Different Types of Dress Necklines and How to Choose the Right One

Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 05:04

There are many types of dress necklines such as V-neck, sweetheart, halter, scoop, and square. Each one flatters different body shapes and styles, and shows a different amount of skin—no one-size-fits-all when it comes to necklines. Whether you’re getting ready for prom, preparing for homecoming, planning a wedding, or simply want to elevate your everyday wardrobe, this guide will help you find the perfect neckline to suit your style, body type, and occasion.

This guide covers the most common types of necklines, what they look like, what they complement, what occasions each neckline is best for, and how to pick the perfect one for your next dress.

We answer questions like: 

  • What are the different types of dress necklines, and how do I choose the right one?
  • How do I pick the best neckline for my bust size?
  • What’s the difference between a sweetheart neckline and a V-neck?

10 Most Popular Dress Neckline Types

Choosing the right neckline depends on your body proportions, bust size, shoulder width, and personal taste. So, when you’re shopping, you need to keep the neckline in mind to find the best dress for you.

“Neckline is an important part for every dress. It is directly related to changing shape and beauties of a dress.”
-   Elizabeth Hawes, fashion historian

Let’s explore the 10 most popular necklines. This is your go-to list for choosing a dress based on different necklines, whether you want to flatter your figure, follow trends, or try something new.

V-Neck

V-neck necklines create a V shape at the front of the dress. The point of the V comes down between your collarbones to the hem on either side of the opening. V-necks can vary in depth and width. The V acts as a sophisticated frame for your décolletage, and provides a flattering fit. 

Why? 

So, why choose a v-neck? V-necks are suitable for all occasions. Moreover, It’s a look that flatters all body types, and it’s both comfortable and alluring. This neckline can also be dressed up or down to suit a variety of occasions. They’re particularly good for hotter days, as they provide coverage without being overly heavy. 

Best for:

The vertical lines elongate the torso, drawing attention to the face and décollatage—suiting both broad and petite frames. This creates balanced proportions no matter your body type, irrespective of your hip, waist, and bust proportions. For fuller busts, v-necklines provide coverage while still flattering your assets. For women with smaller busts, v-necklines can create the illusion of a fuller bust, as they frame the chest. 

Sweetheart

As the name suggests, sweetheart necklines resemble a heart, with the top of the neckline curved like the upper part of a heart. This style has been a sign of femininity for centuries. Beginning in the 19th century, it has since become a popular part of evening gowns and bridal wear. 

Why? 

Sweetheart necklines can feature a strap or be strapless. This popular style accentuates the chest, collarbones, and neck. The curved upper edge enhances the upper half of the breast, and the dip in the center elongates the neck. 

If you’re going for a bold and flirty look, a strapless sweetheart neck will have you feeling confident at any event. A neckline with spaghetti straps will offer more coverage and comfort. 

Due to their romantic appeal, sweetheart necklines are ideal for weddings, and proms, or wherever there’s a dance and your loved one. 

Best for:

This style accentuates the chest while retaining sophistication and allure. Sweetheart necklines suit small to medium busts, as they accentuate your curves, without requiring extra support. They draw eyes to the neck too, so if yours looks short in certain dresses, the sweetheart is for you. For narrow shoulders, the outward curves of the heart can give the illusion of width. 

This style may not be suitable for extremely full busts, as it may need additional structure to prevent wardrobe malfunctions. Also, avoid this style if you’re uncomfortable with a dress that draws attention to the bust.

Strapless

Strapless necklines are a timeless classic suited to weddings and formal events like homecoming that require a sophisticated look that this style complements. 

Why? 

Sitting above the bust, and boldly leaving the shoulders and arms bare, this feminine style of dress suits girls who love to accessorize—a statement necklace and earrings can really complete a look set off with a strapless dress. 

Best for: 

Highlighting your chest, shoulders, and neck, this style suits those with a petite or hourglass frame. They tend to work best on those with smaller to medium-sized busts. Best for hourglass figures, strapless dresses accentuate your curves to create a stunning silhouette.

For pear shaped bodies, meaning you carry more volume in your waist than upper body, look for a dress that cinches at the waist and flows out to create a balanced look. 

Some strapless designs feature boning to provide structure, best for those with fuller busts, others are made from more flowy, loose-fitting material. They often come with no-slip strips as this neckline doesn’t always provide support, or coverage. So, it’s important to be confident that a strapless dress fits you tightly on the chest to avoid accidents. 

Off the shoulder

This style sits off the shoulder and shows off the collarbone. This feminine, head-turning style is formal with a hint of fun and frivolity. It gives a regal feel to your look, and is suited to homecoming and prom. 

Why?

This royal silhouette draws the eye to your shoulders and collarbone. It’s a great canvas for standout accessories like a wow-inducing necklace and punchy earrings. 

Some styles show off more chest, and if you’re feeling really daring, look for a style with a devilish leg slit. 

Best for:

Off the shoulder numbers are best suited to pear shaped and hourglass figures. Why? Well, they’re ideal for pear-shaped body types because they focus attention on the neck and shoulders, and frame the face beautifully. The relaxed fit and flow of this style, narrowing the hips and thighs, also creates a slimming effect ideal for those who hold weight in their bottom half. For hourglass figures, it accentuates your natural curviness.

They can require regular adjustments, so may not be the best option if you favor comfort and expect to move a lot when wearing your dress.

One shoulder

One strap goes over your shoulder, while the other shoulder is left bare. This style creates an asymmetrical look that adds elegance to any silhouette. One shoulder dresses are eye-catching, being both sophisticated and dramatic and can be worn to formal and semi-formal events like prom and homecoming.

