More Than Just an Afterthought
Forget everything you think you know about simply matching a necklace to a dress. At the BET Awards, an event that has become a powerful showcase for Black designers, stylists, and artists, every single choice is a statement. With the introduction of
the new Fashion Vanguard Award this year, the stakes for style storytelling are even higher. The relationship between a garment’s neckline and the jewelry paired with it is a masterclass in proportion, branding, and attitude. Stylists like Kollin Carter, Jason Bolden, and the duo Wayman + Micah aren't just picking pretty things; they are architects of a look, using necklaces to draw the eye, create a mood, and communicate power. The right choice can make a simple gown look like couture, while the wrong one can make even the most expensive dress fall flat.
The V-Neck and the Lariat
One of the most classic and effective pairings is a deep V-neck with a lariat or Y-shaped necklace. There's a simple science to it: the necklace mirrors the cut of the dress, creating an uninterrupted line that draws the eye downward, elongating the neck and torso. It’s a trick that adds instant grace and drama. While a simple pendant can work, the modern approach seen on recent red carpets involves a more sculptural, decisive gesture. Think of a single, sleek metallic chain with a sharp drop, rather than a cluster of gems. This look is about clean lines and confident simplicity, proving that the jewelry is enhancing the gown's architecture, not just decorating the space.
The Strapless Showcase
A strapless gown presents a wide-open canvas, and how an artist chooses to fill—or not fill—that space says everything. This is where the strategic divide happens. One approach is maximum impact: a massive, glittering bib necklace or a collar that sits high on the clavicle, essentially creating a new, jeweled neckline. This move is all about opulence and claiming space. The alternative is calculated restraint. An artist might leave the neck completely bare, letting dramatic earrings or stacked bracelets carry the look. Or they might opt for a single, impossibly delicate chain with a tiny diamond. This quieter choice telegraphs confidence, suggesting the wearer’s presence is statement enough and the jewelry is just a whisper of elegance.
High Necks and Bold Collars
Styling a high-neck top, like a turtleneck or a crewneck, requires a different kind of boldness. A short necklace will get lost, so the choice is either to go long or go big. An opera-length chain that falls to the mid-torso can break up a solid block of color and add a sense of fluid movement. But the more daring, and increasingly popular, strategy is to place a heavy, sculptural collar or choker directly over the fabric. This power move turns the jewelry into an integral part of the garment itself. It’s a favorite of stars like Teyana Taylor, who understands how to merge fashion and personality to create an editorial feel on the carpet. It’s less about complementing the outfit and more about creating a hybrid piece that is utterly unique.
The Power of the Bare Neck
Perhaps the most underrated move in neckline strategy is wearing no necklace at all. In a sea of diamonds, going bare is an intentional and powerful choice. It shifts the entire focus of the look. With a dramatic, architectural gown—like some of the sculptural pieces favored by Chlöe Bailey—a necklace would only create visual noise. By leaving the décolletage open, a stylist can put the emphasis on a pair of show-stopping earrings, an elaborate hairstyle, or the intricate details of the dress itself. It's a power play that communicates a deep understanding of balance. It says the look is so strong on its own that it needs no further adornment, letting confidence be the ultimate accessory.
