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Cult Gaia
While off-the-shoulder and strapless dresses are forever classic, there's something particularly timeless and flattering about a one-shoulder design. This sleek and simple neckline is perfect for wedding guests seeking to showcase their décolletage and shoulders while benefiting from a supportive single strap. Plus, you're bound to find one-shoulder dresses everywhere you turn. For instance, there are scores of irresistible options on Revolve and Reformation. Revolve's collection features one-shoulder numbers with figure-flattering designs, bright colors, floral patterns, and high slits. The Hanna gown's cutout detail, ruffle hem, side slit, and bold yellow hue prove that you really can have it all. And, with an array of patterns and colors to choose from, there is sure to be a version of Reformation's Evelyn Dress suited just for you. It's a tried-and-true style that you'll never stop pulling out of your closet. Not to mention, this style appears to be incredibly comfortable and dance-floor friendly—win win!
In solid hues, pretty florals, or allover beading, one-shoulder wedding guest dresses are versatile enough to be worn for all types of weddings and seasons. Floor-length gowns boasting this asymmetrical neckline always look polished and sophisticated for black-tie celebrations. There are long-sleeve options in moody colors, with some of our favorites being black, dark red, and deep emerald green for fall or winter nuptials. There are also stunning one-strap dresses with short hemlines and minimal embellishments that work beautifully for laid-back or daytime nuptials. When opting for something shorter in length, dare to wear a playful pattern or floral design in a pretty pastel or bold color. Plus, spring or summer is the perfect time to flaunt a flowy fabric, such as chiffon or a silky satin. But no matter the season, you'll often find one-shoulder pieces with a focus on the strap. Whether it's with ruffled fabric or oversized bows and cutouts, let your individual style and personality shine through with a statement detail.
Love this alluring neckline as much as we do? Ahead, we've rounded up 24 clavicle-baring dresses to suit all styles, shapes, and budgets.
Best for the Minimalist
ASOS Design One-Shoulder Satin Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of ASOS
Runs: Small | Size: 0 - 14 | Materials: Satin | Length: Maxi | Shades: Navy
Although this slip is simple in design, it boasts lots of sexy details, like a thigh-high slit and a body-skimming silhouette. If you're attending a formal wedding, dress yours up with sparkly earrings and metallic sandals.
Price at time of publish: $67
Best Fabric
Lulus Satin Jacquard One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Satin Jacquard | Length: Maxi | Shades: Red, black, pink
There's nothing quite like jacquard fabric with a satin finish to exude an effortlessly luxurious look. Paired with two striking color options, this one-shoulder midi is perfectly sophisticated and subtly sexy.
Price at time of publish: $58
Most Flowy
Lulus Always Enamored Blush Pink One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Maxi | Shades: Blush pink and dark purple
Romantic and effortless, this flowy one-shoulder gown is ideal for a formal affair in the spring or summer months. Plus, the soft pink hue adds a classically feminine touch that you simply can't go wrong with.
Price at time of publish: $59
Best Puff Sleeve
Amanda Uprichard Manuela Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - L | Materials: Organza | Length: Mini | Shades: Floral print
Looking to make a statement? Opt for the oh-so-voluminous puff sleeve. A sleeve style that is very of the moment, this particular rendition is paired with a funky pastel pattern, asymmetrical hemline, and sheer detail.
Price at time of publish: $268
Best for Effortless Elegance
Tom Ford One-Shoulder Cashmere and Silk Blend Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Cashmere and Silk Blend | Length: Midi | Shades: Black, army green, pink
This is pure elegance at its finest. Ideal for fall or winter nuptials, this black long-sleeve midi features subtle ruching along the neckline, exceptional tailoring, and silk and cashmere blend fabrication.
Price at time of publish: $2,100
Best Slip
Jenny Yoo Abby Dress
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Courtesy of Jenny Yoo
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0 - 18 | Materials: Satin | Length: Midi | Shades: Multiple
Calling all minimalist guests! This timeless slip dress will never go out of style and comes in six beautiful shades to complement all skin tones and aesthetics.
