Off-the-shoulder dresses are having a major moment right now.
This sultry silhouette that reveals the shoulders and décolletage is ultra-feminine and flattering on most body types.
But choosing the right hairstyle to complement an off-the-shoulder neckline is crucial.
The wrong coif can overwhelm the look or seem incongruous with the retro vibe of the dress style.
As an experienced hair stylist, I’ve worked with many clients to create stunning hairdos that enhance the romantic, sensual allure of off-the-shoulder dresses for all sorts of occasions.
I’ll offer tips and tricks for achieving each hairstyle step-by-step at home.
The Classic Low Bun
Nothing complements an off-the-shoulder silhouette quite like a polished low bun.
This iconic, elegant hairstyle has graced many iconic fashion moments on the red carpet and beyond.
The pulled-together polish of a bun contrasts beautifully with the skin-baring nature of an off-the-shoulder look.
Start by applying a smoothing hair cream or oil throughout damp hair before blow drying straight and smooth.
Part your hair down the middle and create a deep side part, combing all the hair over to one side.
Gather your locks into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing with an elastic.
To create the bun, begin rolling the ponytail inward on itself while applying bobby pins around the base to hold in place.
For a messy touch, gently pull out strands at the top and sides of the bun. Finish with a light hold hairspray.
The sleek, sophisticated finish of this low bun lets the gorgeous neckline and shoulders steal the show.
It’s an ideal match for formal or black-tie off-the-shoulder dresses when you want an refined, elegant style.
Play up the vintage romance of the look with dangly gemstone earrings. A bold red lip and cat-eye flick complete the retro-glam aesthetic.
Romantic Braided Updo
Braids are having a major style moment.
Incorporating this textured, romantic hair trend into your off-the-shoulder dress look is a gorgeous way to exude dreamy, feminine allure.
An intricate braided updo offers fuller coverage at the neckline than a standard bun or ponytail.
The interwoven detail also complements the complex patterns and details often seen in off-the-shoulder dress designs.
There are endless variations on braided updos, but a French braid into a twisted chignon is a timeless option.
Start by parting damp hair at the center and separating a front section on each side to frame the face.
Begin French braiding each section from the top of the head down toward the ear. When you reach the end, join the two braids together at the back of the head.
Coil the remainder of the hair into a loose bun shape, tucking the end of the braids in to anchor them.
Wrap the finished braided bun with a ribbon that picks up a color from your dress print.
Finish by gently pulling out face-framing pieces at the hairline and securing with hairspray.
The textured, plaited detail of a braided updo pairs beautifully with shimmery off-the-shoulder evening gowns or rustic-chic peasant styles.
Statement earrings draw even more attention upward from the neckline.
Just be sure to choose lightweight styles that won’t weigh down an intricate updo.
Bouncy Hollywood Waves
Channel your inner silver screen starlet with lush, bouncy curls that cascade just below your shoulders.
Shoulder-grazing waves are universally flattering and offer fuller coverage compared to shorter chopped styles when wearing an off-the-shoulder silhouette.
Gentle retro finger waves or beachy undone texture both pair perfectly with the romanticism of this dress trend.
The key is volume on top that cascades downward into glamorous full-body curls.
Start by prepping dry hair with a thickening mousse, applied from roots to ends.
Create sections and curl with a 1-inch barrel iron, winding hair away from your face and holding for 5 seconds before releasing.
Allow curls to cool completely before gently finger combing through the waves to break them up. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray for soft, touchable texture that lasts.
A set of bouncy, flowing curls paired with an off-the-shoulder gown exudes timeless Hollywood elegance.
Opt for chandelier or shoulder-grazing statement earrings to complement the hairstyle. Dark smoky eyes and a bold red lip amp up the drama even more.
This look transitions seamlessly from black-tie weddings to red carpet events.
Half-Up Hairstyles
Half-up styles are a gorgeous middle ground balancing covered necklines and exposed shoulders.
Pulling back only the crown section creates height on top while allowing the bottom half to softly frame the shoulders. Half-up dos also showcase beautiful face-framing layers optimally.
There are many options, from sleek and smooth ponytails to teased bouffants to braided twists.
For a more undone alternative, try a piece-y knotted half-up style.
On second day curls or waves, rub in a bit of texture cream or pomade and spritz with dry shampoo.
Gather hair at the back crown into a messy knot, leaving out loose tendrils around the hairline and allowing ends to cascade beneath.
Fan pieces out at the top of the knot and finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
Half-up styles pair beautifully with square, straight or asymmetrical off-the-shoulder necklines.
Beachier textures complement casual daytime sundresses while smooth polished versions excel for cocktails and events.
Statement drop earrings are musts, along with bold lips and smoky eye shades like gunmetal gray
This is one of the most versatile options for off-the-shoulder dress pairings.
Sleek High Ponytail
Slick, shiny hair pulled up into a flawless ponytail embodies modern elegance.
It’s the perfect juxtaposition to the romance of an off-the-shoulder silhouette.
A sleek updo puts the gorgeous shoulder and collarbone display center stage. There are endless variations, from blunt cropped lengths to coiled twists to side swept.
