One-shoulder dresses are gorgeous and statement-making, but we don't have to tell you that they're not always easy to accessorize. In this style, the neckline rises higher on the sleeve side of the dress, making it difficult to select necklaces that lay properly without getting lost in the dress fabric. The best jewelry for a one-shoulder dress should work with the neckline, not fight it for attention. While some fashion magazines recommend not wearing a necklace with these dresses, we love jewelry as much as you do and have tons of tips for striking the perfect balance with an asymmetrical neckline.
Ideas for Wearing a Necklace With a One-Shoulder Dress
Certain types of jewelry bring out the beauty of the one-shoulder dress style. There are several awesome options, and we promise at least one is sure to fit your personal style. A few necklace styles work well paired with a one-shoulder dress. You can't go wrong with these winning combos.
Delicate Choker
A choker rests close to your neck and doesn't interfere with a slanting neckline. A delicate, very simple choker is best to keep the look from feeling too complicated, though. We love the Ladytree eternity choker necklace because the simple circle design is a perfect contrast with the strong angle of the one-shoulder neckline.
A choker works well with a slender neck and brings attention to the face, but don't worry if you don't feel like you have a swan neck. Keep the choker dainty and simple, and you'll look perfect.
Asymmetrical Y Necklace or Lariat
The structure of the Y necklace with a dangling middle allows you to wear a delicate necklace style without losing it in the dress material. Our favorite Y necklaces for one-shoulder dresses lean into the asymmetrical nature of the neckline. We love any style that has a design element on one side that isn't on the other, such as the Morgan & Paige open-heart sterling silver Y necklace.
One-Shoulder Body Chain
A non-traditional choice that looks amazing with a one-shoulder dress is the asymmetrical body chain. Part necklace, part clothing, this type of jewelry extends over one shoulder. Wear it on the open shoulder side to balance the dress neckline and make a major statement. We're all about the delicate style of the YienDoo layered leaf shoulder necklace.
Opera-Length Long Necklace
A long necklace generally works with a one-shoulder dress because it hangs low enough to show up without getting lost in dress material. You can double loop a long necklace to make the jewelry more prominent and shorten the length or just let the long strand make a statement on its own. We love a simple string of beads or pearls for this, like the MGR My Gems Rock! 36-inch infinity necklace.
Related: Necklace Length Guide to Pick Your Piece Confidently
Other Types of Jewelry for a One-Shoulder Dress
A necklace isn't your only jewelry option for accessorizing a one-shoulder dress. There are actually a ton of ways to bring a little bling to your asymmetrical look.
Arm Cuff or Arm Band
Choose an arm cuff or wide band for your bare arm for an exotic look. What's great about this style is that it can balance out or enhance the asymmetrical style — you're only wearing the cuff on one arm, after all. We're into a simple look here to keep things feeling modern and sophisticated. The gold-plated U7 gold armband bangle is perfect.
An arm cuff is best worn on the bare-shouldered side if your dress has any type of sleeve. For sleeveless one-shouldered dresses, wear the cuff on whichever side looks most appealing to you.
Studs or Post Earrings
Post earrings match a simple, elegant look. Think diamond or gemstone studs or simple gold or silver buttons. We're all about the Amazon Essentials 14k gold and diamond stud earrings, which add a ton of sparkle to any one-shoulder look.
Dangle Earrings
Dangle earrings may be totally appropriate for your outfit, too, especially if your dress is fairly simple. Long dangle earrings draw additional attention to the neck as well as to the face, which can actually make your one-shoulder neckline capture more attention. Add a touch of color with a pretty gemstone earring like the Ross-Simons precious gemstone drops.
The trick here is simplicity. You really don't want to go overboard with jewelry in general for a one-shoulder dress. Choose one or two of these recommended jewelry options for a perfect blend of sophistication and your own personal style.
What Not to Wear
Due to the slanted neckline and single sleeve of a one-shoulder dress, you want to steer clear of certain types of costume jewelry or anything that's just too much look. Skip right over these options:
- Pendants and long, delicate necklaces on thin chains: Pendants and long, delicate necklaces will lie against the dress fabric and won't show up on the slanted neckline. These types of necklaces may fall under the neckline of the dress as you move around.
- Medium-length necklaces: Necklaces that barely cover the dress's neckline look out of proportion and may end up falling under the dress fabric.
- Chunky necklaces and earrings: Chunky necklaces and earrings may clash with the elegance of the dress. Only one part of your outfit should make a statement at a time.
- Wooden necklaces: Many wooden necklaces are too casual for dressy one-sleeved dresses. The same goes for shell beads and other beachy styles.
- Arm bracelet misplacement: Do not wear arm bracelets on the side with the sleeve. It won't lay against the arm properly and will cause the material to bunch up.
Recommended Gemstones and Materials
Just about any gemstone and jewelry material works if it complements the color and style of your dress. As long as it's not too casual, you're good to go. These are a few of our faves.
- Pearls: Classic pearls work well alone or with gemstones. Use pearls for chokers and long necklaces.
- Diamonds: Diamonds are always an elegant choice and work well both alone or with other stones. Incorporate diamonds in lariats or Y necklaces.
- Gold: Choose classic yellow gold or the popular white gold for jewelry designs.
- Crystals: Crystals are a more affordable alternative to diamonds to add sparkle.
- Color coordination: Color coordinate your gemstone jewelry with the dress. For example, choose a sapphire for a blue dress or an amethyst for a purple one.
- Other diamond alternatives: Opal and moonstone are other substitutes for diamonds that add sparkle and go with any color.
Show Off Your Style When Accessorizing a One-Shoulder Dress
Figuring out what jewelry to wear with a one-shoulder dress may take a little thought and some serious shopping, but it's really all about finding something simple that shows your personal style without conflicting with the neckline. There are tons of jewelry options to fit most tastes. If your heart is set on accessorizing a one-shoulder dress, try a bunch of different looks to find the right one for you.
