As the weather becomes warmer, skin baring fashions become popular particularly for parties and special events. One look that can be elegant if worn appropriately is the strapless summer dress so popular this year.

Although a strapless dress can feel cool on a hot summer night and can add a touch of style, if worn incorrectly it can look overly showy and out of place. Here are some style tips to help you get the most out of your strapless dresses this summer:

How to wear a strapless summer dress: Make sure you're comfortable in one.

Just because strapless summer dresses are the style doesn't mean you have to wear one. Decide before you make your purchase whether you're going to feel comfortable showing that much skin. Not everyone enjoys the feeling of baring their shoulders.

Go to your nearest department store or fashioni clothing boutique and try on a few strapless dresses to see if this look really feels good on you. If you're going to feel self conscious wearing it, look for a dress with a little more sleeve. Don't be scared to splash out a little on a designer strapless dress if you think you're going to feel more comfortable in it.

How to wear a strapless summer dress: Get the right fit.

With no other style of dress is it more important to get a good fit than it is with the strapless one. The dress should firmly grip the top of your bust and be high enough to not reveal an inappropriate amount of cleavage. Be careful not to get it so tight that it cuts into your skin. You want the top to be firm enough so that you won't feel the need to tug at it all evening.

Also be sure the dress isn't so tight through the hips and thighs that it makes it uncomfortable to walk. You'll also want the length of your strapless dress to at least fall to knee level to balance out the exposed skin on top. Take a look at this stylish blue DKNY strapless dress. You don't want to look like a street walker.

How to wear a strapless summer dress: Avoid overpowering accessories

A strapless dress needs a little attention at the neck but the necklace you choose shouldn't be overbearing. Opt for a delicate beaded choker or a gold chain with an interesting pendant. A large or chunky necklace can ruin the smooth lines of your strapless dress.

How to wear a strapless summer dress: Add a little skin color

If you're extremely pale, consider applying a light application of self tanner to add color. You can also use a powdered bronzer to give your skin a glow and a bit of additional color. A super pale look isn't flattering with a strapless dress. Go for something unsual like this Broken Glass Strapless Dress by McQ Alexander McQueen.

How to wear a strapless summer dress: Wear it to the office

Yes, you can wear a strapless summer dress to the office. Simply wear a pretty knit top over your strapless dress and it'll look like you're wearing a skirt and top. Your strapless dress can pull double duty. You can also add a blazer or a cardigan to create an office appropriate look.


Strapless summer dresses can help to keep you cool and give you a stylish look for warm summer weather. Just be sure to choose and wear them appropriately.