Summer off shoulder dress in linen and muslin

The neckline of a summer off shoulder dress runs straight across your arms and leaves the collarbones bare, which is just what heat asks for. We sew ours mostly in white, in linen, cotton muslin and other light cloth, from mini to midi. They’re warm-weather styles, so it pays to sort out your size before the season begins.

Linen or muslin when the forecast says hot

Start with the fabric. Linen breathes, and that’s why our white linen midi feels cool on a day when the city doesn’t. It shows off a tan, covers the knee and suits a vacation as well as a late dinner outside. The short linen version does the same job with more leg. A third one is crinkled linen with a floral print, and its fine creases are there on purpose, so after a car trip nobody can tell you sat for three hours.

Muslin is thinner. It’s cotton, light and airy, and we use it for minis with short sleeves in a tiny black print, pink flowers or blue cornflowers. Expect it to rumple slightly after a wash, which is normal for muslin, and steaming it for a minute puts that right.

Florals and dots with the same bare neckline

Would you rather have color than white? The beige mini with a floral print is the one we’d suggest for a summer date, since the pale tone and open shoulders look soft without trying. A light blue floral mini was sewn for walks and parties near water. Then there’s black with small blue flowers, in a smooth satin (polyester with 2 % elastane) that has a bit of give for dancing.

One white printed style comes with a short puff sleeve, ruffles, and a belt to gather the waist. Because the skirt falls loose below it, we’d point you to that one if your hips are wider than your shoulders.

Covered arms and one bare shoulder for after dark

Evenings cool down. A black polka-dot mini pairs the open neckline with full-length sleeves, there’s a ruffle along the hem, and it’s made for a cocktail party. The black knee-length style with slits also covers the arms and works all year. Our red mini bares just one shoulder. It’s an all-season dress, and in summer it takes sandals and a single pair of earrings.

Whichever you try on, leave your neck empty and wear small earrings, because the neckline is already the decoration. More to compare? See every off-shoulder cut, the white ones, florals with open shoulders or the wider summer collection.

Frequently asked questions

Which fabric is coolest for a summer off shoulder dress?

Linen and cotton muslin both breathe, and linen in particular won’t cling on a humid afternoon.

What jewelry suits bare shoulders?

Small studs or thin hoops, plus a bracelet if you like. A necklace only competes with the line of the neckline.

Can I order one before summer?

These dresses reappear in our catalog when the warm months begin. Until then, measure your bust and check the size chart, so you’re ready. We make them in XS to XL.

How should I wear my hair?

Up, or in a high ponytail. That keeps your collarbones and shoulders in view.