Going to Every Length

I must admit, when I choose a necklace to wear I first consider what will complement my outfit and the occasion, and second, what I am in the mood for wearing. Except for how a particular item suits the neckline of the garment, I rarely take the length of a necklace into account.

Yet you may have heard various terms bandied about in fashion circles that describe the lengths of necklaces and seem to indicate something more than mere length. ‘Collar’ and ‘choker’ seem self-explanatory. But was a ‘princess’ necklace something royal princesses traditionally wore?

… was a ‘princess’ necklace something royal princesses traditionally wore?

More likely, it was the length considered appropriate for a dress featuring a princess neckline. (I like this description of a princess neckline found on WikiAnswers: ‘… a style characterised by a cut that comes more or less straight down just inside the shoulders for a short run, then continues in a V cut, often bowing slightly inward. It can be very flattering with a push up bra. Of course, this is a guy's point of view.’) And was a matinee necklace worn only to matinee theatre, while an opera length necklace was strictly worn to the opera, and nowhere else? So many questions!

Some Tips

Long necklaces will be flattering to shorter women as they create long vertical lines, creating the illusion of height. Extra long necklaces are really designed to be looped back twice or more to create a layered look. My ‘ridiculous’ length necklace is of course meant to be worn this way.

Before donning a collar or choker necklace consider whether it frames your face and neckline in a flattering manner. Do not purchase one that is too tight lest you look like you really are being choked!

A feature collar or choker necklace should not be worn with too-high necklines, especially if they are touching – not only does this create an untidy neckline, but the necklace will constantly disappear from view (and possibly even cause uncomfortable chafing).

Anne Hathaway in Prada pale pink silk gown and Tiffany & Co flower necklace (worn backwards), Oscars 2013Who remembers Anne Hathaway’s Oscars 2013 outfit? She ‘daringly’ wore the necklace backward with her high-necked apron-style Prada gown, but this does no justice to the cut of the gown at all – both garment and jewellery interfere with one another. The interesting back of the gown in particular would have looked so much more elegant on its own, and the front view just looks too crowded. Adventurous styling gone wrong, SNAP says.

Finally, a plunging neckline on its own will inevitably draw the eye. But if you are going to wear a necklace with a deep vee, consider where it finishes: up higher just below your collarbone to distract a little from the plunge, or some twinkling pendant nestling between your breasts just to make sure the gaze lingers!