Necklaces

Women’s necklaces: finding the right length for the right outfit

A necklace has the power to completely change an outfit: it  draws attention to the face,  defines a neckline, or simply  breaks up an overly demure collar. You still need to choose the right length and shape, because a necklace that hangs badly or clashes with a neckline can go completely unnoticed—or, on the contrary, create a visual imbalance.

Length: the criterion we too often forget

A  choker necklace (around 35–40 cm) sits directly at the base of the neck and works particularly well  with an open neckline, such as a V-neck or an open shirt. A  mid-length necklace, which falls on the collarbone or just below it, is the most versatile: it  suits most necklines, from round necks to square necklines.  A long necklace, which falls lower over the bust,  works particularly well with an oversized sweater or a flowing dress, creating a vertical line that visually slims the silhouette.

Matching the necklace to your top’s neckline

The choice of necklace depends much less on the style of the jewelry than on the shape of the neckline it needs to complement:

• Turtleneck or high neck : a long necklace or pendant is the obvious choice, so it does not get completely hidden by the fabric
• V-neck or plunging neckline : a short necklace that follows the line of the neckline avoids an awkward layered effect
• Round neck or crew neck : a delicate necklace worn slightly lower creates a pleasing contrast
• Square or boat neckline : short, graphic necklaces (chokers and close-fitting necklaces) work particularly well

Choosing according to the shape of your face and neck

A  necklace that is too short on a relatively slender neck  can create a visual feeling of constriction ; conversely, a longer neck suits chokers and close-fitting necklaces very well, as they highlight it rather than elongating it further. For a  rounder face,  V-shaped or pendant necklaces create a vertical line that visually slims the features, while a more angular face is softened by rounded shapes such as pearls or flexible chains.

Pendant, chain or pearls: three different uses

A  pendant necklace (heart, star, gemstone or initial)  immediately draws the eye to a specific point: ideal for  a simple outfit that you want to personalize without overloading it.  A link chain works as  a statement piece in its own right and often needs nothing else  with a basic T-shirt.  Pearl designs, which are more polished, add a  retro touch that pairs easily with a dress or silk shirt for a slightly dressier occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What necklace length should I choose if I’m not sure which one to go for?
A mid-length necklace (around 45 cm) remains the safest choice: it suits most necklines and works just as well for everyday wear as for a dressier outfit.

Can you wear a necklace with a scarf or turtleneck?
Yes, provided you choose a style that is long enough to extend beyond the fabric, or a pendant that sits on top of it.

How can you prevent necklaces from tangling when layering them?
Choose clearly different lengths (at least a 5–10 cm difference) and avoid combining two link chains of a similar size.

Does a short necklace suit all neck shapes?
It particularly flatters longer necks; for a shorter neck, it is better to choose a mid-length necklace to avoid a constricted effect.