For a gorgeous formal look, create a polished high pony.
Start with dry, straightened hair and part down the center.
Brush the entire top section straight up towards the ceiling and gather it all together at the crown in a very high ponytail, securing tightly with an elastic.
Next, wrap random sections of the ponytail around the hair tie to cover it before smoothing over with shine serum.
Top with a few kinky or wavy extensions in a matching color for added volume and texture. Let them blend in with the tail rather than creating separation.
Finish with a mist of firm hold hairspray for serious hold.
Slick side-parted styles look especially chic and modern with one-shouldered or asymmetrical necklines.
Pair this tight style with linear drop earrings and bold matte lips for an edgy take on off-the-shoulder formal wear. It’s an unexpected combination that really flatters.
Textured Undone Updo
There’s something utterly romantic about an undone, imperfect low bun or chignon paired with an off-the-shoulder dress.
The contrast between the put-together dress and flyaway tendrils creates effortless elegance.
Textured loose updos work beautifully for beachfront affairs, garden parties, bridal showers or relaxed daytime soirees.
Start with day two or three textured hair, either natural waves or heat curls.
Prep with dry shampoo and texturizing spray for maximum volume and hold.
Collect hair into a loose low bun or twist at the nape, leaving lots of strands down around the shoulders and neck.
Wrap an on-theme floral or lace scarf around the base of the bun to cover the hair tie.
Gently tug on pieces around the hairline and sides to create an artfully undone look. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray that won’t stiffen the soft texture.
Avoid any symmetry or parting and let different sections drape naturally.
Embellish the scarf or chignon with fresh blooms for extra boho flair.
Textured updos pair perfectly with floaty off-the-shoulder maxi dresses or strapless boho-chic styles.
Opt for beaded or woven statement earrings and necklaces to embellish the neckline further. This effortlessly sexy hairstyle lets the shoulders shine while still providing neck coverage.
Face-Framing Curly Bob
For short to medium length manes, a shoulder-grazing curly bob provides beautiful contrast to a bare decolletage.
Embracing your natural waves or adding defined curls gives volume around the face, drawing eyes upwards from the neckline.
A curled under bob also exposes the nape area in a delicate way, emphasizing both neck and shoulders.
On damp hair, apply a nickel-sized amount of curl cream evenly from roots to ends before blow drying with a diffuser attachment.
Once hair is 90% dry, define curls using a 1-inch barrel curling iron. Alternate curl direction to create natural movement.
Once cool, gently break up the curls with fingers and lightly massage in a serum to combat frizz and add shine.
Soften the part and sweep shorter face-framing pieces forward. Let the ends curve inwards just slightly for a rounded silhouette.
Finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
To complement a bob, opt for accessory pairings like dainty lariat necklaces that drape into the exposed décolletage and shoulder region.
Simple stud earrings also keep the focus on the face, neckline and killer curly shape.
Faux Bob
If you love the look of a shorter curly bob but don’t want to chop your locks, a faux bob is a chic alternative for your off-the-shoulder dress style.
This creates the illusion of a blunt cut while allowing you to pull long hair into a bun or braid when desired.
Short bobs especially flatter strapless or one-shouldered necklines.
Start with stick straight dry hair.
Create a deep side part and sweep all the hair over to one side.
With your head tilted sideways, begin wrapping hair into a tight, flat circular bundle against the head, tucking ends in as you go.
Secure with a hair tie or spin pins at the nape of the neck.
Smooth any loose strands back into the faux bob using pomade or gel for a sleek finish. Mist with strong hold hairspray to lock in place.
You want no visible hair tie or unevenness.
For added texture, backcomb the top slightly before smoothing down. Finish by gently pulling out a few face-framing tendrils at the temples.
This faux bob pairs perfectly with halter neck or asymmetric one-strap off-the-shoulder styles. Since a bob draws attention upward, keep jewelry minimal.
Simple studs and a bolder matte lip make this style shine.
60’s Inspired Beehive
This retro throwback beehive look epitomizes glamorous 1960’s style.
The voluminous bouffant shape of teased hair creates gorgeous contrast with a bare shoulder neckline.
Embrace your inner Amy Winehouse with an exaggerated, messy version piled high. Or craft a polished spherical beehive for a cleaner look.
Start by backcombing dry hair at the crown and smoothing over with holding spray as you go.
For added volume, clip in a couple of stacked faux ponytails and create beehive height by teasing, smoothing and pinning until the desired shape forms.
Mist all over with firm hold hairspray as you go to set the style.
Wrap two sections of hair across the front of the beehive shape and mist again to cover the base.
Allow tendrils to fall softly around the face and wear a headband across the front top to anchor it in place. Finish this gravity-defying style with even more holding spray.
The beehive shape pairs playfully with halter necklines or straight across off-the-shoulder bodices. Keep accessories minimal to let the statement hairstyle stand out.
Opt for simple stud earrings so as not to compete with the height. Sultry cat-eye liner, lush lashes and a bright red lip complete this retro diva look.
Pretty Plaits
Intricate braids lend gorgeous texture and dimension above bare shoulders and necklines.
