I’m no guru when it comes to fashion styling, but I know (and I’m pretty sure you girls know this too) that to look fabulous, wearing the perfect dress only makes half of it.
The other half involves the small but very important details – accessories (jewelry included), make-up, good hygiene/grooming, AND a gorgeous hairdo. All four must create a harmony that will ultimately make you score 100% in the good-looking department.
The hairstyle is actually the next most important detail to pay attention to. There’s a reason why they call it the “crowning glory.”
When choosing a hairstyle for your dress, consider the neckline, mood, and dress length to ensure a flattering, trendy look that reflects your mood and complements the dress length
A bad hairstyle can easily ruin a look, especially since the face (including the hair) is what people see first. That is why choosing the right hairstyle for your dress is necessary.
The most important thing to consider when choosing a hairstyle is the neckline of your dress or gown. Remember that the goal is to choose a style that will flatter you AND the dress at the same time.
There are many types of necklines, but for today’s entry, I will cover only the most common ones in your closet. All the dresses shown below can be found at Shopbop:
1. Strapless and Halter Dresses
Strapless and halter dresses showcase your shoulders and neck. An updo, whether loose or neatly done (but not too tight that all you see is the forehead), would be the most flattering to wear as it will not only complement the dress but it will draw attention to your face and shoulders as well, making you look perfect and put together.
For strapless dresses, choose a hairstyle that complements the neckline and enhances your collarbone, whether it’s an updo for a sexy look or free-flowing curls for a conservative look, and use smoothing balm and blow drying to frame and highlight your shoulders, neck, and collarbone
2. Plunging V-Neck & Sweetheart Dresses
Plunging V and sweetheart necklines highlight your bust and create a lengthening (slimming) effect not only on the body but on the face and neck.
That is why these are popular choices among women who are either round (body shape), busty or have round faces and short necks.
For a plunging V-neck or sweetheart neckline dress, complement it with an elegant updo, side-swept waves, a sleek ponytail, a half-up, half-down style, or straight and sleek hair to showcase the neckline and make you feel confident
Long hair worn down in soft waves is the best hairstyle for these necklines. Not only will it tone down the sexiness a notch, but it will also create a balance and draw attention to your face.
If you don’t have natural waves, you can use a styling iron and some hair product to achieve them.
If you don’t have long hair, simply accessorize with a pretty headband or headpiece to pull the attention upwards instead of on your cleavage. If this is not an option, try choosing chunky oversized earrings instead.
3. Boat, Sabrina, Empire & Off-Shoulder Dresses
Bateau (boat), sabrina, and off-shoulder (portrait) necklines generally highlight the shoulders, while empire (better known as a horizontal square) highlights the chest (not the bust).
For boat, sabrina, empire & off-shoulder neckline dresses, a shoulder-length hairstyle will complement the neckline by highlighting the detail and the face, or for long hair, wear it up in a loose bun for off-shoulder and empire, or keep it neat and tidy for boat and Sabrina, and accessorize with statement earrings for a balanced look
A shoulder-length hairstyle will work best with any of these necklines as it will highlight the detail while still complementing the face.
If you have long hair, wear it in a loose bun (for off-shoulder and empire) or keep it neat and tidy (for boat and sabrina). Just remember to accessorize with some chunky statement earrings to create a more balanced look.
4. One Shoulder Dresses
The main characteristic of a one-shoulder is that it is asymmetric. To highlight AND balance this detail, you can wear your hair in a loose bun or pony on your bare shoulder.
If you wish to wear your hair down, simply pin your hair to the side where your shoulder is bare (as seen above). This will highlight that one shoulder detail at the same time, and balance the look with flair.
For one-shoulder dresses, highlight and balance the asymmetrical detail by wearing your hair in a loose bun or pony on the bare shoulder or pinning hair to the side of the bare shoulder
Do remember that, first and foremost, your face shape should dictate the best neckline to wear. Once you’ve chosen the right neckline, then you can think about the perfect hairstyle to use.
Also, do remember that these tips are, well, simply helpful tips. If you feel like wearing your hair in some other way, do so as long as you are comfortable with it. And again, always remember to accessorize and wear the right makeup. Enjoy looking fabulous!