasten or wrap around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and back bare.
neckline
Boat neck
A boat neck runs straight or in a shallow curve across the collarbones, from shoulder to shoulder, sitting high at front and back.
neckline
Off-the-shoulder
An off-the-shoulder neckline sits below the shoulders, baring the shoulders and collarbones, with straps or short sleeves that wrap the upper arms.
neckline
One-shoulder
A one-shoulder neckline runs diagonally across the chest from one shoulder to under the opposite arm, leaving that shoulder bare.
neckline
Strapless
A strapless neckline has no straps or sleeves: the bodice is held up by its own structure, usually cut straight across or in a sweetheart curve.
neckline
Scoop
A scoop neckline is a rounded U shape that dips below the collarbones, deeper and wider than a jewel neckline.
neckline
Square
A square neckline is cut straight across the chest with straight sides running up to the straps, forming three sides of a square.
neckline
High neck
A high neckline rises above the collarbones to sit at or near the base of the neck, covering the chest completely.
neckline
Illusion neckline
An illusion neckline uses sheer mesh or tulle above a lower bodice line, so it reads as bare skin while adding coverage and support.
neckline
Queen Anne neckline
A Queen Anne neckline rises high at the back and sides of the neck, framing it like a collar, and dips to a sweetheart or V shape at the front.
neckline
Jewel
A jewel neckline is a round neckline that sits at the base of the neck, like a T-shirt collar without the band.
neckline
Keyhole
A keyhole neckline is a high or round neckline with a small opening cut just below the throat, often closed with a button or tie.
neckline
Cowl
A cowl neckline is cut with extra fabric at the front so it falls in soft folds across the chest.
neckline
Asymmetric
An asymmetric neckline is cut differently on each side, at an angle or with one side higher, so the two halves do not mirror each other.
neckline
Portrait
A portrait neckline is a wide, softly folded band that sits at the edge of the shoulders and frames the collarbones, like a portrait frame.