How to Wear an Off the Shoulder Dress

Co-authored by Katie Quinn and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

An off-the-shoulder shoulder dress is a refreshing, creative way to change up your look, whether you’re dressing for hot or cold weather. While traditionally designed for warm, breezy days, your dress can be repurposed for just about any occasion with the right styling and accessories. We’ve put together a few tips, tricks, and outfit ideas to help you make the most out of your garment.

1

Slip on a strapless bra.

A strapless bra provides support without being visible. Plus, there are lots of styles and varieties to choose from! Instead of battling traditional bra straps, try a classic strapless or bandeau bra instead. Adhesive and backless bras also offer a lot of flexibility and freedom.^{[1]
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- If your off-the-shoulder dress has a plunging neckline, a plunge or short line bra might be a good option.
- Body tape is another handy choice if you’re in a pinch.

2

Wear boots for both formal and casual looks.

Both short and long boots work great with an off-the-shoulder dress. Complement a shorter dress with long, over-the-knee boots for a chic, elegant look. For a casual, streetwise outfit, slip into a pair of ankle booties instead.^{[2]
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- For instance, you could slip a sweater and jacket over your off-the-shoulder dress, and then finish off the look with a set of ankle boots.
- To brave the chillier weather, you might wear a turtleneck and gilet over your dress, and then slip into a knee-high pair of boots.

3

Pair a short dress with open-toed shoes.

Sandals look great with lots of different dresses. Off-the-shoulder dresses are an especially excellent choice for warm, sunny weather. Go for a casual look with a pair of slip-on sandals, or try on a set of gladiator sandals. High-heeled sandals and wedges are other great choices if you’re aiming to dress up.^{[3]
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4

Wear flats as a finishing touch for a casual outfit.

Flat shoes are the perfect choice for a quick, on-the-go look. Look through your closet for a spare pair of ballet flats—these add an elegant but casual touch to your outfit.^{[4]
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- Even tennis shoes can look good with an off-the-shoulder dress!^{[6]
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5

Accent your formal dress with a pair of heels.

All kinds of heels work well with an off-the-shoulder dress. Keep it classic with a pair of low pumps, or go for a breezier look with a set of strappy, open-toed heels. Chunky, high-heeled sandals are another great option for your outfit.^{[7]
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6

Hold your dress in place with safety pins and hair ties.

This homemade contraption will keep your dress sleeves from riding up. Unfasten 2 safety pins and thread a hair tie onto both of the open pins—this creates a mini bungee cord. Secure the bungee along the inner elastic seam of your dress, directly in front of where your armpit would go. Then, pin it to the opposite side of the seam. Repeat this process along the opposite side of your dress to keep the sleeves from climbing up your shoulders!^{[8]
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- Attach these homemade bungee cords before slipping into the dress.

7

Accent your dress with a short necklace.

Choker-style necklaces help keep the focus on your dress. Off-the-shoulder dresses don’t mesh super well with heavy, chunky jewelry. Go for a light, casual choker to finish off your look instead.^{[9]
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- Pendant-style necklaces are also a great option.

8

Style your formal dress with a clutch or handbag.

Small bags complement your outfit without being over-the-top. Look for any clutch, handbag, or other small bag that you can comfortably carry in 1 hand. For extra style points, grab a bag that matches your dress’s color scheme.
- For instance, you might pair a white dress with a multicolored handbag.

9

Brave cold weather with tights and a turtleneck.

Layers turn your dress into the perfect winter outfit. Slide into a pair of tights, along with a comfy turtleneck. Then, layer favorite off-the-shoulder dress overtop.^{[10]
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- If you don’t have a spare turtleneck lying around, grab a sweater instead.

10

Layer a sweatshirt and coat overtop.

This outfit is perfect for a chilly day. Slip into your favorite off-the-shoulder dress, layering a long-sleeved sweatshirt on top. Then, pull a thick winter jacket on as a final touch.^{[11]
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- Long, thigh-high boots work great with this look.

11

Slip on a pair of pants beneath your dress for a casual vibe.

Turn your dress into a tasteful tunic. Grab your favorite off-the-shoulder dress, along with a comfortable pair of pants or leggings. Instead of treating your dress as its own outfit, wear it as a stylish shirt instead.^{[12]
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- For instance, you might layer your dress over a pair of warm leggings, or create a casual look with a pair of skinny jeans.

12

Try a one-on, one-off sleeve look for an eclectic look.

This style works great with a long-sleeved dress. Slip an arm into 1 of the sleeves, pulling the fabric up and over your shoulder. Then, pull the empty sleeve behind your back. Secure your dress with a belt and tuck the sleeve in the back.^{[13]
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13

Pull the sleeves onto your shoulders to imitate a traditional dress.

This is a great way to protect your shoulders and arms from the sun. Simply pull the garment up and over both shoulders, so it looks like a traditional dress.^{[14]
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Research source} If your dress seems a little short afterward, slip on a pair of shorts or leggings underneath for extra security.

14

Twist the sleeves into a halter dress.

Loop the sleeves around your neck instead of wearing them on your arms. Slip into your dress, leaving the arm holes completely empty. Twist the sleeves together along the base of your neck. Then, tie the 2 sleeve ends together around the back of your neck using a short length of ribbon.^{[15]
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- You can also make your dress completely strapless by wrapping and tucking the empty dress sleeves into a cinched waist belt.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I pick out a good strapless bra that's supportive?

Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.

Katie Quinn

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Make sure you have your band size correct—that's where most of the support from your bra will come from. Try on strapless bras from a number of different brands, because the cut, the fabric, and the style of each will make a different in the fit. The best bras should feel like you have nothing on.
Question

What jewelry do you wear with off-the-shoulder dress?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

If you're wearing an off-the-shoulder dress, you want most of the attention to be on the actual dress itself. So try to steer clear of super clunky, heavy jewelry. Instead, go with choker-style necklaces that add a more light, casual effect to your look. A thin chain or even a string of pearls can add subtle, but elegant style to your look. You can also choose a pendant-style necklace as a great decorative accent. The more distracting your jewelry, the less people will notice your dress!
Question

How do you wear an off-the-shoulder dress in the winter?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Off-the-shoulder dresses look fantastic, but they don't offer much in the way of warmth. If it's cold out, you definitely want to add some layers that will help keep you insulated. A sweatshirt and a coat should do the trick. Slip into your favorite off-the-shoulder dress, layering a long-sleeved sweatshirt on top. Then, pull a thick winter jacket on as a final touch. You could also go with tights and a turtleneck. Layers turn your dress into the perfect winter outfit. Slide into a pair of tights, along with a comfy turtleneck. Then, layer favorite off-the-shoulder dress overtop. You'll be able to brave the cold weather while still looking great in your off-the-shoulder dress.