Do high neck wedding dresses look good on all chest sizes?

According to stylist and personal shopper Elisabeth Kassab, high necklines look amazing on all chest sizes. For those with a smaller chest, the high neck can actually create the illusion of a fuller bust by drawing the eyes up to the collarbone. Meanwhile, larger chests benefit from the lift and structure a high neck provides.

How do I style a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace. Instead, focus on earrings or a bracelet. Simple stud earrings are great for a minimalist bridal style, while chandelier earrings or hoops will make more of a statement and highlight your neckline. If you’ve decided on a sleeveless gown, consider accessorizing with a few bracelets to add a bit of sparkle. And while you don’t have to wear your hair in an updo , wearing your hair up can help show off all the intricate details of the high neckline.

Are high neck wedding dresses suitable for warmer climates?

Yes, high necklines mean extra fabric, but there’s a lot of styles that are still suitable for warm weather. If you are getting married in the summer or in a warm climate, look for breathable fabrics like silk and cotton, as well stick to sleeveless designs. Thankfully, a lot of high neck dresses have open backs and slits to counteract the extra coverage. Made from cotton and with a generous open back, Lulus Love Everlasting White Floral Lace Mermaid Maxi Dress is a great pick for balmy bashes.

The 16 Best High-Neck Wedding Dresses of 2023

There’s something so effortlessly chic about a high-neck wedding dress. Just look at celebrity brides like Sofia Richie, Meghan Markle, and Paris Hilton, who all opted for the extra coverage. This classic neckline is extremely versatile, ranging from a dramatic high neck that reaches your chin to a neckline that hits the middle of your neck, leaving just enough to the imagination.

While you may think “modest,” when you hear high neck, today’s there’s so many different variations of the style from illusion lace, to high slits, to open back. Before beginning your search, consider the amount of coverage, level of embellishment, and overall aesthetic you prefer. With this mind, we spoke to fashion stylists and researched the best high neck wedding dresses in a range of sizes, silhouettes, materials, and price ranges.

Best Illusion: Watters Frances Gown

Anthropologie Watters Frances Gown — Anthropologie

Buy on Anthropologie $2,850

Made from sheer lace, this A-line gown is subtly sexy. We love the pearl accents that float on your collarbone and sleeves. Who says full coverage has to be boring?

Price at time of publish: $2,850

Size: 0-15 | Length: Floor | Materials: Lace

Best A-Line: David's Bridal High Neck Illusion Chiffon Wedding Dress

Buy on David's Bridal $450

With its lace illusion neckline and flowy chiffon skirt, this gown is pure romance. In addition to the plus sizes, you can select extra length for a customize fit.

Price at time of publish: $450

Size: 16-30 | Length: Floor | Materials: Chiffon

Best Mini: Milly Harriet Floral Halter Minidress

Saks Fifth Avenue Milly Harriet Floral Halter Minidress — Saks Fifth Avenue

Buy on Saks Fifth Avenue $525

In love with Sofia Richie’s quiet luxury wedding looks? Well you can replicate the look with a mini style for a reasonable price. Decorated with cascading daisy appliqués, the mini dress has a retro vibe that would look stunning at a garden or estate wedding. The sheath silhouette shows off your curves while still feeling appropriate. With its mini length, it makes for the perfect after-party dress though you can certainly wear it down the aisle as well.

Price at time of publish: $525

Size: 0-12 | Length: Mini | Materials: Polyester, Spandex

Best Meghan Markle-Inspired: Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,295

Still dreaming about Meghan Markle’s second wedding dress? This dress from Jenny Yoo has an uncanny resemblance. Like Markle’s, this dress is rather simple, made from embellishment free satin. Yet it’s the structure that steals the show from the high mock neck to the low back complete with a trail of buttons. The high slit is complemented by a train. Sometimes less is more.

Price at time of publish: $1,295

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Materials: Polyester Satin

Best Pearl Detail: BHLDN Clemence Beaded Overlay Mesh Wedding Gown

Buy on Anthropologie $1,650

Covered with pearls and silver beading, this dress is both classy and fierce at the same time. It features a nylon knit column dress covered with a pearl-embellished beaded overlay. Despite the intricate beading, it remains lightweight and easy to move around in. With an illusion high neck, this style is a great option for the bride who wants a less modest neckline.

