Dresses
Jul 20, 2023

The Single-Most Irresistible Dress Trend of the Summer—Period

by Eliza Huber

I like to think of myself as a strong-willed person, but if I'm being really honest, I'm a sucker for pretty things. As much as I'd like to save money and not fill my wardrobe with aesthetically pleasing pieces on a far-too-frequent basis, I often find myself giving in to temptation. Right now, no single trend is calling my name and tearing at my will quite as fiercely as off-the-shoulder dresses.

Though it's ultimately a simple dress shape and not exactly a new one, I've come to form a strong bond with the sultry silhouette, pulling for the ones in my closet often and saving Instagram photos of others wearing them—usually by Khaite, The Row, and Alaïa—on a daily basis. It helps that there's a seemingly endless treasure trove of inspiration and shoppable options to choose from, with off-the-shoulder dresses easily being one of the summer's most-wanted trends. Below, see how fashion people are wearing the silhouette of the season.

Photo:

@dawn.tan

Combine two off-the-moment dress trends in one look by layering a sheer style underneath a mini-length off-the-shoulder one. It'll add some necessary dimension to the look and have everyone who passes by you wondering what you're wearing and how they can get it.

Photo:

@hannamw

Long-sleeve maxi dresses, despite how easy, versatile, and wildly chic they are, get slept on far too often. Perhaps it's because people automatically think they'll look frumpy or have too much fabric. By choosing an off-the-shoulder body-con style, though, you're in the clear in every way.

Photo:

@tylynnnguyen

This off-the-shoulder full-skirt Khaite dress is one of the prettiest, most buzzed-about dresses of 2023 so far, so no one should be surprised that it made it into this story. It somehow balances being risqué with the neckline and being modest with the voluminous skirt. *Chef's kiss.*

Photo:

@camillecharriere

If it's drapey, made of jersey, and cream or ivory colored, I can assure you that I and everyone I know either wants it or will want it as soon as they catch a glimpse. It truly is an unbeatable combination that will never go out of style.

Photo:

@nlmarilyn

In my personal opinion, there's nothing sexier than an off-the-shoulder minidress and some super-sharp black pumps for a night out. (No, it doesn't have to be in Paris, but that certainly helps.) Just don't forget to add a statement pair of earrings to finish off the look.

Photo:

@abimarvel

Is there anything better in the summer than a light-colored frock that can be worn to anything and with anything in any weather that Mother Nature throws at us? I, for one, can't think of a single thing.

Photo:

@clairerose

Rarely does a garment come along that actually does it all, but a little black dress that drops slightly off your shoulder and is made of jersey is one of them. No, I'm not exaggerating.

Photo:

@aniyahmorinia

Take cottagecore to the next level by trading in your nap dresses for a similar style with an added off-the-shoulder neckline. Trust me—it'll make the somewhat outdated trend feel shockingly modern and fresh.

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