3 Necklaces That Flatter Your Body Shape
Your style guide to necklaces that amplify and empower your personal brand
Inspired by style coach Angela Foster’s perspective on proportions, let’s explore necklace options and how to wear them to highlight your favorite features!
1. Chokers and collar necklaces bring attention to your face
If your face is your favorite feature, close-fitting necklaces are the perfect jewelry wardrobe staples for you. This could be a single statement necklace, a simple delicate necklace with a floating gemstone, or anything in between.
Depending on how comfortable you are with a snug fit, these necklaces that sit around the base of the neckline are categorized as:
chokers - usually 14”
collars - usually 16”
It’s important to note that a particular necklace length may appear longer on a small-framed person and fit more closely around the neck of someone with a larger frame.
For those who like a snug fit, delicate chains or beaded gemstone necklaces are universal for the “power casual” at the office or with jeans and a white t-shirt for coffee with friends. Pearls are always a good idea, from brunch, to the boardroom, to the ballroom.
PAIRS WITH: crew neck, square neck, scoop neck, v-neck, and strapless
PROPORTION CHECK: If your neck is short, thicker chokers can magnify this, so keep with a more delicate esthetic.
PRO TIP: Be aware of statement necklaces or those with a bigger look can compete with the neckline, texture, pattern, or color of the garment.
2. Layering necklaces can accentuate your bust and personal brand
If you would like to accentuate your bust, layering necklaces are a great way to empower your style and symbolize something meaningful to you.
Think of the area of your exposed skin as a “canvas” to space out and harmonize your layers and the neckline of what you are wearing as a “frame”.
Selecting different kinds, widths, and lengths of chains will enhance your wardrobe - and your layering game! It is also great to blend with beaded gemstone necklaces to add texture.
The most delicate necklaces are ideally worn closest to your neck, flowing down to the heaviest layer (usually with a pendant) at the bottom.
PAIRS WITH: crew neck, square neck, scoop neck, v-neck, and strapless
PROPORTION CHECK: Be mindful of the space between your neck and the top of your shirt. Layer within the “canvas” space and/or below the top of your shirt.
PRO TIP: A compelling benefit of layering with a diversity of materials, lengths, and widths is fewer tangles and knots!
3. Long necklaces can lengthen your look
A memorable option that can lengthen your look is called a sautoir! In the Roaring ‘20s, they symbolized empowerment and women’s liberation, alongside column dresses a-la Coco Chanel, Josephine Baker, and Zelda Fitzgerald.
Sautoir necklaces can be long chains or ropes of pearls or gemstone beads that are simply worn long or wrapped in layers. It can spectacularly set off plunging necklines in the front, as well as the back!
As a garnish, add a pendant or tassel with a removable bail to personalize your style. Best of all, this pendant can be worn on other necklaces and paired with other necklines to create multiple styles.
PROPORTION CHECK: Whether you are wearing a pendant or not, the sautoir should fall at a particular length determined by your proportions or the waistline of what you are wearing.
PAIRS WITH: duster sweater, long-length dress, boat neck, turtle neck, plunging neckline
PRO TIP: Chucky chains or large-size beads can overpower petite frames. As they say, less is more!
SHOP NECKLACES DESIGNED BY WOMEN
WHAT IS THE RIGHT NECKLACE LENGTH FOR YOU?
A great jewelry hack to determine the desired length is to wrap ribbon or string around your neck and adjust accordingly. Simply apply a piece of tape or cut the ribbon at that length and measure the inches with a ruler.
MEET ANGELA, YOUR PETITE STYLE COACH
Angela Foster helps petite women dress for their height and flatter their body shape. No matter your size, her formula and principles on proportions help you dress with confidence.
Whether you are the chairwoman of the board, the CEO of your household, or a leader in climate tech, I help you acquire jewelry that amplifies your style and values.
As your jewelry guide, I help you acquire responsibly sourced rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets - thoughtfully designed by women. This means striving for:
• transparency in origin
• conflict-free
• supporting and protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
The Brilliant Concierge is a fluid, personalized experience, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry you will love. The service can be:
• Editing your current jewelry wardrobe and anticipating needs for your next purchase.
• Advising you on kinds of jewelry that fit your lifestyle and values, as well as wear and care considerations.
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