Whenever one goes for shopping, the parameters on which clothes are judged upon are usually style, colours, cuts and fabric. There are times when one forgets to pay attention to the most important detail of a garment – the neckline. Neckline is one of the most distinguishing features in a garment which emphasizes on creating a flattering look. Designers and garment manufacturers while developing any collection keep in mind the suitable necklines which are not only trendy and apt for the season but are also universal, so that they suit women in every size. After dropping hints of their presence on the S/S ’15 runways, five major neckline styles have emerged as the must-haves for the upcoming S/S ’16 season. These flattering necklines will create an illusion, highlight the wearer’s best features and tone down the flaws in the forthcoming summer…
The neckline is the top edge of a garment that surrounds the neck, especially from the front view. For each garment worn above the waist, the neckline is primarily a style line and may be a boundary for further shaping of the upper edge of a garment with; for example, collar, cowl, darts or pleats. Necklines are treated like a looming spirit of the past in the fashion industry. This is one aspect that never really gets reinvented per se, but a collection can’t go past its existence.
Halter-necks
Despite its low-point after the popularity in the ’80s and ’90s, the halter neckline is more of an outfit detail now, than a full-blown trend. It has more diversity to it; especially the way it merges itself with other spring trends of 2016. A halter-neck is a style of strap in a women’s clothing which features a single strap or material running from the front of the garment to around the back of the wearer’s neck, and which enables most of the wearer’s back to be uncovered.
Necklines are treated like a looming spirit of the past in the fashion industry. This is one aspect that never really gets reinvented, per se, but a collection can’t go past its existence.
In the runways of S/S ’15, designers were spotted rocking the retro-inspired trend, with no signs of stopping. Anthony Vaccarello showcased a version of the halter in black and white held together with the tiniest possible strings, whereas Iceberg went for the choker halter style. Talking about this neckline, Pramod Rathore, Proprietor, Indus Valley Exports shares, “Unlike some trends, the halter-neck can be universally flattering, and cantake on many forms – there’s not just one way to wear it; it is versatile and suitable, be it on a dress, jumpsuit, or top.”
Mandarin Collar
A mandarin collar is a short unfolded stand-up collar style on a shirt or jacket, typically rising vertically two to five centimetres. The style originated from dresses worn by Mandarins in Imperial China and has entered the mass market for good.
Darshika Sharma, Assistant Designer, Bharatiya International Ltd. informing about this collar detail says, “Mandarin collars are being designed for use with a detachable collar after a really long time. It has made a very remarkable comeback in the industry and is only going to get bigger in the forthcoming summer.” Earlier mandarin collars were seen on suits, shirts, etc. But this statement collar is being combined with western dresses, tops and ethnic tunics.
The only negative point about these collars is the cost involved in production. Not too expensive, but the mandarin collar is definitely more expensive than the normal formal collar. These collars come with straight edges but mandarin collar in ethnic wear also comes with rounded edges. With the comeback of this trend, the mandarin collars now are also being used in ethnic wear with a westernised touch with them. Designers like JJ Valaya and Anju Modi, were seen adding the modern mandarin to their traditional ensemble, whereas,overseas designers like Clover Canyon and Marc Jacobs adorned their dresses and military jackets respectively with this collar detail.
Illusion Necklines
Designed specifically for creating the fun play between exposure and coverage, Illusion necklines are going to rock all possible segments in the upcoming summer. Illusion necklines give the wearer the comfort of coverage along with the elegance and style of a strapless fashion. A sheer fabric (typically lace, tulle, organza, or other netted fabric) that is attached to the bodice (usually at the waistline), and extends upwards, creating a second higher neckline. The interplay of opacity and sheerness creates an interesting effect giving a modest yet seductive appeal.
Balanciaga, in the quest of creating unusual illusion necklines, experimented with nets and twisted cords to create transparency over the halter and strapless opaque necks. On the other hand, Monique Lhuillier staying true to her touch of feminism and bridal ensemble, garnished intricate embroidery, rhinestones, pearls, or beads on to the sheer fabric giving it a very flattering and elegant look. “In this new trend, the neckline is made up of lace and incorporates rhinestones or embroidery, creating an illusion of a strapless dress creating a look of modesty, intrigue and glamour. Therefore, even while wearing something revealing, you are assured that the neckline will stay in place,” says Sonam, Designer, Alisha W.
Off-centre
Going to emerge as one of the biggest trends in formalwear next season, off-centre necklines have got what it takes to be a versatile look, which not only can become a hit on the red carpet but also can adorn a simple structured dress. An off-centre neckline is any neckline that looks different on either side of the centre front of the top or dress. It can be cut differently or it could be the same, but one side is folded down while the other is fastened up. Off-centre necklines were popular in the 80s and are a great way to feature neck and shoulders.
Although the ramps are full of asymmetrical designs from various designers yet the concept of creating an off-centre neckline is comparatively new to the exporters. Aditya Singhania, Owner, Intercity Traders explains further, “The modern innovations are many, yet the basic concept is the same. The entire geometry and symmetry involved in the design of dresses sophisticated. It represents the human desire to break free from the traditional lines that creep like monotony into our lives. The asymmetry is bold, experimental, free, classy and timeless.
Plunging ‘V’
Appearing as the uncrowned king of all styles, the plunging ‘V’ is definitely the most popular neckline trend for the summer. Plunging necklines are low necklines, in either V, U or square shapes, that reveal various amounts of cleavage, and some even extending to the natural waist line
Appearing as the uncrowned king of all styles, the plunging ‘V’ is definitely the most popular neckline trend for the summer. Plunging necklines are low necklines, in V, U or square shapes, that reveal various amounts of cleavage, and some even extending to the natural waist line, as seen in the collections by Reem Acra and Porche Design.
Although still daring and revealing, the plunging neckline meets an entirely new level of sophistication this season, with inspiration spanning in-between the utterly feminine and the sleek masculine tailoring.
What this season brings along is a subtler take on the revealing cut, making it more approachable and suited even for daytime. To which one can add the clean minimal styling as a definite promise of getting it right with little effort.
These necklines can be subtle yet daring, softly feminine, can be depicted through an unbuttoned shirt or can be teemed with a layer underneath to carry out the courageous trend with great modesty.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
