one dress, four necklaces: choosing a statement necklace for a black floral v-neck dress

I bought this dress a few weeks ago because it ticks a lot of my boxes – it has a high waistline (that actually hits my natural waist), it’s midi length, it has pocket, and it’s a bold floral pattern.

After wearing it to a craft show in Atlanta (and getting lots of compliments) I figured I’d come home and style it with a few different necklaces from my Contra Collection.

When it comes to picking a necklace for your neckline, you can go one of two routes – you can choose a necklace that echoes the shape of your neckline, or you can chose one that contrasts it.

I don’t think that one option is better than the other. Instead, it depends on the particular outfit and your mood. Somedays, I like to emphasize the lines that are already in a top, and other days, I like to play against them to create some visual interest.

For this dress, I opted for two necklaces that mimic the neckline, and two in a contrasting shape. (Because this is a v-neck, that meant two necklace with a v/drop shape, and two necklaces that are more round.)

Option 1: a Contra necklace

This style necklace is a staple in my wardrobe, and for good reason. I mostly wear v-neck t-shirts (they tend to be more flattering on me) and that frames this style of necklace perfectly. So of course, it was a natural choice to wear with this v-neck dress.

And there’s not doubt it works with the shape of the neckline in this dress. But truthfully, I feel it’s a bit casual for the dress. I’d like something with a little more drama.

Option 2: a three-stone Contra composition necklace

This necklace packs a little more punch (with its three stones) and the rounded shape contrasts the v-neck of the dress. The roundness of the necklace creates a nice play with the v-neck, and also seems to work more with the width of the sleeves on this dress.

Still, for me it’s a bit casual for the look I really want with this dress.

Option 3: this Contra Composition necklace

This necklace is all about the fancy, and I think from that perspective, it helps achieves the look I’m going for with this dress. And the shape of the necklace is the obvious choice, given the shape of the neckline.

But I still think this one isn’t quite right. I prefer this necklace with a slightly higher v-neck (so the necklace overlaps the neckline rather than sitting completely inside it) or a v-neck that’s a little more open. I’d also prefer to have just a little more visual breathing room (translation: show a little more skin) in the neckline.

Which leads us to…

Option 4: this Contra Composition necklace

This is my favorite necklace of the bunch and the one closest to the necklace I wore with this dress at the show. (Which happens to be my own personal necklace.)

First, I love that it gives a little bit of edge to a classic style necklace and dress. (The necklace feels a bit like a badass version of a classic pearl necklace.) It’s edgy, but it has the right level of dressiness I was hoping for with this dress.

Plus, I love the way the round shape contrasts with the neckline. Even though this is a big necklace, there’s still plenty of visual breathing room around the neckline. And the round shape of the necklace works well with the fullness of the sleeves of the dress.

While any of these necklaces work well with this dress, the shape and visual impact of this necklace put it over the top for me!

What about you? Which necklace would you choose?

PS. Whether you’re looking for a necklace to wear with your favorite dress or your favorite t-shirt, you’ll find lots of options in my online store!