How to Style an Asymmetrical Dress: Our Complete Guide!

Are you curious whether an asymmetrical dress would flatter your figure? Would you like some outfit ideas featuring a split dress? Or perhaps you’re looking for more information on asymmetrical wedding dresses?

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Today, I’m sharing a comprehensive guide to the asymmetrical 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, special attention should be paid to the choice of your shoes, as well as your hairstyle and makeup. Indeed, wearing an asymmetrical dress generally exudes a lot of flair, regardless of your body shape. Its unique cut draws attention to your legs or to your neck and shoulders. It can be worn every day, but also for occasions such as an evening event or a wedding. There are also stunning asymmetrical wedding dresses available for those seeking a design that combines style and originality!

Want more details? Keep reading to find out:

• What defines the three main types of asymmetrical dresses,

• Which body types do they flatter,
• Whether a asymmetrical wedding dress would suit you,
• How this type of dress can enhance your curves,
• And finally, a tutorial for those who want to try their hand at sewing an asymmetrical dress!

What is an asymmetrical garment? What about the dress?

Are you wondering what exactly an asymmetrical garment 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. 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 clothing, which would later be seen with renowned designers like Balenciaga, and then in ready-to-wear fashion.

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

Discover the 3 Main Types of Asymmetrical Dresses

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

• by shortening the skirt portion at the front of the legs to reveal them, while maintaining the length at the back,
• by creating an asymmetrical neckline that leaves one shoulder bare and covers the other,
• by incorporating a slit on the side of the skirt to reveal a leg up to the thigh during movement: this is the famous split dress.

3 Tips for Rocking a Shorter Dress at the Front

To start off, 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, as well as bohemian maxi dresses, to add some flair.

➡️ An asymmetrical dress, when styled, 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 complement it wonderfully, along with 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 go for stilettos, which will accentuate your legs and enhance your silhouette. If you're not very comfortable in heels, you can opt for Greek-style sandals, which will also complement this type of dress.

➡️ Lastly, know that this type of asymmetrical dresses looks particularly flattering when they feature multiple layers. This can include petticoats or a special drape, which will help create a stunning effect of volume and movement, very sexy.

The Asymmetrical Neckline Dress, Perfect for Those with Broader Shoulders

When you have broad shoulders, it can sometimes be a bit challenging to find a neckline that enhances your bust. An asymmetrical neckline dress, with its unique shape, will help showcase 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 to brighten up your face!

👉 When it comes to hairstyles, you can definitely wear your hair down or tied up. You can sweep it to one side if you wish, to mirror the flow of your dress. However, if you choose to do this, the side that is left uncovered must be the side of 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 light? The asymmetrical split cut could be just the thing for you. With its open skirt, it hints at the length of your legs and the shape of your thighs, which is subtly suggestive while remaining chic and elegant.

Similar to the asymmetrical neckline, this style of cut will create an optical effect that naturally draws the eye towards your legs, making them appear longer.

Of the three styles of asymmetrical dresses discussed in this article, this one is the easiest to pair with a jacket, whether you choose a long one that falls below the knee or a shorter one that sits at the waist, to nicely accentuate your figure.

👉 Lastly, just like with the shorter dress at the front, I recommend wearing a lovely pair of heels or sandals that will accentuate your legs.

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 stand out from the crowd while still being glamorous and have the added benefit of flattering most body types.

An asymmetrical cocktail dress 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 energy.

Bohemian wedding dress

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

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

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’d like, you can also highlight 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 making a split dress, as it doesn't require finishing with a bias hem.

Indeed, creating a neckline or a flared skirt requires making a specific pattern and referencing it accurately, so that the various pieces of fabric that make up the dress can be assembled seamlessly.

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

Once you've created the pattern, you just need to 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 to join the two pieces together to create a stunning asymmetrical dress!

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

Many of the dresses featured in the illustrations of this article come from our collection of bohemian dresses. Discover them now, along with many other unique designs, by visiting our online store!

Bohemian Long Dress