Bardot neckline (Off the shoulder neckline) – 10 Basic styles

An off-shoulder neckline, as the name clearly tells you, is a wide-open neckline exposing the shoulders. It is also known as the Bardot neckline after the starlet Brigitte Bardot, who really popularized this neckline in the 50’s. A Bardot neckline/off shoulder neckline is usually elasticized and gathered and may be decorated with frills/ruffles.It is a classic evergreen neckline – if you look at vintage fashion, you will find this neckline on a number of Victorian ball gowns.

Today you will find it even on the most casual t-shirts and knit sweaters. It is never out of style.

We have seen everything and more of the very flattering Off-shoulder neckline. I am obviously late to the party but here are some simple basic ways in which an off the shoulder neckline can be designed.

If you want more fancy or glamorous, check out a fashion magazine and follow celebrities who regularly ace this neckline, like Meghan Markle – or you can browse some pictures in this Pinterest board

Different styles 

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Off shoulder style 1

This is the most basic type of off shoulder style – a simple elastic gathering at the neckline.

Off shoulder style 2

This top has a bigger ruffle than the basic off-shoulder style given earlier. A paper bag effect is created by making the casing for the elastic bigger.

Off shoulder style 3

This is a peasant style off-shoulder top with a small gathered frill along the neckline. The waist is gathered by a separate shirred panel.

Off shoulder style 4

This top is made of a soft stretch lace fabric. The ruffle on the neckline falls and acts as a sleeve covering for this sleeveless top

Off shoulder style 5

This top has a neckline that is shirred.

Off shoulder style 6

A fitted lace off shoulder top with unlined floral lace serving as the sleeves

Lace is a favourite for Bardot tops – you can have it form fitting in stretch lace. This lined top has circular lace ruffles and long lace sleeves 

Off shoulder style 7

This princess line top has a separate elastic band along the off shoulder neckline. The lace ruffled panel is attached to the elastic band.

Off shoulder style 8

This is a favourite style with wedding gowns with a band across the shoulders. This top has cap sleeves. 

Off-shoulder style 9

This is a cape style top with off the shoulder neckline. The neckline is shirred.

Off-shoulder style 10

This one has a cascade of double ruffles in two lengths, layered one on top of the other.

Related post: Off shoulder top- sewing tutorial; off-shoulder tunic dress- sewing tutorial

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