28 January 2026
Complete Guide to Dress Necklines
A neckline is one of the most important and visible elements of a garment, determining the frame of the face and shoulders and enhancing the silhouette. It can also inform the way you accessorise and style your hair to elevate the look.
With so many different neckline names and styles, it can be difficult to know which style suits you best. Our style experts at MERABI have curated a neckline glossary breaking down the most popular neckline styles, explaining their key characteristics, and offering tips on how to wear them.
MERABI’s Neckline Glossary
What is a Square Neckline?
A structured and flattering style for various garments and occasions, square necklines are characterised by a straight line above the bust, framed by sharp 90° angles on either shoulder. This style creates a square frame which highlights the décolletage, neck, and face.
Square necklines are versatile enough to suit most body types wanting to elongate the neck, but especially pear shapes and hourglass figures. NADINE MERABI offers a handpicked selection of square neck styles, including our iconic KIMBERLY Black Velvet Jumpsuit with its crystal-embellished neckline and the NATALIE Ivory Dress, perfect for a modern bride wanting a chic engagement party ensemble.
Style this neckline with an updo to further highlight the neck and face and pendant earrings to balance the empty space.
What is an Architectural Neckline?
Architectural necklines often feature sharp angles, bold folds, or sculptural elements that create a dramatic, three-dimensional effect. We have seen this take shape on the red carpet in outerwear, but they are also a key central focal point in evening wear.
They elevate classic shapes, such as the square neckline, with innovative construction like a structured corset bodice. The LYLA Black Dress combines an architectural square neckline with a sculptural corset and pearl embellishments, while the LARISSA offers a similar, striking construction in a bodycon midi hemline for more formal affairs. Keep accessories minimal to allow the unique structure of the neckline to remain the focus.
What is a Bandeau Neckline?
Contemporary and minimalist, the bandeau neckline is a strapless style that wraps horizontally across the bust, offering a sleek and clean-cut silhouette. This neckline is particularly effective for highlighting the shoulders and collarbones, making it a refined choice for evening events.
The bandeau is a versatile staple within the MERABI collection, featuring prominently in pieces like our COLETTE Black Jumpsuit, which pairs a structured corset bodice with opulent feather-trimmed detailing. For those seeking a bold, feminine statement, the PALOMA Floral Dress features an intricate floral sequin construction, while the FAYE Black Top offers a contemporary twist with its asymmetrical hemline and floor drape.
To style a bandeau neckline, consider a necklace to fill the space of the décolletage. Complement the straight cut with a sleek ponytail or a sharp bob to maintain a polished, high-fashion aesthetic.
What is a Sweetheart Neckline?
Timeless and romantic, the sweetheart neckline is designed to mimic the shape of a heart, curving around the bust with a dip in the centre. This creates an elegantly feminine look which accentuates the décolletage, collarbones, and shoulders. It can come with or without straps and is a popular option for occasion dresses, like the INES Black Dress and its flattering corset bodice; bustier tops, like our ZOE Pink Waistcoat with its cross-detail buttons; and tailored jumpsuits, like LUCINDA Gold.
MERABI pieces are designed to speak for themselves and are best styled with minimal accessories. Wear your sweetheart neckline with a dainty or layered necklace to highlight its curves, and complement the romantic style with soft waves or curls, or a half-up/half-down hairstyle.
What is a Boat Neckline?
Also known as a 'Bateau' neckline, this style features a wide, high curve that runs horizontally from shoulder to shoulder, following the line of the collarbone. It offers a modest yet polished aesthetic that provides more coverage while still highlighting the face.
The boat neck is particularly effective at broadening the appearance of the shoulders, making it a great choice for those with narrower frames. Its elegant silhouette exudes timeless glamour, as seen with our ROMY Black Dress, a floor-length gown with an alluring thigh split, and the RHEA Black Dress with its ruched mini skirt and gold three-dimensional floral detailing.
As the boat neck covers most of the décolletage, it is best styled with drop earrings rather than a necklace. Keep your hair swept back in a low bun to let the graceful lines of the garment take centre stage.
What is a Jewel Neckline?
A jewel neckline, most commonly known as a ‘crew neck’, is a rounded neckline which sits at the base of the neck. Named for its ability to perfectly frame a necklace (or "jewels"), this style provides a clean, polished canvas that directs all attention to the face.
MERABI’s collection of formal wear elevates this traditional cut with our SOFIA Ivory Dress and its exquisite diamond beading detailing and the AMELIA White Jumpsuit with dramatic feather-trimmed sleeves.
When styling a jewel neckline, lean into the name by adding a refined necklace that sits directly over the fabric. For a more editorial look, skip the necklace entirely and opt for bold studs or ear cuffs, finishing the look with a high bun to elongate the torso.
What is a High Neck?
A high neck, as the name suggests, extends up to the neck, offering maximum coverage. This versatile neckline can range from a soft mock neck to a structured turtleneck, providing a sleek and regal silhouette. It is an ideal choice for cooler-season events or when you want to make a bold statement.
Our selection of high-neck styles ranges from delicate lace to mesmerising shimmer. The JULIETTE Blue Dress features a powder blue sheer lace fabrication for a romantic feel, while the HATTIE Black Jumpsuit offers a more tailored look with flared trousers. For a truly luminous finish, the MORGAN Black Dress combines a high neckline with sequin and pearl embellishments.
High necks are best styled without necklaces to avoid cluttering the neckline. Instead, focus on dramatic earrings and opt for an updo to ensure the height of the collar is fully visible.
What is a Bardot Neckline?
Popularised by French actress Brigitte Bardot, this neckline sits off the shoulders to expose the décolletage and neck while framing the arms. It is the epitome of effortless French glamour, offering a romantic and alluring silhouette that is perfect for summer weddings and black-tie events.
Vibrant and opulent, our CARMEN Red Dress features a luxurious, velvet construction and a structured, pleat-detailed skirt. For more drama, opt for the HARPER Black Dress with its folded off-shoulder neckline.
Enhance the romantic appeal of a bardot neckline with soft voluminous waves and chandelier or pendant earrings.
What is a V-Neck?
The V-neck, or plunge neckline, is a universally flattering style that forms a ‘V’ shape as it drops from the shoulders toward the bust. This neckline creates a vertical line that lengthens the torso and draws the eye inward, making it a go-to for many body types.
Our V-neck pieces are designed for maximum impact. The GISELLE Black Jumpsuit combines a deep V-cut with structured shoulder pads and starburst embellishments for a powerful, 80s-inspired look. For those who love a sleek, tailored look, the VIVIANNE Black Jumpsuit uses a tuxedo-inspired, plunging V-neck to complement its flared velvet trousers.
Whether you choose a deep plunge or a subtle dip, style your hair in a sleek middle part or loose waves to maintain a balanced frame, and wear a pendant necklace that mirrors the shape of the cut.
What is a Halterneck?
A halterneck features straps that wrap around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and back exposed. This style is exceptionally flattering for those who want to highlight their arms and back and is the best neckline for broad shoulders, as the inward-slanting lines of the straps create a narrowing effect on the upper body.
The TIANNA Silver Jumpsuit features a front knot twist detailing that adds dimension to the neckline, while the ESME Check Dress balances its halter silhouette with a sweetheart corset bodice and boucle-tweed construction. For a contemporary bridal look, the LORRIE White Jumpsuit offers a pleat-detailed, floor-length drape that flows elegantly from the neck.
When styling a halter neckline, avoid necklaces and instead opt for rings or a bold bracelet. A high ponytail or an elegant updo is the ideal hairstyle to showcase the open-back detail often found with this cut.