The Best Necklines for Women Over 50 (And Which to Avoid)
Y’all, let’s talk about something that can totally change how you feel in your clothes—necklines! If you’ve ever put on a top and thought, “Hmm, why doesn’t this look right?” chances are, the neckline is to blame. The right one can make you look fresh, stylish, and put together, while the wrong one can leave you feeling frumpy. And nobody has time for that! As we get older, certain necklines work better for us than others. So today, I’m breaking down the best necklines for women over 50 (and the ones you might want to skip).
The Best Necklines for Women Over 50
1. V-Neck – The MVP of Necklines
If I had to pick one neckline to rule them all, it would be the V-neck. It elongates your neck, slims your upper body, and draws the eye upward—all good things! Whether you’re petite, curvy, or somewhere in between, this one just works. Plus, it’s great for layering with cute necklaces.
Best for: Just about everyone! If you have a round face or a shorter neck, a V-neck is your best friend.
2. Scoop Neck – Soft, Feminine, and Flattering
Scoop necks are like the besties of V-necks—softer but still super flattering. They highlight the collarbone in a really pretty way without being too revealing.
Best for: Women with narrow shoulders, smaller busts, or anyone who wants an easy, everyday neckline that always looks good.
3. Boat Neck – Classic and Chic
There’s something effortlessly elegant about a boat neck. It sits wide on the shoulders, making them look broader (hello, instant hourglass shape!). If you want to balance out your hips or just love that timeless, Audrey Hepburn vibe, this one’s for you.
Best for: Pear-shaped figures, smaller busts, and ladies who love a polished look.
4. Square Neck – Flattering and On-Trend
The square neckline is having a moment, and I am here for it! It frames your face beautifully and gives the girls a little lift. Plus, it has a structured look that makes any outfit feel a little more elevated.
Best for: Women with fuller busts, broad shoulders, or round faces. If you love a little vintage flair, this one’s a winner.
5. Off-the-Shoulder – A Little Playful, A Lot Chic
I know some of y’all might be thinking, “Can I still wear off-the-shoulder tops after 50?” and my answer is YES! They highlight the collarbones and shoulders in such a gorgeous way. If you’re not into the full off-the-shoulder look, a one-shoulder top is a great alternative.
Best for: Women who want a little drama (the good kind!) and love showing off their shoulders.
6. Cowl Neck – Soft, Elegant, and Forgiving
A cowl neck is like a built-in style upgrade. The draped fabric is soft, flattering, and just the right amount of dressy without trying too hard.
Best for: Women who want to soften angular features, add volume to a smaller bust, or just love a cozy, chic look.
Necklines to Think Twice About for Women Over 50
Okay, now let’s talk about the necklines that might not do us any favors after 50. You can totally still wear them if you love them—but here’s why they can be a little tricky.
1. High Crew Neck – Can Feel a Little… Boxy
A crew neck can sometimes make the neck look shorter and draw attention to areas we don’t necessarily want to highlight. If you have a fuller bust, this one can also make things look a little top-heavy.
2. Turtleneck – Can Be a Little Too Much
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love a chic turtleneck in the winter. But if it’s too tight, it can make the face look rounder and the neck disappear. If you love the look, go for a looser, draped version instead!
3. Halter Neck – Tricky to Style
Halter tops usually require a strapless bra (ugh), and they can also put a lot of focus on the shoulders and neck area. If that’s not where you want attention, you might want to skip this one.
4. Deep Plunge – Can Feel a Bit Much
A deep plunge neckline might have been fun in our 30s, but after 50, it can sometimes feel like too much. If you love a V-neck but don’t want to go too low, opt for a more modest V instead.
How to Choose the Right Neckline for You
- Think about balance. If you have a fuller bust, a V-neck or square neck can add structure. If you’re more petite, a scoop or boat neck can be flattering.
- Consider your face shape. Round faces look great with V-necks, while heart-shaped faces look amazing in scoop or sweetheart necklines.
- Keep it comfortable. If a neckline makes you fidget or feel self-conscious, it’s probably not the one for you. Confidence is the best accessory!
What is your favorite neckline to wear?
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Verse Of The Day
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
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Helpful post! Thank you!
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I am new to this. I enjoy your emails and find lots of good information.
Are we looking for a happy face inside one of your pictures?
Mavis, yes! Each blog post contains one photo with a smiley face in it.
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Found it! Love a boatneck, but always have trouble with bra straps showing in those.
Hey Tania, i am a v neck girl-I have a short neck and learned awhile back that crew necks are not my friend-what a difference the neckline can make! Thank you!
