Wedding Dress Styles

A Calèche guide to different wedding dress styles – Part 2

Ok. Part 2! In this second part of our blog series on wedding dress styles we will talk about different styles of necklines. The neckline frames the face. It’s the part of your gown that will always be in the photo. Like the silhouette, the neckline of the gown is a really important component and will play a big part in forming the overall style of your gown. 

As with our previous blog, the aim of this discussion is to introduce you to the different types of necklines you’ll likely come across when shopping for your gown. Why is it helpful for you to know the names of these styles before your first appointment? So that you can efficiently communicate with your bridal stylist and let them know which styles you like and which you don’t – giving you more time to spend on the styles you love.

There are sooo many different styles of neckline – so we’ve narrowed it down to ones you will see amongst our designs in our boutique. So lets get into it!

V-neck

The perfect place to start – universally flattering, the V-neckline helps to elongate the torso. The versatile V-neck can be paired with long sleeves, thin spaghetti straps or broad shoulder straps. There are different levels of the V-neckline, depending on how much coverage you want. But ultimately whether its plunging or not, the V-neck is sexy and sophisticated. The plunge of a V-neckline can go down as far as the waist if desired however typically if the plunge is to sit low it may require an illusion panel (of tulle) for support.

Pictured (left): The V neck is perfect for the simplistic figure-hugging style of Megan.
Pictured (right): The deep V neckline of Monroe reveals the perfect amount of skin, for a modern style.

Square Neckline

The chic square neckline has risen from the ashes and jumped to the top in popularity. The square neckline is modern and clean, slimming over the shoulders, and elongates the neck. A square neckline on a gown made of a stiff, structured fabric and with broad shoulder straps is very of the moment – and this is certainly a trend we’re embracing!

Pictured (left): Marina, a beaded lace gown with a soft organza cape.
Pictured (right): The sharp edges of the neckline contrast beautifully with the soft curves of the figure hugging Trevi.

Off The Shoulder

Feminine and Romantic – the off-the-shoulder neckline highlights the beautiful angles of your collarbone whilst offering coverage over the top of the arms. As with many necklines, there are different ways the neckline can sit to achieve different styles. For a classic style we would recommend a soft neckline dipping slightly in the middle (also referred to as a Portrait neckline). Or for a slightly more modern look, the neckline can sit in a straight line across the chest to wrap around the body, as the Amal gown.

Pictured (left): Stephanie features a modern straight neckline and off the shoulder sleeves.
Pictured (right): The Botticelli has a portrait neckline.

Sweetheart

This classic heart shaped neckline is a timeless favourite. Romantic and flirtatious, the sweetheart neckline can either give the illusion of curves in the bust, or accentuate the curves you have. Often paired with lace, the sweetheart neckline is feminine and flattering. If you want to add a modern touch, the exposed boning and bra cup bodice is a trendy take on the classic sweetheart neckline.

Pictured (right): La Scala is a classic strapless sweetheart neckline, with the addition of sheer lace detached sleeves.
Pictured (left): Vera is a linen gown, with a modern exposed corset style bodice.

Cowl

You may have noticed a rise in popularity of the cowl neckline recently. Not only is it currently popular in bridal fashion but also in everyday fashion. The cowl neckline features loose drapes that fold over themselves across the neckline, giving the illusion of a fuller bust. The neckline typically sits loose and wide to highlight the drapes and folds.

Pictured: The beaded lace and figure hugging silhouette of Belle perfectly complement the soft draping of the cowl neck. Belle features a cowl neckline on both the front and the back of the gown.

Halter

I’m sure we’ve all worn a halter neck top at some point in our lives so this explanation may come as no surprise but here it is nevertheless- a halter top features straps that come together to sit at the back of the neck. The halter is perfect for those who wish to show off their shoulders, arms and even back, but not compromise on the stability of how the gown sits. The neckline of the halter can come in different styles however typically it is paired with either a V-neck or a high neckline.

Pictured (right): The halter of Fifi features a detachable organza bow where the straps meet behind the back.
Pictured (left): Belinda is another V neck halter neckline, featuring a lace underbodice and a keyhole opening in the back.

High Neck

The high neckline is elegant and timeless. It can be modest or it can be sexy. We’ve categorised a few different styles under high neckline – collared, bateau and sheer. The collared neckline features a standing collar sitting tight around the neck. This neckline looks particularly good with long sleeves. Bateau is a boat neckline that sits at the collarbone. Lastly, the sheer neckline is a great way to show off the detail of your lace. Often sitting all the way up to the base of the neck, most of this neckline is sheer tulle with appliqued lace motifs, delicately placed to give coverage over the bust area. Also popular is a sweetheart neckline paired with a sheer lace high neckline over the top.

Pictured (left): Grace features a high neckline and soft gathered long sleeves.
Pictured (right): Cassis has a bataeu neckline and cowl detail at the back.