Keyhole neckline

A neckline with a small teardrop or key-shaped cutout at the upper chest—often with a round jewel neck above and a fastener at the keyhole base.

How to recognize it

Keyhole neckline shows a shaped cutout at center front below a high round neck.

jewel has no cutout. halter bares shoulders with back neck ties.

Origin and history

Neckline lists keyhole among decorative front openings.[1] Cheongsam dress often pairs high neck with keyhole fastening.[2] Metropolitan evening-dress photography shows shaped upper-chest openings.[3]

Keyhole adds interest without deep décolletage.[1] Works in silk blouses and cocktail dresses.[3] Differs from cowl drape.[2]

Today keyhole neckline appears on blouses, qipao-inspired dresses, and bridesmaid gowns in silk and cotton.[1][2] Keep jewelry minimal at the keyhole.[3] When a teardrop cutout sits below a high round neck—keyhole neckline applies.[2]

Where it is used

Cocktail dresses, qipao-inspired gowns, dressy blouses, bridesmaid dresses, and modest evening cutouts.[1]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Keyhole neckline needs secure fastening at the base.[2] Keyhole blouse with pencil skirt reads office evening.[1]

How it differs

jewel has no cutout. halter bares shoulders. illusion uses sheer mesh.[1]

Expression and impression

Keyhole neckline reads flirty, refined, and subtly revealing. Silk keyhole blouse reads evening office.

Common questions

Keyhole neckline vs sweetheart? Sweetheart is heart-shaped décolletage; keyhole is small upper cutout.[1]

Keyhole neckline modest? More modest than deep V or halter.[1]

Keyhole neckline bra? Low-cut bra or built-in cups.[3]

Sources

  1. Neckline . Wikipedia Jewel, keyhole, illusion, and other neckline shape vocabulary.
  2. Cheongsam . Wikipedia High standing and keyhole necklines in qipao dress.
  3. File:Woman's Dress LACMA M.2007.211.35 (3 of 7).jpg . Wikimedia Commons Historic dress neckline detail from LACMA collection; public domain.

September 19, 2026