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My best look is the boat neck but the neck wrinkles, ugh!!
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Found it. Scoop necks are not my friend. I am short and have a big bust and feel they bring to much attention to my chest. Plus, I am 60 and have sun damage on my decolletage from too many years of not remembering sunscreen while on recess duty. (I taught for 28 years.). V necks and boat necks are my fave.
Found it. What a great post about necklines. I definitely don’t do turtle necks anymore!
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Stephanie
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Found It! I like a modest V neck & crew neck.
Found It! I like a modest V neck & crew neck.
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Love a v-neck.
Found it! Thanks for this really helpful info!
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Love the lesson on necklines. I know v necks and boat necks look the best on me.
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Found it. The blue t shirt looks fab on you….def your color!
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Found it! And some great advise. Thanks!
I have a longer face and high forehead. What necklines would you suggest. Thank you.
For a longer face and high forehead, opt for boatnecks, crew necks, square necklines, and off-the-shoulder styles to add width and balance your features. Avoid deep V-necks, as they can elongate the face even more.
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found it. V necks are my fav
I like just about all the necklines except anything too high up in the neck. I don’t wear turtlenecks unless they are loose like the ones you have on. I have some I fold over. When I was young before menopause I could wear halter tops. I still have good shoulders but don’t want to show the chicken skin under my arms. lol.
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Great topic today! I learned so much! I struggle with V-necks only because I don’t like the state of my decolletage. I’m going to give boatnecks a try thanks to your rec tho.
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Love the vneck and boat neckline. I stay away from turtle necks or crew necks except on graphic tee shirts which usually have a deeper cut.
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I have never been a fan of v-necks. I feel that I need color close to my face and I have a surgical scar that I don’t like to show, but my dislike of this neckline started way before I had the scar. Plus, I feel that as women age her neck is not her best feature. JMO
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Found it! Thanks for the guidelines.
Found it! All of the necklines look good on you, but the v-neck pink ribbed cardigan was made for you. It’s also a bargain at Wal-Mart!
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Found it. Thank you for all of the great info.
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V neck is my best friend, crew necks are a big no-no for my ROUND face. Same with scoop neck. I love your posts and how they get me thinking!! Last year trying on T-s at JJill I discovered how round and scoop looked compared to V’s and low necked cowls!!
You are lucky to look great in all.
I know how ya feel about your granddaughter. I will be seeing mine this weekend and I’m over the moon!
Amen!
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I found it!☺️ But it took forever!
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Found it!☺️ But it took forever!
Glad you got in a power nap….self care is not selfish!
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I really like the boat neck line but what to do with your bra straps?? uggg
I don’t worry about them. Lol!
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V-necks for me; I find them slimming and elongating. I’m just not comfortable in boatnecks.
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found it finally- aargh I never want to say anything negative Tania 🙁 I’m so sorry. This isn’t fun anymore is anyone else struggling? spending more time on the game and not on your wonderful posts!
Jennifer, if you don’t want to play along, you don’t have to. Most are enjoying the game, but if you choose not to, that’s fine.
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I don’t think I have ever tried a square neckline. Good information. Found it.
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Great advice. I always have trouble deciding on necklines. Thanks
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Thanks for the helpful advice. I plan on going through my tops and critically decide whether to keep or donate.
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Found it! I like crew necks. As I age, I find my chest isn’t my best asset.
I could not find it today! I love a v neck, it works so well with my broad shoulders. i never wear a crew neck if i can help it because it makes my shoulders look very wide. I looked at the body suit. Yikes! the Price! And I have that cowlneck cashmere sweater from Chicos in black and purple. Really too warm for Florida but I can take it on trips up North.
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Interesting and you should take a mental health break one day a week away from your work.
Love how u said u need a mental health day.and napped 😁
Mine would be shopping at a number of stores and then a quick lunch break a couple more stores then home for a nap 😴. Being 78 I get tired now 😂
And yes God Be The Glory always
I’m 65 and have found myself ditching my boring clothes for an early ’70s look–not altogether “too young”, but in many ways the way I used to dress. I was a high school fashionista. These “boho” looks are fashionable and not obscene, but flattering and fashion forward. Maybe younger people could benefit from leaving something to the imagination.
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Great post again Tania
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FOUND IT. I love V-necks. I don’t own any square necks, but I’m going to be keeping my eyes open for those. I hate turtlenecks and crew necks. I feel like I’m always adjusting boat necks because my bra straps peek out.