Price at time of publish: $198
Best Floral Pattern
ASTR The Label Santorini One-Shoulder Dress
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Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: Small - Large | Materials: Chiffon | Length: Midi | Shades: Multiple floral patterns
This soft floral dress is a positively dreamy pick for the guest who loves pastels and romantic details. A flouncy hem provides movement and makes dancing a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $138
Best Blush Dress
Katie May Edgy Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS - XXL | Materials: Polyester-spandex blend | Length: Maxi | Shades: Blush pink
A blush dress is always a safe and stylish choice for a wedding guest outfit. That's because this pink hue is flattering on all complexions, appropriate for all dress codes, and can easily be styled with gold or silver accessories.
Price at time of publish: $295
Most Bold
Hemant and Nandita Kalon One Shoulder Mini Dress
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Courtesy of FWRD
Runs: Small | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Velvet Devore | Length: Mini | Shades: Multi print
Cut from velvet fabric and designed with a single long sleeve, this floral mini with gold-tone metallic is perfect for a late fall or early spring wedding. Its bold and vivacious print is sure to turn a few heads.
Price at time of publish: $367
Best Slit
Birdy Grey Kira Crepe Dress Curve
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Courtesy of Birdy Grey
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - 3X | Materials: Crepe | Length: Maxi | Shades: Multiple
Is there anything more iconic than a slit when it comes to those dramatic poses for the camera? We didn't think so—and we can't forget about the dance floor either. Long story short, wearing a dress with a slit is the way to go. This particular one comes in four gorgeous color options.
Price at time of publish: $99
Most Laidback
Free People Soa Dress
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Courtesy of Free People
Runs: Large | Size: XS - L | Materials: Silk | Length: Maxi | Shades: Pink, capri, emerald, dark blue, beige
For the laidback guest, this unfussy dress designed with a flowing silhouette should please your pared-back aesthetic. Sweep your hair up into a loose bun and accessorize with delicate personal jewelry.
Price at time of publish: $250
Best Long Sleeve
Lulus Precious Prize One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Nylon-polyester blend | Length: Maxi | Shades: Magenta and gold metallic
This long sleeve mini is extremely flattering one everyone thanks to its dramatic ruching on the sides and slit maxi hem. The stunning magenta color is only accentuated by the eye-catching sheen of the metallic fabric.
Price at time of publish: $98
Most Comfortable
Norma Kamali Diana Gown
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS - XL | Materials: Stretch-Jersey Knit | Length: Midi | Shades: Multiple
Comfortable and a knock-out look? This sensual midi has it all. Featuring a one-shoulder design and intense ruching in its stretch-jersey knit, it's safe to say that we're obsessed.
Price at time of publish: $215
Best Sparkly Mini
Reiss Sequin Cape One-Shoulder Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Reiss
Runs: True to Size | Size: S - L | Materials: Polyester and elastane | Length: Mini | Shades: Silver
Shimmer the night away in this one-shoulder sequin mini. Plus, its cape-style sleeve adds a playful spin to an already eye-catching design.
Price at time of publish: $385
Best Details
Lulus Truly Tempted One-Shoulder Cutout Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Lulus
Runs: Small | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Stretch Crepe | Length: Midi | Shades: Navy blue and burgundy
We're crushing hard over this navy blue fitted one-shoulder dress. The cutout design along the waistline adds an ultra flattering twist—and those buttons?! We're obsessed.
Price at time of publish: $74
Most Sleek
Elliatt Cassini Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - L | Materials: Hammered Satin | Length: Midi | Shades: Blue, ivory, black, lilac, marigold
Sleek, sophisticated, and fashion-forward—we could go on and on about this stunner. The drapery, texture, and sheen of the beautiful fabric speaks for itself.
Price at time of publish: $187
Best Red Dress
Elliatt Womanism One-Shoulder Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XL | Materials: Polyester and spandex | Length: Midi | Shades: Scarlet red
Statement-seeker? Look no further than this red little number. Adorned with a bold ruffle detail and dramatic asymmetrical hemline, this dress is bound to be remembered.
