How to Style a High Neckline_Personal Care and Style_Common Sense of Life

Part 1 Part 1 of 3: Finding the Right High Neckline Item

1 Choose a high neck with delicate details. Because a high neckline often has a severe look, it's best to opt for a shirt or dress with details that help soften it. A high neckline top or dress with lace or crochet detailing can be very flattering.
- Embroidered details can also help balance the more structured look of a high neckline.
2 Pick a delicate fabric. Tops and dresses made of delicate fabrics tend to have a softer look that balances the higher neckline. Look for high neck blouses and dresses in materials such as silk, chiffon, rayon, or cotton voile.
- A sheer dress or blouse with high neck is another delicate option that can soften the severe look of the high neckline.
3 Opt for a midi high neck top. With a high neckline, it helps to make sure that the cut of the rest of the top balances it out. Wearing a midi or cropped high neckline top that hits at your waist or a little above your waist can provide a flattering, balanced look.
- If you aren't a fan of cropped tops, choose a snug high neck top that you can tuck into your pants, skirt, or shorts for a similar effect.
4 Try a high neck with cutouts. If you're worried about a top or dress with a high neckline looking frumpy or old-fashioned, choose a style that features cutouts. In particular, look for a top with cutouts near the neck to help counter the more severe neckline.
- A high neck top with cutouts is a good option for the summer when you may want to be a little cooler.
- For a sexier look, select a high neck top or dress with cutouts near the decolletage. The sliver of skin will help counter the higher neckline.
5 Consider the sleeve length. If you're worried about your high neck top or dress looking too dowdy, the sleeve length can make a major difference. Long sleeves with a high neckline can be difficult to pull off, but a sleeveless style can balance the higher neckline for a more modern look. A short sleeve top or dress can also be flattering.
- If you prefer longer sleeves, opt for a high neckline shirt or dress with sleeves that hit at the elbow instead of the wrist.
- For a stylish long sleeve, high neckline item, choose one with cutouts. You can even find styles that have cutouts on the arm to help balance the neckline.

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Bottoms for a High Neck Top

1 Choose high-waisted bottoms. It's a good idea to pair a high neckline top with bottoms that have a high-waist. That helps accentuate your waistline and create a balanced look for your torso.
- If you've been leery of wearing a high-waisted skirt or pair of pants or shorts, they're actually flattering on all body types. They elongate the legs, hide a muffin top, and make your backside appear smaller.
- When you're wearing high-waisted bottoms, it's important to get the right size. If they're too tight, it's an unflattering look. If they're too loose, they can add bulk to your midsection.
2 Pair a high neckline top with shorts or a skirt. In addition to choosing high-waisted bottoms, you may want to think about going short when you're wearing a high neckline top. Pairing it with shorts or a skirt exposes some skin that helps balance the more severe look on top.
- To keep your look balanced, don't choose shorts or skirts that are too short. Look for styles that hit between mid-thigh and the knee for the most flattering look.
- You can wear your high neckline top with shorts and skirts even in the winter. Just add a pair of tights in an interesting color or texture.
3 Opt for denim to keep it casual. When you want your high neckline top to have a relaxed look, pair with denim bottoms. Your favorite pair of jeans or a denim mini or knee-length skirt can give you a chic casual look for everyday.
- If you really want a top with a high neck to feel fresh, modern, and relaxed, wear it with denim cutoffs for a perfect summer weekend look.
4 Go tailored for a more formal look. If you want to wear your high neck top to the office or out to dinner, choose a tailored bottom to pair it with. A streamlined pencil skirt or a slim-fitting pair of trousers in wool or herringbone can instantly dress up any high neck top.
- You can also find tailored shorts if you want a formal look for your top that still feels playful.

Part 3 Part 3 of 3: Accessorizing a High Neckline

1 Wear your hair up. If you're wearing a top with a high neckline, you want to wear your hair in a way that showcases your neck. Pull your hair up into a ponytail or a topknot for a more dramatic look. For a softer feel, wear your hair in a bun at the nape of your neck.
- If you don't want to wear your hair completely up, go for a half up half down style. That will keep the hair out of your face, so the neckline is more visible.
2 Opt for a long necklace. If you want to wear a necklace with a high neckline, it's best to choose a long style that hits between the chest and the waist. That will draw attention downward to balance the higher neck.
- With a high neckline, you may want to skip a necklace entirely. The neckline detail may add enough visual interest to your outfit that a necklace isn't necessary.
3 Pair it with hanging earrings. A high neckline draws attention to your face, so you can maintain the focus by wearing it with dangling earrings. A style that ends right at the top of the neckline is the especially flattering.
- If you have a long face, stay away from straight dangling earrings. Instead, opt for a pair of hoops or dangling earrings with round pendants.
4 Accent the neckline with a belt. You can give your high neckline top a more polished look by wearing a belt with your outfit. Tuck your top into the bottoms of your choice, and add a belt at your waistline, which will help define the area so your torso appears balanced.
- For the most balanced look, choose a belt that's approximately 1 ½-inches (4-cm) wide. That's the most flattering width for both short- and long-waisted figures.

How to Style a High Neckline

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