Back To Basics: The V-Neck Top
Gimme a “V”…
Over the past several seasons, I’ve felt as though I’m wandering in a wilderness of high-necked tops and sweaters. As someone who is short, with broad shoulders and a full bust, I find a v-neck the easiest to style and most flattering neckline for me, but they’ve been a scarce commodity lately.
But this season, I’m noticing a lot more tops with v-necks. I don’t know whether it will turn out to be a broader trend (v-necks are more expensive to produce than crew necks) but it’s nice to have a bit more choice. If you’ve also on the lookout for v-neck styles, here are a few that have caught my eye.
Above, an easy striped sweater in cashmere (budget-friendly, and on sale!)
This tunic-length sweater in Plus is cotton, so you’ll be able to wear it into Spring. I love this pretty periwinkle blue which will look smashing with white denim; it’s also offered in Charcoal and Pink.
This merino sweater is a nice piece for travel, as it works well on its own or underneath a jacket. I like (and have) the ivory (shown) but also offered in Claret (a burgundy color) and Hot Red. Misses, Petites and Plus sizes available.
Relaxed, but a step up from a plain tee. This top is also offered in a soft pink.
A muted take on the striped tee, this organic cotton top is white with olive-grey stripes. Available in Misses, Petites and Plus, and also offered in olive with grey stripes.
I was happy to see this shorter silk shell with a v-neck! It’s a perfect piece to layer under a jacket or cardigan and can work well skirts or fuller pants. The neckline is cut high enough to be well above the bra line, but still provides that nice v effect. Offered in Black and Bone. Longer version here.
This easy blouse can be worn alone or underneath a jacket or cardigan. (Plus option.) Several colors available in both size ranges.
And because sometimes you just need a Good White Tee… ( Petite | Plus .) I like the curved hem on this one, which is a nice option if you like to wear un-tucked.
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I’m divided. If I go for a V-neck, I want a deep V. I’m small-busted, so I don’t worry about cleavage and shallow Vs seem fuddy duddy. Also, if I have a necklace, I want enough room for it; a high V interferes.
But my neck is no longer what it once was, and I don’t mind keeping it out of sight with a scarf or turtleneck as long as temperatures permit–it isn’t a possibility in summer.
as a fellow Vneck lover, thank you for this round up….great options, I’m going to keep the Eileen Fisher on my radar as it looks like it would be a great option with a high waisted jean. I’ve always had good luck finding Vnecks at Uniqlo (especially vneck tee shirts)
I feel like a v-neck gives my neck and double-chin a bit more space. If the neck is too high then it’s all there, sort of a muffin-top for your shoulders. I’m small chested and will add a tank underneath if it’s too low.
It is a challenge to find the right fit. Many are tunic length so the shirt with the split neck is nice because it’s more fitted.
I love a V Neck too; perfect for jewellery, and it minimizes the size of my chest, unlike a turtleneck or a crew neck. Off to explore your options… xx
V-necks are a great reminder that spring will come! Right now you can’t peel me away from my turtlenecks.
I’ve also had difficulty finding V-necks that I like in the stores. Thanks for the great round-up.
I noticed that all of the V-necks shown have no jewelry or scarf added. I’ve never liked V-necks. One reason is not knowing how to accessorize them. I do like the idea of a deep V-neck with a tank underneath as Roseag mentioned. What do you do with the others?
Hi Katrinka, most retailers don’t accessorize their product images, hence no necklaces, etc. I like that open space, as I find it’s what makes a v-neck balance out my proportions. You could also add a layered necklace like this one: https://shopstyle.it/l/ZbmM if you like something in the v. I find I prefer to either wear longer/larger earrings and skip the necklace, OR wear a longer necklace that falls below the v.
I do like the idea of that layered necklace with a V-neck. That would work for me. Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks for the great selection of v neck tops in a range of prices. I think the top from Sanctuary would be very versatile. I love v necks and they are about all I wear. Maybe the occasional boat neck or ballet neckline. My face is full and I have slender shoulders. I find higher necklines very unflattering. I look terrible in a turtleneck. Also v necks and boatnecks are more feminine. If my neck has a few wrinkles, so be it, because you can’t hide them all!
The most elusive of all is the boatneck, my personal favorite.
Try Jill or Talbots
I too am always on the hunt for v-necked tops. I am a petite apple and find them most flattering with my narrow shoulders and short waist. Crew necks and turtlenecks sometimes feel like they’re choking me! I enjoy wearing my v-necked sweaters with a collared blouse in the winter or with a pretty necklace to fill the space in warmer weather. Thank you for scouting out these possibilities for us!
I practically live in the “easy blouse” in dark blue that you show. They are amazing for travel, too!
Question – do the 3/4 sleeves not bother you? I find that I am always frustrated with those; my wrists get cold when it’s cooler out, and they just hit a part of my arm that prefers to be either fully covered or completely uncovered.
I have really short arms. Even though have long legs, so love this length
With my square face, a V-neck is the perfect option for me. Just scored a high end cashmere V-neck at Goodwill for $5. I love it when that happens…
Who makes a V neck that is not cut too low? I don’t like showing too much skin but like the V neck shape.
Thank you.
Hi Jill, that’s a hard question to answer in broad terms. My “too low” might be your “just right.” But the striped sweater at the top of the post, as well as all of the Eileen Fisher pieces I featured have necklines that land well above the bra line.
I pretty much only wear V-necks. I’m tall and busty and anything else gives me the dreaded pigeon breast look! Also, I’m very warm blooded so can’t wear anything warm around my neck.
A local fashion consultant uses the phrase ‘skinny bits’ to refer to V neck tops and 3/4 sleeves. She thinks those styles are flattering to most women, and I agree. I always shop for V necks almost exclusively now because I have a short neck and am short waisted. Love the term ‘skinny bits’!
I always thought v-necks were the most flattering for me, but I like the jewel neck or ballet neckline which are both round but deep, so not strangling like a crewneck. I find they balance my wide bust best but I’m quite a bit wider than you. But, I always learn something from you Susan!
Susan, yup, you talked me into that lovely EF merino top in claret. Merino wool does not hold odors (tho easy to launder) and is comfy in warm or cool temps. Sounds like my new travel companion! Any advice for a woman that fears wearing white? I’m a pasty white woman carrying extra weight and white just seems to overwhelm me. Like a neon sign o’ negative! (and yes, I wear scarves often). I’m embarrassed to admit I shy away from whites and light colors. Am I the only person?