The Best in Low-Cut Dresses and Drop Necklaces

My first fashion commandment is simple: When in doubt, always overdress. Basically, I believe that when it comes to glamour, more is definitely more. And so I worship floor-length silk and chiffon gowns, be them pailletted in heavy sequins and beading or embellished with a well-placed ruffle or bow, and I’m fairly certain that diamonds are, in fact, a girl’s best friend. Lately, I’ve found myself entirely enamored with deep-v or low-back dresses for night, especially when styled with intricate drop necklaces. The look is definitely of-the-moment – with sexy plunging and backless gowns appearing all over the red carpet – and yet timeless – something in which an Old Hollywood starlet might effortlessly lounge while draped in furs, with cocktail close at hand. Simply put, the glamour-quotient of the pair is just unparalleled, and, if the look isn’t easily wearable, it is high-impact. Below I’ve compiled a few of my favorite looks from past and present, with dress and necklace combinations you’ll want to wear now.

Myrna Loy

Joan Fontaine

Myrna Loy is all drama in a floral-print, velvet gown with a tasseled pearl necklace. The beautiful Joan Fontaine wears starburst diamonds and a heart-shaped bustier.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was always impeccably styled, and her favorite accessory may have well been the drop necklace.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn’s classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s look: Givenchy dress with cut-out back and piled-on pearls.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the 2011 Moet and Chandon Etoile Party, in an impossibly sexy Burberry gown, with plunging neckline and thigh slit, and brilliant Chopard diamonds.

Rihanna

Rihanna

Rihanna is show-stopping at the 2012 Grammys; her curve-hugging Giorgio Armani dress and on-trend body chain is a fashion risk done right.

J. Mendel Gown

J. Mendel Gown

Silver and Crystal Necklace

Celebrate color in this fuschia J. Mendel chiffon gown. An elegant sterling silver and Swarovski crystal necklace will draw the eye towards the smallest part of the waist, so as to highlight the dress’s figure-flattering ruche detail.

Nicole Miller Gown

Nicole Miller Gown

Freddie & Cinnamon Necklace

Prada Clutch

This Nicole Miller cowl-neck and open-back dress is incredibly angelic. Clip hair into a loose, romantic updo, and add this amethyst chain necklace by Freddie & Cinnamon, styled at the front or back, and a lavender Prada box clutch.