Sitting somewhere between Renaissance, cottagecore, and Victorian, the square neckline has always felt like a subtle nod to the past. This elegant silhouette punctuates the collarbone while creating a linear line that feels like a step above the ubiquitous scoop neck. It’s timeless yet trendy, demure but also a bit daring—the square neckline is a study in symmetry and balance. And while its popularity amongst designers ebbs and flows from one year to the next, it’s a shape that is reliably around for the long haul.
The square neckline is also a design detail that transcends seasons, making it a versatile investment no matter if it’s snowing or a sunny day. Right now, a spate of square-neckline iterations is coming into focus for the season ahead, with pieces like puff-sleeve blouses and ruched square-neck dresses making their debut. For the minimalist type, form-fitting rib-knit options also abound, as do sleeker staples like corset-style tops and easy-to-wear bodysuits. Ahead, find 26 noteworthy picks for incorporating a square neckline into your wardrobe.
