The off the shoulder dress trend dates back to the Victorian era. During king Napoleon’s reign, his empress and subjects wore dresses with bare shoulders.

Then in the 1960-s, the trend was revived by famous Brigitte Bardot. Such dresses are even often called Bardot dresses after the fashion icon who brought back the off the shoulder style.

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Today such dress designs are experiencing a comeback again. And we are glad that they are! Read on to discover trendy and pretty off the shoulder pieces.

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Formal Off The Shoulder Dresses

Present-day off-the-shoulder dresses are incredibly versatile so that you can find a suitable option for an upcoming formal event such as a wedding, prom, or black-tie party. Such dresses are absolutely flattering and can adorn any body shape or figure in the best way. Keep in mind weddings ask for more luxurious fabrics, such as silk or satin.

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Formal Off The Shoulder Light Pink Dress

Maxi Formal Off The Shoulder Light Pink Dress #maxidress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/showpo

Where can you wear an off the shoulder dress formal like the one in this picture? You can pick such a dress for prom, homecoming, or a wedding ceremony. We really like the playful deep cut out in this dress design. It adds more sexiness and edge to the look. And the pastel color compliments this model’s tan so wonderfully.

Matching Formal Dress And Earrings

Matching The Dress And Earrings #formaldress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/maryorton

Accessories are of great significance when wearing off the shoulder clothes. You need to know what kind of earrings to wear to match with your dress. It is so because this type of a dress will make the neck area pop. So, not to appear too bare, it’s better to go for some heavy, long and sparkling earrings. This is a general rule. But choose the accessories that will flatter your face shape, as well.

  • Is your face shape round? Pair your off the shoulder clothes with quillings earrings and stay away from disc, hoop, button and circular shaped earrings.
  • Women whose face is narrow and long would better opt for danglers when rocking their off the shoulder clothes.
  • Do you have a square face shape? Any medium to long earrings will compliment your face shape as well as your dress amazingly.
  • In case your face is heart-shaped, we would recommend that you pair your shoulder-baring dress with extravagant chandeliers.
  • Women with an oval face shape can rock any eye-catching earrings with such types of dresses.

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Make Your Formal Dress Look Expensive

Make Your Dress Look Expensive #classydress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/alexandralapp_

Look at this gorgeous, elegant white dress. How do you think, how much does it cost? The dress appears much more expensive than it actually is. Which leads us to the conclusion that off the shoulder clothes do not look cheap. They may, actually like any outfit, but not necessarily. One of the tricks that can make any outfit appear more expensive is to wear total colors, for example, all whites.

Mini Off The Shoulder Dresses

When you think of an off-the-shoulder dress, you may assume it comes in maxi or midi length. However, a mini version is available too. Moreover, luxury designers like Khaite and Jacquemus are head over heels for the style this season.

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Short Summer Floral Dress For Party

Short Summer Floral Dress For Party
Credit photo: Instagram.com/showpo

What speaks 'summer' louder than a floral pattern? You can take things a little further, go for a 3-D floral dress, and turn all the heads on your way. A semi-formal or casual summer party is the best time to show your shoulderless mini dress off.

Multilayered All-White Short Dresses For A Night Out

There's something inexplicably feminine and captivating about white dresses, don't you think? Keep in mind that multiple layers, if used responsively, will only intensify the vibe. Pair your all-white short dress with a statement piece of jewelry, complete it with a small handbag, and you are ready to steal the show!

Mango-Colored Short Dress With Bud-Styled Sleeves

Mango-Colored Short Dress With Bud-Styled Sleeves
Credit photo: Instagram.com/showpo

It isn't an easy task to come up with a summer dress that is both breathtaking and comfortable. Yet, we have an idea in mind. A mango-colored light summer dress is comfy enough to get through a night of partying or a day of sightseeing. The bud sleeves bring uniqueness and style to the picture so you can kill all the birds with a single mango-colored stone!

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Rustic-Styled Checkered Short Dress

Rustic-Styled Checkered Short Dress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/showpo

Some ten years ago in 2012, Paris fashion week was all the rage about blueprint for checkered prints. The pattern's elegant and slightly rustic appeal has ensured that it is to stay, and this season is the best way to play around with it. A vintage off-the-shoulder short dress will suit a dinner out with your friends and family when the sun is burning bright.

White And Red Summer Mini Dress

White And Red Mini Dress #minidress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/mmegankathleen

A floral pattern is something that never goes out, too. Trends come and go, but it stays. The white dress with red flowers you can see in this picture screams youth and fun. The design of the dress is quite revealing. But isn’t that what you need in the summertime?

Say Hi To Boho Dress Design With Sleeves

Short Summer Boho Dress Design #bohodress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/jamienkidd

Look how seamless this model’s image is! The secret to looking like that is in her willingness to show off her nature via her clothing. Boho is in her heart, it’s the part of who she is. If you wonder what dress is perfect, it’s the one that is true to you.

