Solace London Strapless, One Shoulder and Off the Shoulder Dresses

Solace London strapless dresses usually have a boned bodice in twill and bonded crepe, so they stay up without straps. Its one-shoulder styles add a long sleeve split to the elbow, a scarf, a drape. Off-the-shoulder gowns grip the upper arm, and halter styles such as the Rumi tie at the neck. All come in UK sizes 4 to 16.

Necklines are what Solace London does best. The brand tags 148 of its styles strapless, 102 one shoulder and 81 off the shoulder at source, so the choice is wide. This guide explains how each one fits, which suits which body, and what to wear underneath.

Strapless dresses

A strapless dress has one job: stay up. Solace London does it with structure. Its corseted styles list a boned bodice on the product page and are cut in a medium weight twill with subtle sheen and a lightly textured bonded crepe, both with minimal stretch.

The Reynolds Maxi Dress in Red is a strapless corseted maxi with halter straps and a sculptural ruffle overlay, in bonded crepe with a boned bodice. The halter straps make it a good first strapless for anyone nervous about the shape. The Sommer Maxi Dress in Black takes a different route, with moulded bust cups and crystal rope embellishment in stretch knit crepe. The product page lists the cups and the stretch fabric rather than a boned bodice, and the fit is designed to sculpt the body.

Do Solace London strapless dresses stay up?

Yes, if the size is right. A boned bodice works by gripping the ribcage just under the bust. If it is too large, it slips; if it is too small, it digs in. Measure your bust and waist carefully and check the brand chart in our Solace London size guide. On boned styles the brand suggests sizing up if you are between sizes, because the bodice has no give.

One-shoulder dresses

One-shoulder styles are the easiest Solace London shape to wear. There is a strap to anchor the dress, and the drape across the body forgives a size either way.

The Audran Maxi Dress in Black is a one-shoulder maxi with a heavy satin floor-length scarf and a draped bodice, in stretch knit crepe and satin. The Veya Maxi Dress in Navy has pleats at the waist and a dramatic floor-length sleeve, in twill with subtle sheen, with an offset side zip under a concealed placket.

A one-shoulder neckline draws the eye diagonally across the body, which lengthens the line, and it suits broad shoulders as well as narrow ones. Keep jewellery to one earring on the bare side. For other labels, see our edit of one-shoulder evening gowns.

Off-the-shoulder dresses

An off-the-shoulder neckline sits on the upper arm, framing the collarbone and shoulders. It needs a firm bodice, because nothing holds it at the top.

The Alta Maxi Dress in Pale Pink is an off-the-shoulder corseted gown with a floor-length mermaid skirt, in twill with subtle sheen and lightweight satin, and is designed to sculpt the body. The Marcella Maxi Dress is softer, with a dramatic fluted sleeve split to the elbow, in bonded crepe, designed to skim the body.

Off-the-shoulder styles flatter a strong collarbone and narrow shoulders. If your shoulders are broad for your size, choose the larger size so the band does not cut in.

Halter and graphic necklines

Solace London also cuts halter and graphic necklines that sit between the main groups. The Rumi Maxi Dress in Navy is a halter-neck maxi with a pleated cross-over bodice and dramatic side trains, in stretch knit crepe and twill. The Wymore Maxi Dress is a graphic strapless maxi with a curved corseted bodice and off-the-shoulder straps, so it reads as both at once.

Necklines compared

What to wear underneath

Most Solace London dresses are fully lined, so the inside is smooth against the skin. Whether you need a bra depends on your bust and the fit. For support, choose a strapless bra with a silicone band, and try the dress on with it before the day. Off-the-shoulder and one-shoulder styles take a strapless bra too. Halter styles work with a halter bra and adhesive cups. Keep everything nude to your skin tone so it does not show through pale fabrics.

Necklines by body shape

There are no rules, only tendencies. A strapless bodice suits defined shoulders and a straight neckline suits a fuller bust if the boning is firm. A one-shoulder style suits almost everyone, and lengthens a shorter frame. Off-the-shoulder flatters narrow shoulders and a long neck. A halter suits broad shoulders and toned arms. If you are tall, a column in any neckline works; if you are petite, choose the cleaner shapes and keep the hem off the floor.

Jewellery and hair

Let the neckline lead. Strapless: drop earrings, a choker if the dress is plain, hair up to show the shoulders. One shoulder: a single statement earring on the bare side, nothing round the neck. Off the shoulder: a fine necklace and hair down. Halter: earrings only, hair up.

Our guide to how to style Solace London goes further, with shoes, bags and cover ups for each neckline.

Long sleeves with a bare shoulder

Several Solace London styles combine a bare shoulder with a long sleeve, which gives coverage on the arm and drama at the neck. The Newman and Seldon are one-shoulder maxis with a single floor-length sleeve split to the elbow. The Bradshaw and Martine are off-the-shoulder styles with long sleeves; the Martine adds a boned corseted bodice and an exaggerated neckline. These suit winter events and anyone who wants the neckline without bare arms.

