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Victorian Square Necklines Are So Flattering, Everyone Needs to Buy One Immediately

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Credit it to the success of Outlander, The Favourite or the fact that they’re just incredibly flattering—whatever the reason, Victorian square-neck tops and dresses are hottest neckline of summer 2020. According to global shopping platform Lyst, searches for “square neck” are up a whopping 61 percent month-over-month since late spring early summer. Specifically, folks are looking to combine two trends into one with searches for “square neck puff sleeve” also surging.

This romantic neckline works well on just about every body type, regardless of bust size, and shows off collarbones with just a hint of cleavage without exposing too much. Seriously, just look to paintings and sketches of women rocking Victorian corsets, the OG square-neck clothing item, and you’ll see just how pretty they can be (on women of all ages, no less). Best of all, even after this classic cut is eventually dethroned by another popular style, it will remain as gorgeous and flattering as ever without looking dated or out of touch.

So without further ado, here are 22 of the best square-neck tops and dresses to invest in this summer and wear for years and years to come.

The Best Neckline For Your Body Type


1. rixo Marie Shirred Printed Voile Midi Dress

With long sleeves and a midi-length hem, it might feel like this is just far too much fabric for a summer dress. But the lightweight fabric combined with a high side slit and that gorgeous open neckline mean you’ll stay comfortable cool all day long.

Available in sizes XXS to XL

2. superdown Al Square-neck Bodysuit

Give your favorite white T-shirt a trendy upgrade. Even better, as a bodysuit you never have to worry about having it come untucked no matter how much you move and groove.

Available in sizes XXS to XL

3. alice + Olivia Rowen Tiered Square-neck Tunic Dress

The short hemline and delicate lilac hue give this mini a major ‘60s vibe, but the tiered seaming and Victorian neckline prevent it from looking like an actual costume.

Available in sizes XS to L

4. never Fully Dressed Square-neck Puff-sleeve Shirred Midi Dress

We love a good curve-hugging frock, but when the temperatures start to rise the idea of wearing anything constrictive is less appealing. The solution? Opt for shirred or ruched fabric that has much more give than spandex with all the same figure-flattering qualities.

Available in sizes 14 to 20

modcloth square neck top
Modcloth

5. modcloth X Tea With Lemon Floral Tunic

While the square-neck trend is mostly made up of low-cut silhouettes, not everyone is comfortable showing off so much of their décolletage. Have no fear, there are still plenty of higher-cut options that are every bit as on-trend.

Buy it ($39)

Available in sizes L to 4X

6. veronica Beard Positano Seersucker Midi Sundress

Our favorite new purchases are those that combine multiple trends into one item, like this stunning midi in one of the top prints of the summer.

Available in sizes 00 to 12

7. kirious Embroidered Square-neck Top

The mini peplum on this cropped top works some waist magic when worn with high-waist shorts.

Available in sizes XS to L

8. for Love & Lemons Chrysanthemum Minidress

This delicate daisy-covered frock was basically made to be worn for a garden picnic. Oh, and did we mention the belt is removable so you can continue to wear this smile-inspiring print even long after summer ends?

Available in sizes XXS to 2X

9. superdown Zoe Square-neck Dress

Orange may feel like a tricky color to pull off, but this muted tangerine hue looks fabulous on most every skin tone and lends a little tan-enhancing glow making it a top contender for date night.

Available in sizes XS to L

10. Cult Gaia Aurel Top

Not quite sure how to wear a top that’s open in the front? Simply turn it around and wear it backwards. Seriously, this adjustable blouse is totally reversible. (As for the wearing it with the ties at the front, we suggest finding a pretty bralette in the same shade of beige to layer underneath.)

Available in sizes XS to L

modcloth square neck dress
ModCloth

11. Modcloth Sunset Soiree Babydoll Dress

Dress this ‘60s mini up with some white heeled sandals and a colorful mini bag or down with easy kicks and a Blair Waldorf-approved headband.

Buy it ($59; $50)

Available in sizes 0 to 14

12. Eloquii Organza Puff-sleeve Top

Another piece that’s easy to dress up or down, this fun top comes in both black and white so you can mix and match with all your favorite printed pieces with ease.

Available in sizes 14 to 28

13. Astr The Label Floral-print Square-neck Top

As mentioned earlier, the square-neck trend is directly inspired by Victorian corsets, so why not dive into that style even more? The hook-and-eye closures on this romantic blouse are only decorative but that just means it’s significantly easier to put on than a true corset top (and much less restricting).

Available in sizes XS to L

14. Vesper Plus Square-neck Belted Midaxi Dress

This cocktail dress is made from a lightweight stretchy fabric so although it looks rather form-fitting, it’s actually incredibly comfortable.

Available in sizes 14 to 24

15. Maje Striped Cotton-poplin Top

Each of the diagonal, vertical and horizontal stripes in this button-up tank work to create a super-flattering silhouette no matter your bust size.

Available in sizes XS to L

16. Tanya Taylor Yvette Floral-print Ruffle Hem Silk Dress

An abundance of pleats trimmed with a flouncy hem and easy sleeves helps smooth your shape and hide any lumps or bumps you’d rather not show off.

Available in sizes 6 to 22

17. Ganni Polka-dot Cotton-poplin Blouse

Black-and-white polka dots can sometimes feel a little severe, but coffee-brown spots have a more casual vibe we can definitely get on board with.

Available in sizes XXS to XL

18. Sleeper Marquise Lace-up Linen Midi Dress

An adjustable lace-up bodice gives you the option of pulling the strings tight for a whittled down middle or letting them hang loose to give an interesting visual effect that’s not quite so restrictive.

Available in sizes XS to XL

19. All In Favor Print Smocked Square-neck Top

The cartoon teal, orange and purple blooms make for a floral print unlike any of the more typical daisy, rose and toile patterns already in our wardrobe.

Available in sizes XS to XXL

ann taylor square neck top
Ann Taylor

20. Ann Taylor Gingham Smocked Square-neck Top

Introducing your favorite new Zoom blouse, perfect for anything and everything from office-wide meetings to digital date nights to checking in with your in-laws.

Buy it ($90)

Available in sizes XXS to XXL

outerknown square neck dress
Outerknown

21. Outerknown Astrid Dress

We’ve never seen a polka-dot print quite like this one, which just makes us love this easy mini even more.

Buy it ($178)

Available in sizes XS to XL


rhode square neck dress
Rhode

22. Rhode Harper Dress

While a square neckline will always remain an incredibly flattering choice, so too will an off-the-shoulder silhouette. Lucky for you, this dress can be worn both ways.

Buy it ($425; $215)

Available in sizes XS to L


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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...