The Ultimate Guide To Bridesmaid Dress Necklines: Show Off Your Beauty

So you have just started shopping with your girls, and all of you are stuck on the different types of necklines available? From V-neck to shawl collars and off-the-shoulder necklines, you’d be surprised at how much this tiny detail can make or break the final look. An easy place to start is to educate yourself on the possible necklines available in the market, and this is where this article will come in handy. Below, find your ultimate guide on the bridesmaid dress necklines along with a styling guide. 

What’s Your Body Shape?

Your body shape determines which necklines will look flattering on you. If you’re unsure, here’s a quick look at different body shapes to help.

Apple: Your shoulders are broad, and most of your weight is spread around the mid-section (chest and belly). The legs are slimmer than the upper body. 

Hourglass: The most coveted, hourglass body shape has fuller busts and hips, and a thin waist for perfect figure-enhancing curves.

Inverted Triangle: This body type has prominent shoulders and chest, with body parts getting narrower as we move down.

Pear: Those with pear shaped body have wide hips and thighs, but a petite upper body. There’s a noticeable difference between upper and lower body sizes. 

Rectangle: This body type has a similar ratio of chest, waist, and hips, with no curves and more of a straight definition in the body. 

Types of Bridesmaid Dress Necklines

1. V-Neck

Universal winner - a V-neck forms a V shape on the neck that defines the décolletage area and gives an illusion of a slimmer face. This neckline looks good on every body shape, and it’s your best option for coordinated bridesmaid dresses. 

2. Sweetheart Neckline

Popular for both brides and bridesmaids, a sweetheart neckline forms the top of the heart shape closer to the bust and has no straps! It’s a romantic option that can add depth and definition to all body shapes.

3. Plunging Neckline

A type of deep V-neck, the plunging neckline can go from mid-bust to a little below the bust area for a sexy silhouette. The right kind of dramatic V-neckline can be graceful for all the girls in your crew. 

4. High Neck

A high neckline goes around your neck and can be in halterneck style, cowl style, or can also have lace around the collarbone for a feminine look. Adding a cinched waist for anyone with a rectangle and inverted triangle body shape can define the curves that will be otherwise natural for other body shapes in a high neckline dress. 

5. Strapless

This neckline snugly goes around the chest and has no straps of any kind around the shoulders or neck. Those with a heavier bust might need extra support to carry this style for the big day! 

6. Halter Neck

In dresses with halter necklines, you will find a cord or strap that goes around the back of your neck in place of an arm strap. This suits the hourglass and rectangular body shapes more than others.

7. One-Shoulder Neckline

This neckline keeps one shoulder covered with straps (often thicker than usual) and leaves the other one bare. Also known as the “asymmetrical” neckline, it flatters a wide-shouldered body type better than anyone else.

8. Off-the-Shoulder

An elegant and timeless style, the off-the-shoulder neckline is defined by a hem that cuts right below the shoulder. It’s a graceful pick for all body types, but it's extra appealing for women with defined collarbones. 

9. Square Neckline

Ideal for triangle—and pear-shaped figures, the square neckline has 90-degree edges on both sides, creating the illusion of a square. Its design gives the illusion of a taller neck and a defined upper body. 

10. Straight Neckline

Versatile enough to flatter all body types in your bridal party, a straight neckline is a modest version of a plunging or sweetheart neckline. It sits a little above the bust to expose the upper body in the right amounts.

11. Keyhole Neckline

The keyhole neckline is a simple detail of a keyhole in an otherwise rounded neckline. It’s a playful feature rather than a figure-enhancing shape, so it suits all bridesmaids equally. 

12. Portrait Neckline

Since other versions of off-the-shoulder neckline can make women with fuller arms conscious, a portrait neckline with straps right on the shoulder and a wide, soft scoop in the middle can impress all the girls of your bridal crew. 

13. Queen Anne Neckline

Given its regal look, the Queen Anne neckline is quite popular in bridal dresses. Its defining features are a raised collar and a plunging but soft neckline. Anyone with a heavier bust might need minimsers to make this style look good. 

14. Cowl Neckline

Cowl necklines are easily discernible features on any outfit with soft folds that often lie somewhere above the bustline. Since it puts more emphasis on the neck and face area, proper accessories are a must to make this bridesmaid dress neckline shine. 

15. Surplice Neckline

If the bridesmaid dress you’re eyeing mentions a surplice neckline, it means that the V-neck is created by overlapping fabrics from each side to create a deeper, plunging neckline. Opt for a surplice neckline with a cinched waist to add defining curves to any and every body shape in your bridal crew. 

16. Convertible Neckline

Best to enhance the individual style of each member of your wedding party, a convertible neckline allows you to rearrange the straps to create whatever look you like. It’s the perfect option for mismatched bridesmaid dresses where only the neckline differs, and the rest of the details stay homogeneous.

17. Bow Neckline

A bow neckline bridesmaid dress features a playful bow detail on the collar of the outfit. This dress type draws attention to the face, and good hair and makeup are what will create a difference for bow neckline dresses to look flattering. 

18. Apron Neckline

Resembling the aprons worn by housewives in the 60s and 70s, the apron neckline has a wide section on the neck with thin straps that bare shoulders and collarbones. It looks appealing on all body shapes, but those with heavy forearms might feel uncomfortable in this style. 

Neckline Choice: Broad Shoulders vs. Narrow Shoulders

Besides the body shape, your shoulder width also plays a role in what neckline will be best for you. Any bridesmaid with narrow shoulders should go for neckline styles that add depth to their collarbone area, like boat neck, collar neck, and square necklines. On the other hand, girls with broad shoulders need something that reduces attention to their shoulders, and a plunging neckline, like a wide scoop and V-necks, is the best option for them. 

How to Mix and Match Your Bridesmaid Dresses via Necklines

The key to effortlessly executing the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is to keep the variations minimal. Choosing a different neckline to suit the body shape of each member not only enhances their curves but also gives them more confidence. It also doesn’t compromise with your wedding aesthetic, making it a win-win situation for both sides. 

Now that you know more about the bridesmaid dress necklines, you’d be able to decide what kind of outfit would be best for your wedding party. One simple detail can make all the difference in the comfort and styling, and you can find your style in our satin bridesmaid dress collection!