You’ve got the outfit, your makeup is set, what’s missing? The perfect necklace. Running your hand through the chains adorning the necklace tree, you look for just the thing that makes everything complete. When selecting a necklace, you’re not only choosing a complement to your outfit, haircut, or facial features: you are choosing the focal point on your body for which the eye of the beholder will be drawn. There is an actual science to it! Next time someone compliments you on your creative necklace choice, you can inform them that you were actually being scientific!
It’s no secret: most necklaces are sold in even-inch lengths. The sneaky part is that the same necklace will hang and look differently on two different body types. To help you make the right choice for you, where they fall on a body is how we refer to them in this article. (To help you find in stores, we include lengths in the description.)
Around the neck/ base of the neck: Wrapped closely around the neck, also known as the collar, this is the smallest available length. Slightly looser than this is the choker, which rests at the base of the neck. Both are ideal for framing the collarbone and pair best with scoop or V-neck tops and off-the-shoulder-necklines. They complement oval or heart-shaped faces. Remember to always measure your neck when wearing close-fitted styles. (14”-16”)
Rests on the collarbone: Also known as the princess length, this falls on the collarbone, and is the most versatile of all lengths. Suitable for most necklines, face shapes, and pendants and great for square face when paired with a round pendant. (18”)
Between the collarbone and bust: Hanging just below the collarbone to the top of the bust, this length is often referred to as the matinee. Great for high necklines or layering with other necklaces; pairs well with round, square, or oval faces because of its elongating effect. Consider a pendant for that dramatic statement piece. (20”-24”)
Middle of the bust: Also known was an opera necklace, this length falls to the middle of the bust. Typically worn for bold styling or layering, this length can soften a strong shoulder or large bust and also serves to elongate a round or oval face. (26”-28”)
Reaches the waist: The longest length, also referred to as the rope, this reaches all the way to the waist. Super versatile for layering, knotting, or double-wrapping, this is suited for a round face and high, boat or square necklines. If worn with scoop or v-necks, pair with a shorter necklace to create texture.
The Takeaway
Necklaces are a great way to add depth and interest to your outfit, a way for you to let your personality shine even through the most minimalist of wardrobes. The length of necklace and shape of pendant directly affect and draw attention to your facial shape. V-shapes will create vertical lines and attract the gaze downward; shorter chains and rounded pendants will create more volume for a small bust and soften angular features. You can create dimension and texture when you layer thoughtfully. Match metals with skin tone and clothing color. Cool tones pair beautifully with silver; silver or platinum wears best with blues, greens, or purple. Warm tones glow with gold or rose gold; gold, rose-gold, and copper suit outfits with reds, oranges, or yellows. Remember when choosing your necklace, you are directing the gaze of the onlooker. Consider yourself armed to make a creative and scientific choice.
Discover a beautiful array of necklaces in various lengths and colors at Sylvan's Jewelers in Downtown Columbia.
