The Square Neckline

A square neckline, although the most simple can often be the most dramatic and versatile.
It can be used in a simple t-shirt for a more androgynous look but it especially effective when cut low in a luxurious material. The adaptability of this look is fully utilised for Versace S/S 09.

The use of the square neckline also fits with the body con style that was so popular for Spring/Summer 2007.

Square Necklines are also a favourite for making a simple statement on the red carpet:

The Scalloped Neckline

The Scalloped neckline is shaped like a scallop, with curved edges in a sort of zig-zag style.
It was popular in the 1940's, here are some examples of patterns women would make during the 40s and 50s:

It is less popular in ready-to-wear now but still occasionally appears on the couture runways.


The most modern take on the scallop neckline is subtle. Oscar de la Renta's strapless dresses sometimes have scalloped detailing.

The Florentine Neckline

A Florentine neckline extends from the shoulder straight across the front and back area. It can either be square or slightly rounded.
The design is thought to have been dated between the 1500-1525.
Many of the paintings show the shoulder straps angling off to rest on the edge of the shoulders. This emphasised the graceful slope of a women's neck and shoulders.

The Florentine neckline is worn by Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in The Other Boleyn Girl.

Exciting game: count how many Florentine necklines there are in the trailer.


Natalie Portman also wore a modern adaptation of the Florentine neckline at the premiere of the film.

The V-Neck

A timeless androgynous style, a simple cut in the fabric to create a V. This V can be deep to enhance shape, or to layer underneath a shirt to create a new shape. The v-neck is one of the most flattering and widely used neckline for both men and women.

Layering underneath v-neck is a popular style for both men and women.

The versatility of this look means it is a celebrity favourite for red carpet events as well as more casual outfits:

The Nehru Neckline

• Named after Jawaharial Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India
• The nehru collar is part of a hip-length tailored coat for men or women.
• Created in India in the 1940s and has been popularly used as the top half of a suit for formal occassions.
• Sold as the nehru jacket first in the 1960s in the West.
• Notable wearers: The Beatles, The Monkees, villains in James Bond.
• Single-breasted and fitted with a slight banded collar.
• Popularity of the nehru collars decreased after a turbelent time in fashion in the late 1960s.

The Funnel Neckline

A funnel neckline resembles a turtleneck but without the slouch, having seams to bring the fabric together. This is a minimalist look that was especially popular during the Minimalism of the 1990’s, such pioneers of this era including Calvin Klein and Jil Sander continue to use it.

However, for Fall/Winter 08.09 Lanvin used the funnel neckline not as a simple silhouette but the canvas for complicated and intricate jewellery, to draw attention to the design it was layered underneath the jewels.

Who wears it?

The Mandarin Neckline

• Very similar to nehru necklines.
• Often called Chinese collars or cadet collars.
• Popular for both men and women.
• Based on traditional Manchurian dress.
• Starts at the neckline and rises up the neck between two to five centimetres high.
• Rounded or straight edges are used and the collar often overlaps , secured tightly with a button.
• Often associated with men's fashion, but in women's fashion, the collar is made from silk and features knots instead of buttons.
• Oriental-inspired patterns are used to decorate the collars.

The Bateau Neckline

This neckline is also known as the Sabrina or a boat neck. It’s recognisable by the slight crescent shape of the cut and elongated cut to the shoulders. This neckline was made famous by Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina.

This classic style makes it popular for all the best dress makers, especially those with a more timeless aesthetic such as Oscar De La Renta:

However, it can also be used for jumpers and more simple fabrics to create a simple beatnik style.

The Keyhole Neckline

The keyhole neckline has been around for some time but was most popular in the 1940s. The keyhole may be a simple slit in the neck of the blouse or dress.
The split is usually but not always secured at its top with a hook and eye or loop and button.

The second type of keyhole is more of a circle or oval shape cut out of the neckline.
The neckline has been used for swimwear, eveningwear and a host of other garments. The keyhole must be well placed in the garment so it will be attractive, however during the 1970s; a large, low cut keyhole was popular in the disco era in order to reveal a lot of cleavage.

Who wears the keyhole neckline?

The Sweetheart Neckline

The sweetheart neckline is literally shaped like the top of a heart. It is one of the most popularly worn necklines. Especially for evening and bridal-wear.

The curved shape emphasises the shape of the bust, creating a flattering look for women. Most designers have used the shape at some point in their careers. Designers that particularly like the sweetheart neckline include: Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood, Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace.

The sweetheart neckline is regularly used on corsets as the definition of the bust works beautifully with the nipped-in waist.
The sweetheart neckline is also very popular with brides. It is the most popular neckline shape in corseted wedding dresses and is worn either strapless or with straps.

As well as on wedding dresses the sweetheart neckline appears on the red carpet all the time. The feminine shape is timeless.