Price at time of publish: $1,650

Size: 0-16 | Length: Floor | Materials: Polyester, Nylon

Best Budget: Lulus Captured Your Heart White Halter Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $110

This style is very similar to the Jenny Yoo Harlyn Gown above but for a fraction of the price. The biggest driver of the price difference is the fabric—rather than being made from polyester or silk in Markle’s case, this one comes in chiffon, which may not be as luxurious, but also is beautiful. The high neck, high slit, and open back is a combination we can’t get enough of. And at less than $100, it’s a no brainer.

Price at time of publish: $110

Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor | Materials: Polyester, Spandex

Best Silk: Reformation Alani Silk Dress

Buy on Reformation $398

It can be hard to find dresses made from real silk these days, even though the fabric is ideal for weddings. It’s extremely breathable and offers a luxurious look and feel. That’s why we love this ivory silk dress from Reformation. Like the Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown, it’s free from embellishments yet it comes in extended sizes up to 24. It features an empire waist, which is especially flattering for plus size brides, as it creates the illusion of longer legs. Not to mention the slit creates a sultry leg moment. With an open neck that features two ties at the neck and waist, you can customize the fit while adding some romantic bows.

Price at time of publish: $398

Size: 14-24 | Length: Floor | Materials: Silk

Best Mermaid: Oleg Cassini Lace Long Sleeve Mermaid Modest Wedding Dress

David's Bridal Oleg Cassini Lace Long Sleeve Mermaid Modest Wedding Dress — David's Bridal

Buy on David's Bridal $1,499

We love a high neckline on a mermaid dress. The figure-hugging silhouette balances out the modest neckline, especially in this style that features a fully covered chest and back. Covered in lace with touches of beading, this style is extremely regal and elegant. A chapel train makes it fit for a black tie affair. Best of all, it’s more than 50 percent off at David’s Bridal.

Price at time of publish: $1,499

Size: 0-30 | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Polyester

Best Boho: Lulus Love Everlasting White Floral Lace Mermaid Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $129

Crafted completely from lace, this mermaid gown completes the vibe at any boho venue, weather it be the beach or a rustic barnyard. Made from cotton, nylon, and polyester, it’s surprisingly comfortable and breathable, so you can actually enjoy spending all day in your dress. A front slit allows for better mobility while a long train makes for an unforgettable entrance. We love the cutout in the back.

Price at time of publish: $129

Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester

Best Pleated: A.L.C. Athena Satin Pleated Dress

Buy on Alcltd.com $795

If your aesthetic is more Greek goddess than Disney princess, this dress is for you. The overlapping design makes the halter neckline even more breathtaking and shows just a sliver of skin. In the back, you’ll find an intricate crisscross tie which not only is gorgeous but also allows you to adjust the fit. We love how the allover pleating adds just the right texture to take this dress to 100. Aphrodite would be jealous.

Price at time of publish: $795

Size: 00-14 | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Satin

Best Long Sleeve: Lulus Romantic Moments White Lace Long Sleeve

Buy on Lulus $126

Business in the front, party in the back. While this dress looks rather modest in the front—save for the thigh baring slit—it turns up the heat with plunging back. The lace v-back is accented with sheer eyelash lace for a sweet touch. With a touch of spandex, the body skimming silhouette is quite comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $126

Size: XS-3X | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Polyester, Spandex

Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Shimmer Strap Gown

Buy on Eloquii.com $299

Let’s hear it for the back of this dress! This minimatic design features a two embellished straps that criss-cross in the back for a glam moment. The bias skirt skims over your curves while the empire waist elongates your frame. Not every bride wants a massive train, so we appreciate the restraint in that area.

Price at time of publish: $299

Size: 14-28 | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Polyester

Best Sparkle: Camila Coelho Evelyn Gown

Revolve Camila Coelho Evelyn Gown — Revolve

Buy on Revolve $338

Just because you’re wearing a more modest neckline doesn’t mean you can’t bring on the drama. Covered in sequins with ostrich and turkey feathers at the sleeves, this gown is a showstopper. The modest neckline is met by a deep v in the back, plus a back vent. So fabulous.

Price at time of publish: $338

Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Polyester, Spandex, Nylon

Best Silver: Sau Lee x Revolve Penelope Gown

Buy on Revolve $495

Silver is an unexpected but undeniably chic color choice for a wedding dress, especially when it comes in a subtle tone like this one. On top of the unique shade, we love the high slit, button details, and exaggerated bow in the back. While the high neck may be traditional, the rest of your dress certainly doesn’t have to be.

