Shop the best off the shoulder dresses, whatever your style or budget...
Off the shoulder dresses are having a bit of a moment this season, and no matter what your plans, they look set the be the stand-out style for your stylish summer.
From retro-inspired Bardot dresses complete with fun, full-volume skirts which are perfect fro your BFF's wedding, to boho-inspired printed versions which will instantly amp up your beach-side look - there are so many ways to bare those shoulders for SS16.
But this season, while the festival and summer holiday styles are available in an abundance, the cold shoulder look has had a seriously high fashion makeover. Seen all over the catwalks, they re now a certified evening staple coming in luxe silks, rich embroidery and complemented by on-trend ruffles. Taking on a draped aesthetic, this season s off-the-shoulder look offers more of a fluid and dramatic silhouette. Look to Ellery and Proenza Shoulder for a masterclass in SS16 s romantic mood.
Whether you go for Chloe s uber cool denim style for breezy weekends or Alexander McQueen s oh-so-pretty and on-trend pink number ideal for rooftop cocktails, there s a breezy nonchalance to the off-the-shoulder look that s difficult to find fault with.
Wedding guest dressing will also be that much cooler should you opt for something floaty and chic. Look to Isolda for an utterly romantic floral print- just add a bold lip and some suitably strappy heels. Or, for something a little more dramatic, look to Christopher Kane who has created a to-die-for embellished show-stopper.
However, if you re looking for something that won t require blowing the budget, Warehouse, Mango and Zara have plenty of cool styles which will allow you to try out the trend for less. Under £100 in fact.
Whether you take your cue from the catwalks and go luxe or opt for an easy-going weekend and beach version, there s never been more choice. And your new season wardrobe will seriously thank you for investing in one of SS16 s key and most versatile trends.
Click through to shop the best new season styles to shop now...
Click through to shop the best new season styles to shop now...
If we could buy just one off-the-shoulder dress, this frayed denim Chloe number is it.
Designer-looking and with a high street price tag, there s nothing we don t love about this Warehouse dress.
The drop-hem dress is all kinds of cool, and this polka dot off-the-shoulder style by Tibi is the best way to work the trend. Wear with pointed pumps to balance out the relaxed fit.
Because everybody loves - and needs - a maxi.
Black will always be a chic option, and looks best when teamed with delicate gold jewellery and pointed flats.
Take on the summer denim trend and go for this cute version from cool new denim label SJYP.
So effortless and so chic, this wear-anywhere dress is one of the smartest buys of the season.
Printed, nipped-in at the waist and under £40 - there is nothing we don't love about this Mango version.
Sun-kissed skin and delicate gold jewellery are the only accompaniments this fabulous dress needs.
Blue and white will always be a winning combination for Summer, and Topshop has totally nailed it with this purse-friendly dress.
It doesn't get cooler, or more statement than this. Buy now for fashionable city weddings and wear right up until party season.
You can t beat a LBD so this season look The Row for their sassy off-the-shoulder number. Team with party flats to keep the look effortlessly chic.
The ultimate retro take on the trend. Wear with sky high heels and a cool metallic box bag.
Fun, floaty and featuring a super-flattering elasticated waist and neckline - this really is a wardrobe hero and will work just as well for occasion dressing as it will with sandals on the beach.
This is the dress that kicked off the shoulder baring trend for SS16. From the ruffles to the pussy bow ties and chic monochrome palette, we love everything about it.
Just add a denim jacket and ankle boots for an on-trend downtime look.
Get ahead of the trend early and bare your shoulders in this off-beat dress. The ruffled, cut-away shoulders give it instant day-to-night appeal, so style it with boxfresh trainers and strappy sandals.
Not sure about going totally bare on the shoulders? Take on the trend with this fine strap style from H&M.
Buy now and rely on this denim style for instant cool forevermore.
Transfer the trend to occasionwear with this stand-out dress from Oasis.
When not wearing it as beach cover-up, wear this colour-popping dress with trainers and a denim jacket.
The perfect throw-on for summer, we think this white relaxed and super versatile style from Zara is well worth a look.
Totally over our budget but we just couldn t not include this beauty. Inspired by Hollywood screen siren Elizabeth Taylor, the decorative crystal embellishments are inspired by the Taj Mahal diamonds gifted to her by Richard Burton. LOVE.
Tick off two of the season s trends in this universally flattering midi dress. Team yours with platform sandals and a statement clutch for an effortless summer vibe.
Go full on Bardot and try this stripe number at your next spring wedding.
This Marni dress is right at the top end of our budget, and for good reason. The bold hue and structured, architectural shape is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.
From weddings to christenings and everything in between this is the ultimate spring occasion dress. Coordinate with ladylike cream accessories, or rebel with clashing canary-yellow hues.
For effortless weekend style that packs a punch, this H&M dress is the way to go.
Mini, yellow and perfect for your holiday suitcase - this is high up on our summer wish list.
Going to an exotic beach location? You won't want to be without this embroidered M&S frock then. Just add a raffia bag and some tortoiseshell sunnies to complete your look.
This purse-friendly number will prove to be an old faithful for many seasons to come.
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