It's official: We're in the full swing of summer weather. As temperatures rise, one may begin to feel the itch to switch things up—whether that means booking a trip or building an entirely new wardrobe. If you're leaning toward the latter, you're not alone. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement of shopping for a new season, but if I'm being honest, it can be, well, overwhelming. After all, where does one start on their shopping journey? Luckily, there's always a failproof place to begin. Ahem, the dress department. Don't get me wrong. Other staples are imperative in a summer wardrobe too—e.g., sandals, sunglasses, swimsuits, and linen sets. However, none can maintain the same air of sophistication when it's sweltering outside quite like a dress does. It's the one item you can be sure you'll wear throughout the summer without fail.
If you're unsure of what type of dress to incorporate into your closet, consider a more classic silhouette, such as the halter. If you just halted in your tracks reading that, please hear me out. Although I know that others might not share the same sentiment about this style, I've always felt it was incredibly sophisticated. While everyone's feelings may differ, there's no denying that halter dresses are shaping up to be one of the season's biggest trends. Don't believe me? Ahead, I've rounded up examples of how the halter-dress trend has taken over the runway, the street style scene, and even Nordstrom's digital racks, cementing the style's return. If you're looking for pieces to freshen up your summer wardrobe, prepare to end the search.
On the Runway
Styling Notes: One of the ways I've seen this dress silhouette adapted in recent seasons is through the incorporation of special hardware. Case in point: Coperni's S/S 24 collection. The addition of buckle hardware to this black dress makes it bolder.
Styling Notes: Another way I saw this dress style given a contemporary spin was with trending colors. In Ferragamo's S/S 24 collection, there were a few halters, but none were as impactful as the pistachio green maxi.
Styling Notes: Shades weren't the only way designers made this dress stand out, as styling played a pivotal role too. Fendi's S/S 24 runway includes a contemporary take on color-blocking, where minimal halter dresses were styled with contrasting accessories.
Styling Notes: Beyond styling, designers made this dress feel a bit more daring by focusing on the details, specifically textiles. I saw several halter dresses made from luxurious materials. At Alexander McQueen's S/S 24 show, the style was made from saffron-red velvet.
Styling Notes: While designers made this "dated" dress feel fresh in many ways, the most straightforward way they brought it back this season was by embracing simplicity. (Refer to Tove's spring show.) By embracing clean-cut tailoring, neutral palettes, and breezy materials, they made this classic dress even chicer.
Since the return of this style on the runway, we've seen the fashion set adopt the trend swiftly. Keep scrolling to see how they're wearing this trend.
In the Wild
Styling Notes: One of the most straightforward ways to style this dress silhouttes is by pairing it with matching accessories—e.g., shoes in the same shade as the dress, a matching bag, and minimal jewelry.
Styling Notes: For those who don't want to get too matchy-matchy with their look, the next best way to style this dress is to pair it with accessories in a complementary neutral color. It will allow the dress to stand out without being overly planned.
Styling Notes: If you want to get a bit more creative with how you wear this dress trend, consider styling a simple halter dress over contrasting pants.
Styling Notes: Are you not into the idea of layering? You can also make this style feel edgier by opting for a version of this dress with daring details—a bold print, a low back, or any other eye-catching element. Just add edgy accessories to your ensemble to fully embrace the energy.
Styling Notes: When in doubt, you really can't go wrong with keeping it simple. Try styling this silhouette with sculptural earrings, a clutch, and mules for an effortless yet elegant ensemble.
Feeling inspired to try this dress trend? Keep scrolling to shop some of the best halter dresses at every price point.
Shop the Dress Trend
Such a steal.
Red-hot.
Your waist will look snatched in this dress.
Polka dots are poppin' off again.
Such a pretty shade of blue.
It's the little rosette for me.
Oh, she's sophisticated.
It doesn't get more modern than a two-tone dress.
Give your wardrobe a dose of dopamine.
Nothing screams "summer" quite like a little white minidress.
The color of this dress is gorgeous.
Dreaming of wearing this by the beach.
The bust on this dress is too beautiful.
Simple yet stunning.
Abstract prints are always an elegant option.
The drop waist on this dress will surely make jaws drop.
Meet the perfect white dress.
For those sweltering summer days, this simple tank dress will suffice.
Consider your wedding guest ensemble sorted.
Shell prints for summer? Here for it.
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