The style is thought to have emerged from ancient Rome’s toga, or the sari from South Asia. 

Why?

They can be any length from mini, above the knee, or full length—and they’re suited to formal and more casual events, this is a truly versatile style. 

Less common than strapless, or spaghetti strap dresses, these designs help you stand out.

Best for:

One shoulder designs suit all body types, while enhancing the shoulders and collarbone. As attention is drawn upwards, this creates a balanced figure, which may favor pear-shaped figures. Depending on the cut, asymmetrical styles can accentuate the shoulders, which may not suit broader frames.

Some one shoulder designs restrict movement, so may not be the best choice if you’re looking to move freely and comfortably. 

Halter

Halter necklines have straps which start at the clavicle and are tied or hooked around your neck. This creates a flattering V or U shape—leaving your back, arms, and shoulders on display. 

Why?

You’ll see halter dresses at proms, weddings, homecomings, and summer parties. 

Designs with plunging Vs at the front offer a more daring look. For a more modest and covered look, opt for a high neck halter dress.

Best for:

Complimentary to all body types, they’re particularly suited to girls with toned arms and shoulders, and defined collarbones.

The vertical line from the strap elongates your neck and upper body. They particularly suit petite figures, and people trying to look taller and slimmer. 

Halter dresses also offer more bust support than sleeveless options. If they have added support they make a good secure option for fuller busts. 

Halter necklines are versatile and elegant, allow you to show off your back while having coverage at the front, and are a bold and elegant choice for summer events.

Square Neck

Standout and sophisticated, square necklines are a striking and minimalist design. The defined horizontal line on these dresses is positioned just above the bust, and showcases elegant corners and a modern geometric cut, giving a tailored feel. 

Why?

Square necks accent the shoulders and collarbone without showing too much, it’s a subtle look. They’re often paired with spaghetti straps—or wider straps which partially cover the shoulders—and provide a decent amount of support. 

This neckline works well with structured fabric. 

Best for:

The straight, horizontal neckline of square necks broadens the chest, to balance out wider hips. It’s an especially flattering style for pear-shaped, hourglass, and rectangular bodies. Dresses in this style accommodate different bust sizes, and for larger busts square necklines offer support and provide a modest feel, especially with structured bodices.

Scoop

Scoop necks are simplicity come to life. The wide and rounded U-shaped neckline resembles a vest, elongating the neck, while framing the collarbone without being revealing. Typically, lower than a rounded neckline, they are similar to square necklines, but are more rounded, and often have thinner straps.

Why?

Universally flattering, scoop necklines suit almost every body type, softening sharp features, balancing out broader shoulders and narrower hips.

Scoop necks work great with summer outfits, and give off a soft, feminine vibe. 

Best for: 

The depth of the scoop varies, so look for something suited to your proportions and the event you’re attending. Deeper scoops give the appearance of a longer neck and upper body, this can help balance out the physique of petite women, and shorter torsos.
Scoops pair well with statement jewelry like a pendant, or layered chain that sits above the décolletage. 

For fuller busts, look out for low scoops, make sure your dress has enough built-in support—think built-in cups, wide straps, and room to accommodate an appropriate bra. Be mindful of strap size when choosing the bra to pair with a scoop neck dress.

Cowl

Cowl necklines are draped to create a folded look around the neck. Ranging from a deep plunge to a mid-neck, the loose drape of the fabric gives a feminine flow. This style is ideal if you’re looking for a less structured look. 

Why?

Giving off old Hollywood vibes, cowl necks are graceful and sophisticated, resembling slip dresses and evening gowns.

To up the sophistication level, choose a design that hits the collarbone. Look for elegant silk or satin for a romantic look.

Best for:

Cowl necks flatter the bust area—-are great for softening athletic and more angular features, and create the illusion of curves on smaller busts. The drape of the fabric adds volume, which enhances the chest area without push-up assistance. Fuller busts are gracefully highlighted without being too revealing. 

As it adds volume around the neckline, a cowl neck balances longer necks, narrow shoulders, and prominent collarbones. 

Boat Neck

Also known as a bateau neckline, a boat neck is a wide and high horizontal neckline sitting just above the collarbone. It’s been a fashion favorite for eons due to its timeless appeal.

Extending from one shoulder to the other, this style is so called because the slightly curved outline somewhat resembles a boat in profile. 

Why?

This refined look evokes Audrey Hepburn and is ideal for events where you want to look chic and graceful, like weddings, and more formal homecoming ceremonies. 

The wide cut of the boat neck frames your collarbones and neck, giving them a delicate appearance.

Best for:

The style also broadens the shoulders, making it ideal for pear-shaped bodies, balancing wider hips. Hourglass figures are highlighted, showing off their symmetry. It’s an ideal cut for anyone looking to give the impression of broader shoulders. Although, this may be a style to avoid if you already have broad shoulders and don’t want to draw attention to them.

Boat necks are perfect if you want a modest dress, that’s still classy and fashionable.

FAQs

What kind of necklines are there for dresses?

The most common necklines for dresses include:

  • V-neck
  • Sweetheart
  • Strapless
  • Off the shoulder
  • One shoulder
  • Halter neck
  • Square neck
  • Scoop
  • Cowl neck
  • Boat neck

Which neckline suits which body type?

Cowl, scoop and v-neck necklines are the most universally flattering necklines. For pear and petite shapes, look for sweetheart and square necklines, as they elongate the upper body. Straight and hourglass figures look great in halter, boat, and off the shoulder dresses which draw attention to the shoulders.

Which type of neckline is attractive?

The neckline which will look most attractive on you depends on your physique. Read our guide in detail to find the best neckline for your build.

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