Alterations by neckline

Each neckline takes alterations differently. A boned strapless bodice can usually be taken in a little at the side seams, but the boning limits how far. Let out is harder, so choose the larger size if you are between two. One-shoulder styles are the easiest to adjust, because the strap can be shortened and the drape hides small changes. Off-the-shoulder bands are tricky to resize without changing the neckline, so get the fit right at the start. Hems on all of them are simple on a straight skirt and specialist work on a trained one.

Strapless midis and minis

The structure carries down to the shorter styles. The Edison is a strapless midi with a curved boned bodice and a flared skirt with laser-cut panels, and the Freja is a strapless mini. They give the same hold as the gowns at a length that suits cocktail parties and early-evening events.

Strapless in winter

A strapless gown is no problem indoors in December, but getting there is. A long tailored coat worn on the shoulders keeps the line, a wrap in the same colour works once you are inside, and a fine fitted long-sleeved layer can sit under a one-shoulder style for a cold church. For the full winter edit, see Solace London winter wedding and gala dresses, and our guide to wearing a shawl over an evening gown has more ideas.

Care and storage

Boned bodices keep their shape best when stored hanging on a padded hanger. Do not fold a corseted gown. Dry clean only, as the care label says, and ask the cleaner to press the drapes by hand. Store one-shoulder satin styles with tissue in the folds of the scarf to avoid creases.

Where to find them

All the strapless, one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder styles are on the Solace London brand page. For the gowns in more depth, read our Solace London gowns guide, and for the labels with the strongest corsetry see our edit of corset gowns. If you are dressing for a wedding, our Solace London wedding guest guide matches each neckline to a dress code.

Frequently asked questions

Do Solace London strapless dresses stay up?

Yes, if the size is right. Solace London strapless gowns are built on boned bodices in twill and bonded crepe with minimal stretch, which grip the ribcage. Measure carefully and size up if you are between sizes.

Which Solace London styles have boned bodices?

Solace London boned styles include the Dandridge, Andress, Reynolds, Seri, Martine, Crawford and Edison, and the Bessette mini is boned for support. The product page lists the boning in the details.

Can you wear a bra with a Solace London strapless dress?

Yes. A strapless bra with a silicone band works under most Solace London strapless dresses, and a close fit in the right size gives the bodice its hold. Try the dress with your underwear before the day.

Are Solace London one-shoulder dresses easy to wear?

Yes. Solace London one-shoulder dresses have a strap to anchor them and a drape that forgives a size either way, so they are the easiest of the brand necklines to fit.

Does Solace London make halter dresses?

Yes. The Solace London Rumi is a halter-neck maxi with a pleated cross-over bodice and side trains, and the Reynolds has halter straps on a corseted strapless bodice.

Which Solace London neckline suits broad shoulders?

For broad shoulders, Solace London one-shoulder and halter styles are the most flattering. If you choose off the shoulder, take the larger size so the band sits comfortably.

What do you wear over a Solace London strapless dress?

Over a Solace London strapless gown, a long tailored coat worn on the shoulders keeps the line outdoors, and a plain wrap in the same colour works indoors. Avoid a short cropped jacket, which cuts across the boned bodice.

More Solace London guides

Every Coveti guide to the label, plus the full Solace London edit.

• Is Solace London a Luxury Brand? Quality, Fabric and Fit Assessed
• Solace London Size Guide: UK, US and EU Sizes with Body Measurements
• Where to Buy Solace London in the US, UK and Australia
• Solace London Gowns: The Evening Styles Worth Knowing
• Solace London Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code
• Solace London Bridal: Wedding Dresses, Reception Looks and Civil Ceremony Styles
• Solace London Modest Dresses: Long Sleeves, High Necks and Full Lengths
• Solace London Dresses by Colour: Black, Red, White, Pink, Green and Blue
• Solace London Signature Styles: Kinsley, Lang, Kira, Olivia and the Icons Explained
• Which Celebrities Wear Solace London? Every Verified Look
• Brands Like Solace London: 6 Alternatives We Stock
• Solace London in Dubai, Riyadh and the Gulf: Where to Shop and What to Wear
• Solace London Long Sleeve Dresses: Columns, Blouson Sleeves and Covered Gowns
• Solace London Mother of the Bride Dresses: Elegant Styles for the Whole Day
• Solace London for Winter Weddings and Black Tie Galas
• Solace London Christmas Party Dresses: Minis, Midis and Party Maxis
• Solace London Maxi, Midi and Mini Dresses: Lengths Explained
• Solace London Rental Versus Buying: When Each Makes Sense
• Solace London Resort 2027: The New Collection
• Solace London Real Versus Fake: How to Check Your Dress and the Site You Buy From
• How to Style Solace London: Shoes, Bags, Jewellery and Cover Ups