Best Necklines for Los Angeles Headshots (Based on Head & Neck Shape)

When you’re booking professional headshots in Los Angeles, most people think about hair and makeup first. But the neckline of your top can quietly make or break the shot. The right neckline can lengthen your neck, balance your shoulders, and subtly guide the viewer’s eye right to your face.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to choose the most flattering necklines for your next headshot session based on your head shape, neck length, and shoulder width. Use it as a quick reference while you’re picking outfits for your shoot.

---

Fast Checklist: Necklines That Photograph Well

• Stick to simple, clean shapes (V-necks, modest scoops, crew necks).
• Avoid fussy details right at the neckline (huge bows, bulky ruffles, big logos).
• Medium-to-dark solids usually photograph more professionally than bright whites or loud prints.
• Match the neckline to your neck & shoulders instead of what’s trendy that week.
• Bring 2–4 different tops to your session so we can test what works best on camera.

Necklines by Face Shape

Round Face Shape

If your face is naturally rounder, your goal is to create subtle vertical lines that visually lengthen your face and neck.

• Best necklines: V-necks, modest deep scoops, wrap tops.
• Why it works: the V shape pulls the eye downward, creating length.
• Avoid: high crew necks and turtlenecks that shorten the neck and emphasize roundness.

Oval Face Shape

With an oval face, you have the most flexibility. Most necklines will look good as long as they aren’t distracting.

• Best necklines: almost anything simple — scoop necks, boat necks, shallow V-necks.
• Play with: texture and subtle patterns near the neckline instead of dramatic cuts.
• Avoid: ultra-deep V-necks that pull too much focus away from the face.

Square Face Shape

Square faces have stronger jawlines and more angular features. The goal is to soften the angles with curved lines.

• Best necklines: scoops, soft round necks, curved V-necks.
• Why it works: curved necklines echo the softness you want to add to the frame.
• Avoid: extremely straight boat necks or stiff collars that add more angles.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead with a narrower chin. A good neckline balances the lower half of the face.

• Best necklines: wider scoops, boat necks, gentle square necklines.
• Why it works: a slightly wider neckline visually widens the area around the shoulders and chin.
• Avoid: very plunging V-necks that further narrow the chin area.

---

Necklines for Long vs. Short Necks

If You Have a Long Neck

A long neck can look elegant on camera, but certain tops can make it look even longer than you’d like.

• Best necklines: higher crew necks, mock necks, turtlenecks, textured necklines.
• Styling tip: add layers or jewelry near the base of the neck to visually shorten the space.
• Avoid: deep V-necks that stretch the neck even more.

If You Have a Shorter Neck

For shorter necks, we want to open up the area under the chin and draw the eye vertically.

• Best necklines: V-necks, gentle scoops, vertical or button plackets that point downward.
• Jewelry tip: choose necklaces that sit just below the collarbone, not right at the base of the neck.
• Avoid: tight crew necks, thick chokers, and turtlenecks that visually shorten the neck.

Balancing Shoulder Width in Headshots

Your shoulders frame the entire shot. In a traditional head-and-shoulders crop, the neckline and shoulder width work together to describe your body language and presence.

If You Have Broad Shoulders

• Best necklines: slightly deeper V-necks, simple scoops, open collars layered under a jacket.
• Colors: darker or solid colors generally minimize width and keep the focus on your face.
• Avoid: super-wide boat necks that slice straight across the shoulders.

If You Have Narrow Shoulders

• Best necklines: boat necks, wider scoops, subtle shoulder details that add a little width.
• Layering: structured jackets or blazers help create definition and authority.
• Avoid: extremely deep V-necks that can make shoulders look even narrower.

---

Real Client Example: Adjusting Necklines on Set

In the studio, I rarely shoot just one outfit. A client might arrive with a high crew neck, a V-neck, and a collared blouse. We’ll test each one quickly, look at how the neckline affects their jawline and shoulders, and then lean into the option that makes them look the most confident and relaxed.

Here’s a quick example of how choosing the right neckline can change the entire feel of a headshot:

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

• 2–3 neckline styles: for example a V-neck, scoop neck, and collared shirt.
• At least one dark or mid-tone solid: navy, charcoal, forest green, deep burgundy.
• One option that feels “very you”: your favorite top that you always get compliments on.
• Layering pieces: blazer, cardigan, or jacket to add structure when needed.
• Backup options in case we discover something doesn’t photograph as expected.

Don’t stress about getting it perfect before you arrive. Part of my job is to help you edit outfits on set so we land on the looks that feel authentic and photograph beautifully.

---

Ready to See Which Neckline Works Best on Camera?

If you’re in the South Bay or greater Los Angeles area and need new headshots, I’d love to help you pick outfits, adjust your neckline, and create images that actually feel like you. We’ll review options together and make sure you leave with a set of headshots you’re proud to share.