So, you’ve found a high-neck dress you can’t live without. It fits perfectly and is just your style. You’re eager to wear it, but you’re just not so sure how to style jewelry for a high-neckline dress! While this question exists with any neckline, high-neck dresses often bring extra questions about how best to style jewelry with them. Can you even wear a necklace with a high neckline? Or do you have to choose other jewelry, like earrings and bracelets, to accent that perfect dress? Find out all you need to know about how to style jewelry with a high-neck dress here!
Jewelry Essentials for High-Neck Dresses
Don’t let the unique neckline of a high-neck dress deter you from wearing one. You might think that a lower neckline (or off-the-shoulder/one-shouldered style) makes accessorizing easier; however, a high-neck dress offers a unique canvas for accessorizing that you shouldn’t shy away from. While it may take a bit more finessing, choosing the right jewelry can enhance your neckline without overwhelming it. Necklaces and earrings are the jewelry pieces you will need to pay the closest attention to, as they’re in close proximity to your neckline. Let’s explore some necklaces and earring options that will take your high-neck dress from basic to show-stopping.
Necklace Options for High-Neck Dresses
A necklace can really make or break your overall look. There are many different types of necklaces as well as different necklace lengths to choose from, from long layered necklaces to shorter, choker-style designs. Here are a few necklace options to consider pairing with your high-neck dress:
Short or Collar-Length Necklaces
Short or collar-length necklaces - often perceived as edgier or more casual - can seamlessly transition into formal attire. When paired with a high-neck dress, like a crew neck or halter, these necklaces, including chokers that sit close to the base of the neck, create a balanced and elegant look. The necklace draws attention to the neckline, adds sophistication, and prevents the outfit from feeling too bare.
Long Pendant Necklaces
Sometimes, when an outfit draws focus to one area, like the neck in a high-neck dress, it helps to balance things out by drawing attention elsewhere. (Not to detract from the neckline, but to create harmony between your jewelry and the dress.) A long pendant necklace can create a vertical line that directs the eye downwards, balancing the focus on the neckline. Pendants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and symbols, so pick something that reflects your personal style. The length of your pendant necklace depends on your preference but aim for a length that lands comfortably around your chest or torso.
Layered Necklaces
Layered necklaces add personality and excitement to a solid or subtly patterned high-neck dress. By layering necklaces of varying lengths and styles—from delicate chains to longer pendants—you can create a dynamic look that complements your neckline.
As with much fashion advice, less is often more. If you can’t find the perfect necklace for your high-neck dress, consider adding some sparkle and shine to your look with other jewelry pieces like earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches and bejeweled hair clips.
Earrings for High-Neck Dresses
Necklaces often get the spotlight when it comes to styling high-neck dresses, but your earrings deserve equal consideration. Earrings play a big role in balancing your outfit, especially ones with such a distinctive neckline. Here are a few earring options to consider pairing with your high-neck dress:
Statement Earrings
Statement earrings, such as large button-style, geographic shapes (think triangles and rectangles), brilliant gemstone earrings, or cluster earrings, can draw attention to your face without clashing with the upper details of your dress. Big and bold earrings help strike a balance. However, be careful with earring designs that are overly dangly or intricate, as they can create visual clutter and compete with the high neckline.
Studs or Drop Earrings
If statement earrings aren’t your style, or if you’re concerned that long earrings will interfere with the neckline, studs or drop earrings are a great alternative. These delicate earrings can bring some sparkle to your lobes without introducing too many distractions or competing elements. This is especially true if your high-neck dress features elaborate details or a busy print.
Accessorizing a Halter or Crew Neck Dress
Halter dresses feature straps that run from the front of the dress around the back of your neck, leaving your upper back and shoulders bare, while the front remains high, covering your chest and neck area. While you may lean toward skipping a necklace with a halter dress, several options can add elegance without distracting from the dress or getting in the way. You also have other jewelry options to consider, including bracelets, earrings, rings, watches and brooches.
Necklace Options for Halter Neck Dresses
Chokers
A choker that sits just below your halter dress’s neckline helps subtly elevate your overall look. Because the halter’s strap naturally draws attention to your neck area, it’s the perfect place to add a little personality and glam.
Long necklaces
Long necklaces (whether pendant, layered or other styles) pair well with halter necklines, depending on the dress’s style and formality. They provide elegant contrast to the high-neck style and can elongate your silhouette.
Jewelry for Crew Neck Dresses
A crew-neck dress has a simple, round neckline that sits near the base of your neck. These dresses are versatile, and many high-neck dress accessories exist. Consider a delicate, barely-there chain that falls just above your collarbone for a casual, carefree look. Try a long pendant necklace with a pendant that falls below the neckline for more impact. If you want a fuller jewelry look and the pattern or texture of your dress isn’t too busy, consider layering necklaces at different lengths.
Styling Tips for High-Neck Dresses with High Collars or Tops
High-neck dresses can be challenging to accessorize, especially when paired with a collar. These dresses typically feature structured necklines with a distinct, buttoned-up collar. The collar could range from a classic button-down style (as in a shirt dress) to a more decorative or statement collar.
A pair of statement earrings will help glam up your ensemble. At the same time, bracelets offer a way to add flair without crowding the neckline. Lastly, delicate rings on your fingers can provide a subtle yet impactful personal addition.
With the high neckline already commanding attention, it’s best to focus on one key piece of jewelry that becomes the jewelry focal point. Whether it’s a pair of statement earrings, a striking cuff, a bangle bracelet, or a bold cocktail ring, let one piece stand out while the others complement it.
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