A pendant necklace consists of a gem, a stone, or some other ornament that dangles from a strand.

Wear with a V-Neck

Fill in the space of a deep blouse with a longer necklace, like the gold 19-inch one with a sunburst pendant shown here. Look for a chain that hits at the sternum (just below the clavicle), especially if you have a full bust. A necklace that cascades over the bustline will exaggerate a large chest.

To Buy: Carolina Bucci at Fragments necklace, $350, 888-637-2463. Lafayette 148 silk charmeuse top, $168, 877-523-1488.

Wear with a Crew Neck

To soften the boyish lines of a crew neck, try a simple, classic cubic zirconia (or diamond) pendant. "It's a delicate choice, one that balances out a sturdier neckline," says Mary Lou Andre, author of Ready to Wear: An Expert's Guide to Choosing and Using Your Wardrobe (Perigee Books, $17, www.amazon.com). A small pendant is also a good choice if you are petite, as big, heavy necklaces will weigh you down.

To Buy: Agatha Paris necklace, $40, 800-242-8427. Maya long-sleeve mercerized-cotton T-shirt, $86, Searle, 212-717-5200.