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COURTESY OF GALIA LAHAV
While the square neckline is an enduring classic, it’s definitely made a comeback in recent years for its modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Just take an example Sofia Richie’s gorgeous square neck gown. This crisp and tailored neckline is often associated with more minimal, modern dresses, but there’s actually a wide variety of styles to choose from. From whimsical, lace-adorned gowns to sleek and polished designs, there's a dress to suit every bride's unique style.
“A square necklines is a retro style that's known to be very flattering, especially for a bridal gown,” says Stitch Fix Styling Team Leader Katie Merickel. She adds that this design element can help create the illusion of a longer neck and shows off the delicate lines of the bride's collarbones. "No matter the occasion a bride is dressing for (showers, rehearsal, the big day), the square neckline is a flattering choice.”
We've also taken into consideration the diverse needs of different seasons and venues, ensuring that you'll find the perfect dress for your special day. We’ve curated a list of square neck wedding dresses in a range of silhouettes, price points, and aesthetics to help you say "I do" in style.
Best for Summer
Reformation Frankie Linen Dress
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Reformation
Known for its breathability and moisture wicking qualities, linen is one of the most popular lightweight summer fabrics to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. The Frankie is a slim fitting, 100 percent linen dress with adjustable spaghetti straps and a smocked back bodice. The center back slit will allow for airflow to prevent overheating. Reformation also offers free hemming if you need a length adjustment.
Price at the time of publish: $248
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: 100% Linen | Length: Ankle
Best Mini
BHLDN Meadow Embellished Square-Neck Mini Dress
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Anthropologie
This mini bridal gown is short and playful with a vintage-inspired silhouette. It features a square neckline with floral applique embellishments, invisible back zipper with buttons for an added special touch, and looks amazing with dramatic gloves. It comes in sizes 0-18!
Price at the time of publish: $650
Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: 100% Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Budget
Lulus Sensational Promise White Satin Square Neck Mermaid Maxi Dress
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Lulus
Sleek, modern, clean, and chic, this minimalist mermaid-style maxi dress from Lulus looks way more expensive than it is. Made from smooth woven satin, it features thick, tank-style straps and a square neckline over a princess-seamed bodice. The figure-hugging silhouette extends into an elegant small train at the back. And the best part? It’s only $128.
Price at the time of publish: $128
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Length: Maxi
Best Ivory
Show Me Your Mumu Clarissa Corset Dress
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Show Me Your Mumu
The Clarissa Corset Dress sports tiers of slinky luxe ivory satin, a maxi hem, a side slit for breathability, and a figure shaping corset bodice with boning for added support. We love the exposed corset tie-up back that allows you to loosen or tighten for sizing freedom.
Price at the time of publish: $218
Size Range: XS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Maxi
Best Mermaid
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Portia Square-Neck Fit & Flare Crepe Wedding Gown
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Anthropologie
Form-fitting and flattering, this mermaid-style dress features a plunging back with dainty lace detailing. The subtle sweeping train adds a bit of drama to this classic and sweet gown, and the court length train has matching florals to accentuate the back detailing. Also nice: it's size inclusive from 0-26.
Price at the time of publish: $1,195
Size range: 0-26 | Materials: Matte crepe polyester; polyester lining | Length: Maxi with Court Length Train
Best Ball Gown
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Gown
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Anthropologie
This stunning taffeta ballgown is elegant at its finest. It features illusion side cutouts for a touch of sexy sophistication, a full skirt for drama, and a soft square neckline for a modern touch. The functional pockets are an added plus, and the court length train feels romantic and timeless.
Price at the time of publish: $1,300
Size Range: 0-18 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Court length
Best for a Winter Bride
MindFlourishing Elegant Unique Backless Bridal Dress
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Etsy
For a winter bride, it’s all about striking the balance between staying warm, but still looking chic. With long sleeves to keep you protected, a floor length hemline for coverage, and small back cutout for balance and sophistication, this dress will make you shine bright while remaining comfortable. It’s customizable in several colors and sizes to choose from.
Price at the time of publish: $520+
Size Range: 2-22W, Custom | Materials: Jersey | Length: Floor length
Best Bow Detailing
Wtoo by Watters Laurie Square-Neck Bow Satin Wedding Gown
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Anthropologie
Featuring a classic silhouette, a pleated bodice, and tank style straps, this satin wedding gown is refined and regal. It has a scooped open back with a removable oversized bow, so you can have the option of two looks in one. We love the chapel length train for added drama and the square neckline that offers a tailored and crisp effect. It comes in sizes 0-16, and looks amazing with matching gloves.
