Here's a fun fact – there's something about a halter neckline that is just infinitely flattering.
The dramatic neckline first emerged in the 1930s on formal gowns, and then when Marilyn Monroe wore her white pleated number in The Seven Year Itch in 1955, the style came to epitomise Hollywood glamour.
The halter is often immortalised in breathable summery fabrics – in fact, our holiday wardrobe wouldn't be without it. But there's also something really enchanting about a slightly more lavish halter neck dress, styled up for a major event.
How do you wear a halter neck dress?
Pulling off a halter neck dress is often intimately linked with balance. Part of the style's appeal is that it lends itself to an updo so that from a back view, the halter can still be fully appreciated. If you're going for more of a chilled poolside vibe, we'd recommend a high ponytail featuring beachy curls with a raffia visor. Whereas if your halter neck dress is destined for a glamorous occasion, a sleek middle-parted bun and some statement pendant earrings would work perfectly - sidestepping a necklace and avoiding too much drama in the neck area is a major styling tip.
Short halter neck dresses
Frankly, mini-length halter neck dresses are a holiday essential, but that's not to say that shorter lengths can't work for a more formal occasion. Feathers, satin, and backless shapes are all key design tropes to look out for if you're seeking to style up your halter neck dress - and when it comes to footwear we highly recommend the ever-flattering mule to give the illusion of a slightly longer leg.
Hello! Fashion picks out the best celeb-inspired halter neck dresses that we're absolutely loving this season:
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell looked radiant in a custom Roberto Cavalli gold paillette gown to the premiere of Biutiful at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Gold sequin evening dress, £420, Angelika Józefczyk
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Margaret Qualley
The Maid star wore an exquisite Chanel gown to the 2020 Academy Awards which featured a delicate feather train.
Scallop strap flare dress, £590, Victoria Beckham
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Audrey Dana
French actress Audrey Dana was a vision in white on the red carpet at the Les Choses Humaines premiere back in 2021.
Alexandra silk-satin gown, £1,015, Michael Lo Sordo
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Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson looked incredible at the Celebration of Women in Cinema Gala last year.
Keyhole bra dress, £1,250, Nensi Dojaka
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Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman wore a stunning red Balenciaga gown with a standout bow feature to the Academy Awards back in 2007.
Halter neck pleat midi dress, £248, Reiss
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Kate Moss
Kate Moss looked ethereal in a neutral Chanel gown at the wedding of Leah Wood and Jack MacDonald back in 2008.
Metallic halter neck dress, £188, Reiss
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Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz wore the most stylish black cut-out gown by Saint Laurent to a special screening of The Batman at the IMAX in London earlier this year.
Halter floor-length dress, £990, Victoria Beckham
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