LaPointe Cowl Neck Tops: How to Choose and Wear a Cowl

A cowl neck top has a neckline cut on the bias so the fabric falls in soft folds at the front; LaPointe makes it in jersey, georgette, mesh and satin, and the best pieces are the jersey draped cowl neck top, the jersey cowl neck bandeau top, the mesh cowl neck cape bodysuit and the satin drape neck dresses. The cowl neck is one of the most flattering necklines there is: it frames the collarbones, softens the shoulders and adds volume at the chest without padding. It is also one of the house signatures at LaPointe, where Sally LaPointe uses draped necklines across tops, dresses and gowns.

This guide explains how a cowl neck works, which LaPointe cowl to choose for your shape and occasion, and what to wear with each.

Quick answer: the LaPointe cowl neck edit

• Everyday evening: Jersey Draped Cowl Neck Top in Cream
• Bare shoulders: Jersey Cowl Neck Bandeau Top in Black
• A clean line under trousers: Mesh Cowl Neck Cape Bodysuit in Cloud
• Colour and feathers: Lightweight Georgette Draped Cowl Neck Top With Feathers in Marigold
• The full length version: Jersey Cowl Neck Gown in Black

What is a cowl neck?

A cowl neck is a draped neckline. The fabric is cut on the bias, across the grain, and left longer at the front than the neck needs, so it falls in folds. The depth of the cowl decides the effect: a high cowl is modest and soft, a deep cowl is evening and dramatic. A cowl needs a fluid fabric to work, which is why it is almost always made in jersey, satin, silk and fine knit.

Who does a cowl neck suit?

Narrow shoulders and a small bust: a cowl adds volume where you want it. Broad shoulders: a cowl draws the eye to the centre and softens the line. A fuller bust: choose a shallow cowl in a weighty jersey that does not open too far. The one shape a deep cowl does not suit is a very full bust in a thin fabric, which can gape.

The jersey cowl neck top

The Jersey Draped Cowl Neck Top in Cream is the most wearable piece in this guide: a heavy jersey with a draped cowl at the front, cut close through the body. It works with satin trousers for the evening and with tailoring in the day. The Jersey Cowl Neck Bandeau Top in Black is a strapless version, with the cowl across the bust, made for a high waist trouser and skirt.

The mesh cowl bodysuit

The Mesh Cowl Neck Cape Bodysuit in Cloud combines two house signatures: a cowl at the front and a cape at the back. Because it is a bodysuit, it stays tucked in, which makes it ideal under the Lightweight Georgette Wide Leg Pant With Pockets in Cloud and the Satin Bias Slit Midi Skirt in Cloud. Our LaPointe matching sets guide shows the tonal Cloud set.

The georgette cowl with feathers

For the party version, the Lightweight Georgette Draped Cowl Neck Top With Feathers in Marigold is a light georgette top with a cowl neck and feathers at the hem, in a bright marigold yellow. Georgette is lighter than satin, so the cowl falls in finer folds. Read our LaPointe feather tops guide for more feathered tops.

Cowl neck dresses and gowns

The cowl continues across LaPointe dresses. The Jersey Cowl Neck Gown in Black is a full length jersey column with a cowl front. The Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Dress in Black and the Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Dress in Cinder have a softer drape in satin, at midi length. The Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress in Dark Olive adds sleeves. See our LaPointe satin dresses guide.

What to wear with a cowl neck top

Keep the neck bare. A cowl is its own decoration, so skip necklaces; choose earrings instead, such as the Ear Cuff in Gold.

Balance with a wide trouser. A close cowl top over a wide leg trouser is the classic proportion. The Georgette Wide Leg Pant in Black and the Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Black both work. Our LaPointe satin pants guide explains each cut.

Layer with a blazer. A sharp blazer over a soft cowl is a smart contrast. Try the Satin Double Breasted Blazer in Black.

Sizing a cowl neck

A cowl only works when it fits at the shoulder. If the shoulder is too wide, the cowl drops too low; if it is too narrow, the cowl flattens. LaPointe runs true to size, and its jersey has stretch, so take your usual size. See our LaPointe sizing guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cowl neck top?

A cowl neck top has a draped neckline cut on the bias, so the fabric falls in soft folds at the front. It is usually made in jersey, satin, silk and fine knit.

Who suits a cowl neck?

A cowl neck suits most figures. It adds volume for a small bust and narrow shoulders, and softens broad shoulders. A fuller bust looks best in a shallow cowl in a weighty fabric.

What do you wear with a cowl neck top?

Wear a cowl neck top with a wide leg trouser, a satin skirt and a sharp blazer. Keep the neck bare and choose earrings rather than a necklace.

Is a cowl neck formal?

It depends on the fabric. A jersey cowl top is smart casual to cocktail; a satin and a georgette cowl is evening; a full length cowl neck gown is black tie.

How do you stop a cowl neck from gaping?

Choose the right size at the shoulder and a weighty fabric. A bodysuit version, such as the LaPointe Mesh Cowl Neck Cape Bodysuit, stays in place because it is anchored at the hip.

Does LaPointe make cowl neck dresses?

Yes. LaPointe makes cowl and drape neck dresses in jersey and satin, including the Jersey Cowl Neck Gown and the Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Dress.

Read next

• LaPointe halter gowns
• LaPointe satin dresses
• LaPointe sequin tops and pants
• LaPointe evening gowns

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.