LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART: THE MOST ROMANTIC NECKLINE OF ALL
The sweetheart neckline has been around for centuries. Back in the 1800s, it wasn't as extreme as what it's become over its fashion evolution. Known back then as en coeur (meaning "heart-shaped"), it was worn off the shoulder and gently curved into a V-shape in the décolletage area. From the antebellum period (1840s) to the Belle Époque (1871-1914), this restrained version of the sweetheart was de riguer and seen mostly in eveningwear in the latter part of the century. It had its resurgence in the 1940s, softening square necklines on A-line dresses. It evolved into its iconic full-heart-shaped, strapless design by the 1950s.
Traditional wedding dresses from the Mid-Century often featured heart-shaped bustiers with an overbodice of lace or sheer fabrics like soft tulle (above), creating a see-through effect. Some designers have adapted this look to their current collections — especially under lace, with the return to tradition of high collars and longer sleeves as options. Add to that the innovations in spandex and stretch netting, and these overbodice are an even better fit.
Most recently, this curved neckline has been on the runways, making its mark in bridal and red-carpet fashion. Brides who want to show off a nice decolletage or bustline go for the sweetheart.
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| Header Photo: Classic 1950s sweetheart bodice under a soft tulle transparent overbodice with a Sabrina neckline. Above: An A-line dress in cotton lace with a heart-shaped neck. Below: A more subtle version of a coeur neckline that begins on the shoulder and gently curves into the décolletage area. |
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| Above: A lace-encrusted corset with a pronounced heart shape. Below: It's iconic — the classic mid-century ballgown silhouette with a sweetheart neckline. |
All dresses by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Read about and see more images of 1950s wedding dresses
Some imagery in this post has been artistically adapted to explore variations in silhouette, fabric, and color.
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