Last week I had a request from lovely reader Ondine. She asked what necklace might look best with a notched-collar neckline. In truth, I didn’t realize what a ‘notched collar’ neckline was until I looked it up.

Here are two examples of notched collar necklines.

Notice one fabric has a busy print while the other is solid white.

Of course, I conferred with my co-author Janna Beatty on this, and I also had my own ideas. Apparently, the  ‘notched collar’ neckline was not illustrated in my blog titled: Which Necklace Do I wear with Which Neckline?

Janna’s ideas were:

• Wear a drop necklace that fits right into the notch space.
• For busy prints: Wear earrings and no necklace.

That is the simple answer,  but Janna, of course, had more to say on the issue. Particularly that each of us is so uniquely different, one answer doesn’t always work for everyone.

In her words “You know I am not one for rules.

The eye rules.

You look in a full-length mirror.

There are always so many variables to consider.

At best there is general information, but style is born in the ultimate execution.”

“Style is born in that sweet spot where the design elements in a garment meld with our traits and our essence.” …Janna Beatty

So, Ondine, the real answer lies in your full-length mirror.

 I realized I had several notched-collar tops in my own closet. This is how I accessorized them:

I decided to go with ‘ears only’ because this notched collar top already had ruffles and a bold print. Adding a necklace would have been too much. Don’t you agree?

Although this is also a print, I chose a simple necklace in a color that coordinated with the color in the top.

For a more classic look. I chose pearls and crystals to wear under my notched collar. Adds polish, but doesn’t take away from the clean look.

It never occurred to me that I had this many ‘notched-collar’ necklines in my own closet. When I found them, I just experimented with different accessories I already had in my own closet (shop your own closet first, is what we always say in Quintessential Style. You might be suprised at how many things will go with each other that you never thought of.

Thanks for your question, Ondine. I never thought of these combinations.

You are the woman of the hour!