Have you ever wondered why some necklines and necklace lengths flatter you more than others? It all comes down to balance points—key proportions that create harmony between your head and upper body. As humans, we love balance—it gives us a sense of visual harmony and connects to our innate sense of physical stability. This is why we like our pictures to hang straight on the wall!
What Are Balance Points and Why Do They Matter?
Carla Mathis, image consultant and author of The Triumph of Individual Style, introduced the concept of Balance Points, and for me, learning about them was one of my first “aha” moments in my image consulting journey. I had always noticed that certain necklace lengths looked great on me, while others felt off. Some necklines seemed to sit in just the right place, while others weren’t as flattering. This theory explained why.
Jill Chivers of 16 Style Types and I discuss the basics of Balance Points in this video.
A Balance Point is a proportional reference point on your body that relates to your face (see image here). It creates a sense of visual harmony between your head and upper body, making outfits look effortlessly put together. Your ideal neckline depth is closely related to the length of your face.
How to Find Your First Balance Point for Flattering Necklines
Your first Balance Point is the distance from your hairline to your chin, repeated downward on your body. This measurement helps determine where your lower neckline should ideally end for a balanced and flattering look. Some suggest measuring from the bottom of a fringe (bangs), but in my experience, most fringes aren’t dense enough to completely obscure the forehead. Plus, if you change your hairstyle, your balance points would shift—so I always measure from the hairline to the chin and then repeat that distance downward.
In nearly all my years of measuring clients, I’ve found that for most people, this first Balance Point falls at the breastbone, right at the top of the cleavage.
This shirt opens at my first balance point and the necklace sits at the second balance point
This is where lower necklines (like V-necks, scoop necks, and cowls) should ideally end. If a neckline dips lower than this point, adding a cami or b-string can help raise the visual balance and create harmony between your head and body.
How to Find Your Second Balance Point for High Necklines and Accessories
Your second Balance Point determines the best placement for higher necklines, such as crew, halter, or boat necks. It’s also the perfect spot for pendants, brooches, or other decorative elements that enhance your outfit’s balance.
From my experience, for most people, this point sits just below the collarbone—so if you’re unsure, that’s a safe estimate.
This top neckline finishes at my second balance point
Using Balance Points for Necklace Placement
To create a balanced look, try placing the focal point of your necklace at one of your Balance Points.
- If your top neckline ends at your first Balance Point, wear a necklace that finishes at your second Balance Point or at double the length of your first Balance Point.
- If your top neckline ends at your second Balance Point, choose a necklace that is either double the length of that Balance Point or one that ends at your first Balance Point.
- If you wear a long necklace looped multiple times, aim to have each loop land at one of your Balance Points.
Understanding Balance Points helps you choose necklines and accessories that naturally complement your features, making your outfits feel effortlessly harmonious.
Want to make the most of your wardrobe using balance points? Get personalised style advice in my 7 Steps to Style program and learn how to enhance your natural proportions effortlessly!
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I didn’t know anything about balance points and clothing. But with this video really helped me.
I really loved this video. It really helped me a lot. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a difference.
The first post I’ve read this year. Really interesting, I love your advices.