21 of the Best Boat-Neck Dresses You Can Buy Right Now

I believe that even the smallest details can define a piece—or an entire outfit. A subtle hemline shift, an unconventional sleeve length or an unexpected neckline is often the thing that sets a look apart. That’s why when boat-neck dresses started appearing on my Instagram feed, I took notice. Not only does the wide, narrow neckline remind me of one of my earliest style icons, Audrey Hepburn, but it also manages to make a simple design feel instantly more sophisticated.

Boat necklines first sprung up in 19th-century nautical uniforms—so, this design feature is nothing new. Since then, it has waded in and out of fashion, buoyed by designers like Coco Chanel and Hubert de Givenchy. The latter created a collection of boat-neck dresses for Audrey Hepburn’s character in the 1954 film Sabrina, coining the nickname “Sabrina neckline.”

With such a storied history, it’s no wonder boat-neck dresses are considered timeless. And it’s certainly unsurprising that they have, once again, re-emerged into the spotlight. Right now, high-street and high-end brands alike are releasing their own take, experimenting with different proportions, prints and colourways to complement this classic style.

The beauty of buying into a trend like this is that you can be confident it won’t ever go out of style. With this in mind, I’ve rounded up the best boat-neck dresses below, starting at just £20.

Shop the Best Boat-Neck Dresses: