Wedding Dress Neckline Style Guide

Different necklines flatter different women.  Read our style guide to see what looks good on whom.

Choosing the right neckline for your body type and style is an essential part of selecting the perfect wedding gown, but with so many different options, the search can be incredibly overwhelming.

Today, we’re breaking down some of the most popular styles in a user-friendly wedding dress neckline style guide so that you can get a grip on the terminology before making a trip to a bridal boutique to try on a variety of gowns! 

Sweetheart Neckline

Ines Di Santo

The sweetheart neckline is shaped like the top of a heart. It is an almost universally flattering style, as it elongates the neck and torso and works on gowns both with and without sleeves or straps. A semi-sweetheart has a less-pronounced dip in the center than a traditional sweetheart neckline, which is perfect for a more conservative wedding day look.

Good for: Serious decolletage
Bad for: The decolletage-impaired

Straight Across Neckline

A straight across neckline is a simple, strapless cut that flows across the chest.

Good for: Many body types, but is especially nice on women with broader shoulders.

Square Neckline

The square neckline follows the same shape as the bottom half of a square. This neckline can be cut wider to show off more shoulder, or lower for a more modern, edgy look, and is often seen on gowns with straps or sleeves.

V-Neck Neckline

A v-neck gown is exactly as it sounds – the neckline dips down in the front in a v-shape, which works especially well with gowns that have sleeves of any type, and creates a universal slimming effect.
Good for: B or C cups
Bad for: Anyone bigger or smaller

One-Shoulder Neckline

A one-shoulder gown is fairly self-explanatory – it features a single strap that cuts asymmetrically across the chest and secures over one shoulder. This modern neckline is perfect for showing off your shoulders, collarbone, and upper arms.

Scoop Neckline

The scoop neck is a u-shaped neckline that can be cut to varying depths to flatter brides of almost any shape. A scoop neckline falls lower than the similar jewel cut neckline, which is also rounded, but fits closer to the throat.

Good for: Just about anyone

Queen Anne Neckline

The Queen Anne neckline is a regal cut featuring a high collar in the back, and a dipped neckline, usually a scoop or v-neck cut, in the front.

High-Neck Neckline

Inbal Dror

A high neck gown features a t-shirt or turtleneck neckline that secures in a collar-like fashion around the back of the neck. These gowns can be extremely edgy for a high fashion bride.

Halter Neckline

A halter neckline typically features a low-cut back with straps that tie around the neck. Halter gowns are ideal for brides who want to show off their shoulders and upper back.

Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoulders

Off The Shoulder Neckline

An off the shoulder neckline is a romantic style that falls just below the shoulders and beautifully frames the face, neck, collarbone and shoulders.

Good for: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Bad for: Broad shoulders, fuller arms

Illusion Neckline

Nouvelle Amsale

Illusion necklines, which have seen a huge boost in popularity over the past several years, feature sheer fabric or lace along the top of the bodice that extends to fit near the neck. These necklines can be as detailed and unique as the bride!

Strapless Neckline

The strapless neckline is a popular choice with busty brides, and it looks wonderful when paired with either a sweetheart or straight-across square bodice.
Good for: Great shoulders and collarbones
Bad for: Smaller-chested women