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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.
Most Delicate
Watters Mist Gown
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Courtesy of Watters
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.
Best Sleeves
Galia Lahav Bellina Gown
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Courtesy of Galia Lahav
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.
Vintage-Inspired
Markarian Eveline Off-the-Shoulder Scalloped Neckline Dress
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Courtesy of Markarian
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.
For a Winter Wedding
Bronx and Banco x Revolve Elena Gown
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Courtesy of 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.
For a Spring Wedding
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2020 Bridal Collection Look 5
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Oscar de la Renta
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.
For the Reception
Carolina Herrera Off-Shoulder Cocktail Dress With Bow Details
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Courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman
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 Design
Nouvelle Amsale Landon Gown
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Courtesy of Amsale
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
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Courtesy of Imad Eduso
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
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Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier
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.
Most Fashion-Forward
B by Yolancris Brava Gown
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Courtesy of Yolancris
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
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Courtesy of Odylyne The Ceremony
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.
Most Whimsical
Sabrina Dahan Liliane Gown
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Courtesy of Sabrina Dahan
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.
Most Glamourous
Morilee Kristabelle Wedding Dress
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Courtesy of Morilee
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.
Most Statement-Making
Inbal Dror Style BR-18-28-C
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Courtesy of Inbal Dror
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.
Most Pared-Back
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Cooper Gown
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Courtesy of Jenny Yoo
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
Odylyne The Ceremony Mini Casden
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Courtesy of Odylyne The Ceremony
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 Appliqué
Lela Rose Bridal The Isle Gown
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Courtesy of Lela Rose Bridal
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.
Best Details
Houghton Anahita Gown
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Courtesy of Houghton
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.
For a Summer Wedding
Wtoo by Watters Miles Gown
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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.
Most Sophisticated
Zuhair Murad Fall 2023 Look 4
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Courtesy of Zuhair Murad
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.
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.