In the spirit of styling summer maxi dresses, we are going to look at one of the best styles out there- the halter neck dress. A halter dress typically means a style where the dress strap runs from the front and goes around the back of the neck, leaving the upper back and shoulders uncovered.
However, this style comes in many forms and designs to suit different people and occasions. Though the concept remains the same, the neckline and the width of the strap can differ. You will find halter dresses with all types of necklines, some of which expose the chest and back more than others.
The one thing that stands true about a halter neck maxi dress, however, is that it’s incredibly flattering. The design makes you look more feminine, youthful, and overall more elegant. And the best part is, it doesn’t require much in terms of styling or accessorizing.
But first things first…
Type of Bra to Wear with a Halter Neck Dress
As you can imagine, wearing a regular bra under a halter dress means the bra straps and hooks will show. This is not cute, no matter how hot your bra is, so you need to find alternatives.
The best option is a strapless bra, provided the halter dress has some back fabric and is not entirely bareback. Strapless bras are designed to be worn without shoulder straps, and they have features that stop slippage.
Alternatively, go for a halter bra. As the name suggests, the bra straps will go around your neck, not the shoulders. Halter bras come in many designs, from bikini to bralette, and often the strap will hide under the dress strap.
If your halter dress has a bareback however, consider an adhesive bra. This is essentially two bra cups sticking to each breast individually. They are usually made of silicone and have sticky adhesive in the inner lining. Variations of adhesive bras include a wing bra and lift covers.
How to Wear a Halter Neck Maxi Dress
Again, styling a halter-neck maxi dress doesn’t require much effort. If you have the right bra, all you need to do is accessorize and pick the right shoe. You can throw something over the dress if it’s cold, but halter-neck dresses always look good on their own.
Pay Attention to the Waist
When choosing a halter neck dress, pay close attention to how it looks around your waist. Many halter-neck maxi dresses are freestyle, and they flow freely down your body. First, go for a dress that’s your size to avoid fabric overwhelm. The last thing you want is to look like you are wearing curtains.
I like choosing dresses with a defined waist to make life easier. I have found many halter dresses come with a belt, which helps make the outfit more stylish. If it doesn’t have a defined waist, get a belt to cinch in the waist. I like wearing a slim belt and then tucking some dress fabric in it, making it look like a skirt and top.
Wear Open Shoes
I have seen many people wearing a halter neck maxi dress with boots, and it was not flattering at all. This only works for short dresses. Strappy high heels, sandals, and open wedges are your best shoe choices. The only exception is white sneakers because they brighten your feet and look good with maxi dresses. See this on what shoes to wear with maxi dresses.
Go Minimal with Jewelry
As a lover of the bohemian style, I struggle to wear minimal jewelry with maxi dresses. I’ve had to train myself to go small when I have a halter-neck dress or top on. This design style is a statement on its own, so your jewelry and accessories should complement it, not overshadow it.
The first piece of jewelry I pick is always earrings. You can go with big popping earrings or small but statement earrings depending on the occasion. This is the only piece that will matter, so don’t be afraid to make them pop.
After that, find a matching watch or bracelet for your arms. A little goes a long way here, so don’t overdo it. Finally, you can choose whether to wear a necklace or not, depending on the neckline. If it’s a real halter neck, do not wear a necklace.
Carry a Small Purse
Again, the accessories you pair with a halter-neck dress should not overshadow the dress. I recommend a really small purse, preferably a clutch bag. A simple sling bag will also do because it’s small, stylish, and hands-free.
Wear Sun Protection
Last but not least, feel free to throw on a sun hat or sunnies when it’s hot outside. Most halter dresses are meant for sunny days, so these two accessories fit the outfit perfectly.
What to Wear Over a Halter Neck Long Dress
While a halter-neck maxi dress is more of a summer/spring style, there are instances when you need to cover up a little bit because it’s cold, such as evenings outdoors. If the weather is not too cold, I recommend draping a shawl or a pashmina around your shoulders. This will keep the cold away without ruining the style.
Other items you can wear include;
- Denim jacket
A cropped denim or leather jacket will look great over a halter-neck dress. It’s simple, stylish, and doesn’t cover up the halter style.
- Long Sweater
A long button-down sweater is another great option, and you can leave the buttons open.
- Blazer
If the dress is straight cut, a structured blazer will do. The two go very well together even if you are not going to the office. I recommend a light-colored blazer to complement the season you are in. We also have a simple guide on jackets to wear with a maxi dress.
Halter neck long dresses have been in style since they first appeared in the 1930s. The elegance of this style has stood the test of time, and now they are more popular than ever before. Over the years, though, the halter neck style has undergone different stages, and it’s now available in many designs.
To wear a halter neck maxi dress, you need a good discrete bra and the right accessories. Keep everything simple, from shoes to jewelry and even the handbag. If you must layer for warmth, use something simple like a denim jacket, sweater, or a structured blazer.
