How to choose the right necklace for different necklines

Have you ever worn a necklace that seems to be doing battle with the neckline of your top? It can be so annoying if you're constantly grappling with the necklace to make sure it sits properly. Trust me, I speak from bitter experience!

So how do you choose the right necklace for different necklines? Essentially you want something that works with rather than against your outfit. Think about the length and type of chain as well as the overall design and look for pieces that either follow the line of your clothing or, if it's a fussier outfit, sit well away from the neck so that they aren't competing for attention.

Of course as with all these things it comes down to a matter of personal taste, but this simple guide is designed to give you some overall principles to work with and help you choose a necklace that's right for you.

Above: Silver charm necklace and matching bracelet from Elin Horgan Jewellery

V-neck

Whether it's a shirt with a collar and buttons up the front that can be undone or a classic V-neck top, you want a necklace style that follows the V line downwards. Depending on how deep the V goes you could play around with chain lengths with anything from a 45-60cm chain working well for this style. Don't chose a wide or bib necklace as most of the necklace will be obscured by your clothes.

I absolutely love the Charm Necklace shown above paired with a white shirt, it's such a classic look. It comes in both silver and gold plated silver and the middle charm is slightly longer than the others so echoes the neckline nicely. This silver Bent Bean Necklace from Jessie Harris is also a great everyday option due to the beautifully tactile elongated shape.

For a deep V try then why not try something a little more special and dramatic like the Demeter Tassel Pendant by Brighton-based handmade jewellery designer & maker Cara Tonkin. I can really imagine this being worn with a fabulous silk blend evening gown by Redemption (look a girl can dream, ok?!)

Polo or turtleneck

Necklaces can be a bit awkward to wear with polo or turtleneck styles as there's already quite a lot going on around the neckline. To draw the eye downwards avoiding anything too fussy, choose a simple dainty pendant like the handmade Gold & Emerald Necklace from my Tutti Frutti collection. This design also comes in silver and is available with a range of other gemstones.

Alternatively pick a longer length chain that will sit well away from the neck of your top like this beautiful Metropolis Slim Line Pendant from artist, scultptor and jeweller Simone Brewster. I have a smaller silver version of this necklace and I LOVE it!

Round neck

A round neck is pretty much the most versatile style when it comes to choosing a necklace that works well with it. Depending on how high the neck is you can either choose a pendant design that you can wear over the top - probably with a 45cm chain or longer, depending on your height - or one that sits along the collar.

This Dalia Chain Necklace from handmade jeweller Naomi Tracz is fabulous and timeless option that follows the collar bone and features marquise style links in silver with one 18ct gold link. Or, if you'd prefer something longer then this Intuition Necklace from Edge of Ember has an adjustable chain which can be extended to 50cm.

Above: Gold Rhea pendant and gold Meteorite necklace from Elin Horgan Jewellery

Scoop neck

One of the main benefits of wearing a scoop neck top is that you've got a bit of space for a serious necklace party! You could either choose a quite chunky design with lots of volume or layer up and wear multiple necklaces of different lengths.

If you want to go big and bold then look no further than the Paisley Rose Statement Necklace, a seriously statement piece from Tatty Devine. Rosa Pietsch also does some incredible resin & laser cut floral designs like the Tropical Floral Statement Necklace and the Crocus Statement Necklace in Pearl which are both totally WOW! If precious metals are more your thing then you could try this stunning Roma Necklace from Lucy Thompson Jewellery. Lucy's pieces are all about the textures and this necklace is a brilliant showcase of her work.

If you prefer the layering option then pick 2 or 3 necklace designs on different length chains and wear them all together. I always love the combination of the Rhea Pendant and the Meteorite Necklace as shown in the photo above, although an odd number can be more pleasing to the eye so you could also add in a shorter necklace that sits on the collar bone.

My top tip for avoiding a your necklaces tangling when you're wearing multiple ones is to choose different chain styles. They tend to move more freely over each other than chains that are the same so you won't end up in a potential strangulation situation...phew! For more on this check out my blog post How to layer necklaces like a style pro.

Above: Silver gemstone charm necklace from Elin Horgan Jewellery

Strapless

With a strapless top there's a lot of space to let your jewellery really take centre stage. The Icarus Collar is a beautiful statement piece from Cara Tonkin which would look amazing with a simple black strapless dress or top and this Grid Necklace 2 by Heather Woof is another spectacular piece that would work beautifully.

If you'd rather something a little daintier then what about one of my gemstone charm necklaces instead? The Silver Gemstone Charm Necklace shown above features three removable charms with flush-set iolite, garnet and swiss blue topaz stones and there's plenty of space to add your own charms too if that's your thing.

Boat neck or Bardot

For a boat or Bardot neckline, a longer length chain over the top can look really great. Sarah Straussberg's Rachel Pendant (Multiple) and the Ellie Pendant both which come on a 76cm chain would work brilliantly with these as would this beautiful Silver Twist Necklace from Bristol-based Swedish jeweller Moa Design.

The Feather Long Pearl Necklace from Kate Wood is a beautifully dramatic, but very wearable take on the longer length necklace or you could try this vintage feeling Temple Orb Necklace from Rosie Kent.

Halterneck

With a halterneck there's not a huge amount of space for a necklace so pick something that's slim enough to still show in the gap left by the top. For total elegance what could be better than this beautiful diamond Balance Necklace from London-based jewellery desginer Clarice Price Thomas. It's simple and perfect and can be made in 18ct yellow, rose or white gold.

If you're on a slightly tighter budget then you could try this Bar Confetti Birthstone Necklace from Buff Jewellery which is super pretty and can be personalised with your own birthstone.

I do hope that this blog post has given you some inspiration and ideas for the styles of necklaces that you can try out with different necklines. If you'd like to pop over and say hi, ask any questions or share your top jewellery tips then you can find me over on Instagram HERE.

Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.

If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com