Neckline Outline: Your Quick Guide to Necklines

Tania Olsen - Nerina

When you start gathering ideas for what your dream dress looks like you usually start with whether you want either a fitted dress or a flowy/ball dress. What is equally as important is choosing the right neckline. Necklines are (I know you wont believe me) actually really interesting because they can create so many different looks and vibes but also have the power to manipulate how your body looks. Some necklines look classic and elegant, some are dead-set sexy, some minimise your bust or maximises it and others can even out other parts of your body. 

Necklines are one of those things where you really have to try on a few different ones to find your perfect fit! Here is your little guide to help you along the way with some of the more common necklines you will while dress shopping:

                                                                    SQUARE

Evie Young - Sydney

The square neckline has gained popularity in the last few years and for good reason! This neckline screams classic and elegant and suits a wide range of brides. The square neckline opens up the space between your chest and neck giving an elongated look while the straps break up the space horizontally and can minimise the look of broad shoulders. The straps also add extra support for the girls that are blessed in the breast department. If you are wanting to slim the shoulders and accentuate the "girls" but in a modest way, then this is the cut for you.

OFF-SHOULDER

Miss Scarlett - Lucia

Off Shoulder necklines (also called a portrait neckline) are also another elegant option with a modern twist. This style gives you plenty of open space through the chest, neck and shoulders which gives the illusion of a minimised bust and can even out larger hips (if wanting to minimise them). Off-shoulder is also a really great option for anyone a little self conscious of their upper arms as it does give a little bit of coverage without having a whole sleeve. 

V-NECK / PLUNGE

Justin Alexander - Style 44149

One of the most versatile necklines in my opinion if the v-neck or plunging neckline. This is probably going to be one of the most common necklines that you will see while wedding dress shopping. Whilst it is generally a more sexy/daring neckline it can be dainty and very feminine. It is a really great neckline for smaller to mid-sized busts as it creates a beautiful long line in the middle of your body from your neck down to below your chest. 

TIP: This neckline usually comes with mesh attaching the two front pieces to ensure they stay together. Now, I know that MANY brides hate this while trying on dresses because it is quite obvious. However, as soon as that dress is altered your body you shouldn't be able to see it at all. Think of it as your bridal seatbelt - prevents any accidental slippages from happening if you know what I mean. 

ONE SHOULDER

Zavana Couture - ZC6101

A little less common but still definitely a neckline to have a look at! This neckline can be a little bit more of a fun and unique option and not only for beachy weddings. It can give off a beautiful a-symmetrical look that leads the eye up to your neck and face. This neckline can be a little tricky if you have a larger bust and would require altering because the one-shoulder tends to support one "girl" more than the other. 

STRAIGHT

Ella Moda - Dahlia

An ultra modern straight neckline is mostly seen on a strapless dress and gives a chic look to any wedding dress. The clean, sharp lines help to narrow the waist and accentuate your décolletage and neck. This style can give a lot of coverage and support to bigger busts or to make smaller busts look larger. Getting the fit right will require alterations so that there is no gaping or no where too tight so that there is any spillage.

 HIGH NECK

Alca Line - Romy

One of the most classic necklines is the high-neck. Think Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn vibes - classic, elegant and demur. Whether it is plain or lacey, a high neck ads sophistication and style. A lot of taller brides tend to gravitate to this style because it doesn't cut off any of their body parts in an unflattering way. Whereas if you are more petite then it can give you the illusion of being shorter than what you are.

SWEETHEART

Rebecca Ingram - Florie

I think the sweetheart neckline is probably the most well known in the bridal world - I feel like it used to be the most popular style but brides have been exploring other styles since. However, this neckline looks good on almost anyone (given that the cups are the correct size). This style is definitely one for a bride looking for a more structured gown rather that a flowy, easy going dress. Wanting a little more coverage or modesty? Try a modified sweetheart!

No neckline is purposefully made specifically for one type of body or bride. If you feel like you are getting too bogged down in what "suits" your body then take a step back and ask yourself what you feel the best in, what you feel the most comfortable in. Things can always be done to cups and necklines to fit properly and create the perfect look.

Wedding Dresses:

Tania Olsen: Nerina

Evie Young: Sydney

Miss Scarlett - Lucia

Justin Alexander - Style 44149

Zavana Couture - ZC6101

Ella Moda - Dahlia

Alca Line - Romy

Rebecca Ingram - Florie