Price at the time of publish: $1,295
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester satin | Length: Maxi with a Chapel Length Train
Best for the Minimalist Bride
Dessy Group Square Neck Full Skirt Satin Midi Dress With Pockets In Ivory
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Anthropologie
For a clean, minimal look, this sleek midi dress is your best bet. It’s made with polyester matte satin and features a full circle skirt with functional pockets. The classic square neckline completes the timeless and effortless look, and it comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 00-30W.
Price at the time of publish: $125
Size Range: 00-30W | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi
Best for the Cottagecore Bride
LoveShackFancy Ryan Dress
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Saks Fifth Avenue
This lace dress from LoveShackFancy is the epitome of the Cottagecore trend. The floral motifs and scalloped detailing are perfect for a rustic, countryside affair—style with a flower crown and natural, rosy makeup. It features playful puff sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a high waisted A-line skirt. It also comes with a removable slip.
Price at the time of publish: $795
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle
Best Romantic
Olivia Bottega Romantic Wedding Dress 2in1 Jessica
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Etsy
This lightweight and comfortable dress is breathable, flowy, romantic, and versatile. We love that you get two looks in one: a gorgeous crepe sheath-style dress as a base, with a glittery detachable overskirt to create a dramatic silhouette that commands attention. Note that this seller offers incredible customer service and flexibility, if you’re in a time pinch!
Price at the time of publish: $999
Size Range: 0-18, Custom | Materials: Crepe, Tulle | Length: Floor
Best Bodycon
Amanda Uprichard Tia Dress
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Revolve
Calling all leggy brides! With a soft square neckline accentuated by puff organza sleeves, this feminine mini dress is playful, whimsical, and shows off a little skin. It comes in both ivory and black, if you’re feeling daring, and looks amazing with simple heels and a statement clutch.
Price at the time of publish: $224
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Modest
Jovani 06996 Square Neck Mermaid Evening Gown
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Couturecandy
Crafted with metallic jacquard fabric, this modest gown is the perfect balance of feminine and conservative. It features a square neckline, long sleeves with zippered cuffs, a ruched waist, and fully enclosed back. The mermaid silhouette appears timeless and elegant, and the textured fabric adds a little something extra. Plus, it’s size inclusive and is available in sizes 00-20.
Price at the time of publish: $750
Size Range: 00-20 | Materials: Metallic jacquard fabric | Length: Floor
For the After-Party
Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Bridal Mini Dress
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Bronx and Banco
Let loose in this fun number from Bronx and Banco. The bold and playful design highlights flirty sequin and feather detailing and the fit-and-flare silhouette makes it dance floor-ready. It's perfect for an unforgettable wedding after-party.
Price at the time of publish: $750
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester & Feather | Length: Mini
Best with Pockets
Dessy Group Sleeveless Square-Neck Princess Line Gown With Pockets
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Dressy Group
This full-length satin gown is dreamy and classic, with hidden pockets for function and convenience! It features an A-line skirt for a princess flair, and a square neckline on the front and back for an elegant touch. It comes in a wide range of sizes, from 00-30WXL, with the option to extend the length for an added fee.
Price at the time of publish: $261
Size Range: 00-30WXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Full-length
Best Fit and Flare
Amsale Coda Dress
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Amsale
“If a bride is more traditional in her wedding dress approach, she might prefer a form-fitting gown with a square neckline,” says Merickel. This ivory satin dress is classic, elegant, and timeless. It features a square neckline with tank style straps, a high fit-to-flare silhouette, and a twisted bow detail at the mid back for a little something extra. The Watteau train offers a regal touch, and the smooth fabric appears clean and polished. It comes in sizes 0-24 to suit a variety of body types.
Price at the time of publish: $2,595
Size Range: 0-24 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor
Best for the Roaring ‘20s Inspired-Wedding
Showpo Shook Dress In Champagne Sequin
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Showpo
We’re shooketh for the Shook Dress! This mini shift dress is something out of a modern Great Gatsby, with sequin fringe detailing and fixed elastic straps that create a delicate square neckline. It’s fully lined for privacy, has an invisible zipper, and features a soft golden champagne hue for even more pazazz. Plus, it comes at an affordable price point.
Price at the time of publish: $69.95
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Best Two-Piece Set
Fame and Partners Straight Neck Set
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Fame and Partners
This beautiful, simple, and elegant two piece set from Fame and Partners is quite luxurious. For under $300, you can have this set made to measure to ensure a perfect fit. It’s made from high quality polyester matte satin and features an ankle length, skinny spaghetti straps, and a front slit for added breathability. We love that it shows a bit of skin without being too revealing.
Price at the time of publish: $275
Size Range: Made to Measure | Materials: 100% Polyester Matte Satin | Length: Ankle
Best Beaded Dress
Ismatyra A – Line Square Neck Mid Back Sleeveless Floor Length Wedding Dress “Gintare”
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Etsy
This beaded A-line gown is as customizable as it is beautiful. It features a side slit and detachable sleeves, tank style straps, a square neckline, and we love that you choose your material for a personalized look. Choose from lace, tulle, satin, eurotulle, chiffon, crepe chiffon, and stretch satin.
