Necklines do more work than you think. The shape framing your face and décolletage can completely transform a dress–making it feel office-ready, date-night perfect, formal, or effortlessly off-duty. And yet, most of us are still defaulting to the same two or three styles without realizing just how many options are out there. Whether you’re deep in a scroll session or standing in a fitting room, knowing your necklines is the kind of low-key style knowledge that pays off every single time. Ahead, all the different types of necklines you’ll encounter while shopping for women’s dresses—and exactly what to know about each one.
Dress Necklines:
Apron
An apron neckline has a bib-like front that resembles an apron and often features straps that tie at the back of the neck.
Boat Neck
A boat neckline extends from one shoulder to the other, creating a wide opening that looks like the curved profile of a boat.
Collared
Collared necklines are defined by, naturally, their collar! The lapels fold down, creating a neckline that appears like the kind you see on men’s dress shirts.
Cowl
A cowl neckline is a draped neckline that creates a soft, folded look around the neck
Halter
A halter neckline is a style of neckline that features fabric that wraps around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and arms bare.
Mock
Mock necklines are similar to turtlenecks, but mock necks don’t fold over, and they aren’t as high, sitting snugly around the base of the neck.
Off-the-Shoulder
An off-the-shoulder neckline is a style that sits below the shoulders, leaving them bare. It may have sleeves or straps that sit on the arms.
One-Shoulder
A one-shoulder neckline is a style featuring one strap that goes over one shoulder and leaves the other shoulder bare.
Scoop
A scoop neckline is a U-shaped neckline that’s lower than a round neckline. Scoop dress necklines can resemble square necklines but are rounder, and usually have thinner straps.
Square-Neck
A square neckline is a style that features a squared-off neck opening, often with wider straps that cover the tops of the shoulders.
Straight
A straight neckline is a simple, straight line that sits across the chest, often at or just below the collarbone.
Strapless
A strapless neckline is a style that sits above the bust, leaving the shoulders and arms bare. It can come in lots of different shapes and often features hidden no-slip strips.
Surplice
You’ve likely seen this word while shopping online and wondered “What is a surplice neckline?” Well, a surplice neckline is a style that features a draped or crossed front, creating a V-neckline. They may be a feature of convertible necklines as well.
Sweetheart
The sweetheart neckline is characterized by a curved, heart-shaped dip in the front. Sweetheart necklines are popular for their feminine and romantic appearance, and may or may not have straps.
Turtleneck
A turtleneck neckline is a style of neckline that covers the entire neck and extends upward to fold over. Turtleneck types of necklines are of course most popular on cold-weather clothes.
V-Neck
A V-neck is a style of dress neckline that forms a V-shape in the front, with the point of the V falling between the collarbones. V-necklines can vary in depth and width.
Did this guide to dress necklines help you? Show us your favorite style on Instagram or TikTok @lulus and check out all types of necklines from What’s New!
This post was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated with new content.
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