How to Wear an Asymmetrical Dress: Our Complete Guide!

Would you like to know if an asymmetrical dress would flatter your figure? Are you looking for some outfit ideas featuring a split dress? Or perhaps you want more information on asymmetrical wedding dresses?

You're in the right place.

As a fashion enthusiast, I'm a big fan of asymmetrical cuts, which allow us to reimagine classic garments by adding a bit of flair and uniqueness.

Today, I’m bringing you a comprehensive guide on asymmetrical dresses, so you can find out if they suit your style and how to wear them.

Whether your dress has a plunging neckline or an asymmetrical hem, it's important to pay special attention to your choice of shoes, as well as your hairstyle and makeup. Wearing an asymmetrical dress typically adds a lot of flair, no matter your body shape. Its unique cut draws attention to your legs or your neck and shoulders. It can be worn every day, as well as for occasions such as a formal evening out or a wedding. In fact, there are some stunning asymmetrical wedding dresses available, perfect for those looking for a design that combines style and originality!

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What defines the three main types of asymmetrical dresses,

• What body types do they highlight,
• Whether an asymmetrical wedding dress might suit you,
• How this type 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? 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 details. 😉

An original and stylish outfit cut

The vast majority of the clothes we wear are symmetrical, as most bodies are too. It was in the early 20th century, 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 feature in collections from prominent designers like Balenciaga and eventually influence ready-to-wear fashion.

An asymmetrical dress or jumper is, by definition, a unique piece of clothing designed to offer a great freedom of movement: indeed, Madeleine Vionnet innovated in her time by eliminating 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 created in three different ways:

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

3 Tips for Rocking a Shorter Front Dress

To start with, I’d like to share some tips on how to wear the first type of asymmetrical dress that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This style is often used for evening dresses, wedding dresses, and also bohemian maxi dresses, to create a beautiful silhouette.

➡️ An asymmetrical dress, when you're dressing up, requires you to pay special attention to how you accessorise it. A chic and glamorous hairstyle that pulls your hair up, like a high bun, will pair particularly well, as will a 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 in heels, you might opt for spartan-style sandals, which will also pair well with this style of dress.

➡️ Lastly, be aware that this type of asymmetrical dresses are particularly flattering when they include several layering elements. This can be petticoats or a special drape, allowing for a stunning effect of volume and movement, which is quite sexy.

The Asymmetrical Neckline Dress, Perfect for Those with Broad Shoulders

When you have broad shoulders, it can sometimes be a bit tricky to find the right neckline that enhances your bust. An asymmetrical neckline dress, with its unique design, will help 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 like, you can wear a choker necklace with this type of neckline, either with or without earrings. It will brighten up your face!

👉 When it comes to hairstyles, you can definitely wear your hair down or tied up. You might choose to sweep it to one side if you want to echo the movement of your dress. However, if you do this, the side you leave bare must be the one with your bare shoulder, to maintain balance in your outfit.

The Split Dress… a closer look at a unique asymmetric dress

Are you keen to wear a dress that’s both sexy and light? The asymmetric split design is just the ticket. With its sheer skirt, it subtly reveals the length of your legs and the curve of your thighs, which is tastefully suggestive while remaining stylish and elegant.

Much like an asymmetrical neckline, this type of cut creates an optical effect that naturally draws the eye to your legs, making them look 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 a long one that falls below the knee or a shorter one that sits at the waist, to really complement your silhouette.

👉 As with the shorter dress in the front, I recommend wearing a lovely pair of heels or sandals to accentuate your legs.

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 asymmetric wedding dress designs available. These styles stand out from the crowd while still being glamorous, and they tend to suit most body shapes.

A cocktail dress with an asymmetrical neckline or a split skirt will be perfect for a wedding with an elegant dress code and a sophisticated atmosphere. If you're looking for something simpler, like for a civil ceremony, I recommend opting for shorter dress styles, which will give 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 highly recommend choosing plus-size models that are specifically designed to accentuate your lovely curves. This will help your asymmetrical dress hang perfectly and maintain a balanced look.

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

How to Make an Asymmetrical Dress?

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

Indeed, making a curved neckline or a bias-cut skirt requires creating a specific pattern and referring to it accurately, so that the different fabric pieces that make up the dress can be assembled seamlessly.

If you want a clearer idea of what it’s about, I recommend watching this video, which explains exactly how to create a pattern for an asymmetrical neckline.

Once you've created the pattern, you can simply trace it onto the fabric and carefully sew the various pieces of your bodice together. For the skirt, you can use this technique:

All you need to do is join the two pieces together to create a stunning asymmetrical 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 collection of chic bohemian dresses. Check them out now, along with many other unique styles, by visiting our online store!

Bohemian Long Dress