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Choosing the right neckline for your bridal dress can be difficult. There are so many styles to choose from! If you're like many modern brides, perhaps you want something nontraditional that will still remain timeless for years to come. Well, one style that has been consistent throughout the years is the one-shoulder neckline. It’s the perfect balance of edgy and unique but still offers the stability that a strapless dress might not have.
This neckline is a multifaceted silhouette, appropriate for both formal and casual weddings, spanning all budgets and styles. "One-shoulder or asymmetric dresses look so chic and elegant, and there is currently a trend for that look," says bridal stylist Bella Hignett. "One-shoulder dresses are timeless and are a little moreunusualthan the more obvious strapless choices.They work for both formal and casual weddings and ooze sophistication," she adds. "The one-shoulder dress is reminiscent of the ancient Romans and Greeks who wore draped wrap fabric around them, which swept over one shoulder."
Whether you want to look like a Grecian goddess or desire a modern and chic aesthetic, there is a one-shoulder wedding dress out there to suit your style preferences. To help narrow down your choices, we've researched and rounded up the best options available. With Hignett's expert insight in mind, we picked our final selection based on design elements, materials, price point, and overall quality.
Read on for the best one-shoulder wedding gowns for every bridal style and budget.
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Best for a Black-Tie Wedding: Mac Duggal Tatum One-Shoulder Bow Front-Slit Gown
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Size Range: 0-18 | Color(s): White |Material(s): Polyester | Length:Maxi-length
For a formal black-tie wedding, you cannot go wrong with this one-shoulder column gown. The sleek bow tie detailing gives this structural dress a playful feel while the column silhouette skims and drapes the body beautifully. The high leg slit allows you to show a bit of skin and move around the dance floor with ease.
Most Glamorous: Jenny Yoo Collection Zara Dress
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Size Range: Standard: 0-19, Plus: 20-26 | Color(s): Ivory |Material(s): Polyester, elastane; polyester lining |Length: Floor-length
Sparkle under the twinkle lights at your reception in this glittering floor-length gown from Jenny Yoo. It's crafted from polyester and coated in shimmering sequined stripes that are sure to catch the light from every angle. The simple spaghetti strap one-shoulder neckline adds a crisp touch to this glamorous and modern gown.
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Best Wrap Silhouette: Sachin & Babi Dova Puffed One-Shoulder Bow Train Wrap Mini Dress
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Size Range: 0-16 | Color(s): White |Material(s): Polyester | Length: Mini-length
Nontraditional brides will love this statement-making mini dress from Sachin & Babi. The ruching at the side of the waist and the faux wrap silhouette is beyond flattering, while the singular puff sleeve and dramatic side train create a real wow factor. This mini dress is the perfect bold wedding day look but it also works well for everything from your rehearsal dinner to your reception.
Best Cut-Out: Jenny Yoo Blanca Fit-and-Flare One-Shoulder Illusion Crepe Wedding Gown
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Size Range: 0-18 | Color(s): Ivory |Material(s): Polyester | Length: Floor-length
For a modern take on a classic bridal gown, consider this satin dress from Jenny Yoo. The statement cut-out detailing on the shoulder is a trendy accent.
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Best Under-$100: Lulus Love You Best White One-Shoulder Ruffled Tulip Midi Dress
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Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White |Material(s): Polyester, spandex | Length: Midi-length
Effortless, timeless, and chic, we can't get enough of this pretty piece from Lulus. This budget-friendly dress is perfect for a second look or a more intimate, low-key ceremony. Plus, the stretchy knit fabric is comfortable and wearable no matter the season.
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Best Jumpsuit: Amsale LW194 One-shoulder Jumpsuit
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Size Range: 00-32 | Color(s): White |Material(s): Satin | Length: Floor-length
Jumpsuits are a fashionable and comfortable alternative to a traditional wedding gown, and we love this one-shoulder ensemble from Amsale. It can also easily be hemmed for petite brides interested in this style.
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Most Unconventional: Markarian Juno White Floral Brocade Gown
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Size Range: 0-14 | Color(s): White |Material(s): Viscoe, silk | Length: Floor-length
We are swooning over this quirky and unconventional gown from Markarian that’s perfect for a spring or summer wedding. The dress features an eye-catching open back, but the star of the show is the tulle flower detail at the shoulder.
For the City Bride: Michelle Mason One-Shoulder Silk Gown
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Size Range: 0-12 | Color(s): Ivory |Material(s): Silk | Length: Floor-length
City brides will love this undeniably chic silk gown from Michelle Mason. The flattering ruching on the side seam makes for a dynamic and eye-catching detail, while the high slit adds a touch of sexy flair. Pair it with a loose updo and glowy makeup for an effortless look.
Best Bow Detail: Sachin & Babi Aubrey One-Shoulder Gown
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Size Range: 0-16 | Color(s): Off-white |Material(s): Polyester | Length: Full-length
All we have to say is wow. If you opt for a fairytale wedding aesthetic, you must consider this dreamy one-shoulder dress from Sachin and Babi. The oversized bow is nothing short of whimsical and features a crystal-encrusted knot that's sure to catch the light from all angles. Plus, the asymmetric seam at the waistline and column silhouette ensures a flattering and comfortable fit.