Price at time of publish: $230
Best Texture
Showpo Brailey Dress
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Courtesy of Showpo
Runs: Large | Size: 2 - 12 | Materials: Burnt organza | Length: Midi | Shades: Pink floral print
We can't stop staring at this color-infused burnt-organza mini. With its one-shoulder design, bow detail, and incredible texture, you'll never want to take this beauty off.
Price at time of publish: $100
Most Dramatic
Mac Duggal One Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0 - 18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi | Shades: Antique bronze
Turn heads in this dramatic metallic dress with a ballgown flare. Ideal for a black-tie affair, we picture this one-shoulder stunner floating around the party at a castle or estate winter wedding.
Price at time of publish: $498
Best Cut Out
Marcella Manhattan One Shoulder Gown
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Marcella
Runs: True to Size | Size: XS - XXXL | Materials: Viscose, polyamide, lycra | Length: Maxi | Shades: Black
This fun black maxi comes with a twist! A cutout detail along the one-shoulder strap adds just enough of a flair to make this simple dress memorable.
Price at time of publish: $129
Best Wrap Style
Lovers + Friends Karen Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: XXS - XL | Materials: Crinkled satin | Length: Mini | Shades: Mint green
Showcase your legs and moves on the dance floor in this flirty mini that will take you from the ceremony to the afterparty. We love it with sparkly earrings and metallic sandals.
Price at time of publish: $168
Best LBD
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Nicolasa One-Shoulder Gown
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Runs: True to Size | Size: 2 - 16 | Materials: Polyamide and elastane | Length: Maxi | Shades: Black
Now this is a LBD that you're bound to continue to pull out of your closet for years to come. Its exceptionally clean fit, floor-length design, and ruffled one-shoulder strap is timeless.
Price at time of publish: $1,090
Most Party-Ready
Badgley Mischka Fringed Sequin One-Shoulder Dress
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Runs: True to Size | Size: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi | Shades: Silver
You're the life of the party—and you know it! Show off your personality in this ultra fun fringe dress. This silver sequin little number is everything (and more) that you've been searching for.
Price at time of publish: $440
Best for a Tropical Wedding
Significant Other Cindy Dress
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Courtesy of Revolve
Runs: True to Size | Size: Aus 6/US 2 - Aus 14/US 10 | Materials: Modal, elastane, rayon | Length: Midi | Shades: Marigold
We picture this marigold stunner under palm trees paired with bare feet in the sand of beach nuptials. Its vibrant color, effortless drawstring detail, and cutout design are ideal for a destination wedding. Plus, its light (wrinkle-free) ribbed-knit fabric is perfect for packing (or stuffing) into your suitcase.
Price at time of publish: $235
What to Look for in a One-Shoulder Wedding Guest Dress
Now that you've gained some serious one-shoulder inspiration, consider the fine details that will make it an Insta-worthy look. First things first, focus on fit. No matter what style you're opting for, a well-tailored dress is always important. But when it comes to a one-shoulder number, this is key. Ensure that the strap is neither too long nor too short and that the bodice lays smoothly against your upper body and chest. If not adjusted correctly, an improper strap length could drastically change the look of a one-shoulder design—and risk a wardrobe malfunction.
The fit of the one-shoulder also influences the length of your dress. From mini, knee-length, midi, and to floor-length, there's a one shoulder for it all. Have your dress hemmed by a trusted seamstress or alterations specialist so that your look is polished from head to toe. Plus, we can't forget about what's worn underneath—and by this we mean, a well-fitted strapless bra—game changer. Especially if you're bustier, a great bra will keep you supported and sculpted all throughout the celebration. We know, we know—a strapless bra can sound like a nightmare. So, another great option is a bra with removable and adjustable straps. Remove one of the straps, but keep the strap that can be hidden underneath your one shoulder for extra lift.
No matter how you decide to alter or adjust your wedding guest look, ultimately choose the one-shoulder that not only accentuates your shape but also aligns with your own distinct style.
Why Trust Us
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, guests, wedding parties, and more.
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