How To Pick Necklace Length?

The necklace is a popular piece of jewelry that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outfit. However, choosing the right necklace length can be tricky and overwhelming, especially for those who are new to wearing necklaces.

You should have once standing in front of the mirror and wondering which necklace length suits your outfit the best. The good news is, with a few simple guidelines and tips, you can easily master how to pick necklace length to find the perfect necklace length for your body type and style.

Why You Should Know How To Pick Necklace Length?

Understanding the importance of selecting the right necklace length cannot be overstated. It goes beyond mere aesthetics; it's about complementing your body shape, outfit, and occasion.

Firstly, a well-chosen necklace accentuates your best features, potentially drawing attention to your face and away from areas you might be self-conscious about. The right length of the necklace can transform your look, making you appear more put-together and polished.

Secondly, the ideal length of the necklace can highlight your outfit, and make you look more fashionable and elegant. Therefore, necklaces become indispensable accessories in every fashion outlook.

For instance, a longer necklace can elongate the torso, making it a great choice for those looking to create the illusion of height. On the other hand, choker styles or shorter necklaces are fantastic for highlighting the neck and can add a touch of elegance to a simple outfit.

It's also worth considering the neckline of your outfit when selecting a necklace length. Different necklines pair better with certain lengths; for example, a V-neck works well with a necklace that mirrors its shape, ideally ending just above the cleavage.

Ultimately, knowing how to pick the right necklace length is an invaluable skill that can help you enhance your personal style. It allows you to fine-tune your outfits, ensuring that your jewelry complements rather than detracts from your look.

Popular Necklace Length

Necklace lengths vary greatly, and the choice of length can significantly impact your overall look and the message you want to portray. Choosing the right length depends on several factors including your outfit, occasion, and body type.

• 14 inches (Choker): A 14-inch necklace is known as a choker and sits tightly against the base of the throat. It's a versatile length that pairs well with almost any outfit from casual to formal, can accentuate the neckline, and complements both high and low necklines.
• 16 inches (Collar): A 16-inch necklace, also known as a collar, sits just above the collarbone and is great for showcasing dainty pendants. It's perfect for formal events and high-neckline outfits.
• 18 inches (Princess): The 18-inch, or princess length, is one of the most popular and versatile necklace lengths, and is perfect for both casual and business attire, offering a classic look that never goes out of style. It typically lies just below the throat and works well with a variety of necklines, from crew necks to plunging v-necks.
• 20 inches (Matinee): A 20-inch necklace falls between the collarbone and the bust and is known as a matinee. This length is ideal for business and casual wear, offering a bit of elegance without being overly formal and works well with a variety of necklines and can help elongate the look of the torso.
• 22-24 inches (Top of Bust): The top of the bust is a popular length for statement necklaces as it falls just above the bust, making it perfect for showcasing bold and chunky pieces. It's also great for creating a layered look by pairing it with shorter or longer necklaces.
• 26-28 inches (Middeel of Bust): The middle of the bust is a versatile length that falls between the top and bottom of the bust. It's great for creating a statement without being too overbearing and works well with both casual and formal outfits, adding a touch of elegance to any ensemble.
• 30-36 inches (Opera): Finally, necklaces ranging from 30 to 36 inches are also considered opera length but offer even more flexibility in styling. This length can be looped for a layered effect or worn long for a more dramatic, bohemian vibe. It pairs beautifully with longer, flowing outfits or can add interest to a simple, minimalist look.

How To Pick Necklace Length?

How to pick necklace length can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to wearing necklaces. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you choose the perfect necklace length for your body type and style.

Step 1:  Determine Your Neckline

Before settling on a necklace length, consider the neckline of the outfit you plan to wear. The neckline acts as a frame for your necklace, so it's crucial to match their shapes and sizes for a harmonious look.

Here are some general guidelines:

• For plunging or V-necklines, opt for longer necklaces such as a matinee (20 inches) or opera (30-36 inches) length to create a balanced look.
• For high necklines such as turtlenecks or crew necks, go for shorter lengths like a choker (14 inches) or collar (16 inches).
• Strapless or off-the-shoulder necklines pair well with any necklace length, but longer lengths like matinee (20 inches) or opera (30-36 inches) can add a touch of elegance.

Step 2: Estimate Your Neck Size

Estimating your neck size is a crucial step in selecting the perfect necklace length. To do this, simply measure your neck with a soft measuring tape.

Add two inches to your neck measurement for a comfortable length for chokers or collars. For longer necklaces, consider how the piece will lay on your body, taking into account your height, body type, and where you'd like the necklace to sit.

Necklaces can be layered, so don't limit yourself to just one length. Experiment with different lengths to see what complements your silhouette and personal style best. 

Step 3: Consider Your Height and Body Type

Your height and body type also play a significant role in choosing the right necklace length. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the perfect length for your frame:

• For petite individuals, opt for shorter lengths like chokers (14 inches) or collars (16 inches) to avoid overwhelming your frame.
• For taller individuals, longer lengths like matinee (20 inches) or opera (30-36 inches) can help balance out your height and create a more proportionate look.
• If you have a round face, choose longer necklace lengths like matinee (20 inches) or opera (30-36 inches) to create the illusion of a longer, slimmer face.
• For those with an oval or heart-shaped face, shorter lengths like chokers (14 inches) can help accentuate your features and add balance to your overall look.

Step 4: Consider Your Personal Style And Occasion

Personal style and the occasion you are dressing for are crucial in selecting the perfect necklace length. 

If your style leans towards the bohemian, longer lengths like opera (30-36 inches) can complement your laid-back looks. For a more sophisticated, professional appearance, mid-lengths such as the princess (18 inches) or matinee (20 inches) are ideal. 

When choosing a necklace for an event, consider the formality. Opera lengths suit formal events, while shorter lengths are versatile for both casual and professional settings. 

Don't forget, that the right necklace not only complements your outfit but also expresses your unique style and personality.

What Is The Ideal Necklace Length For Everyone?

As we all know, there are various options for necklace length in the current market, so discovering the ideal one that suits with everybody is really essential. 

Especially, while the ideal necklace length can significantly vary based on factors like individual style, body shape, and the specific outfit, a universally flattering choice is the 18-inch, or princess length. This particular length is considered versatile enough to complement almost any neckline, outfit, and body type.

It sits at just the right spot below the throat, offering a classic look that enhances the overall appearance without overwhelming it. The princess length is perfectly positioned to work with both high and low necklines, making it a go-to option for everything from formal attire to casual wear.

Whether you are dressing for a business meeting or gearing up for a casual day out, an 18-inch necklace adds just the right amount of elegance and sophistication. Its universality transcends gender norms, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of refinement to their ensemble.

This length is also ideal for layering, allowing wearers to combine it with both shorter and longer pieces to create a personalized look. Given its versatility, the princess-length necklace can serve as an essential piece in anyone's jewelry collection, adaptable to all styles, genders, and shapes.

While personal preference and specific style goals play a crucial role in choosing a necklace length, the 18-inch princess length stands out as a universally appealing option that meets a wide range of fashion needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the correct necklace length is more than just a matter of personal taste; it's about enhancing your overall appearance. And one day, if you struggle with which one to choose, exploring different lengths can uncover styles that uniquely highlight your features and wardrobe.

Knowing the tips on how to pick necklace length simplifies this process, providing valuable insights into matching necklace lengths with various necklines, estimating neck size for a comfortable fit, and considering factors like height, body type, and personal style. 

Once again, you need to remember that the appropriate necklace length empowers you to make informed decisions that complement your silhouette and reflect your personal aesthetics, ensuring that you look and feel your best in any setting.