Face Shapes and Jewelry Choices - Square

The square face has a strong jaw line -- the distance from the top of the face to the chin matches the width of the face. In addition, 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 square. Sometimes, a square face can be mistaken for an oblong/rectangular face -- however, the extreme length of the oblong/rectangular face becomes clear when they are observed side by side. The objective for the square face is to soften the angles, creating the appearance that the forehead and jaw line are narrower, and lengthening the face.

Necklines
Square faces need curves and vertical influences, to soften the strong jaw line and make the face appear more oval. Consider a scalloped edge or lace trim on curved necklines. This face shape is often accompanied by a variety of body styles, so choose necklines that work best with each individual's body style.  Ideal necklines: V-neck, deep Sabrina neckline, moderate cowl neck, scoop neckline, sweetheart neckline.  Avoid: Empire (square) neckline.

Necklaces
Square faces need necklaces with length and curves to soften the strong jaw line. Princess, matinee, opera and rope lengths are ideal (especially if you have a short neck), since they create a vertical line to lengthen the square face. Large focal components on necklaces form a "U," drawing attention below the neck to give the appearance of a longer face. Choose pendants or focal components with curves and swirls to counter the strong angular elements of the jaw. Avoid collar, choker and princess lengths, since they shorten the neck and add width to the throat.

Earrings
The square face is ideal for wearing large oval hoop, long drop and narrow chandelier earrings. Keep in mind that opposites attract for this face shape and choose long narrow designs. This face needs jewelry that adds length and camouflages its width, so any styles that create an illusion of length will be flattering for a square face. Avoid short post (button) and wide chandelier styles.

Eyewear
The objective for this face shape is to add length to, or reduce width of, the face. To create the illusion of length and soften the strong angles of the face, choose styles with curves and a strong vertical element. Ideally, choose round, oval or cats-eye shapes that are proportional to the face.

Bridal Tips
The square face needs a strong vertical focus for the eye to follow. Low necklines with gentle curves, accompanied by the longer necklace lengths and minimal earring styles, will create a vertical visual 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 top of the head, with gentle curves, curls or flowers will add the appearance of length to the face. Consider a tiara-style headdress for extra height. A short veil down the back and sides of the head, with the best length about 1-1/2 inches below the chin or extending to the shoulder to reduce and soften the squareness of the jaw. Headdresses, which put some wispy or curving elements on the forehead, or a single side piece which adds waves or embellishment at the temple is perfect for the square face.

Famous Faces: Square
Celebrity faces offered as examples. Different face-shape sources may have different results. Calista Flockhart, Katherine Hepburn, Janet Jackson, Ashley Judd, Demi Moore, Mandy Moore, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Mena Suvari, Hilary Swank