We Asked the Experts: Here's Which Necklaces Pair Best With Every Neckline

When it comes to adding the finishing touches to any look, it's important to think about what style best suits your neckline. The right necklace should enhance your chosen neckline, not compete with it. “It’s all about balance and flow,” says Maya Brenner, whose eponymous jewelry brand has been worn by royalty and celebs alike.

Of course, you can take fashion rules with a pinch of salt. After all, fashion is about finding joy and wearing what makes you feel good. But if you're struggling to figure out exactly which necklace looks best with your outfit, we've got you covered.

We asked stylists and fashion experts for the low-down on what necklaces to wear (and avoid) with every neckline. From clean crew-necks to timeless sweetheart necklines, here are the necklaces the pros recommend choosing to finish off your look.

V necklines are amongst the most flattering styles. They're designed to elongate the neck, making them one of the easiest necklines to pair jewelry with. “The V-shape frames long pendant style necklaces beautifully,” says celebrity stylist Rebecca Bowyer.

Or, if you're into layering, you could pair a few different chains together for a stacked look, making sure to include at least one necklace that sits longer than the others to emphasize the V silhouette, à la Amanda Seyfried.

Simple and understated, crew neck styles offer a blank canvas for jewelry to shine. However, it's best to keep with the minimalist vibe here, according to Rebecca. “I’d keep chains extremely delicate here, think your everyday sentimental necklace,” she says.

Ideally, your necklace will follow the neckline of your top and hit just under your clavicles, like Hailey Bieber's timeless snake chain. Or, opt for a choker design that will sit neatly above your collar.

When it comes to high-neck styles, sometimes it's best to pass on wearing a necklace at all and go for statement earrings instead. “High neck is usually more flattering without a necklace, so focus instead on the earrings,” says Rebecca.

In theory, long chains or pendant necklaces do work, but they can look very dated. So, if you did want to add a bit of bling to your high-neck outfit, try a choker-style necklace instead. This works best for formal occasions as it “can add embellishment to an otherwise plain dress."

Soft and relaxed, scoop necklines create gentle curves rather than structure or sharp lines, so it's best to avoid overdoing it here. “There’s already a lot going on with this neckline, so go for a super simple pendant or keep the neckline clear and let the top create the impact,” Rebecca suggests.

Sorry to the maximalists. This is one instance when a necklace stack really won't work, but don't mistake this advice for us saying your accessories need to be boring. A slim, bejewelled design like Selena Gomez's oozes elegance while delivering plenty of impact.

Sweetheart necklines will forever feel romantic, thanks to the curved shape that draws attention to the décolletage. With that in mind, delicate jewelry choices that enhance the neckline are best here. “A shorter, more dainty chain draws attention to that curve in the most flattering way,” says Maya.

Stick to small pendants, as anything too oversized will just feel heavy. If you did want something with a bit more substance, a collar necklace that is the same width throughout the design will balance this neckline perfectly.

Square necklines enhance the shoulders and collarbones for a clean and contemporary finish. “Keep the chain lengths short and delicate with square necklines,” advises Rebecca, to best show off your outfit's distinct neckline.

“But you can layer a little with this neckline too,” she adds. Try stacking chokers and chains together. Just remember to keep your necklaces on the shorter side so they finish above the neckline, like Tyla's done. You might need to adjust the lengths to perfect this look.

Elegant, off-the-shoulder styles look great with long, delicate chains, as perfectly modeled by Maura Higgins. You want something that balances the width of your neckline by adding length, so pendant styles are also an option.

Or, off-the-shoulder necklines also offer an opportunity to layer. “Layered chains of different lengths can work well and create a modern look,” recommends Rebecca. We love how Grace Van Patten has contrasted a ‘90s choker with a more statement jeweled pendant chain.

Alexandria Dale

Digital Fashion Writer

Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!