NECKLINES

This month, our style expert Carol Goodsman, owner of Alice Carroll shows how to make a great first impression by choosing the right necklines.

When someone looks at you, they look first at your face. The first impression they will get of your look and style is based around your head and shoulders, and your neckline is therefore a key factor in ensuring that this impression is a good one. There are many points to consider in deciding which necklines will best flatter your body shape and your image.

Look at the length of your neck. You will appear slimmer and more elegant if you elongate a short neck by wearing a lower neckline. Never cut a short neck in half with mandarin collars or turtle necks. The height of your bustline should be taken into consideration along with neck length. Your bust may be high, medium or low and this has nothing to do with the passing of years! If the distance between your collar bone and bust is less than that between bust and waist, you have a high bustline, if it is the same your bustline is medium and if the distance is greater, it is low. If you have a low bustline, avoid T shirt necklines, polo necks and very low necklines, all of which will have the effect of making your bust appear lower. High and medium busts can take any neckline, but of course there are always other factors to take into account.

Think about the width of your shoulders in relation to your hips. If you have narrow shoulders, opt for wider necklines, which will emphasize your shoulders and balance your silhouette. If your shoulders are very wide, avoid bardot necklines and halternecks, which will make them appear wider. As well as the breadth of your shoulders, the size of your bust must be considered. Women with large busts should choose lower necklines and avoid polo necks, as these will make your bust seem to start under your chin. High necklines are ideal for smaller busts, but you will only need to avoid a lower neckline if you are slim and your chest is inclined to appear bony.

Does your body have generally straight or curved lines? If the lines of your body are curved, follow this with rounded necklines and collars and curved ‘v’ necks; straight ‘v’ necks, square necklines and angular collars work well with a straighter figure. Think also about your scale. This is based on your frame, weight, height and clothing style. Do large jewellery and accessories suit you, or do you look your best in small, delicate items? Your necklines should follow the same guidelines: only if you can wear large accessories should you go for big collars or large frills at the neckline. The same applies to texture and pattern: if you suit large collars, then a small, floral pattern at the neckline is unlikely to flatter, but heavily textured fabrics or bold prints may work well, as they will not overpower you.

Your clothing style is important in deciding on every aspect of your outfit, including the neckline. If your style is very classic, polo necks, classic ‘v’s and crossover necklines will be appropriate. Whichever neckline you choose should have clean lines. For a more girly style, sweetheart necklines, lace trims and peter pan collars should fit the bill. Grandad collars, kaftan necklines and any neckline with an unfinished look will suit those with a natural, dressed-down style. If you suit dramatic, statement pieces, you will be able to wear asymmetric necklines and large, over the top textures and pattens.

Even your hairstyle can affect the neckline you choose. If you have long hair, you may choose a polo neck if you are wearing it up and a lower neck when leaving it loose. Although fashion dictates the necklines that are popular, you must think about what will suit you. All of the factors I have mentioned are important and you must consider all of them when deciding which necklines will flatter you and help you in creating that all important first impression.

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