How to Style an Asymmetrical Dress: Your Complete Guide!

Are you wondering if an asymmetrical dress would flatter your figure? Do you want some outfit ideas featuring a split dress? Or are you looking for more information on asymmetrical wedding dresses?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I really appreciate asymmetrical cuts, which allow for a fresh take on classic clothing by adding a touch of flair and originality.

Today, I'm sharing a comprehensive guide to asymmetrical dresses, so you can explore whether this style suits you and how to wear it.

Whether your dress features a plunging neckline or an asymmetrical hem, special attention should be given to your choice of shoes, as well as your hairstyle and makeup. Indeed, wearing an asymmetrical dress generally adds a lot of flair, regardless of your body shape. Its unique cut draws attention to your legs or highlights your neck and shoulders. It can be worn daily but also for occasions such as an elegant evening out or a wedding. There are also stunning asymmetrical wedding dresses available for those looking for a style that combines elegance and originality!

Do you want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What defines the three main types of asymmetrical dresses,

• What body types do they highlight,
• If an asymmetrical wedding dress might be right for you,
• How this style of dress can enhance your curves,
• And finally, a tutorial for those who want to try sewing an asymmetrical dress!

What is an asymmetrical garment? What about the dress?

You might be wondering what exactly an asymmetrical garment is? Let me give you a straightforward answer before diving into the details. 😉

A Unique and Stylish Outfit Cut

The vast majority of clothing we wear is symmetrical, as most bodies are too. It was in the early 20th century, specifically in 1912, that Madeleine Vionnet, a French designer, first created haute couture garments with bias cuts. This marked the beginning of asymmetrical fashion, which would later be seen with renowned designers like Balenciaga, and then in ready-to-wear fashion.

An asymmetrical dress or sweater is, by definition, a unique piece of clothing designed to offer a great freedom of movement: indeed, Madeleine Vionnet was a pioneer in her time, removing the corset for the first time in favour of more fluid, comfortable, and body-friendly garments.

Discover the 3 Main Types of Asymmetrical Dresses

For a dress, asymmetry can be achieved in three different ways:

• by shortening the front part of the skirt to reveal the legs while maintaining length at the back,
• by creating an asymmetrical neckline that leaves one shoulder bare while covering the other,
• by adding a slit on the side of the skirt to show a glimpse of the leg up to the thigh during movement: this is the iconic split dress.

3 Tips for Rocking a Shorter Dress in the Front

To begin with, I’d like to share some tips on how to properly wear the first type of asymmetrical dress that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This cut is often used for evening gowns, wedding dresses, and even boho maxi dresses, to add dimension.

➡️ An asymmetrical dress, when styled, requires you to pay special attention to how you'll accessorize it. A chic and glamorous hairstyle, such as a high bun, will pair particularly well, as will subtle makeup that complements the colour of your dress.

➡️ The choice of shoes is crucial. If you're looking for a reliable option, you can wear stilettos, which will highlight your legs and enhance your silhouette. If you're not very comfortable with heels, you can opt for gladiator sandals, which will also go well with this type of dress.

➡️ Lastly, keep in mind that this type of asymmetrical dress looks particularly flattering when it features multiple layers. This can include undergarments or a special draping, which helps to create a stunning effect of volume and movement, making it very appealing.

The Asymmetrical Neckline Dress: Perfect for Women with Broader Shoulders

When you have broad shoulders, it can sometimes be challenging to find a neckline that showcases your bust beautifully. An asymmetrical neckline dress, with its unique shape, allows you to highlight your neck and shoulders. The diagonal cut creates an optical effect that draws attention to one of your shoulders and your neck.

👉 If you'd like, you can wear a choker necklace with this type of neckline, with or without earrings. This will help brighten your face!

👉 When it comes to hairstyles, you can absolutely wear your hair down or tied up. You can drape it to one side if you’d like to complement the flow of your dress. However, if you choose to do this, the side that is left bare must be the one with your bare shoulder, to maintain balance in your outfit.

The Split Dress... A Closer Look at a Unique Asymmetrical Dress

Would you like to wear a dress that’s both sexy and lightweight? The asymmetrical slit cut is perfect for you. With its airy skirt, it subtly reveals the length of your legs and the shape of your thighs, offering a hint of allure while still remaining chic and elegant.

Like the asymmetrical neckline, this type of cut creates an optical illusion that naturally draws the eye to your legs, making them appear longer.

Among the three styles of asymmetrical dresses in this article, this one is the easiest to pair with a jacket, which you can choose to be either long and below the knee or shorter around the waist to beautifully accentuate your figure.

👉 Lastly, similar to the shorter dress in the front, I recommend wearing a lovely pair of heels or sandals that will showcase your legs beautifully.

Wedding Trend: An Asymmetrical Wedding Dress

Are you looking for a wedding dress that is both stylish and unique? There are many stunning asymmetrical wedding dress designs available. These dresses stand out from the crowd while still being glamorous and have the advantage of flattering most body types.

A cocktail dress with an asymmetrical neckline or a slit skirt would be perfect for a wedding with a formal dress code and a sophisticated atmosphere. If you're looking for something simpler, like for a civil wedding, I recommend opting for shorter dress styles that convey a sense of dynamism.

Boho wedding dress

Can I wear an asymmetrical dress if I have a curvy figure?

If you have a curvy figure, you can definitely wear this type of dress. However, I strongly recommend choosing plus-size styles specifically designed to flatter your generous curves. This will ensure that your asymmetrical dress falls beautifully and maintains a balanced look.

Don’t hesitate to wear dresses with stunning drapes that will truly enhance your silhouette, giving you the look of a goddess! If you’d like, you can also accentuate your waist with a belt for a fantastic effect! 😉

How to Make an Asymmetrical Dress?

Are you new to sewing? If so, I recommend trying your hand at creating a split dress, which doesn't require making a bias hem.

Indeed, creating a décolleté or a bias-cut skirt requires designing a specific pattern and referring to it carefully, so that the various fabric pieces that make up the dress can be assembled without any issues.

If you'd like to see more specifically what it's all about, I recommend watching this video, which clearly explains how to make a pattern for an asymmetrical neckline.

Once you've created the pattern, all you need to do is transfer it onto the fabric and carefully sew together the various pieces of your bodice. For the slip, you can use this technique:

All you need to do next is combine the two pieces to create a stunning asymmetrical dress!

I hope this article has helped you discover more about asymmetrical dresses and inspired you to wear them in your daily life, to elevate your style with class and originality!

Many of the dresses highlighted in the illustrations of this article come from our chic bohemian dress collection. Discover them now, along with many other unique styles, by visiting our online shop!

Bohemian Long Dress