Fashion Styling Tips
How to Wear a Bardot Neckline Top or Dress?
Do you have a top or a dress with off-the-shoulder detailing, but you’re wondering how to incorporate it into your wardrobe? Are you curious if the Bardot neckline, which exposes the shoulders, is flattering for your body type?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a fashion enthusiast, I love seeing unique clothing cuts make a comeback. One standout is the Bardot neckline, which exposes your shoulders and enhances your décolleté!
Today, I’m offering you a comprehensive guide on this topic, filled with tips on how to wear it and plenty of inspiring outfit examples.
Popularized by Brigitte Bardot, the actress and model of the 1960s, the Bardot neckline is perfect for summer days. It flatters most body types, except perhaps for those with broader shoulders, who might prefer an asymmetrical neckline instead. Very versatile, the Bardot neckline works well with both bohemian chic outfits that are fluid and feminine, and a more dressed-up style when paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Lastly, I highly recommend accessorizing with necklaces and earrings when wearing an off-the-shoulder top or dress to showcase your neckline!
Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover:
- The origin of the off-the-shoulder collar and the person who popularized it,
- Whether the Bardot collar suits your body type,
- How to wear it, whether it’s a dress or a top,
- Tips to enhance your neckline,
- … as well as many bohemian, classic, and chic outfit ideas featuring off-the-shoulder styles!
Where Did the Bardot Collar Come From?
You are familiar with off-the-shoulder tops and dresses, which have been very popular in recent years, but did you know that this style is also called a Bardot neckline? This name actually comes from Brigitte Bardot, who popularized this type of neckline. This sixties icon was the muse of many great artists of the time and a fashion icon, remaining famous for her beauty, which made her highly photogenic.
In the 60s and 70s, Brigitte Bardot became a true role model for women of her time. The outfits she wore during her public appearances were quickly purchased and worn in the same way. One could say she was an influencer long before the age of the internet and social media.
This is how the off-the-shoulder neckline, characterized by its exposed shoulders, became very popular in the 1970s, a time that also embraced the hippie movement, which is why this style is now often associated with bohemian fashion.
What body type is highlighted by this style of top?
This type of collar, which is very feminine, is perfect for nice weather and easily pairs with many outfits. However, one might wonder if this original cut will flatter our body shape. Indeed, it draws attention to the shoulders, neck, and neckline.
The answer to this question is fairly simple: the off-the-shoulder top flatters most body shapes, whether you are slim or curvy, tall or short. However, if you have broad shoulders, it may accentuate them a bit too much and might not be the best fit. In this case, I recommend an asymmetrical neckline, which will showcase one of your shoulders. The distinctive diagonal cut of this style will help create an optical illusion that reduces the appearance of your shoulder width.
👉 If you’re not too keen on showing your arms, there are also tops and dresses that reveal your shoulders while covering your arms. These are perfect for transitional weather and help create a flattering shape.
A Light Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Perfect for Summer
Are you looking for a light and feminine outfit to beat the summer heat? An off-the-shoulder dress is the perfect choice. It’s incredibly light, accentuates your neckline, and lets you show off your tan!
Depending on your body type, I recommend:
- A long dress if you are tall, curvy, or have an athletic build,
- A short dress if you are petite.
I also recommend light colors like white or pastel shades, as well as floral prints, which will perfectly complement the bohemian vibe of this type of dress.
Exposed Shoulders: An Iconic Detail of Boho Chic Style
As we mentioned earlier in this article, the Bardot collar is iconic of the bohemian chic style. This fashion trend is characterized by lightweight, flowing, and comfortable clothing, providing you with great freedom of movement. But that’s not all: it also includes feminine dresses and tops, featuring delicate elements that highlight your figure. Lace inserts, ruffles, floral patterns, and puffed sleeves are all details that will enhance your look and make you feel beautiful in your outfits.
👉 Are you intrigued by bohemian fashion? Does it match your style? I invite you to visit our online store now to explore our collection of dresses, tops, and other unique and well-tailored bohemian clothing!
A bardot top with jeans, the perfect combination for a casual and feminine outfit
Do you enjoy wearing jeans for comfort? If so, you likely know that a stylish and well-fitted top is the perfect way to add a touch of uniqueness to your outfit! Off-the-shoulder tops and blouses are no exception to this rule; in fact, they’re ideal for highlighting your waist and maintaining the proportions of your figure, whether you’re wearing high-rise or mid-rise jeans, fitted or relaxed styles.
🎨 To beautifully contrast the blue of your jeans, you can wear a top in bright and vibrant colors, or even white. Don’t hesitate to choose unique clothing with lace, pearls, cute buttons, sheer details, or embroidery…
With a High-Waisted Skirt for a Chic and Sophisticated Outfit
Are you looking for a dressed-up outfit for a special occasion or a demanding professional situation? If so, you can definitely pair a simple and sophisticated off-the-shoulder top with a solid high-waisted pencil skirt. This ensemble works very well because the narrow cut of the skirt contrasts with the flowing and loose style of the off-the-shoulder neckline.
For this type of outfit, you can wear luxurious and silky fabrics, which will add a touch of softness to the look. A lovely pair of heels will provide the perfect finishing touch to your outfit!
👉 If you want a flattering silhouette, you can wear shaping underwear or high-waisted styles underneath this outfit, or even opt for a full bodysuit.
Show Off Your Bare Shoulders with Jewelry
Now that you have a better understanding of the various style options available with a strapless top or dress, let’s explore how to accessorize this type of outfit.
With this type of collar that draws attention to your shoulders, neck, and face, jewelry is an ideal way to express your true self and add a touch of brightness to your outfit.
A gold or silver necklace will tend to create the appearance of narrower shoulders and should be fully visible at all times.
You can also choose statement earrings, always matching the colors of your outfit.
👉 You may have noticed in the photos accompanying this article that the models never show their bra straps while wearing this type of top. Indeed, it completely ruins the off-the-shoulder effect and the signature cut of these garments. Therefore, I recommend opting for a strapless bra or invisible straps to wear with a bardot neckline! 😉
An Alternative to the Bardot Neckline: The Tube Top or Strapless Dress
Not quite sure that the off-the-shoulder style is right for you? If that’s the case, you might also consider wearing a top or dress with a bustier. Contrary to what some may think, this type of cut is very flattering for those with a smaller bust and actually enhances their figure. In this case, just choose a straight bustier. On the other hand, if you have a fuller bust, I recommend a heart-shaped bustier to highlight your beautiful curves.
You are now an expert on the Bardot collar, and I hope this article has helped you incorporate it into your wardrobe! Feel free to check out our boutique, which offers a variety of bohemian clothing with off-the-shoulder designs!
🧵 Do you enjoy sewing? If so, you can try making your own off-the-shoulder top by following the tips provided in this video:
