How to dress the neck

Yoliswa Dube Showbiz Reporter
WEAR your chain necklace as a dramatic accent to your day wear and give it the attention it deserves. Elaborate neck chains with detailed motifs have of late been trending. Shorter styles that hit at the collar bone are back en vogue. Whether you opt for an intricate, twisted chain design or a sleek metal plate, these collar length necklaces work best on blouses and tops with higher necklines.
They help frame your face and pull the eye line up, a great tip for girls with bigger busts.

Since these types of trinkets tend to look fancy and feminine, they pair well with casual, menswear-inspired basics like the blazer or formal shirt. Use them to instantly add polish to t-shirts, sweaters, jeans, button-downs and jackets.

Pretty bibs, another necklace trend are larger, often tiered, ornate styles that drop below the collar bone. They frequently feature colourful enamels, bold gems and oversize stones in assorted motifs, from vintage and romantic to artsy, posh and punk.

Because of their shape, bibs are great grounding pieces, offering a focal point on the middle of the chest. Opt for shapes that mimic the neckline of your blouse rather than those that compete with the neckline of your blouse. For example, a v-shaped necklace with a v-neckline or an angular style with a square neckline.

Longer layers of necklace such as opera-length chains, drop pendants and lariats are making a big comeback, especially in uncomplicated, fresh geometric shapes like pyramids and rectangles.

When it comes to pulling off one of these striking statements, it’s all about balance. Pair with a long top or a garment with exaggerated proportions, like a tunic or maxi dress. If it helps, think about the fact that you wouldn’t want to hang a huge painting on the wall of the smallest room in your house. Horizontal necklines which are strapless or off-the-shoulder also work well with these visually vertical necklaces.

If your jewellery box is brimming with other styles that you’re eager to wear, here are a few more pointers.
Consider the shape of your face and counteract with opposing elements. For example, people with long faces can maximize on short, round necklaces while those with round faces can maximize on long plunging necklaces.

Also, look for areas of an outfit that feel “off” or imbalanced. A necklace can also be used to connect separates such as shoes or a handbag.
They can also be used to add some pizazz to a plain fabric pattern or an area of exposed skin.
Finally, they may be used to tie together a look in which colours and patterns may be competing with each other.