11 Boatneck Dresses To Help You Channel Your Inner Meghan Markle
If you, like us, have been following the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe choices over the past few months, you may have noticed a pattern emerging. Not only does she love a classic, feminine silhouette, but the former Meghan Markle also has a penchant for wearing boatneck dresses.
For those who aren’t quite sure what a boatneck (also called a bateau neckline) is, Merriam-Webster defines it as “a wide neckline that extends toward the tips of the shoulders.” The Duchess most notably opted for the neckline on her wedding day ― we can’t forget her now-iconic gown designed by Givenchy’s artistic director Clare Waight Keller ― and she’s worn plenty of similar styles in the weeks since.
See what we mean?
The boatneck first gained popularity in the 1930s thanks to Coco Chanel, who took inspiration from sailor suits, according to Refinery 29. The outlet also notes the neckline may have originally been a signature style of French designer Jenny Sacerdote.
In 1954, the boatneck would get another fashion boost thanks to Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn. Givenchy designed the black dress “that launched a thousand bateau necklines” for Hepburn’s role in “Sabrina,” as well as the iconic boatneck dress the actress wore in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” (Fun fact: thanks to the popularity of Hepburn and her role in Sabrina, the boatneck is sometimes referred to as the “Sabrina neckline.”)
According to Pinterest (per Glamour), searches for boatneck dresses and tops have skyrocketed over the past few months, increasing 104 percent since 2017, likely thanks to the Duchess. The “Meghan Markle effect” is very real.
Below, we’ve rounded up 11 boatneck dresses you can buy yourself to help you unleash your inner Duchess. (Just note, you may need to invest in a well-fitting strapless bra so your straps don’t show.)
La Femme Beaded Lace Sheath Dress
La Femme beaded lace sheath dress at Nordstrom, $478
Smak Parlour Jukebox Jams Short Sleeve Dress
Smak Parlour Jukebox Jams short sleeve dress in black at ModCloth, $69
Nai Lu-na Fitted Sheath Dress
Nai Lu-na fitted boatneck sheath dress at Atlasday, $152.99
H&M Dress With Tie Sleeves
H&M dress with 3/4 tie sleeves, $34.99
Gap Modern Boatneck Dress
Gap boatneck dress, $48
Lauren Ralph Lauren Floral Sheath Dress
Lauren Ralph Lauren floral sheath dress, $124
Allsaints Lavine Bandeau Dress
AllSaints Lavine bandeau dress, $110.40
J.Crew Fit And Flare Sheath Dress
J.Crew fit and flare sheath dress in stretch ponte fabric, $128
Fabulous Fit And Flare Dress With Pockets
Fabulous fit and flare dress with pockets in navy floral print at ModCloth, $129
Storets Emily Corset Garden Dress
Storets Emily corset garden dress, $68
Club Monaco Aoiffe Dress
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
