A Guide to Picking the Right Necklace Length

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Picking the right necklace lengths can really make or break your outfit. A choker that hits at just the right spot can really pull together an outfit while one that hangs precariously at the wrong length can throw it off. And if you’re at a loss with all of the different sizes of necklaces out there, we’re here to break them down. There are six major styles and reasons to wear each of them. Learn all about them and then shop our favorites below.

14" Collar

Fits tightly around the neck and is best worn with open-neck tops.

16" Choker

Sits tightly against the base of the neck and can be worn with most necklines.

18" Princess

Rests on the collarbone and can be worn with most necklines.

20" Matinée

Falls between the collarbone and the bust; works with most necklines.

24" Opera

Drops on the bust or below; best for high necklines.

30" to 34" Rope

Falls below the bust; best for formal evening attire.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.