The strapless neckline is one of the most classic and timeless wedding dress necklines. Strapless dresses first appeared in the 1930s in eveningwear and was considered somewhat scandalous at the time, but since then, the strapless neckline style has been worn by Hollywood royalty such as Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn and countless stars on today’s red carpets.
Strapless wedding dresses increased in popularity in the 1990s, with brides being more daring in their fashion choices, and now they are among the most popular styles worn down the aisle. However, despite their popularity, that doesn’t mean that wedding dresses with straps, also known as sleeveless wedding dresses, are out! Straps are popular due to the support, comfort and extra detail they provide.
Still not sure if you are on team strapless or team straps? Keep reading to learn more about this timeless neckline and to see some of our favorite strapless wedding dresses for every bridal style.
Strapless Wedding Gowns: Why They’re so Popular
Why do so many brides say “yes” to strapless wedding dresses? This stunning neckline shows off the décolletage, draws attention to your face and comes in a variety of shapes, from the classic sweetheart neckline to modern architectural designs. No matter your bridal style, there is a strapless wedding dress for you! Strapless gowns look stunning in any season and can be worn with a bolero, cape, jacket or detachable straps or sleeves for two looks in one or additional modesty, making them a versatile choice.
Strapless Wedding Gowns
Sexy Strapless Wedding Dress
There’s something sexy about strapless wedding dresses, especially when combined with a modern plunging neckline and fitted silhouette. Stella York Style 7597 is an elegant yet sexy strapless column wedding dress in pure ivory lace and luxurious crepe.
A soft sparkle emanates from the lace of the sweetheart bodice before diving into a deep plunging neckline, lined in porcelain tulle. The waist gracefully melts into a crepe skirt to form a long and regal silhouette, as a row of fabric-covered buttons meet a gentle sweeping train edged in delicate lace and soft sparkling accents.
Simple Strapless Wedding Dress
A simple strapless wedding gown makes for an oh-so-chic minimalist look! Essense of Australia Style D3634 is a luxe liquid crepe column gown with a strapless neckline that naturally unfolds into a pleated, draped bodice that accentuates the body. In the back, fabric-covered buttons form a timeless row from the top of the bodice to the edge of its sweeping train. A sexy side slit brings a touch of drama for a look that wows. This wedding gown is also available in plus sizes.
Strapless Lace Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress
A fit-and-flare is one of the most classic wedding dress silhouettes, and when combined with lace, you get a beautiful bridal look. Essense of Australia Style D3647 is an allover lace wedding dress with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a sheer bodice that highlights the architectural corsetry.
The illusion tulle back with exposed boning and a single row of fabric-covered buttons highlights the body. Expertly placed sparkling lace appliqués scroll throughout the fit-and-flare skirt before flaring into a gauzy dream-like train with lace accents to complete this picturesque bridal look.
Strapless Satin Column Wedding Dress
A satin strapless wedding dress offers a timeless look for the red-carpet bride. Essense of Australia Style D3705 is a chic and simple wedding dress with a dramatic flair and combines timeless elegance with modern details. A straight-across strapless bodice creates a clean and minimalist bridal silhouette before draping into a chic sheath skirt. For a traditional look with a twist, a regal detachable overskirt adds drama to this sophisticated wedding dress, also available in plus sizes.
Wedding Dress with Tulle Strapless Bodice
Strapless wedding dresses with sleeves do exist! Removable sleeves, like those on Martina Liana Style 1540, allow for two stunning looks in one. This enchanting wedding dress features a pleated tulle strapless bodice with a sweetheart neckline that dips into a subtle notched plunge to meet the waist.
Detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves cuff at the upper arm and wrist for sheer, wistfully romantic balloon sleeves. Effortlessly flowing from the bodice’s floral lace appliqués, a weightless frothy A-line skirt made with playful pleated tulle has a slit at the thigh for a sexy touch.
Strapless Sweetheart Bodice Gown
Calling all fashion-forward brides! Martina Liana Luxe Style LE1219 may be the strapless wedding dress of your dreams. The strapless sweetheart bodice is accented with a plunging neckline and ethereal gathered tulle to complement the allover 3D floral lace appliqués.
In the back, the sheer bodice highlights the corset-style construction and delicate floral details while featuring a row of elegant fabric-covered buttons. This luxe couture wedding dress is made complete with an opulent ballgown skirt adorned with ruffled tulle and floral accents for a luxurious look.
Sparkling Boho Strapless Wedding Dress
A-line strapless wedding dresses can be found in a variety of styles, and the All Who Wander tinly gown is just the one for boho brides! This sparkling wedding gown is an eye-catching dress with a semi-sheer strapless sweetheart neckline and a bodice studded with embroidered floral lace details. From the waist, a gorgeous, embroidered tulle skirt flows into a dramatic A-line silhouette with a slit to the thigh. A chic combination of rustic textures and luxe detail, this wedding dress is an absolute showstopper down the aisle.
Plunging Neckline Strapless Wedding Dress
Dresses with removable straps give brides the option of extra support and detail when needed and two looks in one! The All Who Wander viene gown is a lace bohemian wedding dress for the adventurous romantic. The corset-style lace bodice with an illusion plunge neckline can be worn strapless or with lace-trimmed spaghetti straps, or detachable Chantilly lace and French tulle sleeves for an ultra-dramatic effect.
In the back, the vintage-inspired buttons line the bodice for a classic touch. A full and frothy A-line skirt of layered tulle floats from the gathered waist, parts at the sexy side slit and delicately concludes with an ethereal sweeping train.
Flattering Strapless Fit-and-Flare Silhouette
Martina Liana Luxe Style LE1240 elevates the timeless allover lace bridal look into a luxurious and sparkly fashion statement. A romantic sweetheart neckline glitters with 3D floral appliqués, beaded accents and a sparkling tulle underlay to accentuate the flattering strapless fit-and-flare silhouette. For a touch of high-fashion elegance, the detachable long lace sleeves add a demure touch to this versatile runway-worthy look. This glittering masterpiece is made complete with a sweeping train for that special walk down the aisle.
Choosing the Right Strapless Wedding Dress
When choosing the right strapless wedding dress for you, it’s all about the silhouette and the shape of the neckline. A straight-across neckline is beautiful for the petite bride, but it may accentuate broader shoulders. A V-neckline or sweetheart neckline draws the eye to the center of the body, elongating it for a flattering look for those who would like to minimize the shoulders.
While there is a strapless dress for everybody, those with larger busts may want to seek a gown with a supportive structure and a back and neckline that allow for wearing a strapless bra for additional support, if needed. For those with smaller busts, a bra usually isn’t necessary. While many brides worry about their dresses falling down throughout the night, the key is ordering the correct dress and cup size and doing alterations.
Your gown should be tight enough around the waist that it has nowhere to go, and there should be no gapping in the cups. During your fittings, raise your arms, dance around a bit, sit and stand and even hug someone. If you notice your gown is slipping down, tell your seamstress.
Accessorizing a Strapless Wedding Dress
Strapless wedding dresses are ideal for the bride who loves to accessorize. A jacket or detachable sleeves or straps can create two looks in one for the bride who wants to wow their guests. In terms of jewelry, because the strapless neckline leaves the décolletage bare, you can opt for a necklace or a statement drop earring.
When choosing a hairstyle, virtually any style is beautiful with a strapless dress. Hollywood waves give a red-carpet vibe to mermaid strapless wedding dresses, while a chic chignon looks stunning with a classic strapless ballgown.
Are you on team strapless or team straps? You can find a bridal shop near you and book an appointment to explore our wide selection of wedding dresses with and without straps.