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Checked Pattern Is Always In - Cute Dress Design With Sleeves

Checked Pattern Is Always In #patterneddress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/emilyanngemma

A checked pattern is something classy, something that will always be in style. This medium length off the shoulder dress is casual, perfect for a walk or meeting with friends. This girl next door image is impeccable.T

Off The Shoulder Dress For The Summertime

Off The Shoulder Dress For The Summertime #summerdress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/cellajaneblog

This off the shoulder summer dress is so lightweight that you won’t even notice that it is on. The midi length is great for the hot summer weather. Plus, the length will allow you to show off your beautiful legs. Isn’t it awesome?

Casual Light Blue Dress To Have Fun

Light Blue Dress To Have Fun #minidress #lightblue
Credit photo: Instagram.com/cmcoving

This light blue mini dress made of cotton is super breathable. So, a dress like that will work nicely for all possible summer activities. Whether you are going to the beach or having an entertaining night on the town with your friends, your image will be flawless.

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Bohemian White Dress For Your Beach Vacation

Bohemian Chic For Your Beach Vacation #bohemiandress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/carajourdan

This white medium length dress in a bohemian style has an interesting neckline with the thin straps surrounding this model’s neck. The dress is lightweight, made of chiffon and cotton. It will work great for a day on the beach.

Sassy White Mini Dress

Sassy White Mini Dress #lacedress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/hellomolly

Are you going to party poolside? Then a dress like this is what you are looking for. The embroidery and ruffles spice up the design and make it more party-appropriate.

Now you know everything about off the shoulder dress trends. But do not go away. You will find much curious info on our blog.

Plaid Off The Shoulder Short Dress

Plaid Off The Shoulder Short Dress #printdress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/thekittyluxe

Plaid patterns are always popular, not to mention versatile. If you are looking for a fun and flirty dress to fit in a regular day off or even day at work – this may be the choice to consider.

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Off The Shoulder Fruit Short Dress

Off The Shoulder Fruit Short Dress #printdress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/chloandtell

When the summer comes, you need something simple and light to put on. However, you should not forget about looking fashionable and flawless, that is when this marvelous fruit dress comes in!

Should I wear a necklace with off-the-shoulder dress?

How do you cover your shoulders in a sleeveless dress?

Midi Off The Shoulder Dresses

Mini dresses are cute, and no one is here to deny that. However, with mini off-the-shoulder dresses, you must be careful. The fact is that if the dress does not fit your properly, it may project the wrong vibe. Besides, the length is critical, you can't go too short or too long, or you will ruin the encoded intent. Thus, we suggest you pay attention to cotton and linen dresses in the first place.

"From The Beach To The Bar" Milky-White Summer Dress

"From The Beach To The Bar" Milky-White Summer Dress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/showpo

It is amazing how something as simple and strict can be so flattering and sassy at the same time. A long shoulderless bodycon dress will help you slay different occasions and smoothly transition from one environment into another.

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Light Fitted Dress With Floral Pattern

Light Fitted Dress With Floral Pattern
Credit photo: Instagram.com/ninasuess

A floral maxi dress is a must-have in every closet. If you've already got one and think it is out of style – think again. Firstly, there are indefinite opportunities to revamp your gown. Moreover, these days you can incorporate such dresses into a plethora of events you couldn't have thought about before. A word of advice- any dress looks twice as elegant and chic with the shoulders off.

Casual Ruffled Milky Dress

Casual Ruffled Milky Dress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/ninasuess

Some ladies mistakenly assume that dresses with ruffles should be reserved for kids and teens. We're here to break the stereotype and prove that ruffled dresses are elegant and versatile. No matter the style or occasion you head for, a cute ruffled dress will complete your look perfectly.

Sexy Red Off The Shoulder Dress With Sleeves

Sexy Red Off The Shoulder Dress With Sleeves #reddress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/jenniferlake

This vivid red off the shoulder dress with sleeves can help you to turn heads wherever you go. Such a screaming color should be paired with more modest, preferably nude shoes like shown in this pic. And the accessories are kept not bright to balance out the look.

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Pink And Red Hues To Accentuate Your Tan - Comfy Casual Dress

Pink And Red Hues To Accentuate Your Tan #mididress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/lucyloveclothing

As you can see in this picture, this dress can be paired with sneakers and look awesome. It is a great idea for everyday wear. Why not wear a dress like that

Black Plus Size Bodycon Dress

Black Bodycon Dress #plussizedress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/iambeauticurve

This off the shoulder dress bodycon compliments this model’s body shape. And black always has a visually slimming effect. The ruffles on the sleeves steal the attention from this model’s little tummy. The dress is paired with black heels and a black and gold clutch.

