Different necklines flatter different women. Read up with our guide to what looks good on whom.

Sweetheart. Sabrina. Strapless. The right neckline can make the difference between a wedding gown that flatters and one that falters. Below, we help you decipher the different styles.

OFF-THE-SHOULDER

Just like the name implies, this neckline sits below the shoulders to showcase a woman's collarbone and shoulders, with sleeves that cover part of the upper arm. While this style is superflattering to medium- or full-chested women, an off-the-shoulder neckline will look good on almost all figures. But if you've got fuller arms and are uncomfortable with baring your shoulders, you may wan to consider a portrait neckline instead.
Good for: Full-chested and pear-shaped women
Bad for: Broad shoulders, fuller arms

PORTRAIT

Similar to an off-the-shoulder style but made with more fabric, the portrait neckline is characterized by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other.
Good for: Fuller arms and prominent collarbones
Bad for: Undefined collarbones

SWEETHEART

The sweetheart neckline — which is actually shaped like the top half of a heart — is a wonderful option for fuller-chested women because it really accentuates the decolletage. The sweetheart is often done with an overlay of sheer material that rises higher than the heart shape, giving the torso a longer line and also making the neck look longer.
Good for: Serious decolletage
Bad for: The decolletage-impaired

SABRINA/BATEAU

This shape gently follows the curve of the collarbone, almost to the tip of the shoulders — and it's cut straight across so less of the decolletage shows. It can be paired with sleeves or a sleeveless style.
Good for: Small breasts
Bad for: The well-endowed

HALTER/HIGH NECK

The halter features straps that wrap around the back of the neck, or a high neck with deep armholes. Both look best on broad shoulders or taller women — 5'7" and up.
Good for: Broad shoulders
Bad for: Narrow shoudlers

One-shoulder necklines (one edge, nearly linear)

asymmetrical linear necklines that cut across the torso diagonally, usually from one shoulder to under the other arm.

SCOOP

The scoop, a U-shaped neckline, is a universally flattering classic. It can be cut low, and quite often the scoop will continue on the back of the dress.
Good for: Just about anyone

JEWEL

Also known as the T-shirt neckline, due to it's similarity to an actual T-shirt, the jewel neckline is round and sits at the base of the throat.
Good for: Small-chested woman (it will make you look bustier)
Bad for: Large-chested women (it will make you look bustier too)

V-NECK

The name says it all: The neckline dips down in the front (and sometimes in the back as well) in a V-shape, de-emphasizing the bustline.
Good for: B or C cups
Bad for: Anyone bigger or smaller

STRAPLESS

The strapless neckline is a popular choice with busty brides, and it looks wonderful when paired with either a sweetheart or straight-across square bodice.
Good for: Great shoulders and collarbones
Bad for: Smaller-chested women

– Hollee Actman Becker