From Paris to NYC, Stylish People Are Wearing This "Dated" Dress

A collage of models wearing the halter dress trend.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; Pictured: Alexander McQueen; Ferragamo; Fendi)

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

Halter dress trend on Coperni's spring/summer 2024 runway with a model wearing a fitted midi dress styled with black thong heels, green earrings, and a silver bag.

(Image credit: Courtesy of Coperni)

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.

Halter dress trend on the Ferragamo spring/summer 2024 runway with a model wearing a pistachio green maxi dress and gold earrings.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Ferragamo)

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.

Halter dress trend on the Fendi spring/summer 2024 runway with a model wearing a black midi knit dress styled with pistachio green gloves, brown pointed pumps, and a tan bag.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/ Fendi)

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.

Halter dress trend on the Alexander McQueen spring/summer 2024 runway with a model wearing a red velvet dress styled with gold bangles and black sandals.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Alexander McQueen)

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.

Halter dress trend on Tove's spring/summer 2024 runway with a model wearing a white maxi styled with black pointed flats.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Tove)

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

Halter dress trend on a woman wearing a white voluminous midi dress with pointed white pumps and silver earrings.

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

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.

Halter dress trend on a woman wearing a green midi dress styled with black ankle strap pumps, a silver conch-shaped necklace, a black handbag, and black sunglasses.

(Image credit: @hannamw)

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.

Halter dress trend on a woman wearing a black midi dress layered over white linen pants and black pointed heels.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

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.

Halter dress trend on a woman wearing a low-back floral dress styled with white knee-high boots and sculptural jewelry.

(Image credit: @kateemao)

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.

Halter dress trend on a woman wearing a black body-con minidress styled with gold earrings, a black clutch, and cheetah print heeled mules.

(Image credit: @rabia.cissokho)

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

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing ) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.