How to choose the right necklace? There are four considerations: LengthBody Types and Face Shapes

Length

Necklaces come in a wide variety of lengths and styles, and many of them will look great on you. You can change your look simply by changing the length of your necklace. Here is the standard lengths:

Collar 14 inches long

The collar length is about 14 inches in length, collar necklaces lie very close to the neck. Before buying these pieces, it’s best to measure your neck to make sure you’ll have a comfortable fit. The necklace should be at least two inches longer than your neck circumference.

Worn best with: 

  • Wear a collar necklace with an open neckline such as scoop necks, V-necks, off-the-shoulder and boatnecks or a strapless dress.
  • This length looks great on petite women.
  • If you are self-conscious about your neck, avoid this attention-grabbing style.

 

Choker 14-16 inches long

The choker length is referred to as “classic necklace” length and typically sits at the hollow of the neck above the collar bone and rests loosely at the base of your neck. On most people, it hits above the collarbone, but they aren’t quite as snug as collar necklaces.

Worn best with: 

  • A choker is a beautiful style to wear with an open blouse, since it will peek out from beneath your collar.
  • This length also looks gorgeous with other tops that have open necklines, such as V-necks, scoop necks, strapless styles.
  • Like a collar necklace, the choker draws attention to the neck. If you consider you neck one of your best features, give this style a try.                                  

 

Princess 17-19 inches long

The princess length is one of the most popular today. This necklace is intended to sit at or right below the collar bone and is made to be a very versatile length. It is well suited with a variety of fashions including V-neck, scoop neck and button-up styles. princess necklaces are universally flattering. Typically, this chain and strand rest on the collarbone, offering a feminine look for any height or body types. Many pendants come with 18-inch chains, since this is the optimal length to show off a special bauble.

Worn best with: 

  • This length looks fantastic with any low, open neckline or strapless.
  • You can also wear an 18-inch necklace over a turtleneck or other high neck.

 

Matinee 20-24 inches long

The martinee length usually sits well below the average neckline. What makes this a popular choice is that it can be used for casual, business or formal occasions. the matinee length works well when layering necklaces, with a shorter choker or princess length sitting above it. Depending on your height and the exact length of the necklace, they will hit at the bust or slightly below it.

Worn best with: 

  • Because they rest on top of the bust or hang just beneath, this can be a somewhat awkward length to wear. In most cases, you can’t wear a matinee necklace with an open neckline or strapless top, since it will interfere with the neckline of your clothing.
  • These styles look best over closed button-down shirts, turtlenecks, and other simple clothing options.
  • Because they are a mid-length choice, they flatter most body types.
  • Great for both business and casual wear.

 

Opera 30-36 inches long

The opera length is also very suitable for layering and its ability to be appropriate in both casual and formal settings depending on style. It can also be wrapped double. An opera-length necklace typically falls below the bust and above the waist.

Worn best with: 

  • Worn over tops and dresses, this style is useful for emphasizing a tall frame.
  • This is a great length for many plus-size women, and it draws the eye to your bustline.
  • High necklines and evening wear.

 

Rope Over 36 inches or longer

This type of necklace typically fall bellows the waist, though 36-inch styles may hit just above the waist on some women.

Worn best with: 

  • Worn once around the neck, a rope necklace is ideal for taller women.
  • You can wrap the necklace multiple times around your neck to get a variety of looks from this length.
  • Women of all heights can look lovely when they wear a rope necklace wrapped.
  • This style looks beautiful with elegant clothing, since it tends to appear quite formal.
  • Elegant business and evening wear.

Note: If you have a wide neck and are considering shorter lengths, you may need to go up an inch or two in length.

Height and Body Types

Also, select the right length for your height is important, because the necklaces create a strong vertical or horizontal line across your body, necklaces need to compliment the height of the person wearing them. The following suggestions may assist you to find the best necklace length for you.

AVERAGE HEIGHT AND BODY TYPESNECKLACE STYLES
Petite WomenChokers and Collars
Tall WomenLonger Necklaces like Opera or Rope styles.
Curvy or Plus-Sized WomenVersized Statement Necklaces or Long Rope of Pearls.
Slim WomenStatement Necklaces: Short Chunky and Fun Necklaces and Any Length Delicate Necklaces.

 

Face Shapes

Besides height and body types, the shape of your face is a final consideration.

FACE SHAPESNECKLACE STYLES
RoundLonger Necklaces with pendant or charm
Heart-shapedRoundness of Chokers
OvalAny Length of Necklaces
SquareRoundness of Chokers

Note: These above points are only general options/suggestions, choose the necklace to match your outfit style and your mood.