A cowl neck has been around for many years and is still a popular style in fashion. It is usually depicted as a V-shape neck with the ends framing the throat.

Cowl Neck Top
Cowl Neck Top

What is a Cowl Neck

A cowl neck is a collarbone neckline with loosely wrapped fabric across it. Madeleine Vionnet popularised the neckline in the 1920s, based on her research into ancient Greek sculptures. The cowl, a monastic attribute that acts as both a collar and a hood, is the inspiration for the design.

cowl-neck-top-eco-bamboo-cowl-neck-blouse-classic-cowl-neck-top-eco-friendly-womens-clothing-all-colors-organic-cotton-bamboo-jersey-3361302
Cowl Neck Top, Eco Bamboo Cowl Neck Blouse, Classic Cowl Neck Top, Eco Friendly Womens Clothing, All Colors, Organic Cotton, Bamboo Jersey @£57.83 etsy.com

As with many traditional fashion looks, there is a lot of variation in how it is worn to look best. When looking for a top or jacket that will go well with a sweater made with a cowl neck cut, make sure you choose one that compliments this shape. It might be necessary to buy several top designs, so you have a range of looks in your wardrobe.

ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in black
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in black @£16.00 asos.com
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in rose
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in rose @£9.15 asos.com

One thing to remember with a cowl neck sweater is that the fabric needs to drape well when put on. As the fabric is typically sleeveless, the best thing to do is opt for thicker material.

cowl neck sweater sleeveless
cowl neck sweater sleeveless

Thin fabrics can gather up at the front of your neck, creating an unbalanced look that looks cheap and unprofessional. It is important to choose a top that will match this shape.

How to Style the Cowl Neck Top

A cowl neck top, on the other hand, can give the appearance a bit more stylish look, and the draped neck can flatter a number of body types.The cowl neckline may be used to conceal a large bust or to give volume to a smaller breast. However, since the neckline of the sweater dress appears to stick out, you might need to change the way you style it.
SHEIN Draped Neck Tied Open Back Top
SHEIN Draped Neck Tied Open Back Top @£2.99 shein.co.uk

Cowl Neck Top + Blue Jeans + Ankel Boots

Cowl Neck Top
Cowl Neck Top

Cowl Neck Top + Mini Skater Skirt + Ankel Boots

Cowl Neck Top with Skater Skirt
Cowl Neck Top with Skater Skirt

Cowl Neck Top + Shorts

Cowl Neck Top with Shorts
Cowl Neck Top with Shorts

Cowl Neck Top + Maxi Skirt + Accessories

Cowl Neck Top with Maxi Skirt
Cowl Neck Top with Maxi Skirt

Cowl Neck Top + Cropped Trousers

Cowl Neck Top with Cropped Trousers
Cowl Neck Top with Cropped Trousers

Cowl Neck Top + Side Slit Maxi Skirt + Accessories

Cowl Neck Top with Side Slit Maxi Skirt
Cowl Neck Top with Side Slit Maxi Skirt

Cowl Neck Top + Patterned Pants

 

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One of the most popular looks of today is the double cowl neckline for more classic and timeless looks. With these styles, the front of the neckline is usually longer than the back. The benefit to this is that it creates a sleeker and less bulky silhouette. Although the double cowl neckline is not as modern as the other styles, it still looks great and can be paired with just about any bottom.

double cowl neckline
double cowl neckline

Ways to Wear Jewellery with a Cowl Neck Top

When you wear a cowl neck top or dress, the attention is drawn to the cowl neck. Since there is so much padding around the throat, wearing a necklace is almost impossible.

SHEIN Cowl Neck Tied Open Back Satin Bandana Halter Top
SHEIN Cowl Neck Tied Open Back Satin Bandana Halter Top @£4.49 shein.co.uk

A pair of statement earrings and a bracelet are ideal pieces of jewellery to wear with this style of clothing. You can wear a simple chain pendant also with your cowl neck top.

Simplee Cowl Neck Knot Cami Crop Top
Simplee Cowl Neck Knot Cami Crop Top @£13.49 shein.co.uk

When purchasing a cowl neck top, keep the body type in mind. If you have a round or oval-shaped body type, consider wearing a shorter cowl neck top. If your body is square-shaped, go with a cowl neck with a longer neckline.

ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in Ivory
ASOS DESIGN long sleeve cowl neck top in Ivory @£12.00 asos.com

If you want something more specific to your body type, there are plenty of options for you. If you have a pear-shaped body type, you might consider wearing a dress shirt with a cowl neckline. The best option for could also select from a vat fabrics and colours.

KRISP® Women Layered Cowl Neck Top
KRISP® Women Layered Cowl Neck Top @amazon.co.uk

Dark colours are a great option if you do not want the colour to be obvious as to who you are. Pink and green are also great colours when looking for a fashionable look with a cowl neck.

SHEIN Ruched Cowl Neck Crop Top
SHEIN Ruched Cowl Neck Crop Top @£7.99 shein.co.uk

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