Dress Codes & Style Guides
What Is a Halter Dress? A Guide to the Halter Neckline
A halter dress has straps or a high neckline that wrap around or fasten behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back bare. The straps angle in from the bodice toward the neck, which shows off the shoulders and arms and draws the eye up toward the face. Halter necklines come in every length, from short cocktail dresses to ball gowns, and suit athletic and inverted-triangle figures especially well.
In This Guide
What Is a Halter Neckline?
A halter neckline is held up by the neck rather than the shoulders. The fabric or straps run from the front of the bodice up to the back of the neck, where they tie, clasp or join in a band. The back is usually open from the neck to the waist or lower back, and the shoulders are always bare.
Types of Halter Necklines
- Classic halter: two straps or panels that meet behind the neck, often with a V or straight front.
- Plunging or deep V halter: the panels form a deep V in front, a dramatic choice for prom and evening.
- High-neck halter: a band or collar sits close to the base of the neck, covering more of the chest.
- Halter with a scarf: a scarf or tie at the neck that falls down the back.
- Two-piece halter: a halter top paired with a separate skirt.
Who Looks Good in a Halter Dress?
Almost anyone can wear a halter, but it's especially flattering if you want to show off your shoulders and arms.
- Broad shoulders and inverted-triangle shapes: the straps angle inward, which narrows the look of the shoulders.
- Athletic figures: a halter highlights toned shoulders, arms and back.
- Petite figures: a high or V halter draws the eye up and makes you look taller.
- Fuller busts: choose a halter with wide straps, a structured or corset bodice, and built-in support. Very thin halter ties can feel less supportive.
Not sure about your shape? Enter your measurements in the Sherri Hill Fit Finder to see your body shape, your size and the silhouettes to try.
What to Wear With a Halter Dress
- Bra: many formal halter dresses have a structured or corset bodice, so you may not need one. Otherwise, try a backless, adhesive or convertible bra that can be worn as a halter.
- Jewelry: skip the necklace, since the neckline frames you. Wear statement earrings, and a bracelet or cuff on your bare arms.
- Hair: an updo, sleek ponytail or low bun shows off the neckline and open back. If you wear your hair down, sweep it over one shoulder.
- Fit: a halter should sit flat at the neck without pulling. If it's too tight it can strain your neck; a seamstress can adjust the straps.
Halter vs. Other Necklines
A halter leaves the shoulders bare like a strapless dress, but its straps add support and a vertical line. An off-the-shoulder or portrait neckline covers the upper arms instead. A one-shoulder neckline is asymmetrical, with a single strap. See neckline types for every style.
Sherri Hill Halter Dresses
Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58281
A fitted halter gown in hot fix stones, on a corset bodice, with a high slit in the skirt. It comes in sixteen colors, including periwinkle, black, emerald and gold, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58281.
Style 58260
A halter A-line gown with a plunging V neckline and a lace corset bodice that falls to a drop waist, with a mesh skirt and a slit. It comes in ten colors, including wine, black, royal and chocolate, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58260.
Style 58162
A halter ball gown with a deep V neckline over a corset bodice, with a bubble skirt and a slit. It comes in fourteen colors, including blush, navy, lilac and red, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58162.
Style 58413
A halter mesh cocktail dress with a scarf. It comes in navy, wine, royal, red, ivory and black, in sizes 000 through 18. See style 58413.
See every style in halter dresses, and find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a halter dress?
A dress whose straps or neckline fasten behind the neck instead of over the shoulders, leaving the shoulders and usually the upper back bare.
Do you wear a bra with a halter dress?
Often you don't need one if the dress has a structured or corset bodice. Otherwise, a backless, adhesive or convertible bra worn as a halter works well.
Are halter dresses good for broad shoulders?
Yes. The straps angle in toward the neck, which makes the shoulders look narrower and more balanced.
Can you wear a necklace with a halter dress?
Usually not, since the neckline already frames your face. Statement earrings and a bracelet look more balanced.
Are halter dresses good for a big bust?
They can be. Choose wide straps, a structured or corset bodice, and good support, and have the neck straps fitted so they don't pull.
