Bardot Dresses – The Ultimate Guide (What and Where to Buy)

A Bardot dress is an off-the-shoulder silhouette that exposes the shoulders and collarbones; it flatters most body shapes and is widely available across high street, premium, and designer brands. If you love a neckline that feels effortless yet refined, this is the one to reach for. Below you’ll find what defines the Bardot cut, how to style it for different bodies and occasions, and exactly where to buy the best versions right now.

What exactly is a Bardot dress?

Named after Brigitte Bardot, the style icon who popularised the off-the-shoulder look in the 1950s and 60s, the Bardot neckline sits just below the collarbones and runs horizontally across the upper chest and back. Sleeves can be fitted, puffed, or completely absent; skirts range from sleek pencil midis to airy maxi silhouettes. The common thread is a clean, shoulder-baring line that frames the décolletage and naturally draws the eye upward, balancing proportions.

Why the Bardot works (for most people)

Instant proportion balance: Emphasising shoulders visually narrows the midsection and balances fuller hips or thighs.
Day-to-night chameleon: Cotton and linen Bardot dresses suit daytime; crepe, satin, and velvet take you into cocktail hour and black-tie.
Timelessness: The neckline rarely dates, so your investment has longevity.

Stylist advice: choose the right cut and fabric

Petite: Opt for above-the-knee or midi lengths with a defined waist; avoid excess fabric that can overwhelm your frame. Tall: A column or slip-style Bardot maxi looks elegant and elongating. Curvy/hourglass: Choose structured fabrics (crepe, bonded satin) with darting or panelling through the torso to support the bust and define the waist. Athletic/straight: Add shape with ruching, puff sleeves, or a fit-and-flare skirt.

Bust fit matters: A Bardot neckline should feel secure across the shoulders without digging in. If you’re fuller-busted, look for internal boning, gripper tape, or a wide elastic band. Strapless bras with a broader under-band or supportive convertible styles work best. Keep necklaces minimal—let the neckline lead—and switch focus to earrings or a sleek cuff.

Where to buy Bardot dresses now

High street

Zara – Trend-led Bardot minis, ribbed midis, and satin styles you can dress up or down.
ASOS – A wide range across Tall, Petite, Curve and Maternity for inclusive sizing.
H&M – Easy cotton and jersey Bardot dresses ideal for daytime and holidays.

Premium

Reiss – Structured cocktail Bardot dresses and sleek midis for weddings and events.
Self-Portrait – Signature lace, guipure, and contemporary detailing for party pieces.
Ghost – Fluid satin and crepe Bardot maxis with graceful movement.

Designer

Zimmermann – Romantic, bohemian Bardot gowns in soft prints and airy fabrics.
Alexander McQueen – Precision-tailored Bardot silhouettes with sculptural lines.
Oscar de la Renta – Timeless evening Bardot dresses for high-formality occasions.

What to wear with a Bardot dress

Footwear: Espadrilles, strappy flats, or low block heels for day; sleek pumps or barely-there sandals for evening. Outer layers: A cropped jacket or shawl keeps the shoulder line visible; avoid bulky cardigans that cut across the neckline. Bags: Compact clutches and structured cross-bodies read polished without overwhelming the look. For weddings, keep colours soft and accessories refined; for holidays, lean into raffia textures and sun-faded hues.

Make sizing simple with Tellar.co.uk

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool—your exact body measurements matched to 1,500+ brands in real time. No more guesswork or reading conflicting size charts. Measure once (bust, waist, hips—or even start from a brand you already own) and get instant, precise size translations across labels.

Head to the Store Size Lookup to see your exact size in COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket and more. It runs in your browser—no downloads, no app required. Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar’s Fashion Hub is a searchable library stacked with free posts—honest, unbiased, independent, and written by stylists. Dive deeper into sizing and styling with these reads:

Final word

The Bardot dress earns its place as a wardrobe perennial: elegant, flattering, and surprisingly versatile. Choose your fabric and cut with your body shape and occasion in mind, then let Tellar.co.uk remove the sizing friction so every purchase looks—and fits—exactly as intended.