Is an off-the-shoulder neckline for me?

Flattering on a wide array of figures and sizes, an off-the-shoulder design is best for brides seeking to highlight their shoulders, elongate their necks, and frame their faces.

How do you style an off-the-shoulder wedding dress?

Minimal accessories with a bridal updo will show off your neckline, while gloves will be able to add a regal touch. Ultimately, though, off-the-shoulder necklines allow for a range of styling opportunities, so find jewelry pieces that work best for you.

20 Best Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dresses of 2023

bride wearing an off-the-shoulder wedding dress — Photo by Shauntelle Sposto of Sposto Photography

When off-the-shoulder wedding dresses made their debut in the bridal world, designers ran with the concept, transforming a once seasonal trend into a lasting style. You'll find this popular neckline on tons of fabulous wedding dresses, as it flatters most body types and highlights the upper body in a way that is elegant but a bit sexy, too. What's more, off-the-shoulder necklines work in tandem with every gown shape, from mermaid to column-style and ball gown, and complement a range of fabrics, from wispy tulle to intricate lace and crêpe de chine.

More specifically, this neckline is a great choice for those deciding between sleeves and a strapless design, as off-the-shoulder styles highlight the décolletage and collar bones while still offering some coverage of the arms. You can even choose from teensy straps, voluminous styles, and long-sleeve versions to suit your aesthetics.

The options are truly limitless when it comes to this timeless design, so to help you find the perfect off-the-shoulder wedding dress, we rounded up 20 of our favorite looks available to shop now.

Courtesy of Watters

View On Watters.com

Size Range: 00 - 24W | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length (Petite, Tall, or Regular Option) | Materials: Pleated netting

This gorgeous gown will make you feel like you're floating on a cloud. Lightweight, butter-soft netting is delicately pleated over the corseted bodice, which crinkles down in diaphanous godets for a full, airy skirt. The gown also comes with detachable puff sleeves and streamers in the same feathery fabric.

Courtesy of Galia Lahav

View On Galialahav.com

Size Range: Custom | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk tulle

These soft and fluttery off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves will have you feeling like a true princess. Details like the pleated silk tulle, embroidered embellishments at the bodice, and fitted sleeves make for a romantic and whimsical look.

For the Classic Bride: Markarian Eveline Off-the-Shoulder Scalloped Neckline Dress

Courtesy of Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

Size Range: 0 - 16 | Runs: True to size | Length: Midi | Materials: Silk

This slim and straight silk wedding gown features an elegant off-the-shoulder, scalloped neckline. It's the perfect classic '30s dress for a vintage loving bride.

Courtesy of Revolve

View On Revolve

Size Range: XXS - XXL | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk, polyester

This soft, fashion-forward gown was made to be worn to a city winter wedding. Though this ensemble isn't a traditional off-the-shoulder design, the full-length gloves provide a similar aesthetic and a two-in-one look.

Oscar de la Renta

View On Oscardelarenta.com

Size Range: Custom | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: 3D floral appliqué

This fitted mermaid gown has off-the-shoulder straps comprised of 3D florals that adorn the bodice and trickle down onto the skirt. Simply put, it's truly like a work of art.

Off-Shoulder Cocktail Dress with Bow Details

Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Midi | Materials: Silk

The fitted column silhouette of this midi perfectly pairs with the structured bows on the off-the-shoulder neckline, resulting in a vibrant and elegant look. It's a lovely ensemble to switch into for the reception or after-party.

Best Structured: Nouvelle Amsale Landon Gown

Courtesy of Amsale

View On Amsale.com

Size Range: 0 - 24 | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Mikado

This Mikado fit-to-flare gown is a sleek and modern option. What we love the most is its structured silhouette and off-the-shoulder neckline that trails to the back to form a lovely bow detail.

Best Jumpsuit: Imad Eduso Bridal Jacqueline Jumpsuit

Courtesy of Imad Eduso

View On Imadeduso-bridal.com

Size Range: Made to measure | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk satin

This ivory silk satin bridal jumpsuit features off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, a corseted bodice, and a detachable train for an easy ceremony-to-reception convertible look.

For the Royal Bride: Monique Lhuillier Marbella Gown

Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

View On Moniquelhuillier.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Satin

The cuffed off-the-shoulder neckline adds a unique touch to this ivory ball gown that features a dramatic pleated skirt. It's a classic and elegant look for a royal-inspired bride.

For the Fashionable Bride: B by Yolancris Brava Gown

Courtesy of Yolancris

View On Yolancris.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Crepe

Dare to be bold in this mermaid crepe gown. It has gorgeous off-the-shoulder puff sleeves with long cuffs, for a look that is at once unique and fashion-forward.