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Found it! Super cute tops!
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Cowl and boat necks are my favorite. I have never been able to wear turtlenecks, they make me claustrophobic.
Found it! I am busty, and agree neckline can make or break the top, v-neck is my go to.
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I love a boat neck 🙂
love the boat neck dolman sleeve sweater
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Naps are glorious
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Sorry, for the typo in your name, Tania. Fat fingers and not proof reading before sending.
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Pink is definitely your color, Tina! It might be nice to see a blog about how to choose the most flattering color for oneself! I look forward to reading your article every morning.
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Really good information.
I have always preferred a v-neck and 3/4 length sleeves on me. I own other neckline, but feel best in a v-neck. (found it)
Found it!! Thanks for sharing this information. Hope you have a better day.
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Love the pink sweater. What size are you wearing?
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For me, I prefer and round neck due some sun damage on my chest. I like a collar but invariably, it just hangs in my closet until I put it in the give away basket.
Thanks for the breakdown of these necklines, it can make or break an outfit.
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found it. This post was great, lots of great information. Showing the different collars was helpful.
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You certainly deserve a day or week off! Hope today is full of nice smooth moments! Looks like I need to look for more square necks. Great post thanks for all the tips-again!
Found it. Liked this post – very helpful!
Thank you for this post on necklines. I found it very informative and helpful. I’ve often wondered what type of sleeves would be best on specific body types and ages. Do you have a post regarding sleeve types for body types? Thanks
I don’t, but it sounds like I should.
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Found it! My favorites are boat necks and v-necks. I couldn’t quite figure out why I’m not fond of crew necks, but you explained it perfectly.
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As soon as i seen the hlac palzo pants I ordered them. I have a event coming up that they will be great for
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Found it! I love a draped neckline on a top.
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Great post!
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Thank you – I love vee neck and now I know why. Sleeve types, length, etc. is a priblem for me – would love your thoughts on that!
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Found it! Loved this post, great looks!
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I have found that v-neck tops are more flattering on me. I gave up on crew neck Tees years ago!
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Found it!! I prefer a V-neck or a square neckline. Both make me feel my neck is elongated.
found it! My #1 neckline was always the v-neck. The boat neck and scoop neck would be next in line.
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Found it! Love the red cowl neck.
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Any neckline that is open (not boat/bateau), and halter necks, are my go-to’s. My favorite of them all is cowl.
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You look great in palazzo pants & square necked top! In the picture it looks like you’re ready for anything!! Where might you wear it? ( Grab a sweater & head to church or add a sun hat for an outside party or???)
P.S. Thank you for sharing clothes for your budget-challenged gurls, too!
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love the boat neck dolman sleeve sweater
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As a person with a shorter torso and very long legs the V neck is my go to and what I think looks best on me. And I just don’t like cowl necks at all on me, never have. Great blog today though! I’m definitely going to try some of these other styles I’ve always just avoided for some reason.
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Found it! Very informative post. Thanks
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Found it! Love the red cowl neck.
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This post on necklines makes so much sense. I did not realize before why certain necklines did not look good. I’m sticking to v-necks and scoop neck lines from now on. thank you
I’m glad you found the post helpful. 😊
I am a crew neck fan most days. I have narrow shoulders and a smaller chest. A crew gives me the best coverage. The rest are too fussy for my preference. Have a good week.
I needed this as I tend to go to turtlenecks and the high neck tshirts! Although I do have several v-necks so I got that one right.
Tania I have to say you look stunning in the picture of the navy high neck tee! Gorgeous picture my friend.
Thanks, Claudia. Lighting makes all the difference. 🤣
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The high crew neck is the most flattering look on you as shown
I think the angle of the photo helped. Plus, I love that tee!
I agree. The navy high crew neck is a very flattering picture of you! One of my favorites to wear too.
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I like boatneck! Turtleneck and cowl necks feel too suffocating to me lol.
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I like a scoop neck. Also, the sweetheart neckline can be very flattering for me.
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Found It! This is a very informative post and something to keep in mind this summer. please take care of yourself and get some extra rest.
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What jeans are you wearing in the first picture? You look great in that pink!! I also like the polka dot dress on you!
They were a pair from Walmart, but they have sold out already.
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Found it. I agree, v-neck is the best.
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Found it! Hope you have a good day today. 😊
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Good morning Tania,
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Thanks for your great blog
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Found it! Very helpful post! It looks like I’m a V-Neck and Square Neck girl! Thank you, Tania!
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found it. Great article!