How to wear a bardot neck top or dress?

Do you have a off-the-shoulder top or dress, but are wondering how to incorporate it into your wardrobe? Would you like to know if the bardot collar, the type of collar that uncovers the shoulders, is flattering on your body type? 

You've come to the right place. 

As a fashion enthusiast, I love to see original clothing cuts come back into the spotlight. This is especially true of the Bardot collar, which denudes your shoulders and sublimates your cleavage!

Today, I'm offering a complete guide to it, with plenty of tips on how to wear it and plenty of inspiring outfit examples. 

Popularized by 1960s actress and model Brigitte Bardot, the Bardot collar is ideal for summer days. It suits most body types, except perhaps those with broad shoulders, who can wear an asymmetrical neckline instead. Very versatile, the bardot collar is equally suitable for bohemian chic, flowing and feminine outfits, as well as for a more dressy style if you wear it with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Finally, I can only recommend wearing necklaces and earrings with a bare-shoulder top or dress, to show off your cleavage! 

Want to know more? Read on to find out: 

• The origin of the off-shoulder collar as well as the person who made it famous,
• If the Bardot collar matches your type of morphology, ,
• How to wear it, whether it is a dress or a top,
• Tricks to sublimate your cleavage,
• ... As well as manybohemian, classic and chic outfit ideas with bare shoulders! 

Where does the bardot collar come from?

You know the off-shoulder tops and dresses, which are very fashionable in recent years, but did you know that this cut is also called a bardot collar? The name actually comes from Brigitte Bardot, who popularized this type of collar. This sixties icon was the muse of great artists of the time and a fashion muse and remained famous for her beauty, which made her very photogenic. 

In the 60s and 70s, Brigitte Bardot became a true role model for women of the time. The clothes she wore during her public appearances were immediately bought and worn in the same way. We can say that she was an influencer, before the time of the internet and networks. 

This is how the bardot collar, which is characterized by its bare shoulders, was very successful in the 70s, which was also the time of the hippies, which is why this type of cut is now considered typical of thebohemian style. 

What body type is enhanced by this type of top? 

This type of collar, very feminine, is perfect when the weather is nice and can easily be combined with many outfits. Yet, we may wonder if this original cut will sublimate our morphology. Indeed, it draws the eye to the shoulders, neck and neckline. 

The answer to this question is rather simple: the bardot neck suits most body types, whether you are slim or rather round, tall or short. However, if you have a fairly broad shoulder build, this one may exaggerate them a bit and not necessarily fit. In this case, I would recommend an asymmetrical neckline instead, which will reveal only one of your shoulders. The characteristic diagonal of this cut will contribute, by optical effect, to reduce your build. 

👉 If you're not too keen on showing off your arms, there are also tops and dresses that let your shoulders show and cover your arms. These are perfect for mid-season and slim your figure. 

A lightweight bardot neck dress, perfect for summer

Looking for a lightweight, feminine outfit to withstand the summer heat? The dress with bare shoulders is ideal. Very light, it shows off your cleavage and allows you to perfect your tan! 

Depending on your body type, I recommend instead:

• A long dress, if you are tall, round, or with an athletic build,
• A short dress, if you are petite. 

I also recommend light colors such as white or pastel shades, but also flowery prints, which will go right with the bohemian side of this type of dress. 

Bare shoulders: an iconic detail of the bohemian chic style

As we have already mentioned earlier in this article, the Bardot collar is emblematic of the bohemian chic style. This fashion trend is indeed characterized by light, flowing and comfortable clothes, in which you have a great freedom of movement. But that's not all: it's also feminine dresses and tops, with delicate elements that enhance your figure. The lace inserts, but also the ruffles, the flowery patterns, or the balloon sleeves are all details that will highlight you and make you feel beautiful in your clothes. 

👉 Are you intrigued by bohemian fashion? Does it fit with what you love? I give you an appointment right now on our online shop, to discover our collections of dresses, tops and other original and well-cut bohemian clothes! 

 

 

A bardot neck top with jeans, the perfect combination for a casual and feminine outfit

Do you like to wear jeans, to be comfortable? If so, you surely know that a stylish and well-cut top is the perfect ally to bring originality to your outfit! Off-shoulder tops and blouses are no exception to this rule: on the contrary, they are perfect for showing off your waist and respecting the proportions of your figure if you wear high or mid-rise jeans, close to the body or not. 

🎨 To contrast nicely the blue of your jeans, you can put a top with bright and bright colors, or even white. Here too, don't hesitate to wear original clothes, with lace, pearls, pretty buttons, transparency effects, embroidery...

With a high-waisted skirt, for a chic and sophisticated outfit

Are you looking for adressy outfit, for a special occasion or a demanding professional situation? In that case, you can totally pair a simple, sophisticated bardot neck top with a plain, high-waisted pencil skirt. This ensemble works very well, as the slim fit of the skirt will contrast the flowing and loose side of the bardot neckline. 

For this type of outfit, you can wear noble and silky materials, which will bring softness to the ensemble. A nice pair of heels will be a perfect finish to your outfit! 

👉 If you want to have a great figure, you can wear sheathing and sculpting underwear underneath this outfit, high-waisted or even directly as a jumpsuit. 

Highlight your bare shoulders with jewelry

Now that you know a little bit more about the different styling options available to you with a bare shoulder top or dress, I'd like to explore how to accessorize this type of garment. 

With this type of neckline drawing attention to your shoulders, neck and face, jewelry is a great way to show off who you really are and bring brightness to your outfit. 

Agold or silver necklace will instead have the effect of reducing the build of your shoulders and should necessarily be fully visible. 

You can also opt forimposing earrings, always matching the hues of your outfit. 

👉 You may have noticed in the photos illustrating this article that you never see the bra straps of the models, with this type of top. Indeed, it totally breaks the bare shoulder effect and the characteristic cut of these clothes. Thus, I recommend you to provide a bust bra or even invisible straps to wear with a bardot collar! 😉

An alternative to the bardot collar: the strapless top or dress

You're not quite convinced that the bardot collar suits you? In that case, you can also considerwearing a top or dress with a bustier. Contrary to what you might imagine, this type of cut is quite suitable for people with small breasts and instead highlights their waist. In this case, it is enough to choose a straight bustier. On the contrary, if you have a large chest, I recommend a strapless heart shape, to sublimate your generous curves. 

You have now become a expert of the bardot neckline and I hope this article has helped you to integrate it into your wardrobe! Feel free, if you wish to browse our boutique which offers many models of bohemian clothes with bare shoulders! 

🧵 Do you like sewing? In that case, you can try your hand at creating your own bare shoulder top, following the tips given in this video: