LaPointe Halter Gowns: Satin, Jersey and Printed Mesh

LaPointe makes the halter gown in three fabrics: bias satin, with and without feathers at the neck; stretch jersey, ruched through the body; and printed mesh, in leopard and snake. The satin halter gown with feathers is the house signature and comes in Black, Cream, Cloud, Oat and Marine. A halter neckline fastens behind the neck and leaves the shoulders bare, which lengthens the neck and shows off the arms and back. It is one of the most flattering cuts for a full length gown, and LaPointe has made it a staple of the collection for black tie, weddings and galas.

This guide explains each LaPointe halter gown, who suits it, and how to choose a colour and a size.

Quick answer: which LaPointe halter gown?

• Black tie and galas: Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Black
• A wedding guest: Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Cloud
• A bride: Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Cream
• The plain satin version: Satin Halter Gown in Black
• Comfortable and forgiving: Jersey Halter Ruched Gown in Black
• Print: Printed Mesh Halter Ruched Gown in Leopard

The satin halter gown with feathers

This is the LaPointe halter at its most recognisable: a bias cut satin column with a halter neck finished in feathers. The feathers frame the face and the shoulders, so the gown needs no necklace. It is available in Black, Cream, Cloud, Oat and Marine. Black is the black tie classic; Cloud and Marine are the strongest choices for a wedding guest; Cream is bridal.

The plain satin halter gown

Without feathers, the satin halter gown is quieter and more versatile. It comes in Black, Berry, Chocolate, Cloud and Oat. The Lightweight Satin Halter Gown in Rouge is a lighter satin in a true red. Add drama with the Feather Cuffs in Black at the wrist.

The jersey halter ruched gown

Ruching gathers the fabric across the body, which flatters the waist and hides the tummy. The Jersey Halter Ruched Gown in Black and the Jersey Halter Ruched Gown in Dark Brown are made in a weighty stretch jersey that is comfortable all evening and does not crease in a suitcase. The Jersey Sleeveless Halter Ruched Gown With Feathers in Dune adds feathers at the neck in a coral pink. The Jersey Sleeveless Halter Ruched Gown in Cream is the bridal version.

The printed mesh halter gown

The Printed Mesh Halter Ruched Gown in Leopard and the Printed Mesh Halter Ruched Gown in Snake Print take the same ruched halter shape in printed mesh. They are lighter and more playful, ideal for a destination wedding and a summer party.

Who suits a halter neck?

A halter suits broad and athletic shoulders, toned arms and anyone who wants to show their back. It is also flattering on a small bust, because the neckline draws the eye up. If you have narrow, sloping shoulders, a halter balances them by drawing a line across the collarbone. A fuller bust needs support: choose the jersey ruched gown, which has more structure, and wear a strapless bra.

What to wear with a halter gown

Bare neck, statement earrings. Never a necklace with a halter.

Hair up. A low bun shows the line of the neck and back.

A cover for the evening. A shoulder layer for cold venues: the Mesh Shrug With Feathers in Black and the Mongolian Shearling Collar in Black both sit lightly over a halter. For a long coat, see our LaPointe coats and jackets guide.

Sizing a bias satin halter gown

Bias satin follows the body closely. LaPointe runs true to size, but if you are between sizes in a satin halter gown, size up; the halter tie lets you adjust the neckline. The jersey ruched gowns stretch, so take your usual size. Read our LaPointe sizing guide and our LaPointe evening gowns guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is a halter gown?

A halter gown is a long dress whose neckline fastens behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and often the back bare. It lengthens the neck and flatters the shoulders.

Who suits a halter neckline?

A halter suits broad and athletic shoulders, toned arms, a small bust and narrow sloping shoulders. A fuller bust looks best in a structured, ruched halter with a strapless bra.

What bra do you wear with a halter gown?

A strapless bra, a stick on bra and a bra with convertible straps that cross behind the neck. The LaPointe jersey ruched halter gowns have enough structure that many wearers go without.

Is a halter gown appropriate for black tie?

Yes. A full length satin halter gown, such as the LaPointe Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Black, is a classic black tie choice.

Can a wedding guest wear a halter gown?

Yes, for a formal and black tie wedding. Choose a colour such as Cloud, Marine and Berry, and bring a light layer for the ceremony if it is held in a place of worship.

Does the LaPointe satin halter gown run small?

LaPointe runs true to size, but bias satin follows the body, so size up if you are between sizes. The halter tie adjusts the neckline.

Read next

• LaPointe evening gowns
• LaPointe winter formal dresses
• LaPointe wedding guest dresses
• LaPointe cowl neck tops

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.