When it comes to fashion, necklaces are the perfect accessory. A necklace can instantly elevate your look, no matter what kind of neckline you are sporting. Whether you are wearing a sweetheart neckline, a turtleneck, or an off-the-shoulder top, the right necklace can make all the difference. To help you find the ideal necklace for every neckline, we at Hamilton have created the ultimate guide to pairing necklaces with any sweater, tank top, or t-shirt in your closet. Read on to learn more about which styles and lengths are best for different necklines and get ready to take your look to the next level! 

Let’s Talk Lengths

Before we jump into the varying necklines let’s talk chain lengths. It is important, and perhaps much easier, to visualize where a necklace length is designed to fall in order to put together your look. Choker necklaces, for example, usually fall between 14 and 16 inches in length. A mid length necklace is anything between 18 inches and 24 inches. As you can see on the model anything longer is long length. Use this picture to help guide you as you pull a look together. 

Measuring chain length is also important and very easy to accomplish. Most jewelers and jewelry stores include the clasp since that adds length to the necklace. Lay your open necklace on a flat surface, and with a tape measurer measure your jewelry from the tip of the clasp to the other end. It is that simple! 

Now for the necklines! 

Sweetheart and V-necks

Ah, the sweetheart neckline. It is classic, romantic, and feminine. The V-neck? Also a classic and can be beautifully dramatic depending on the plunge. When pairing necklaces with sweetheart and V-neck necklines, less is often more. Keep it simple and let the neckline shine!   

Keep it simple

A simple pendant necklace or a delicate choker like this pink sapphire number is the perfect dainty piece to not detract from the beautiful sweetheart and V-neck shape.

Think About Chain Length and Size

Make sure the length of your necklace does not fall too low interfering with the sweetheart shape. If you are wearing a V-neck the bottom of your pendant should nestle no lower than at the bottom of the “V.” A chunky necklace will overwhelm the delicate femininity of the sweetheart and V-neck neckline. This David Yurman pendant necklace is the perfect balance to a sweetheart or V-neck number.  

Turtlenecks

When it comes to turtlenecks, you may think that wearing a necklace may be too much, but there are options to adorn your neck without it becoming overpowering or becoming lost in the fabric! The most important factor to consider when wearing this high cut neckline is whether you are wearing a mock neck, cowl neck, or traditional turtleneck.  

Mock Neck, Cowl Neck, or Turtleneck?

A mid-length pendant necklace worn over a sweater like this Triple Circle diamond pendant is perfect for a turtleneck. 

Experiment with Length

Turtlenecks are a great canvas for sporting necklaces of longer lengths. Like this drop pendant necklace from Marli. With its zipper chain, the necklace can be worn longer or shorter, which is perfect for any turtleneck cut.  

Crew Necks

Crew neck tops are a staple in every wardrobe, and they are incredibly versatile. They come in many forms, T-shirts, sweaters, blouses, dresses, etc. The neckline can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for almost any occasion. When it comes to accessorizing a crew neck top the options are just as versatile.  

Long Necklaces

A long necklace is a fantastic way to add some length to your outfit and balance out the high neckline of a crew neck top. Opt for a necklace that falls below your bustline. This Ippolita necklace can be worn as one long strand or doubled to create a two-strand look! 

Statement Necklaces

Crew neck tops are perfect for showcasing statement necklaces. Bold and chunky necklaces, like a collar necklace, are designed to sit high on the neck and add an eye-catching element to an otherwise basic outfit. This white gold and double row diamond is the perfect example of a necklace that sits higher on the neck while adding beauty and drama. 

Off-the-shoulder

Off-the-shoulder style tops are all the rage right now and are perfect for showcasing your neckline and collarbones. You want to choose a necklace that complements the neckline without taking away from the off-shoulder design.  

Wearer beware! Avoid chunky necklaces that compete with the off-the-shoulder neckline.  

Chokers

Let your inner 90’s child shine, here! A choker necklace is a fun way to draw attention to your neckline and add some flair to your off-the-shoulder outfit.  

Layer Delicate Necklaces

For a more understated look, try layering delicate necklaces of varying lengths. This will add some dimension and interest to your outfit without overpowering the off-the-shoulder top.  

Initial Necklace

Layering necklaces is all about a personalized neck stack. An initial pendant necklace is perfect for an off-the-shoulder look, but also everyday wear as well. 

Jade Trau Small Penelope Yellow Gold Necklace

This Jade Trau necklace brings some sparkle to an everyday layered look or would look beautiful solo with an off-the-shoulder dress or top. 

Tank Tops

Lastly, the tank top. A versatile layering piece of clothing that comes in thick strap styles and thin strap styles. But what necklace to wear with it? A good rule-of-thumb for tank top styles is to go with the thickness of the strap. A thicker bolder necklace with a thicker strapped tank top as opposed to a daintier necklace with a spaghetti strap tank top. 

Gold Link Necklace

This Gold link and diamond clasp necklace is perfect for balancing a thick strapped tank top. 

Mikimoto Cultured Pearl Necklace

A pearl necklace like this is a perfect statement for a thin strap tank top that will not overwhelm the look. 

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