Summer is just around the corner, which means we can finally break out our favorite dresses again. This year’s top trend: off-the-shoulder dresses in every style.
Carmen and off-the-shoulder dresses were already all the rage last season—and this summer, the trend is really taking off. Unlike last year’s dresses, however, the cuts are now becoming more symmetrical again. Here’s an overview of the latest must-have pieces.
What should you look for in off-the-shoulder dresses?
Off-the-shoulder dresses are great for summer—whether they’re strapless, halter-neck, or Carmen-style —because they draw all the attention to the upper body. When choosing an off-the-shoulder dress, it’s important to find the right fit. It shouldn’t be too tight, to avoid uncomfortable digging in, but it also shouldn’t be too loose, so it doesn’t constantly slip down. You should also make sure the dress fits well in other areas of the body to create a harmonious silhouette.
Discover off-the-shoulder dresses
What accessories go well with off-the-shoulder dresses?
Off-the-shoulder dresses are the perfect opportunity to play around with accessories. Statement earrings can draw attention to the face, while a simple necklace, a scarf, or a delicate choker can better accentuate the neckline. Depending on the style of the dress, there are also various shoe and handbag styles that can help perfect the look.
A clutch is, of course, the perfect accessory for strapless evening gowns —and, by the way, you can also use it (just like Princess Diana did) to discreetly cover your neckline. In general, shoulder-baring dresses look best with handbags carried over the arm and bags with wider straps. When it comes to shoes, you’re spoiled for choice: whether sneakers or strappy sandals, heels or flats—almost any footwear goes with this season’s trendy dresses, depending on the cut and print.
Bonus Tip: Finding the right bra for an off-the-shoulder dress isn't as easy as it seems. Our bra-and-dress guide will help you figure out which bra works best with which dress style.
Off-the-Shoulder Dresses – An Overview of All Styles
One-Shoulder Dresses
These dresses leave only one shoulder bare, creating a look that is both asymmetrical and elegant. One-shoulder dresses come in various styles, either with a long sleeve and one bare arm, or with just a more or less subtle strap on one side, while the other shoulder remains strapless. This style is commonly found in modern evening gowns, but also in casual dresses.
Strapless Dresses
These dresses have thin or slightly wider straps that lightly cover the shoulders; they also offer significantly more support (and thus a sense of security) than completely strapless dresses. Strap dresses are a true summer classic; airy summer or beach dresses, such as slip dresses or spaghetti-strap dresses, are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
Carmen Dresses
Carmen dresses feature an elastic neckline that is pulled over the shoulders, creating a romantic look. The straps do not rest on the shoulders but wrap around the upper arms. This style of dress has a playful, romantic, and sexy look and is therefore often found among party dresses.
Halter-neck dresses
Classic halter dresses have two straps that are tied in a bow around the neck, which strongly accentuates the upper back and shoulders. A halter-neck dress looks sexy and has a push-up effect when the top features a V-neckline. Tops with an A-line neckline, on the other hand, completely cover the décolletage and shift the focus strongly to the shoulders.
Dresses with shoulder cutouts
This style of off-the-shoulder dress features cutouts at the shoulders that subtly reveal the skin and create a modern look. Dresses with shoulder cutouts are also perfect for concealing the upper arms while accentuating the shoulders.
Pro Tip: Get Beautiful Shoulders with Exfoliation & Bronzer
Have you already found your new off-the-shoulder dress for the summer? Then take these two tips to heart so you'll look even more radiant in it:
► Exfoliate your shoulders beforehand—for example, with a homemade body scrub—to remove dead skin cells and stimulate blood flow to your largest organ. This will leave your shoulders looking radiantly clean.
► Use bronzer to finish off your shoulders. Apply the powder—which should be one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone—sparingly with a thick blush brush. The shimmering pigments in the bronzer will instantly give your shoulders a gorgeous glow.
Styling Do's & Don'ts for Off-the-Shoulder Dresses
Experiment with different styles and cuts to find the perfect look for you.
Make sure you choose the right fit for your body.
Pair your outfit with delicate jewelry: Delicate necklaces, chokers, or statement earrings add an elegant touch.
Use bronzer to draw even more attention to your shoulders.
Pull your hair back or wear it to the side: This really shows off your shoulders and décolletage.
Make sure you wear the right undergarments: A strapless bra or special adhesive solutions will ensure a perfect fit.
Don'ts
Don't wear an off-the-shoulder dress if it makes you feel uncomfortable or doesn't fit your personal style.
Don't forget to use sunscreen: Your shoulders are a classic spot for sunburn!
Don't pair the dress with heavy necklaces: they can overwhelm the dress's airy look.
Don't wear visible bra straps: They disrupt the clean, elegant lines of the outfit.
Christine Schmitz
My love for fashion and communication led me to Ana Alcazar—having cut my teeth as a copywriter and concept developer in traditional advertising, I’ve been writing for our Munich-based designer label for over 10 years. On the editorial team, I’m responsible for all corporate topics, and I also focus on current trends and my passion: gender equality.
Between Image and History
Sometimes a story needs more than a photo can convey. That’s why some of the images in this article were created using artificial intelligence (AI)—curated, inspiring, and always in the spirit of “Wear your Story.” The AI-generated images are clearly labeled next to each photo.
