Are you looking to buy a new necklace but are unsure which length suits you best? Believe it or not, there are many factors to consider – from the size of your neck to the shape of your face to your wardrobe. Ahead, we’ll share tips for how to choose a necklace length that accentuates your best features. Remember, these are just recommendations. Your personal style and comfort level still play a role. Therefore, we encourage you to experiment and break as many “rules” as you see fit.
Selecting a necklace length based on your face shape
Wearing the right-sized necklace can frame your face, making it appear either wider, narrower, longer or shorter.
Oval face: An oval-shaped face is longer than it is wide. Like the shape of an egg, the face is rounded with no sharp angles. With such a well-balanced facial shape, you can wear almost any necklace length and style. Lucky you! But, if you have a short neck, avoid chokers as they can make your neck look broader.
Round face: A round face is as wide as it is long. Avoid short chains and chokers as they tend to accentuate the roundness of your face. Instead, opt for a long necklace, preferably with a pendant or charm which can draw the eye down the neckline and has a slimming effect on the face.
Heart face: A heart-shaped face is characterized by a wide forehead and narrow chin. Collar (14”) choker (16”) and princess (18”) necklace lengths are ideal for this face shape and can create an illusion of fullness at the throat and balance out a narrow chin. Avoid wearing pendants that are pointed or angular necklaces.
Square face: A square face has a more pronounced jawline and forehead. Longer necklaces, like matinee (20”-22”) and opera (30”) lengths, help to soften the jawline and elongate the face. Avoid very large stones, thin chains and square and triangular pendants as they can make your face look broader.
Oblong or rectangular face: For a longer shaped face, try a short necklace – choker (16”) or princess lengths (18”) are ideal, to broaden and soften your face. Avoid long, thin chains or neckpieces in pointed or oval designs.
Selecting a necklace length based on your neck measurements
Is your neck long and slender or short and wide? A general rule of thumb is to opt for a short necklace if your neck is long and a longer necklace length if your neck is short. A longer necklace, perhaps with an eye-catching pendant, diverts attention.
Meanwhile, you can measure the girth of your neck and use the guidelines below as you shop.
If your neck is measuring 13-14.5 inches, try a 16-inch choker or an 18-inch necklace.
If your neck is measuring 15-16.5 inches, try a 20-inch necklace.
If your neck is measuring 17 – 18. 5 inches, try a 22-inch necklace.
Selecting a necklace length based on your garment’s neckline
You’ll never know quite how a necklace is going to look until you try it with a variety of necklines, whether you’re shopping for casual sweaters and button-up shirts or a bridesmaid dress or wedding gown. Below, are some of our favorite pairings.
V-neckline: Go with a princess or matinee-length necklace that mimics the V shape of the neckline. (Tip: a pendant automatically creates a symmetrical and perfectly balanced V-shape.)
Boat neckline: A boat neck widens the shoulders, so you may want to try a matinee or opera-length necklace to balance the top’s width. A princess or matinee necklace with a pendant can create a similar effect.
Button-up shirt: Wear a choker, princess, or 20-inch necklace on the inside of the unbuttoned collar; add multiple necklaces in different lengths for a layered look. Avoid long necklaces as they tend to bump into the buttons.
Strapless: Anything goes when wearing a strapless neckline—chokers, drapey bib necklaces (like in Madonna’s iconic Material Girl video), long ropey pearls, and multi-strand necklaces would all qualify.
Turtlenecks: These pair best with a long opera necklace which pulls the eye downward for a slimming effect. A shorter 18-inch statement necklace fastened at the collarbone (over the turtleneck fabric) would also be very chic.
Crew neck: A versatile neckline that pairs well with any short or long necklace.
Round or Scoop neck: To complement this neckline, choose a 16- or 18-inch necklace (or a mix of both). Add a long strand of colorful beads that extends past the neckline dip for extra impact.
Sweetheart neckline: Keep it simple with a short necklace, like a classic 16- or 18-inch pendant, or strand of pearls, which will also accentuate the sweetheart shape.
Cowl: A 16-inch necklace, tucked inside the cowl, or a long style that fastens over the garment, under the fold of the cowl, would work well. For the latter, a bold pendant finishes the look with a fun, personal flourish.
Finding a necklace that makes you feel confident and comfortable is step one. Once you find the right length, protect your investment by obtaining personal jewelry insurance through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers loss, damage, and disappearance. You can check your rate by clicking the button below.
