How to Style a Necklace With (Almost) Any Bridal Gown

Sweetheart looks should be paired with necklaces that lie close to the neck, like collars, and add a dose of sparkle or edge without over-crowding the delicate look of this sweet neckline. A larger bust in a sweetheart strapless gown is regal and sultry, so if you do want to don a necklace (and remember, it might be more chic without one), opt for something dainty. Should you have a smaller chest, a collar with substantial sparkle could amp up your bodice, and balance out the fullness of a ballgown.

Remember, it's all about balance: Necklaces that are too big will compete with the sweet, feminine style of this neckline, but petite pendants will look like an afterthought for the aisle unless they're layered, dainty, and sentimental. There's an inherent romance to a sweetheart neckline that begs for organic motifs like florals, celestial pieces, and dainty strands of sparkle—but be sure to look to the style of your gown to determine the style of your necklace.

J.Mendel gown, $12,990, jmendel.com

Buccellati necklace and earrings, price upon request, buccellati.com

Start by asking yourself whether your gown needs a necklace before deciding what type of necklace you'll wear. With any strapless dress, less is more might be the answer.

A straight-across strapless gown has a more modern feel, lending itself to more graphic motifs when it comes to your jewels. A ballgown can easily go too Disney princess in feel; make sure the style of any necklace you sport adds edge, color, or an ethereal vibe to the look rather than taking it to a place that feels costume. A choker is too harsh with this look, and a traditional-length pendant creates imbalance, and will likely conflict with the straight-across line at your bust.

Like the sweetheart, a collar necklace that sits above the collar bone adds a twinkly sparkle that is not only chic, but adds edge. This time, try more graphic necklace silhouettes, or a dose of color. Remember, over-the-top statement necklaces work best when they complement your bodice and don't overwhelm your top half.

Buccellati necklace, price upon request, buccellati.com

When it comes to off-shoulder necklines, the same rules as a strapless gown apply—except chokers work well here, too, given that this neckline is inherently vintage in feel. Consider whether the gown has a sweetheart or straight-across neckline; then, assess your sleeves. Long-sleeved, straight-across necklines will require the most minimal of pieces, while barely-there sleeves and sweetheart necklines can be styled with detailed collars. Keep in mind that the sleeves of your gown will keep eyes towards your waistline—which means you can get away with a slightly bolder necklace here if the style of your gown, and your personal style, allow.

J.Mendel gown, price upon request, jmendel.com

The misconception with a V-neck gown is that the necklace must sit right in the open, V-shaped space on your chest—but that is not the case. Instead, the look is more balanced when a necklace intersects the V-neckline to complement it in some way, or contrast with it for a look that's more daring. Lariat style necklaces that come to an elongated line and that lie below the most southern point of these necklines tend to work best, given that they elongate the V-cut of the dress without crowding the open area. Should you want to take a fashion risk, try a collar—but make sure it's one with a motif that draws the eye downward, keeping your frame and your neck elongated.

Monique Lhuillier gown, price upon request, moniquelhuillier.com

Cartier necklace, price upon request, cartier.com.