Sweetheart

A sweetheart neckline shapes the top edge of the bodice into two rounded curves. They dip to a soft point at the center, tracing the top half of a heart. The cut appears strapless, with straps, or under sheer illusion panels, the mesh that covers the skin while keeping the drawn line visible.

The curves exist for one reason: they follow the bust instead of cutting across it. A straight strapless edge flattens; the sweetheart's arcs echo the shape underneath, which frames the bust without baring it and lends curve to smaller busts by drawing one. The center dip also breaks the horizontal, lengthening the neck a little the way a shallow V does. That combination is why bridal and prom design return to it decade after decade.

Softness is also its limit. The romantic look is strong; a sweetheart in crisp daywear tailoring reads costume faster than a straight edge would, so the neckline stays mostly in occasionwear. Construction quality shows at the center point. It needs interfacing, an inner stiffening layer, to hold its shape instead of curling between the curves. Press the point gently in the shop and see if it springs back. Pendants ending above the dip finish the line without crossing fabric.