Incorporating braiding also adds volume when styling shorter to medium length hair with an off-the-shoulder dress.
Chic braid styles include waterfall braids, fishtail plaits, coronet braids and five-strand techniques.
For waterfall braids, create a side part and begin French braiding from the outer corner of the opposite eye down toward the nape area.
Only pick up a few pieces of hair as you cross under, leaving the rest loose to cascade over the shoulder beautifully. Secure the end with an elastic.
Softer fishtail braids work well too.
Section hair into two even halves and begin crossing thin strands from the outside edge of each half toward the middle.
Continue alternating from each side, fishtailing the long length.
Finish by tying off the braid end.
Plaited styles lend gorgeous texture and a soft, whimsical vibe perfect for garden parties or summer soirees. Pair with flower crown headpieces for even more boho fla
Dangly beaded earrings or stacked necklaces offset the intricate braiding.
Romantic Flower Crown
A floral crown adds an ethereal, goddess-like feel to your off-the-shoulder dress style.
The garden fresh flowers adorn the crown of the head, drawing the eye upwards while the shoulders remain bare.
Choose blooms that complement your dress colors without competing too heavily.
Delicate wildflowers offer a whimsical feel while fuller roses up the romance.
Work with faux or real flowers to create your halo crown.
Use floral wire or ribbon to bind blooms together, leaving a tail at the ends. Position the crown just behind the hairline, tilting upward slightly at the front.
Cross the ends underneath and secure the ends together to form a continuous circlet. You can also integrate veiling or ribbons.
For added volume, backcomb natural hair before placing the crown to raise the height.
Or try weaving braids, curls or waves through the base before topping with the halo.
This style works wonderfully with flirty off-the-shoulder floral maxis, peasant tops or broomstick skirts.
Keep makeup light and natural-looking to embody the flower child vibe fully.
Boho Goddess Half Crown Braids
If a full floral crown feels overly ornate for your event, try statement braids on top accented with fresh blooms.
This half crown style brings whimsy while still allowing neck and shoulders to shine.
Pair chunky fishtail braids starting behind each ear and joining together in back.
Or do a trio of stacked lace braids on top of the head, leaving hair loose beneath.
Add delicate blossoms by winding stems into the braids as you create them or tucking them in after.
Choose muted pinks, ivories, blush and sage greens to coordinate with a floral print dress without overpowering your look.
Miniature rosebuds, cosmos, ranunculus, anemones and other gamine flowers work beautifully.
Finish by adorning several loose tendrils around the face for an ethereal, romantic vibe.
Pair with natural makeup in earthy pinks and brows and add thin layered necklaces bearing nature motifs. Effortlessly elegant for a daytime soiree or event.
Sleek Goddess Braid Crown
For a more polished take on flower crown braids, craft a neat flawless version using evenly matched plaits.
Start with straightened hair and part from ear to ear across the back crown before creating three uniform sized cornrow style braids.
Keep them tight, neat and lying flat across the back of the head.
Wrap the end of each braid across the front of the hairline on each side and pin or knot together the ends where they join at the opposite temple.
Mist the crown with hairspray and smooth any frizzies or flyaways with pomade for a sleek finish.
Tuck blooms into the braids at the front or scatter tiny blossoms across the top.
The perfect base for embellishing with hair jewels like leaves, vines and flowers.
Pair this sleek halo braid with elegant evening gowns or formal strapless cocktail dresses.
Offset the ornate hair with simple stud earrings, an interesting collar necklace or bold cuff.
Dark vampy lips and smoky eyes balance the ethereal goddess vibe.
Low Messy Chignon with Loose Waves
This messy low bun is topped off with peice-y loose waves throughout for quintessential boho elegance.
Combining an unstructured loose chignon with cascading curls creates an effortlessly sexy finish for off-the-shoulder dresses from day to night.
The curled texture provides movement while the pulled back style spotlights gorgeous shoulders.
Start with big voluminous curls created using a 1 1/4 inch curling iron.
Backcomb hair at the crown for lift and volume before gathering into a hand-twisted bun at the nape.
Wrap with an on-theme scarf or hair tie and bobby pin any loose ends underneath while leaving curled ends flowing out the sides.
Gently rake fingers through waves to break up uniform curls before misting with an anti-humidity spray.
The contrast of the haphazard updo with free-flowing tousled waves embodies romantic nonchalance at its best.
Pile on artisan metal necklaces and dangle feather earrings for an earthy vibe.
Consider fresh flowers pinned into the scarf wrap as well for garden party or backyard chic. Finish with a spritz of medium hold hairspray.
Options abound for choosing the perfect hairstyle to complement your trending off-the-shoulder dress for any occasion.
Romantic updos, bombshell waves, pretty plaits and statement crowns all present exquisite options.
Just be sure to consider the specific silhouette and neckline of your dress when selecting a hairstyle.
Play with contrasting textures and styling to create dimension.
And don’t forget to accessorize accordingly, from dazzling jewelry to embellishments like fresh florals.
With the right coif, your beautiful shoulders and décolletage will be the star attraction all night long!