Shoulder-Baring Dress For Plus Size Women

Shoulder-Baring Dress For Plus Size Women #printdress #plussize
Credit photo: Instagram.com/gracefvictory

This off the shoulder dress plus size is pretty and casual. It’s advisable to wear a strapless bra with a dress like that. We really love the subtle yellow color of this dress as well as the adorable print.

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White Dress To Enjoy The Summer

White Dress To Enjoy The Summer #cocktaildress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/lifewithjazz

This off the shoulder dress white has an interesting silhouette. The dress is paired with silver heels, which is always a win-win when it comes to matching footwear with white outfits. You don’t even have to accessorize this outfit heavily.

White Layered Off The Shoulder Dress

White Off The SHoulder Dress #whitedress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/jaimeshrayber

Such a white and light layered dress will fit in the days when the sun is at its highest and warmest. Besides, the layered design will add that necessary definition to your figure.

Maxi Off The Shoulder Dresses

Maxi dresses are designed to steal our breaths away, but off-the-shoulder maxi dresses are unique in all regards. Dresses like that bring out all the sass in you and make you feel comfy in your own skin. In case you still don't own a dress like that, it is high time you consider a new investment.

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Festive Emerald Green Dress

Festive Emerald Green Dress
Credit photo: Shutterstock

For those interested in a new color palette to experiment with when headed to an important event, we suggest you pay attention to emerald green. The hue is genuinely magnetic and will compliment you in many ways. Keep in mind that redheads look absolutely gorgeous in green!

White Tiered Summer Dress

White Tiered Summer Dress
Credit photo: Shutterstock

The undeniable beauty of tiers is that they are exceptionally flattering regardless of body time. You will get a killer combo when you combine light, flowing tiers with a white hue. If there's any other more captivating pillar of femininity – we haven't discovered it yet.

Summer Maxi Dress With Timeless Pattern

The Timeless Pattern #maxidress #printdress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/cellajaneblog

Stripes are so classy that we cannot imagine our lives without this pattern, right? This striped off the shoulder dress is long yet sassy with its daring cut out that shows off this model’s long legs. The dress is paired with a cute handbag.

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Off The Shoulder Dress For Everyday Wear

Off The Shoulder Dress For Everyday Wear #casualdress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/emilyanngemma

Ruffles instantly remind us of the 1980-s fashion. But it turns out that the dresses with such an element are experiencing a major comeback. This yellow off the shoulder dress casual can be worn to semi-formal as well as informal occasions.

Plus Size Long Dress In A Polka Dot Pattern

Long Dress In A Polka Dot Pattern #longdress #polkadots
Credit photo: Instagram.com/chelsea_millerxoxo

When talking about the most popular off the shoulder dress pattern, we cannot but mention polka dots. This long black dress with white polka dots makes this model’s appearance very elegant. And neutral shoes and a handbag add on to her sophisticated image.

Floral Asymmetric Dress For Boho Style

Floral Asymmetric Dress For Boho Style #floraldress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/emilyjanejohnston

Boho style is more than popular at the moment. That is why if you are not afraid of experimentation with your style, this asymmetric floral dress with the shoulders off is the one to consider.

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Maxi Yellow Off The Shoulder Dress

Maxi Yellow Off The Shoulder Dress #maxidress
Credit photo: Instagram.com/x._melody

If you are looking for something juicy and bright, not to mention trendy to add to your collection – we may have an idea in mind. The thing is that this flowing maxi dress in yellow is what you need to add special charm to your outlook.

Print Off The Shoulder Dress With Long Sleeves

Long Print Off The Shoulder Dress With Long Sleeves #longsleeves
Credit photo: Instagram.com/alexandralapp_

There may be a false opinion circling that off the shoulder dresses look great with short sleeves only. However, that is far from the truth. One look at this stylish floral dress with long sleeves will prove the point.

FAQ: Off The Shoulder Dress

What do you call off the shoulder dresses?

Off the shoulder dresses are also called strapless or Bardot dresses. Those dresses are characterized by having a neckline that sweeps across the chest just above the bust and has no straps or other visible means of support. A neckline of such dresses is usually stretchy and is decorated with frills or ruffles.

What bra should I wear for off shoulder?

Strapless bras look best with an off the shoulder dresses. However, it may be difficult to find one that won’t slip and provide the necessary support. Choose a bra of the right size for you with adhesive lines on the sides. Another option can be a stickie tap bras.

REFERENCES:
  • The off-the-shoulder trend dates back to the Regency and Victorian Era. They were the height of fashion in the early to mid-nineteenth century. Source
  • A dress (also known as a frock or a gown) is a garment traditionally worn by women or girls consisting of a skirt with an attached bodice (or a matching bodice giving the effect of a one-piece garment). Source

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