All the Dresses I Love Right Now Have This One Thing in Common

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(Image credit: @writtenbyavalon)

One of the most profound periods for square-neck dresses in fashion history was the Renaissance era, with its emphasis on corseted shapes and lustrous materials. Like most fashion trends, the square-neck dress has come full circle, albeit less constricted. The 2022 equivalent is all about the plunged square neckline that sits just beneath the collar. You'll now find the square-neck dress with a host of design details, from shirring to inflated sleeves reminiscent of '80s-style dressing to bias fits.

Nowadays, the emphasis is on overexposed, quadrate necklines (with big sleeves to boot, more often than not). As if it weren’t already popular enough, those with their fingers on the fashion pulse are eager to emulate the lavish shapes seen on-screen as a result of the Bridgerton phenomenon. Although the style is often referenced with the prairie and cottagecore aesthetic in mind, the versatile cut also suits more minimalist styles with a '90s feel.

Its clear square-neck dresses are a trend that will endure, as season after season, we’re seeing them dominate. Their timelessness is the very reason most of my investment dresses have these necklines. Of course, there are also many benefits to this style. First, those with a smaller bust can go sans bra thanks to shirring. Second, it frames necklaces or statement earrings perfectly, which is always a plus if, like me, you’re a jewellery fiend. However, some styles are fancy enough that they don’t require added glamour. Keep scrolling for some tab-worthy picks of this classic style. I think this style is around for the long haul.

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(Image credit: @bubblyacquarius)

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

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(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.