Face Shapes and Jewelry Choices - Oblong

The oblong/rectangular face is longer than it is wide -- the width of the face at the forehead, cheekbones and chin are the same or almost the same. The features within the face can be sharp and angular or soft and curved, but the overall face shape will be long. Sometimes, an oblong/rectangular face can be mistaken for an oval -- however, placed next to a true oval, the differences become clear. The objective for this face shape is to shorten its long vertical line.

Necklines
Oblong/rectangular faces need strong horizontal clothing lines, making the face appear wider and more oval. This face shape is often accompanied by long and thin bodies, so choose necklines that are wider than long. Ideal necklines: Boatneck/bateau neckline, Sabrina neckline, portrait/off-the-shoulder neckline, moderate cowl neck, strapless.  Avoid: V-neck, scoop neckline, other plunging necklines

Necklaces
Short necklaces reduce the appearance of lengths of the oblong/rectangular face. Choker, collar and princess lengths are ideal (especially if you have a long neck), since they break up the vertical line that occurs with an oblong/rectangular face. Large beads at the base of the neck help shorten the look of the face. Circular neckwires and necklaces without heavy or bold focal components are another option for the oblong/rectangular face.

Earrings
The oblong/rectangular face is ideal for wearing large, bold styles -- especially large post ("button") styles and wide chandeliers with color, movement and drama. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose large rounds, curves, crescents and other wide, space-filling designs. This face needs jewelry that adds width and camouflages its length, so any styles that create an illusion of width will be flattering for an oblong/rectangular face.

Eyewear
The objective for this face shape is to add width to, or reduce length in, the face. To create the illusion of width, choose styles which are narrower than the widest part of the face, with a strong short horizontal element (or long vertical lines). Ideally, choose round or square shapes with embellished or contrasting areas at the temples when viewed from the front.

Bridal Tips
The oblong/rectangular face needs a strong horizontal focus for the eye to follow. High necklines with gentle curves, accompanied by the shorter necklace lengths and short dramatic earring styles, will create a strong horizontal line. Keep in mind the size of the bride, her coloring and the simplicity (or ornateness) of her gown -- a more ornate gown can support more ornate jewelry. Matching the patterns, designs, textures and qualities of her gown completes the presentation. Hairpieces at the temples or above the ears, or wreath-style headdresses, make the face appear shorter.

Famous Faces: Oblong/Rectangular
Celebrity faces offered as examples:  Kirstie Alley, Jennifer Aniston, Iman, Terri Hatcher, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker