Understanding Necklace Lengths

Accessorizing is like a puzzle where you’re trying to figure out how individual pieces will work together as a whole. Necklace lengths always offer a helpful hint. They are a great place to start when choosing what necklace to wear with your outfit. This guide goes through different necklace lengths you will come across often when shopping for jewelry. There are six necklace lengths that are quite popular: collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. Let’s go through each term in order from shortest to longest.

Collar Necklace

The collar necklace lies above the collar bone near the base of the throat. The necklace length measures from 12 - 14 inches long. Collar necklaces are especially flattering with strapless necklines, sweetheart necklines, off-shoulder necklines and even V-necks.

Choker Necklace

A choker is similar to a collar necklace but lies a little lower and is not as tight. The necklace length measures between 14 - 16 inches long. Like collar necklaces, chokers pair beautifully with strapless necklines, sweetheart necklines and off-shoulder necklines.

Princess Necklace

The princess necklace is quite popular and commonly worn by many. It lies right on your collarbone and has a loose fit. The necklace length measures between 16 - 18 inches long. Princess necklaces are perfect for closed neck necklines, collared necklines and even sweetheart necklines.

Matinee Necklace

Slightly longer than the princess necklace, the matinee necklace lies under the collarbone and right above your breast bone. The necklace length measures from 18 - 24 inches. As this style falls quite below your neck, it goes well with slightly closed necklines such as open collar, crew, boat, and scoop necklines so it doesn't interfere with the clothing.

Opera Necklace

Quite longer than the matinee necklace, the opera falls right on top of your breast and wraps almost under your breast. The necklace length measures from 28 - 32 inches. Similar to matinee necklaces, the opera necklace is wonderful with open collar, crew, boat, and scoop necklines so it doesn't interfere with the clothing.

Rope Necklace

As its name suggests, the rope necklace is the longest. The necklace length measures 32 inches and above. It lies quite under your breast and almost on your waist. It can be worn as it is or wrapped a couple of times to make it shorter in length. It is perfect with a completely closed neckline such as a turtle neck or a completely open neckline such as a scoop V-neck.

The next time you see any of these necklace terms, you’ll know exactly what they mean if you didn’t already. One last tip - If you’re layering necklaces, make sure to choose necklaces of different lengths!

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