Sweetheart Neckline Dresses: 7 Designer Styles and How to Wear One
Sweetheart Neckline Dresses: 7 Designer Styles and How to Wear One
The short answer: a sweetheart neckline is a neckline shaped like the top of a heart, curving over each side of the bust and dipping at the centre. It flatters most bust shapes and works best on a structured bodice. Our pick is the Preston Mini Dress by Rebecca Vallance, a hydrangea blue mini with a sweetheart neckline, diamante embellished bust cups and wide straps. For black tie, the Crown Jewel Gown and Preston Bow Gown use the same line full length. See all designer dresses.
The sweetheart is a neckline from 1950s couture that never quite left formalwear. It is romantic, it lengthens the neck and it draws the eye up, which is why it appears on so many bridal and bridesmaid gowns. On a day dress it needs structure to look modern. Rebecca Vallance cuts its sweetheart necklines on boned crepe bodices with wide straps, which keeps the shape crisp and means you can wear a normal bra under most of them.
Who suits a sweetheart neckline?
A fuller bust: the curve gives definition without showing too much, especially with wide straps.
A smaller bust: the shaped cups add volume, and diamante edging like the Preston’s adds more.
Broad shoulders: wide straps balance the shoulder line better than a strapless style.
Our picks
1. Preston Mini Dress
New this month. Hydrangea blue with diamante embellished bust cups on a sweetheart neckline, wide straps, a boned bodice and an A-line mini skirt with diamante trimmed patch pockets. A cocktail dress that also works at a summer wedding.
2. Windermere Midi Dress
Sapphire in a polyester and silk blend, with a sweetheart neckline, wide straps and a cut out bodice. The midi length makes it a strong evening wedding guest dress.
3. Crown Jewel Gown
The sweetheart neckline full length: wide straps and a column maxi skirt in sapphire. The brand lists it in its Mother of the Bride edit.
4. Preston Bow Gown
Pink, with a sweetheart neckline on rouleau straps, a cut out bodice with bows and a column skirt. The romantic black tie choice.
5. Preston Diamante Bow Gown
The same gown in hydrangea blue with diamante bows. It photographs beautifully at an evening wedding.
6. Windermere Gown
A strapless V neckline rather than a true sweetheart, but the same heart shaped effect over a boned bodice, in sapphire.
7. Kensington Midi Dress
A strapless curved neckline in black stretch cotton with a pencil skirt. The sharpest, simplest version of the shape.
How to style a sweetheart neckline
| Element | Do | Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Necklace | A fine pendant that sits above the dip | A heavy collar necklace |
| Earrings | Drops and studs | Nothing, if the neckline has diamante |
| Hair | Up, to show the neck | Hair covering the neckline |
| Cover up | A cropped jacket and a cape | A long cardigan |
Frequently asked questions
What is a sweetheart neckline?
A neckline cut in two curves over the bust that meet in a dip at the centre, like the top of a heart. It can be strapless, on thin straps and on wide straps.
Can you wear a bra with a sweetheart neckline?
Often, yes, if the dress has wide straps like the Preston Mini Dress. Choose a plunge and a balconette bra. On a strapless sweetheart, wear a strapless bra and rely on the boned bodice.
Is a sweetheart neckline good for a wedding guest?
Yes. It is a classic occasion neckline. Choose a midi and a gown for formal weddings, and keep jewellery fine.
Which Rebecca Vallance dresses have a sweetheart neckline?
On Coveti now: the Preston Mini Dress, Windermere Midi Dress, Crown Jewel Gown, Preston Bow Gown and Preston Diamante Bow Gown.
Read next: Rebecca Vallance bow dresses, blue wedding guest dresses and embellished mini dresses.
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