Sometimes the best accessory we can have is our hair. And the right hairstyle can not only complement an outfit, but bring harmony to it, making you look sleek and polished. While you’re free to wear whatever hairstyle your heart desires, we’ve put together a cheat sheet of hairstyles that complement various necklines. So if you are feeling stumped with your outfit, you can use this as a guide and make your hair work for you, not against you.
Crew Neck
Commonly found in most t-shirts and sweatshirts, the simple neckline means anything pretty much goes. But the best way to show off this neckline is by getting the hair out of the face, so opt for a hairstyle like a ponytail, bun, or braided pony to do just that. If you hate wearing your hair up, then opt for some soft curls or loose waves that will add definition to the overall look.
V-Neck
Another common neckline, it’s made to elongate the neck so no matter the hairstyle, the hair must be pushed back otherwise it ruins the neckline’s purpose. The best hairstyle to complement this neckline is an updo, so go for a high bun with face-framing pieces. If you love to have your hair down, then opt for side-swept hair with curls—the asymmetrical touch brings attention to the neckline while keeping the neck elongated.
Boat Neck
The sharp lines in this neckline mean it’s another neckline where the hair needs to fall back. So a side-swept hairdo or a ponytail works best—they pull the focus right back to the neckline.
Halterneck
Halternecks are similar to V-necks in the sense that they both aim to elongate. While a V-neck aims to elongate the neck, a halterneck aims to elongate the torso. So the same rules apply; the hair must be pushed back, otherwise it disrupts the whole look. With this neckline, you can never go wrong with a high ponytail or a slick back bun!
Scoop Neck
You would normally find this neckline paired with an updo. A slick back bun does make things look polished, but if you’re going for something casual, then hair down with loose waves is the perfect hairstyle that gives off a fun, playful vibe.
High Neck
With high necklines, it’s best to keep the hair off the face. When the hair is down, it can look a bit crowded. So opt for updo hairstyles like a high ponytail, French braid, or the classic bun with face-framing pieces to draw attention to the neck and its neckline.
Sweetheart Neck
This is a sweet, feminine neckline that draws attention to the chest and clavicle. To keep that attention, stick to updos or a half-updo with face-framing pieces. This way, the neck, collarbones, and the sweetheart design get to stay within the spotlight.
Square Neck
Another neckline that’s great at elongating the neck and showing off the collarbones. But since this neckline comes with sharp lines, soft curls or waves can offset that sharpness. If you have short hair and love an edgy look, pair a square neckline with a blunt or tousled bob.
