This Might Be the Most Elegant Dress Trend, Well, Ever

There are tons of dress styles out there, from mini and maxi to sleeveless and long-sleeve, but what if I told you that one is available in all your favorite silhouettes? It's all about the neckline. Timeless boatneck pieces have been popping up everywhere, from tank tops to—you guessed it—dresses. There's just something about this specific neckline that adds a certain elegance to any look. It's no wonder Meghan Markle opted for one on her wedding day. You can find designs with this neckline in many dress forms, including column, A-line, and shift. Plus, the shape lends itself beautifully to statement pendants and choker necklaces.
To help you decide which to add to your wardrobe, I rounded up 29 of the best boatneck dresses, all guaranteed to elevate your winter rotation. The good news is that you can also wear a lot of these styles once spring comes around next year and beyond. It's a classic look that will stand the test of time season after season, so you'll want to snag one (or more!) of the below dresses. There are LBDs, zebra-printed numbers, and ribbed knits that you can incorporate into your closet now—no actual boat needed.
This dress deserves at least one big moment in the spotlight.
A velour mini with metallic accessories makes a festive look without being too on the nose.
This is a midi dress you'll constantly have on rotation in your closet thanks to the comfortable smocking and breezy silhouette.
Consider me smitten with this patterned mini.
Linen isn't just for summer. This black minidress can be worn with a fabulous coat and opaque tights in chilly weather.
The front of this looks super elevated, but wait until you see the low back.
The best part isn't even the price—it also has attached shorts in the lining!
Pair this slightly sheer, gauzy mini with tights and boots or pumps for a fun, unexpected holiday option.
A sweaterdress is a staple for a reason, and this gray one will get lots of compliments.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and now Who What Wear. She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.
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