Necklines & Sleeves
2005/07/26 | the Editors of InStyle Magazine
Generally, your neck will look longer and thinner in an open neckline, and sleeve length can work for—or against—you. Here are the most common neck and sleeve styles, and how they will affect your appearance.
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Boatneck
If you're looking for coverage, a boatneck is a much more stylish option than a crew.
The horizontal that a boatneck creates helps to make narrow shoulders appear broader and also balances out wider hips and derrieres.
If you have a heart-shaped face or a long neck, this style should be flattering.
Boatnecks can work well for both small- and large busted women.
This is not a good option for women who have broad shoulders or short or thick necks.
Scoop
The deeper the angle of the scoop, the more flattering.
Wider scoops can flatter women with narrow shoulders or pear-shaped figures.
This neckline can make a short neck appear longer, minimize a large bust and/or balance a long, angular face.
Square
This style can balance wide hips, elongate a short neck and/or provide a counter to round shoulders.
If you have broad shoulders or a large bust, avoid this style.
V-Neck
The V-neck is a universally flattering neckline.
The deeper the diagonal of the V, the more slimming the effect.
A wider V-neck can especially flatter women with narrow shoulders or pear shaped figures.
This neckline can elongate a short neck, make a shorter woman appear taller, balance a wide, round face or flatter both small- and large-busted women.
Crewneck
This high, round style can make the neck appear shorter; however, the effect is countered if the opening extends below the collarbone.
If you have a short neck, double chin or large bust, you should avoid crewnecks.
Turtleneck
By seeming to elongate the torso, this is another style that is almost universal flattering. However, you should probably avoid turtlenecks and cowls if you have a short neck, a round face or a double chin.
This neckline complements a long face and neck and can help shorter women appear taller.
If your neck is short or bust large, try a lightweight knit, so as not to add bulk.
| Click on images to enlarge
Boatneck
Scoop
V-Neck
Crew
Turtleneck
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Sleeves
Long Sleeves
Long sleeves flatter everyone, but they are especially useful to women with heavy arms.
Long sleeves should fit snugly, but not tightly and should taper to the hand.
The longest, slimmest look is achieved by a high armhole, a natural shoulder, and a sleeve long enough to cover the wrist.
Half and Three-Quarter Sleeves
Both of these sleeve lengths are stylish options for heavy arms.
Half and three-quarter length sleeves present a more stylish look than most short sleeves.
Like long sleeves, these sleeves must be worn snug, but not tight. Looser versions can make your arms look short.
The armhole should be high and the shoulder natural.
Short Sleeves
This is a classic option for casual styles.
Short sleeves should fall straight from the shoulder and close to the body, without flaring.
The armhole should be high and the shoulder natural.
Cap Sleeves
Cap sleeves are difficult to wear unless your arms are thin and toned.
A correct fit is when the sleeve extends just past the end of the roundness of your shoulder.
The armhole should be high and the shoulder natural.
Sleeveless
This is a good way to deflect attention from a large bust or to show off nice shoulders or toned arms.
The arm opening should not gape or be cut so low that your bra is visible when you lift your arm.
Pay attention to where the fabric hits the shoulder and the angle at which the sleeve cuts in. If the fabric ends too far out, you will appear heavier and broader. (This is one area where an eighth of inch can make a huge difference.)
Excerpted from InStyle: Secrets of Style: The Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day © 2003 By Lisa Arbetter and illustrations by Monica Lind. Excerpted by permission of InStyle Books and Time Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Long Sleeves
Half and Three-Quarter Sleeves
Short Sleeves
Cap Sleeves
Sleeveless
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