Yes, your necklines could be making you look shorter and larger. These are the best styles to wear for your petite plus size shape.
Necklines are the frame for your beautiful face.
Some might say that the frame is just as important as the art it’s showcasing, this is why necklines are so important when dressing your petite plus size body.
But what are the right necklines for petite plus size and which ones should you stay away from?
Don’t worry babe, I’ll be explaining it all for you here.
In this article, I’ll be breaking down the Best Necklines to wear when you’re petite plus size:
- V-Neckline
- Sweetheart Neckline
- Halter Neckline
- Off-the-Shoulder Neckline
- Bateau or Boatneck
- Asymmetric Neckline
- Scoop Neckline
I’ll also share the unique style challenges for petite plus size women when it comes to necklines. As well as, the necklines to avoid when you are short and plus size.
This is your destination for the best and worst neckline styles when you’re short and plus size.
Best Neckline Styles for Petite and Plus Size
These necklines that I’m sharing with you here, all have one thing in common: they are open and will show off your chest, neck, and face.
Some are more modest while others are more revealing.
As with all my style guidance, take what works for you and leave the rest.
1. V-Neckline
V-necklines are the easiest to adopt, shop, and start adding to your wardrobe.
They are versatile and are one of the most open necklines available.
This is why they are first on the list of best necklines for petite plus size.
When you’re short and curvy, a v-neckline will draw the eye upward towards your neck and face while also helping to elongate your body with the pointed end, drawing the eye down.
Next time you need a t-shirt update or are deciding between sweaters, choose the one with the v-neckline option.
It’ll work every time!
2. Sweetheart Neckline
Now for the most romantic neckline on the list, the sweetheart neckline.
I love this neckline for flirty blouses and flowy dresses but I will admit, this one is probably the hardest to find for everyday wear.
So, if you come across a blouse or dress with this style, make sure to give it a try.
I’d like to note that the sweetheart neckline is probably the most revealing of the styles I’m giving you today.
So, keep that in mind if modesty is more of your personal style.
Related: How to Look Polished when Short & Curvy (with easy outfit ideas)
3. Halter Neckline
The next petite plus size neckline that I love is the classic halter neckline.
This one just screams summertime vibes but truly you can make it work any time of the year, with a little layering.
The halter is a perfect style if you love your shoulder and back and want to highlight that area of your body.
In my opinion, the only downside of the halter top is for those of us with a larger chest.
Finding the right bra to wear with a halter top can be a challenge and tying it at the back of the neck can sometimes be uncomfortable.
I’m still on the hunt for a great strapless or convertible strap bra for my larger bust, I’ll let you know when I find one!
4. Off-the-Shoulder Neckline
I love a good off-the-shoulder neckline!
It can give your overall look a very sexy and chic vibe, without showing much skin.
An off-the-shoulder neckline is great for petite plus size bodies because it shows off your neck, face, chest, and shoulders.
When looking for this style, choose one that fits you well.
You don’t want anything too tight that’ll squeeze your arms and shoulders but you also don’t want it to be so big that you’re constantly having to pull it up.
That’s just annoying.
Loving this Petite Plus Size Style Advice? Check out How to Look Taller (Without Wearing High Heels)
5. Bateau or Boatneck
The bateau or boatneck style neckline is one of the most classic.
It’s feminine and sexy, in the same way, an off-the-shoulder neckline is but in a more modest way.
You tend to see this neckline on politicians, royalty, and in general formal settings.
I love it because it gives instant sophistication to any outfit, whether wearing it on a blouse or a dress.
6. Asymmetric Neckline
An asymmetric or one-shoulder neckline style is fun and always brings the drama.
When you’re petite plus size, it’s hard to wear tops that have a lot of volume without making your top half look fuller.
This is where an asymmetric neckline is perfect!
Because this style will leave one shoulder (and sometimes half of your chest) open, it will help to balance out any large fringe, frills, or flounces you may want to experiment with.
Give it a try the next time you want to have a high-fashion moment.
7. Scoop Neckline
Last, but certainly not least, is the scoop neckline.
This style is another classic and is the cousin to the crew neckline.
Unlike a crew neck though, a scoop neck won’t make you look stuffy and stocky.
Instead, that scooped neckline will frame your face perfectly, helping you to appear longer and leaner by highlighting your collarbone and neck.
I feel like this neckline style is one that most women already have in their wardrobe.
So, you can feel confident the next time you wear it because now you know that it’s one of the best necklines for your body type.
Petite Plus Size Neckline Challenges
When you are short and plus size, this typically comes with a larger bust and shorter proportions overall.
So, your neck may be shorter, while your chest is larger.
That can be a harsh combination when you are wearing higher necklines and anything with a larger collar or an exaggerated neck detail.
Wearing necklines that are closed off will overemphasize your shortness and make the appearance of a neck basically non-existent.
This is not the best look for your body type.
Necklines to Avoid when You’re Short and Plus Size
Based on the challenges listed before, these are the necklines you will want to avoid when you are petite and plus size.
Crew necks:
- Unlike their cousin the scoop neck, a crew neckline will cover your full chest and collarbone, making your chest look larger while hiding your neck.
High Collars:
- Think of built-up necklines or mandarin collars, they can work sometimes but overall, they will cover up that valuable area between your chest and face which is not good.
Large Collars:
- Collars that are too large or bulky will add more weight and fullness to your chest and neck area, which is not a chic look when you are petite plus size.
Turtle Necks (sometimes):
- Just like high collars, turtle necks literally hide your neck which as you know, is a no-no.
- Sometimes turtle necks are very necessary because of the weather or maybe you just love them.
- My suggestion is to layer a v-neck on top of the turtle neck. This will add a lengthening illusion, while still enjoying your turtle neck.
Necklines may have been a style detail you never thought about or considered but I hope you’ve learned just how important they are for a petite plus size look.
This is your petite plus-size guide to the best and worst necklines for your body type.
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