Price at the time of publish: $680.69
Size Range: 2-18W | Materials: Available in: Lace, Tulle, Satin, Eurotulle, Chiffon, Crepe chiffon, Stretch satin | Length: Floor
Best Embellished Neckline
For Love & Lemons Josey Bridal Gown
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For Love & Lemons
This is a true “wow” dress! All-over rosette details evoke whimsy and romance, and the puff sleeves for add even more playfulness. With a ruched empire bodice, trimmed neckline with flirty lace detailing, and a maxi hem, this dress is a fairytale come to life.
Price at the time of publish: $468
Size Range: XXS-XL| Materials: Self: 60% Polyester/ 40% Nylon; Lining:97% Recycled Polyester/ 3% Spandex | Length: Maxi
Best Stretchy
Alamour The Label Rhea
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Alamour
For the minimalist who values clean lines and understated elegance, this form-fitting mermaid gown with open sides offers the right amount of sexiness and femininity. The crepe fabric is stretchy and comfortable to easily move with you, so you can dance the night away without worry. It’s also size inclusive, ranging from XXS-2XL.
Price at the time of publish: $420
Size Range: XXS-2XL | Materials: Crepe | Length: Floor
What to Look for When Buying a Square Neckline Wedding Dress
When looking for a square neckline wedding dress, it’s important to consider the style, season, and venue to ensure the dress complements the overall theme and atmosphere of your wedding.“Any bride can pull off the elevated look of a square neckline,” says Merickel. “This timeless and modern style can be dressed up or down based on the event.”
Style
While many associate square neckline wedding dresses with more modern dress styles, you can find this neckline across a variety of styles. Here are a few different style types to give you a better idea:
- Classic: For a classic square neckline dress, think a soft mermaid that isn’t too body contouring, or an A-line silhouette with a fitted bodice and full skirt, like Jenny by Jenny Yoo Lawrence Square-Neck Open-Back Taffeta Wedding Gown.
- Modern: Since square necklines are often associated with modern dresses, it will be pretty easy to find a dress in this category. Choose a minimalist, clean design with a sleek silhouette, such as a sheath or column dress, like Reformation Frankie Linen Dress.
- Romantic: Romantic dresses convey femininity, whimsy, and fantasy. Go for a softer square neckline or a traditional square neckline with cap sleeves, and romance it up with soft details like ruffles, lace, or floral appliqués, like Olivia Bottega Romantic Wedding Dress 2in1 Jessica.
- Vintage: For a vintage-inspired look, choose a dress with art deco, cottagecore, or roaring 20s details, like Showpo Shook Dress In Champagne Sequin. A square neckline can be paired with puffy sleeves, lace patterns, fringe details, or beaded embellishments to evoke a bygone era.
Season
The season informs wedding dress elements like sleeve length, fabrics and materials, length, and style.“For summer occasions, I recommend a square neckline dress with thin straps or a cap sleeve for a formal look,” says Merickel. You can go for shorter or mini square neck dresses in lighter weight fabrics like cotton, silk, and linen. With its spaghetti straps and crop design, Fame and Partners Straight Neck Set is great for a summer beach wedding.
“If you’re planning events in the fall or winter, a long-sleeve dress featuring lace sleeves with a square neckline is an elegant and classic bridal choice,” Merickel explains. Go for thicker fabrics like velvet or brocade with longer hems. You can also choose to go for long sleeves and icy, cool toned embellishments to mirror the cooler temps. Jacquard fabric and long sleeves make Jovani 06996 an ideal winter dress.
Venue
The venue is arguably one of the most important factors in the type of dress you choose. “Square necklines tend to have a regal feel; for brides getting married in a more formal venue, this is a coveted look,” says Merickel.
No matter which style of dress you choose, ensure that it suits the aesthetic and atmosphere of your venue. For example, if you have a garden wedding, you might want to select a square neck wedding dress with romantic elements like floral appliqués, like For Love & Lemons Josey Bridal Gown, to tie in the natural elements. On the other hand, a dramatic ball gown would look a bit out of place at a relaxed beach wedding.
Meet the Expert
As a Stitch Fix Styling Team Leader, Katie Merickel manages a growing team of stylists across the Midwest Region. Merickel is passionate about helping clients understand their personal style and is a big fan of building capsule wardrobes.
Why Trust Brides
Chelsea Frank has been a lifestyle and comedy writer for nearly 10 years. She’s contributed to dozens of online publications, researching and writing on a number of topics, from clean beauty and fashion to travel and wellness. She is, above all else, a nice Jewish girl.