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.
With all the options out there, it can be hard to know where to start looking for your dress, so we spoke with fashion stylists to find the best off-the-shoulder wedding dresses. We looked for styles that offer enough support to stay put while also allowing for enough movement to break it down on the dance floor. Keeping these factors in mind, we found the best off-the-shoulder wedding dresses in a range of styles, size ranges, materials, and budgets.
Best Delicate: Wtoo by Watters Miles V-Neck Ruched-Sleeve Mesh Wedding Gown
This gorgeous gown will make you feel like you're floating on a cloud. Lightweight, stretch mesh is delicately pleated over the corseted bodice, which crinkles down in diaphanous godets for a full, airy skirt. A peek of eyelash lace atop the wrapped bodice adds elegant detail to the silhouette.
Size Range: 00 - 24 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Nylon, polyester
Best Boho: Lulus In My Life Lace Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress
Whether you are having your wedding on the beach or at a rustic barn, this lace dress brings the perfect boho vibes. A tiered mermaid skirt hugs your curves while the flouncy off-the-shoulder neckline creates some volume up top. A train adds a romantic touch. Best of all, the top comes with no slip strips, so you don’t have to pull it up all the time.
Size Range: XS - 3X | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Nylon, polyester
Best Budget: Lulus Love to Pose White Off-The-Shoulder Twist-Front Maxi Dress
This simple dress is ideal for the bride who prefers a sleek design over a ton of embellishments. A twist at the chest adds an interesting touch to the off-the-shoulder neckline, which features silicone strips to keep it in place. A column silhouette skims your curves while a high slit shows just the right amount of skin. The stretch crepe knit is super comfortable too.
Size Range: XS - 3X | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester
Best Plus-Size: Bridal by ELOQUII Twisted Off-the-Shoulder Gown
We love all the strategic draping that’s happening in this ball gown. The layered fabric creates a beautiful off-the-shoulder neckline. Underneath, there’s a inner power mesh bustier for support and structure. Pleated details at the waist are ultra flattering while the overlapping taffeta fabric creates a slit in the full skirt. Multiple layers of tulle and crepe create that classic ball gown shape.
Size Range: 14 - 28 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester
Best Sparkle: Olivia Bottega Melanie Wedding Dress
Made from glitter tulle, this gown will give you major sparkle without weighing you down with heavy embellishments. The cross-over off-the-shoulder neckline makes all chest sizes look amazing while the full A-line skirt offers the perfect counterbalance. This gown is truly fit for a queen.
Size Range: 0 - 24 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Glitter Tulle
Best Pearl Details: Watters Garance Off-Shoulder Satin Sheath Wedding Gown
Draping and pearls—is there a better combination? Made from polyester satin, this design beautifully drapes down your arms, bust, and back. Pearl embellishments along the bust, side seams, and the corset back add that class. The sheath skirt creates hugs your curves in all the right places.
Size Range: 0 - 16 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester Satin
Best with Detachable Sleeves: Jenny Yoo by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-Shoulder Floral Lace Wedding Gown
Can’t decide between a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown? Get the best of both worlds with this number from Jenny Yoo. With detachable sleeves, you can either go with the trendy puff sleeve look or go sleek with strapless corset bodice. An all-over floral lace pattern and ball gown skirt add a girly touch while the high slit turns the sexiness up a notch. This dress isn’t one dimensional and neither are you.
Size Range: 0 - 26 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester, Rayon
Best for Small Chests: Jenny Yoo Priscilla Off-the-Shoulder Convertible Wedding Gown
For small chested brides that want to balance out their figure, this dress is it. Ruffles along the off-the-shoulder neckline create volume at the bust and the illusion of a larger chest. The high waist and A-line skirt also are super flattering on all heights and sizes. Floral lace go hand in hand with the flouncy neckline.
Size Range: 0 - 22 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester, Rayon
Best Mini: ASOS Edition Lila Satin Mini Wedding Dress
We love a mini wedding dress and this one brings all the bridal elements in short form. The combination of a draped neckline and full skirt helps create an hourglass silhouette, not to mention it’s super fun to move around in. Since the short hem shows some major leg, the long sleeves add some nice balance. We love how the style comes in extended sizes as well.
Size Range: 0 - 26 | Length: Mini | Materials: Polyester, Cotton, Spandex, Nylon
Best Silk: Reformation Ronda Silk Dress
A cross between a one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder style, this dress is giving major Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes. Though the style is simple, it looks elegant and luxurious thanks to being made from high quality silk. The fabric is extremely breathable, so it’s a great choice for a summer wedding. Best of all, any alterations you need to make will be covered by the brand.
Size Range: 0 - 12 | Length: Floor | Materials: Silk
Best Cape-Effect: Norma Kamali Walter Fishtail Gown
From the fishtail hem to the cape sleeves in the back, this gown is all about subtle drama. Though this is a body-hugging design, the ruched fabric is extra forgiving and will look amazing on all shapes and sizes. The flared hem balances out your hips and allows for easy walking while the cape train makes for an entrance no one will forget.
Size Range: XS - XL | Length: Floor | Materials: Nylon, Spandex, Polyester
Best Structured: Amsale Landon Gown
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.
Size Range: 0 - 24 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Mikado
Best High Low: Selkie x Revolve The Runway Puff
If you love ruffles and drama, the Runway Puff is a must. It features a train, puffy mini skirt, and ruffled sleeves for a breezy and elegant aesthetic. Because the train is detachable, you can easily take it off for the after-party.
Size Range: XXS - 6X | Length: High Low | Materials: Polyester, Cotton
Best Sleeves: Willowby by Watters Persephone Sweetheart Off-the-Shoulder Lace Wedding Gown
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, and fitted sleeves make for a romantic and whimsical look.
Size Range: 00 - 24 | Length: Floor | Materials: Polyester
Best for Winter: Bronx and Banco x Revolve Elena Gown
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.
Size Range: XXS - XXL | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk, polyester
Meet the Expert
Amberly Reese is a stylist at Stitch Fix, a clothing site that offers personal shopping recommendations.
What to Look for in an Off-the-Shoulder Wedding Dress
Style
Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses come in all kinds of silhouettes and aesthetics. For the minimalist, we recommend pared back styles like Reformation Ronda Silk Dress. If you want a bohemian feel, go for lace designs like Lulus In My Life White Lace Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Maxi Dress. And if you want that classic princess wedding dress, stick to ball gowns and sparkly fabric like Olivia Bottega Melanie Dress.
Sleeves
As you can see from this list, off-the-shoulder dresses vary in the type of sleeves they offer. You can choose from cap sleeves like Lulus Love to Pose White Off-The-Shoulder Twist-Front Maxi Dress or voluminous versions like Willowby by Watters Persephone Sweetheart Off-The-Shoulder Side-Slit Lace Wedding Gown to suit your aesthetics. You also want to consider the season and climate you are getting married in and whether you prefer a short or long sleeve dress.
Mobility
While off-the-shoulder sleeves offer more support than strapless designs, they can also restrict your arm mobility. 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, like Jenny by Jenny Yoo Holden Off-The-Shoulder Floral Lace Ball-Skirt Wedding Gown. Also, comfortable bridal and wedding shapewear constructed to work with strapless designs can provide additional support.
Why Trust Brides
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.
Emily Cieslak is an Associate Commerce Editor, covering all things beauty and fashion.