Skip These Necklines If You Have Older Skin

Whether you’re trying to age gracefully or not, most of us are in no rush to show visible signs of maturity, such as wrinkles, age spots, and wrinkled skin. This doesn’t just apply to our faces, but also to our necks and chests, which can be among the first areas to show aging. And while there are some tricks to help prevent fine lines on the neck, the passage of time can only be slowed, not stopped.

Of course, getting older isn’t a bad thing, but if you reach a point where you start to feel self-conscious about the skin on your neck and chest, you may want to adjust your outfits to put the emphasis elsewhere. This is where choosing between different necklines becomes surprisingly crucial. “Some necklines draw attention to areas of the neck that older women would prefer to minimize,” Peter Martinez, stylist, co-founder, and designer of Leather Skin Shop, tells Glam exclusively.

Luckily, unflattering silhouettes are a very fixable problem. Martinez guides us through the best and worst necklines for mature skin, plus some style tips that will help you hide any neck-centric insecurities you may have and highlight your best features.

Statement and skin-baring necklines can draw too much attention to aging skin

In fashion, all of those shapes and silhouettes are designed to focus attention on certain features and distract from others. This holds true for necklines, which can either draw attention away from the neck and chest. As we age and want to disguise the imperfections of our aging skin, playfulness becomes the name of the game.

First, this may mean ditching certain low-neck styles. As Peter Martinez exclusively tells Glam, “I recommend not wearing strapless or off-the-shoulder tops, as they completely expose the shoulders and neck.” Why? Because showing too much skin draws attention to any signs of aging in the area, such as sagging skin, pigmentation, and prominent bones. “Similarly, wide, round necklines expose the chest area, highlighting wrinkles and thinning skin in the décolleté region,” Martinez adds.

If you’re trying to draw attention away from the neck and chest, that also means ditching eye-catching necklines that draw the eye. “You want to avoid any overly flashy details on top, such as collars, ruffles, or huge bows,” says Martinez. While these details may seem useful for adding interest to a modest neckline, they ultimately create a focal point that emphasizes exposed skin. Instead, Martinez suggests “opting for options that provide a sleek, streamlined look.”

Chic, face-framing necklines flatter mature complexions

When it comes to mature skin, it’s all about balance — that is, how much to reveal and how much to conceal. Luckily, certain necklines are perfect for drawing eyes to your gorgeous face without exposing too much distracting cleavage. “When choosing necklines, you want to opt for those that frame the face nicely without overexposing it,” Peter Martinez exclusively tells Glam. A good choice is a shallow scoop neckline. As Martinez recommends, the gentle sweep of these tops “keeps the eye up (like toward a statement necklace!) rather than directing it down.”

The designer also lists a few other all-time favorites for older women, including boat necks, neat scoop necks, shirt collars, high collars, and modest V-necks. “A well-cut V-neck is a timeless choice that creates elegant vertical lines, drawing the eye up while elongating the neck and torso — a silhouette mastered by Hollywood icon Meryl Streep,” Martinez explains. Consider yourself officially interested: Meryl Streep is one of those famous older women who never seems to age, and we’ll happily look to her for clues. As Martinez adds, “Whether styled with a fitted blazer or as part of a flowing dress, the natural geometry of this neckline offers both sophistication and a subtle slimming effect that flatters women of all ages.”

Choose a neckline that works with your body type to enhance your unique beauty

While there are some general do’s and don’ts for aging skin, it’s important to remember that every person is different. So your ideal styles and aesthetics may be a little different than someone else’s. One way to look at it is through the lens of Kibbe’s body type system, which lays out 13 different body shapes and how to style them. This even affects necklines. After all, Peter Martinez exclusively tells us that different body shapes can benefit from different neckline shapes.

For hourglass body types, Martinez explains that “V, square, sweetheart, and halter necklines enhance curves.” Meanwhile, he adds, “inverted triangles benefit from V and round necklines to soften broad shoulders.” People with rectangular body types should take a similar approach, choosing options “like V and sweetheart necklines to create curves,” according to Martinez. However, people with an apple shape “should focus on V-necks, asymmetrical and boat necklines,” while pear-shaped people “should choose higher necklines such as boat necks and cowl necklines to balance out the hips,” she concludes.

Styling and accessorizing your neckline can be a game-changer

As your skin ages, it’s true that you may want to lean toward certain necklines and avoid others, but getting older doesn’t mean you have to completely opt out of your favorite looks. If there’s a neckline that bares your neck that you still love to wear, do what makes you feel good! Better yet, Peter Martinez suggests a few ways to reinvent pieces you love, accentuating or downplaying any neckline until you feel totally comfortable with the look.

The first option? Strategically designed outerwear. “Throw on a structured blazer or cardigan to redefine a neckline. A slightly open jacket softens the neckline and draws attention away from the neck,” Martinez recommends exclusively for Glam. “You can also drape larger shawls or wraps over your shoulders to alter the appearance of a neckline and downplay the neck area.”

Accessories provide a lighter option to redefine your look. “The best tip to draw attention away from your neckline is to wear a statement necklace. Opt for pieces that sit higher on your collarbone or fall softly across your chest for balance,” explains Martinez. If statement jewelry isn’t your style, a pretty scarf or wrap can add a touch of preppy style. “Add a softly tied patterned scarf to add softness to any neckline,” suggests the designer. But whatever you do, follow Martinez’s final tip: “Make sure it matches your outfit!”