How to Style an Asymmetrical Dress: Your Complete Guide!

Would you like to know if an asymmetric dress would enhance your figure? Are you looking for some outfit ideas featuring a split dress? Or perhaps you're after more information on asymmetric wedding dresses?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I really love asymmetric cuts, as they offer a fresh take on classic garments, adding a touch of flair and originality.

Today, I’m bringing you a comprehensive guide to the asymmetric dress, so you can find out if it suits your style and how to wear it.

Whether your dress features a plunging neckline or an asymmetrical hem, it’s important to pay special attention to the choice of your shoes, as well as your hairstyle and makeup. Wearing an asymmetrical dress usually adds a touch of elegance, no matter what your body shape is. Its unique cut draws attention to your legs, or to your neck and shoulders. It can be worn for everyday occasions, as well as for events like a fancy night out or even a wedding. There are also stunning asymmetrical wedding dresses available, perfect for those looking for a style that combines elegance and originality!

Would you like more information? Keep reading to find out:

• What defines the three main types of asymmetrical dresses,

• What body types do they flatter,
• If an asymmetrical wedding dress could be the one for you,
• How this style of dress can enhance your curves,
• And finally, a tutorial for those who would like to try sewing an asymmetrical dress!

What is an asymmetrical garment? And what about the dress?

Are you wondering what an asymmetrical garment actually is? Let me explain it to you simply, before we dive into the subject. 😉

An original and stylish clothing cut

The vast majority of the clothes we wear are symmetrical, just like most bodies. It was in the early 20th century, in 1912, that Madeleine Vionnet, a French designer, first created high fashion garments with bias cuts. This marked the beginning of asymmetrical clothing, which later appeared with renowned fashion houses like Balenciaga, and eventually in ready-to-wear fashion.

An asymmetrical dress or jumper is, by definition, an original piece of clothing designed to allow for great freedom of movement: indeed, Madeleine Vionnet was a pioneer in her time, breaking with tradition by eliminating the corset in favour of garments that were more fluid, more comfortable, and more respectful of the body.

Discover the 3 Main Types of Asymmetric Dresses

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

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

3 Tips for Rocking a Shorter Dress in Front

To begin with, I’d like to share some tips on how to wear the first type of asymmetrical dress I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This style is often used for evening dresses, wedding dresses, and also bohemian long dresses to create some depth and dimension.

➡️ An asymmetrical dress, when styled, requires you to pay special attention to how you’re going to accessorise it. A chic and glamorous hairstyle that pulls your hair up, like a high bun, will complement it beautifully, along with subtle makeup that matches 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 might consider wearing sandals like gladiators, which will also pair well with this style of dress.

➡️ Finally, it's worth knowing that this type of asymmetrical dresses are particularly flattering when they feature multiple layers. This can include petticoats or a special drape, which will create a stunning effect of volume and movement, making it very stylish.

The Asymmetrical Neckline Dress, Perfect for Those with Broader Shoulders

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

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

👉 When it comes to hairstyles, you can absolutely wear your hair down or tied up. If you prefer, you can sweep it to one side to complement the flow of your dress. However, if you choose to do this, the side that is left bare should definitely 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 is both sexy and lightweight? The asymmetrical slit cut is just what you need. With its open skirt design, it beautifully showcases the length of your legs and the curve of your thighs, offering a subtle hint of allure while still being chic and elegant.

Much like the asymmetric neckline, this style of cut creates an optical effect that naturally draws the eye towards your legs, making them appear longer.

Of the three styles of asymmetrical dresses in this article, this one is the easiest to pair with a jacket, whether you opt for one that is long below the knee or a shorter one that sits at the waist, helping to define your silhouette beautifully.

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

Wedding Trend: An Asymmetrical Wedding Dress

Are you on the hunt for a wedding dress that's both stylish and unique? There are many stunning asymmetrical wedding dress designs available. These styles are a bit different from the norm, while still being glamorous, and they have the added benefit of flattering most body shapes.

A cocktail dress with an asymmetrical neckline or a split skirt would be ideal for a wedding with a smart dress code and a sophisticated atmosphere. If you're looking for something more simple, like for a civil wedding, I would recommend opting for shorter dress styles, which will convey a sense of energy.

Bohemian wedding dress

Can I wear an asymmetrical dress if I'm curvy?

If you have a curvy figure, you can absolutely wear this type of dress. However, I would highly recommend choosing plus-size styles that are specifically designed to highlight your generous curves. This will ensure that your asymmetric dress falls perfectly and doesn’t look unbalanced.

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

How to Make an Asymmetrical Dress?

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

Indeed, creating a neckline or a bias-cut skirt requires developing a specific pattern and referencing it accurately so that the various fabric pieces that make up the dress can be assembled without any issues.

If you'd like to see more clearly what it's all about, I suggest you watch this video, which explains exactly how to create a pattern for an asymmetrical neckline.

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

All you need to do next is put the two pieces together to create a stunning asymmetric dress!

I hope this article has helped you learn a bit more about asymmetrical dresses and has inspired you to wear them every day, to enhance your style with class and originality!

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

Long Bohemian Dress