Sweetheart Isn't Everything: 4 Necklines To Flatter Your Bridesmaids

Don't get us wrong, we love a good classic sweetheart neckline (really, what could be more feminine?). But there's a certain amount of sacrifice that goes with wearing a strapless sweetheart bridesmaid dress - mainly, the comfort and security of never having to worry if your dress is falling down. Of course, if you select a strapless sweetheart dress for your bridesmaids, we're sure they'll make that sacrifice willingly (they're your besties after all) but we'd just like to throw something out there - there are other neckline options you might end up loving, and that will give them a chance to get down in the Chicken Dance without that whole awkward tug and pull.

One-shoulder bridesmaid dresses have been hot for awhile (read more about the one-shoulder bridesmaid dress trend here) but with the increase in popularity of wedding dresses with straps or sleeves, we're also seeing more and more super pretty and feminine bridesmaid dress options with straps, sleeves, etc. Here are four neckline options we love, and why:

1. Bateau. The bateau (French for boat) neckline is a wide neckline that generally runs a straight line across the collarbone and, often, almost to the shoulder points. The bateau is an uber-chic neckline option (it makes us think of Audrey Hepburn, natch) and is flattering on most body types (with the possible exception of very large busted girls).

2. Off The Shoulder. An off-shoulder bridesmaid dress is a nice way to highlight the shoulders, collarbones and neck (and give the open feel of a strapless sweetheart) while giving your maids some security in terms of having the dress stay put. Again, flattering for most body types except possibly girls with very broad (or sometimes, very narrow) shoulders.

3. V-Neck. We've talked about v-necklines before, and while this isn't exactly an earth-shattering trend it is a neckline we're seeing on more and more bridesmaid dresses, and truly is the neckline that is eminently wearable for just about everyone. Plus, it's super comfy and secure - just be sure the girls have their dresses fitted and altered (if needed) properly to ensure any low-v neckline keeps everything covered.

4. Cowl. We can't quite decide if this is an up and coming trend or a blip on the bridesmaid dress style radar, but we love the softness and femininity of a cowl neckline. It looks great, again, on just about everyone (except perhaps the bustiest of girls) and talk about comfy and secure? Done and done.

To check out our slideshow of neckline picks for more inspiration, ...