Price at time of publish: $495

Size: 00-12 | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Viscose

Best Ball Gown: Oleg Cassini Beaded Lace Wedding Dress with Pleated Skirt

David's Bridal Oleg Cassini Beaded Lace Wedding Dress with Pleated Skirt — David's Bridal

Buy on David's Bridal $1,999

Covered in 5,000 beads and sequins, this opulent ball gown is truly fit for a fairytale wedding. Inverted pleats with layers of tulle create a voluminous skirt, plus hide the fact that there are pockets included—yay! Under the illusion high neck is a classic sweetheart neckline, so you get to merge both styles in one. Be sure to take some photos from the back to capture the lovely lace details.

Price at time of publish: $1,999

Size: 0-26 | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Polyester

Best Cap Sleeve: Lulus Devoted to Bliss White Lace Cap Sleeve Cutout Trumpet Maxi Dress

Buy on Lulus $146

Sweet yet sexy, this design stole our hearts, no cap. This gorgeous dress features a dainty floral eyelash lace that shapes a rounded neckline with a sheer décolletage and a princess-seamed bodice, all framed by matching cap sleeves. A back cutout shows some skin, creating the illusion of a two-piece. A high, fitted waist falls to a stunning maxi skirt with a drop seam and a flaring trumpet hem with an elegant train.

Price at time of publish: $146

Size: XS-XL | Length: Floor Length | Materials: Cotton, Nylon, Polyester

Meet the Expert

Elisabeth Kassab is a Michigan and NY based stylist and personal shopper specializing in street style looks, personal shopping, brand campaigns, and capsule wardrobes.

What to Look For in a High-Neck Wedding Dress

Style

When shopping for a high-neck wedding dress, the most important factor to consider is your bridal style. For a minimalist bride, stick to a floor-length gown in a silk or crepe fabric with little to no embellishments, like Jenny Yoo Harlyn High-Neck Open-Back Wedding Gown. If you want something a bit more unconventional, consider a look with a midi length, jumpsuit silhouette, open back, or glamorous embellishments, like Camila Coelho Evelyn Gown, that will add a sense of playfulness to your ensemble.

Neckline

You also want to think about the type of high neckline you want, which can range from extremely modest to slightly revealing. A dramatic high neck that covers your whole neckline, like Oleg Cassini Lace Long Sleeve Mermaid Modest Wedding Dress is perfect for the traditional bride. To show a little more skin, you can opt for a cutout halter, like A.L.C. Athena Satin Pleated Dress or even an illusion high neck, like Watters Frances Gown.

Fabric

Consider the season, venue, and overall look you are going for when selecting the fabric of your dress. For warm weather weddings where you don’t want to be bogged down with heavy fabric or embellishments, we love breathable silk styles like Reformation’s Alani Silk Dress. If you prefer an opulent dress decked out in lace and beading, Oleg Cassini Beaded Lace Wedding Dress with Pleated Skirt is the way to go.

FAQ

Do high neck wedding dresses look good on all chest sizes?

According to stylist and personal shopper Elisabeth Kassab, high necklines look amazing on all chest sizes. For those with a smaller chest, the high neck can actually create the illusion of a fuller bust by drawing the eyes up to the collarbone. Meanwhile, larger chests benefit from the lift and structure a high neck provides.
How do I style a high neckline?

Since a high neckline puts a lot of emphasis on the neck, it’s usually best to forego a necklace. Instead, focus on earrings or a bracelet. Simple stud earrings are great for a minimalist bridal style, while chandelier earrings or hoops will make more of a statement and highlight your neckline. If you’ve decided on a sleeveless gown, consider accessorizing with a few bracelets to add a bit of sparkle. And while you don’t have to wear your hair in an updo, wearing your hair up can help show off all the intricate details of the high neckline.
Are high neck wedding dresses suitable for warmer climates?

Yes, high necklines mean extra fabric, but there’s a lot of styles that are still suitable for warm weather. If you are getting married in the summer or in a warm climate, look for breathable fabrics like silk and cotton, as well stick to sleeveless designs. Thankfully, a lot of high neck dresses have open backs and slits to counteract the extra coverage. Made from cotton and with a generous open back, Lulus Love Everlasting White Floral Lace Mermaid Maxi Dress is a great pick for balmy bashes.

Why Trust Brides

Emily Cieslak is an Associate Commerce Editor, covering all things beauty and fashion.

Ariana Quihuiz is a freelance writer for Brides. She is currently the content manager for wedding gown brand Lyra Vega Bridal, covering bridal fashion, bridal beauty, wedding trends, and more.

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