Ever put on a top and thought "something's off" — without being able to say what? Nine times out of ten, it's the neckline.

Necklines frame your face and set the proportions for everything underneath. Change the neckline, change the read of your whole silhouette. Two of our favourites, and why they work:

The V-neck. A V draws a vertical line down and out from your chin, which visually lengthens your neck and narrows what's below it. It's the fastest way to add height and balance a fuller bust or broader shoulders — the eye follows the line down instead of across.

The boat neck (bateau). A wide, horizontal neckline that sits along the collarbone. It broadens the shoulder line, which is exactly why it's a favourite for anyone wanting to balance a narrower upper body against curvier hips, or simply wanting more visual width up top. It also happens to be one of the most flattering necklines for showing off collarbones and a long neck.

Neither is "better" — they solve different things. That's the whole point of proportions: not a rulebook, just tools you get to choose from depending on the day, the mood, the outfit.

Quick way to test it yourself: stand in front of the mirror in a plain V-neck, then swap to a boat neck top. Watch what happens to your shoulder line and where the eye lands first. That's your answer.

Do you have a styling question for us?  E-mail us via hello@reneeantwerp.com