Are square necklines flattering?

There are many factors to consider when shopping for bridesmaid dresses, with one of the most important being necklines. The right neckline can make the difference in not just how your bridesmaids look in a particular dress but also how comfortable and beautiful they feel.

Choosing the wrong neckline for a particular body shape could spell disaster when trying to create the perfect bridal party photos. In this guide, we’ll be looking at square necklines, are they flattering and if so on what body shape? Find out below.

What is a square neckline?

The square neck is a type of neckline used in women's clothing that creates a square-shaped frame around the collarbone. Square necks are very popular and feature on a wide range of clothes including t shirts, fitted shirts, swimming costumes, and dresses. This is because they provide a sophisticated and elegant frame to the decolletage and face without showing off too much cleavage.

The square neckline is a classic style that has been used on many different types of clothing, both formal and informal, for many years. It can be made formal or informal depending on what type of sleeves, bodices, and fabrics are used in the garment.

History of the square neck

Throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the square neck was commonly used on women’s dresses, combined with ruffled cap sleeves, and shirred empire bodices. This type of square neck dress was also known as a “regency dress” and is often shown in artwork that is based on the regency era.

In the regency era, square necklines were often worn with a "modesty panel" which was sheer piece of fabric worn like a shawl to cover skin. White regency dresses were made from high quality muslin and worn as wedding dresses.

Is it flattering?

Similar to the scoop and v-neckline, the square neck is a flattering option for the majority of body types. In part this is because it shows of the collarbone, which is a universally attractive feature on women. Also, the neckline creates a desired long and lean look and provides a stylish frame without having too much skin on display.

For petite women with a smaller chest, a fitted square helps to outline a curvier and bustier silhouette. Equally for those with shorter necks and narrow shoulders, it does a great job of creating the look of elongated shape.

It is for triangle or pear-shaped figures where the square neckline truly shines though. Women of these shapes tend to have narrower shoulders and wider hips, meaning there is imbalance between the top and bottom halves of their body. A square neck accentuates the top, narrower half and de-emphasises the broader bottom half to create a stunning silhouette, hence why square neck bridesmaid dresses are so popular today.

How to style square neck dresses

The best way to style a square neck dress is to accentuate the neckline where possible. For example, a tie shoulder dress and square neck go hand in hand when it comes to creating a feeling of elegance and femininity, showing off just the right amount of skin. With this in mind we’re excited to tell you about our gorgeous Allegra dress.

Allegra is a tie shoulder bridesmaid dress made from satin, with a flattering square neckline that is modern and fun. The dress has a shirred stretch, and the tie shoulders can be adjusted to tie either to the top or back, giving you greater flexibility with this look. In addition, the satin material offers the perfect amount of sheen and makes the dress medium weight, so it hangs nicely and looks beautiful from every angle. 

Shop our stunning Allegra dress in a colour that works for your wedding online now and achieve the look you want for your bridesmaids. Contact us if you have any questions.