Fashion is in constant motion, but there are some timeless tips for choosing a look with balanced composition. Knowing the types of necklines is one of those tips.
It is possible to find different proposals in the pieces, from the most closed cuts to the deepest ones, but knowing which one best suits each occasion or body type is a way to highlight the look.
Get to know the main models of necklines and know when to use each one of them.
Know the different types of cleavage
Boat neck, round, square: different types of necklines have been created throughout the history of fashion and today there are varied options on the market to compose from the most formal looks to the most daring and relaxed.
Knowing the cuts and their characteristics is a way to combine the pieces with greater assertiveness, creating a more harmonious look and in line with the personal style of each one.
Check out the main neckline models below.
V-neck

The V-neckline is an option to enhance the bust or slim the silhouette. The model is one of the most democratic, as it fits well on different types of bodies and can be found in pieces with different depths.
In addition, you can compose from more casual looks, with T-shirts, to a more formal look, with tailored shirts, for example.
This type of neckline can also elongate the silhouette. To achieve this result, the tip is to choose a monochromatic composition.
round neckline

Among the types of necklines, the round neckline is another option capable of enhancing different silhouettes.
Just like the V-neck, this model can also be found with depth variations. In this case, deeper round necklines tend to increase the bust, while tighter ones have the opposite effect.
A variation of this model is the crew neck, which has a rounded and more closed cut, close to the neck.
Models like this one, which feature a deeper neckline, can be a combination for more formal looks, such as for a work meeting or job interview, for example.
square neckline

A square neckline can help disguise volume in the lap, in addition to valuing this region and providing support. This is also an option for those who don’t like very deep necklines.
For those with a smaller bust, the tip is to look for pieces with a more subtle square neckline and close to the skin, to avoid excess fabric and ensure adequate support.
It is an option for more casual looks, but also for pieces used in more formal moments, such as party dresses.
Singer Billie Eilish chose this type of neckline for the Met Gala 2022 look, an annual event held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
turtleneck

The turtleneck is an elegant and formal option among the types of feminine necklines, which tends to enhance silhouettes with smaller busts.
With a more closed cut, which goes up to the neck, this model is also called turtleneck or turtleneck and has different variations.
Pieces with this cut can be a good option for those who have a longer neck and want to shorten the region.
You can find this neckline in heavier cold weather garments, such as the cacharrel, or in sleeveless shirts or dresses. This makes the model more flexible, bringing the opportunity to compose different looks with it.
An example was the model chosen by gymnast Simone Biles for the Met Gala in 2021.
strapless dress

With a cut that leaves the chest and arms on display, the strapless neckline is capable of elongating the silhouette, very common in party dresses.
During the Emmy awards in 2022, for example, the looks of celebrities like Zendaya, Elle Fanning and Hannah Waddingham brought this type of cleavage to the red carpet.
The attention in this model goes to the support. As it does not have sleeves, those with a larger bust should look for structured pieces to ensure comfort and safety when wearing this type of neckline.
boat neckline

The boat neckline has a more romantic proposal, with a cut that lies between the U-shaped and shoulder-to-shoulder models, being more open than the first and more closed than the second.
These characteristics highlight the shoulders and chest, in addition to enhancing the neck. Due to this highlight in the region, this is one of the types of neckline indicated for those with narrower shoulders.
Those with wider hips can also opt for this model to bring balance to the silhouette.
Despite highlighting the shoulders, this type of neckline is more closed than other models, such as the V-neck.
Therefore, it is possible to find from more casual pieces with this neckline, to use in leisure moments, to more formal ones, to use at work.
Shoulder to shoulder
The shoulder-to-shoulder model has a wider scoop neckline, which can be used in looks with a more laid-back or more romantic proposal.
An example is the dress chosen by Anitta for the Met Gala 2022, which had “Gilded Glamor and White Tie” as the theme for the dress code, a reference to the era of extravagance in American fashion throughout the 19th century.

It is among the types of necklines that value the shoulders and tends to bring a more stylish look when present in pieces with texture or volume, such as ruffled sleeves, for example.
sweetheart neckline
For those looking for types of neckline capable of enhancing smaller busts, the cut in the heart model is an option. It models and highlights the region, in addition to bringing a more romantic proposal to the look.
When present in pieces with princess cutouts, puffed sleeves and bodices, for example, reinforce this proposal and can be good combinations to create a more delicate look.
The neckline is also common in strapless dresses and blouses, a look that highlights this more romantic proposal, like the one chosen by Blake Lively for the Met Gala 2022.

united front

As the name suggests, the single front model leaves the neckline to the back, which is more exposed while the chest is more covered.
By bringing the highlight to the back region and creating a feeling of spaciousness in the lap with the more closed cut, this is one of the types of neckline indicated for those with a smaller bust.
This is a bolder proposal, but one that can also bring elegance to the look. Pieces with this style of neckline can be an option for more relaxed occasions, such as parties and night events, for example.
one shoulder only
The asymmetrical neckline model, with a one-shoulder cut, highlights the shoulders and arms, bringing the focus to the upper body region.
This cut has a more modern, sophisticated and subtle look, which is why it is often used in party dresses.
An example is the model chosen by singer Katy Perry for the red carpet of the Met Gala 2022.

Asymmetric neckline types tend to bring more volume to the silhouette. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the support of the piece to avoid an uncomfortable look.
How to find the ideal neckline?
There are types of necklines for all tastes, silhouettes and occasions, but here are some tips that can help you find the ideal model when putting together the complete look:
- consider the occasion;
- take personal style into account;
- think about the general composition of the look;
- evaluate neckline indications for each body type.
Check out other fashion tips on CNN
Source: CNN Brasil

I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.