One-Shoulder Gowns and Dresses: 14 Designer Styles to Wear Now

A one shoulder gown is the simplest way to look dressed for black tie: one strap, one bare shoulder, no jewellery needed at the neck. This edit covers 14 one shoulder gowns and dresses in stock at Coveti, led by SemSem’s One-Shoulder Silk Metallic Plissé Gown; browse more in our one shoulder dresses and evening gowns, and see our black tie dresses guide for the dress code.

Key facts

• One shoulder styles in this edit: 14 pieces from 9 houses
• Price range in this edit: $2,160 to $5,660
• Best for: black tie, weddings, galas, New Year’s Eve
• Jewellery: a statement earring on the bare side, nothing at the neck
• Fit: snug at the strap; if between sizes, size down

One shoulder gowns

1. SemSem One-Shoulder Silk Metallic Plissé Gown, $2,890

SemSem silk and metallic plissé in lilac blue, with a cascade at the hip.

2. SemSem One Shoulder Pleated Gold Lamé Gown, $3,040

SemSem gold lamé with a high low hem.

3. SemSem One-Shoulder Asymmetric Pleated Solid Silk Gown, $2,890

SemSem pleated silk in navy, the quietest of the three SemSem gowns here.

4. SemSem One-Shoulder Cutout Sequined Knitted Gown, $2,450

White sequinned knit with a waist cutout. A bride’s after party dress.

5. SemSem One Shoulder Ombré Sequin Kaftan, $3,040

A one shoulder kaftan in ombré sequins, for full coverage on one side.

6. Alex Perry One Shoulder Scarf Gown in Dry Jersey, Forest Green, $3,210

Alex Perry dry jersey with a scarf, in forest green.

7. Safiyaa Rossa Dazzling Red Long Dress, $2,520

Safiyaa in dazzling red.

8. Marmar Halim One-Shoulder Pleated Silk Dress in Lilac, $5,660

Marmar Halim pleated silk in lilac.

9. Saiid Kobeisy One Shoulder Sequin Long Dress in Green, $2,560

Saiid Kobeisy sequins in green.

10. Avaro Figlio Axis One-Shoulder Sequin Gown, $2,660

Avaro Figlio Axis sequin gown.

11. Ulla Johnson Aureline Silk One Shoulder Gown in Opaline, $2,160

Ulla Johnson silk in opaline, for a summer wedding.

One shoulder cocktail dresses

12. SemSem Crystal-Embellished One-Shoulder Mini Dress, $2,160

SemSem crystal one shoulder mini.

13. David Koma Crystal Brooch And One Shoulder Mini Dress, $4,220

David Koma with a crystal brooch at the shoulder.

14. Max Mara Vasto Silk Crepe de Chine One-Shoulder Dress in Mud, $2,760

Max Mara silk crepe de chine in mud, for daytime.

How to wear a one shoulder dress

Keep the neck bare. Choose one long earring on the bare shoulder side and a cuff on the other wrist. Hair up shows the line best; if you wear it down, sweep it to the covered side. Underneath, a strapless bra with a silicone band holds best; many one shoulder gowns, SemSem’s included, have built in support. For a winter event, a cape suits a one shoulder gown better than a jacket.

Frequently asked questions

Is a one shoulder dress appropriate for black tie?

Yes, a floor length one shoulder gown is one of the classic black tie silhouettes.

What bra do you wear with a one shoulder dress?

A strapless bra with a silicone band works best; a convertible bra with one strap set diagonally is the alternative. Many designer gowns have built in cups.

What jewellery goes with a one shoulder dress?

A statement earring on the bare shoulder side and no necklace.

Are one shoulder dresses flattering?

Yes. The diagonal line draws the eye across the collarbone and suits most shoulder shapes.