Best High-Low: Odylyne The Ceremony Ruby Gown

Courtesy of Odylyne The Ceremony

View On Odylynetheceremony.com

Size Range: 2 - 20 (Size 20+ available upon request) | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk

If you love ruffles and drama, Odylyne The Ceremony's Ruby Gown is a must. It features cascading frills of silk that billow down the high-low shirred skirt, across the strapless corset bodice, and down the sleeves for a breezy and elegant aesthetic.

For a Dreamy Wedding: Sabrina Dahan Liliane Gown

Courtesy of Sabrina Dahan

View On Sabrinadahan.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Tulle, lace appliqués

This whispy tulle gown is beautifully airy and is the perfect option for brides with whimsical aesthetics. What's more, the off-the-shoulder neckline, bodice, and skirt are adorned with beaded 3D florals for added romance.

For the Fairytale Bride: Morilee Kristabelle Wedding Dress

Courtesy of Morilee

View On Morilee.com

Size Range: 0 - 28 | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Beading, textured embroidery, feathers, tulle

This long-sleeve, off-the-shoulder gown has a fitted bodice, a full skirt with a cathedral train, and a feathered hemline. However, we absolutely love the beaded accents and textured embroidery, both of which add tons of dimension.

For the Head-Turner Bride: Inbal Dror Style BR-18-28-C

Courtesy of Inbal Dror

View On Inbaldror.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Embroidered tulle

The branch-like embroidery on this off-the-shoulder gown makes it truly unique and absolutely statement-making. We can see it being worn at a black-tie wedding in the spring or summer season.

For a Formal Wedding: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Cooper Gown

Courtesy of Jenny Yoo

View On Jennyyoo.com

Size Range: 00 - 32 | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Crepe

This modern fit-and-flare gown has a convertible off-the-shoulder neckline, making for a chic and distinct look. Follow the styling lead and pair yours with chandelier earrings while keeping your neck bare.

Best Mini Dress: Odylyne The Ceremony Mini Casden

Courtesy of Odylyne The Ceremony

View On Odylynetheceremony.com

Size Range: 2 - 20 (Size 20+ available upon request) | Runs: True to size | Length: Mini | Materials: Silk organza

This sweet and angelic mini dress will turn heads at the reception, ceremony, or after-party. It features ruffled silk organza shirred at the waist, which is then expertly paired with sheer puff sleeves for a dreamy and light-hearted look.

Best AppliquÃ©: Lela Rose Bridal The Isle Gown

Courtesy of Lela Rose Bridal

View On Lelarose.com

Size Range: Inquire with retailer | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: 3D floral appliqué, crepe

Available in white/nude and white/white, this off-the-shoulder fit-and-flare gown features whimsical floral appliqué along the bust and sleeves for brides wanting romantic elegance.

For the Gatsby Bride: Houghton Anahita Gown

Courtesy of Houghton

View On Houghtonnyc.com

Size Range: 0 - 30 | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Embroidered tulle

Decadent crystal embroidery on nude tulle gives this Houghton gown an Art-Deco, 1920s vibe. However, the exposed corset brings in a modern edge.

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 00 - 15 | Runs: True to size | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Stretch mesh

This effortless off-the-shoulder ensemble is made of layered stretch mesh and features shirred sleeves and a full skirt. Eyelash lace along the neckline adds an elegant touch, making it a dress to truly consider.

Courtesy of Zuhair Murad

View On Zuhairmurad.com

Size Range: 38 - 54 | Runs: Small | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk, tulle

For the bride looking to exude timeless beauty and sophistication, look no further than this Zuhair Murad ball gown. With its off-the-shoulder neckline and accentuated waistline, this stunner is sure to turn heads as you walk down the aisle.

What to Look for in an Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress

Now that you've gained some serious shoulder-bearing inspiration, take note of not only how you want to look, but how you want to feel. So before you say "yes!" to your off-the-shoulder dress, be mindful of how willing you are to sacrifice some mobility, as many designs tend to restrict arm movement. No matter how structured or fitted your straps are, though, you should never rely on them to hold up your gown.

Worried about not being able to dance the night away? Keep in mind that the looser the strap, the more mobility you'll have. Therefore, opt for a fabric with a bit of stretch and draping, or sleeves that are removable so that you're able to still bust a move on the dance floor.

FAQ

Is an off-the-shoulder neckline for me?

Flattering on a wide array of figures and sizes, an off-the-shoulder design is best for brides seeking to highlight their shoulders, elongate their necks, and frame their faces.
How do you style an off-the-shoulder wedding dress?

Minimal accessories with a bridal updo will show off your neckline, while gloves will be able to add a regal touch. Ultimately, though, off-the-shoulder necklines allow for a range of styling opportunities, so find jewelry pieces that work best for you.

Why Trust Us

Contributing author Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a writer and editor with expertise covering all things fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and as the former senior fashion editor at The Zoe Report and Popsugar, she has extensive experience sourcing and researching the best fashion items.

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