Most Customizable: Justin Alexander Signature Gramercy Gown
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Size Range: Contact brand for more information | Color(s): Ivory |Material(s): Mikado, chiffon | Length: Floor-length
While this dress is absolutely stunning as is, it comes with plenty of customizable options. The skirt can be made with or without the front slit, and the chiffon streamer is detachable and can be removed whenever you want. This is an excellent choice for the brides who want a unique look that is all their own.
Best Slit-Detailing: Showpo Desire Me One Shoulder Thigh Split Gown
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Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Full-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping over $100 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Go for a bold bridal look with this dramatic high-slit gown. It has a classic ballgown cut with a train, but it’s also made more functional with two-side pockets. We love the idea of this strutting down the aisle at an elegant black-tie ceremony.
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Most Party-Ready: Retrofête Ella Dress
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Size Range: XXS/XXL | Length: Asymmetrical mini | Shipping: Free ground shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Get ready to dance under the disco ball in this sparkling sequin mini dress from Retrofête. It’s the perfect second (or third) look for your wedding day that radiates party. Pair it with shiny silver accessories to play up the party-ready look.
Best Floral-Detail: Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Gosia One-Shoulder Gown
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Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This seemingly simplistic gown is made unique with the floral detail that sits upon the shoulder of the dress, paired with a keyhole cut-out. At once feminine and chic, this pretty frock would look absolutely stunning at a formal spring or summer affair.
For a Garden Ceremony: Lulus Everlasting Loveliness White Floral One Shoulder Midi Dress
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Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White |Material(s): Polyester | Length: Midi-length
There is no dress more fitting for an intimate garden ceremony surrounded by flowers than this one from Lulus. The frilly neckline complemented by the one-shoulder accent adds a romantic feel, and the tea-length hemline is perfect for walking down a grass aisle, as it will keep you from ruining the bottom of your dress.
Most Feminine: Lulus Sweetest Success White Organza Tiered One-Shoulder Midi Dress
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Size Range: XS-XL | Color(s): White |Material(s): Polyester, Spandex | Length: Midi-length
Girly brides, this one is for you! We love this tea party-worthy dress for its feminine tiered layers and radiant white organza fabric that will subtly shine under the venue lights. We also love the hot pink version of this dress for a fun bridal party dress option.
What to Look for in a One-Shoulder Wedding Dress
Style and details
One-shoulder wedding dresses are perfect for the bride who wants a classic silhouette with a subtle, yet exciting, twist. This neckline comes in dresses of all lengths and styles—from grand ballgowns to mini dresses. Even more, we love that they offer brides the opportunity to have standout detailing on the neckline. If you’re feeling bold, look for a one-shoulder dress with exaggerated detailing, such as an oversized bow or intricate floral applique. For those looking to go the minimalist route, consider a singular twisted strap.
Comfort and accessories
Key features to look for are ensuring the one shoulder is comfortable, has the right width, and doesn’t dig into the shoulder," Hignett recommends. "Also, there can often be creases or excess fabric with one-shoulder dresses as the fabric is cut in a certain way.Brides must have worked out what jewelry they will wear to ensure it works with the one shoulder." She also advises to ensure you have the proper bra and underwear to pair with your one-shoulder dress, as you don’t want to see it if the fabric is fine. You can also find comfortable bridal and wedding shapewear made to work with one-shoulder designs.
FAQ
How do you style a one shoulder wedding dress?
"I think a one-shoulder wedding dress looks best if the dress is long and close-fitting," says Hignett. "It can be fun to add a bow or some floral detailing to the one shoulder or personalize it to make it more your own." However, one-shoulder dresses also come in a variety of other wedding-worthy styles, from mini dresses to sleek midis.
"My advice would be to go simple with the jewelry as the dress will pretty much say it all," she adds. "Necklaces will interfere with the neckline so it's best not to wear one.Stick with some fabulous earrings anddelicatering(s) and a bracelet."
Are one-shoulder wedding dresses timeless?
While one-shoulder wedding dresses can be viewed as a trend, they will always come back around in style. If you are worried that your dress may not stand the test of time, opt for a classic and simple one-shoulder silhouette instead of a dress that features many different trends at once.
What season is best for one-shoulder wedding dresses?
Luckily, one-shoulder wedding dresses work great for any season! However, for brides getting married during colder months, be sure to consider the detailing on the singular strap which could possibly cause issues with any outerwear pieces you choose to wear.
Meet the Expert
Bella Hignett is a London-based fashion stylist who helps her clients with wardrobe edits, personal styling, and personal shopping. She also helps clients dress for high-profile events, TV appearances, and photo shoots.
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Why Trust Brides
Contributing writerMelony Forcieris a recent graduate starting her career path in beauty and fashion journalism. Before graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University's lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.
