What Is a Swing Dress? [Inc. six examples and suggestions for accessories]

What Is a Swing Dress? [Inc. six examples and suggestions for accessories]

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Swing dresses are a must for any dress lover, but it may be hard to tell exactly how they are and how to style them right. To help you get a better idea of what you're looking for, we created this article with all the details.

A swing dress is a dress that flows while maintaining an A-Line shape. The swing dress figure was first introduced in the 1930s but became famous for its ability to swing around when the wearer was dancing. Many people associate swing skirts and dresses with a 1960s vintage look. 

Swing dresses look great paired with:

  • Long necklace and short boots
  • Dressy flats
  • Blanket scarf
  • Tall boots
  • Simple earrings and a contrasting bag
  • Denim jacket and sneakers
  • Tall Boots with exposed boot socks
  • Matching bag and strappy sandals
  • Statement shoes and bag
  • White sneakers

Swing dresses are versatile and can be played up or played down. Don't get overwhelmed by all the possibilities because we have your back.

Types of Swing Dresses

Now that you know the basics let's break it down even further. Swing dresses come with a wide variety of options, from fabric to patterns, to cutouts.

1. Cold ShoulderYoung happy woman in dress having fun outdoors while spinning with her arms outstretched

The cold shoulder trend has been red-hot, and that is no exception to swing dresses. A cold shoulder swing dress usually includes short to 3/4 length sleeves with cutouts right on top of the shoulder areas. This makes the dress pop and gives a little flair when compared to the usual style.

Cold shoulder swing dresses come in a variety of material; cotton, rayon, and polyester. You'll find that most dresses are a rayon blend that is stretchable and flowy, so they're comfortable for all-day wear.

One great option for a cold shoulder swing dress is this one. It has many reviewers raving about fit and comfort.

Click here to find this dress on Amazon.

It's an excellent option for those who want to try out this great style for a great price.

2. Spaghetti StrapsWoman in a summer white dress standing in front of old blue wooden wall

The main difference in this design is, you guessed it, the sleeves. Mainly in the fact that there is none. A spaghetti-strap swing dress is rocked with two string-like straps holding up the dress. It's a great look for the summer.

Because there are no full sleeves, there is lots of exposed skin for a great tan, and the flowing shape of the swing dress keeps everything nice and breezy. Spaghetti strapped swing dresses can be worn casually, even as a swim cover-up, or they can be dressed up with a slinky pair of heels.

You'll find that most swing dresses with spaghetti straps are made with polyester, rayon, and or cotton.

If you're in the market for one of these dresses, our recommendation is this little number. It's flirty, fun, and comes in a variety of colors.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

3. Sleeveless

Cheerful woman in dress laughing while walking on the beach

Sleeveless swing dresses differ even more from the other dresses we have discussed. There are no sleeves, but there is a little bit more fabric to support your dress and keep in the right place. It's more like a strap, usually about one-finger to three-fingers wide and is excellent for those who want to hide a little more skin.

Similar to the materials of the other swing dresses, sleeveless swing dresses commonly come in knit fabrics or polyester. Sleeveless swing dresses can work for all occasions, especially warmer weather.

There are a ton of fantastic options out there for those wishing to try out this style, but our favorite has got to be this dress. It can be dressed up or made casual, making it the perfect thing to have in your closet.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

4. Basic

Beautiful woman in formal business attire

Ah! The simplicity of the basic swing dress is refreshing and easy to accessorize. This dress is no-frills. This dress has no cutouts, regular sleeves, and usually comes in a pretty average cut. But, basic does not equal boring. You can find swing dresses in a variety of patterns and lengths.

Swing dresses like these are usually cotton, polyester, or rayon, like the other swing dresses you'll find online or in-stores. The great thing about a basic dress is that it is a very versatile garment that can be worn daily or worn to a party. Any way you style it, you'll be comfortable and gorgeous.

Our essential basic swing dress is the Molerani dress. It is easily paired with anything in your closet, and it comes in a variety of colors and prints.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

5. Dressy

Beautiful model posing in fashion red dress

We hear you. All of the dresses we've seen and discussed are casual and can be made to be dressed up, but there are some fancy swing dresses out there. You don't have to put in a ton of work with a dressy swing dress because it is made to look classy without you putting a million accessories on it yourself.

Generally, fancier swing dresses are going to made with polyester, chiffon, cotton, or lace. They tend not to be made with stretchy, knit fabric, which helps them look a little more formal. Dressier swing dresses are fabulous for a night out, weddings, and parties.

There are a ton of great options out there if you are looking for a dressy swing dress, but our favorite has to be this cocktail dress. It's fun, it's fashionable, and it has a TON of great reviews.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

6. High Neck

Attractive young woman in a summer pink dress

Instead of sleeves, a high-neck swing dress wraps gently around your neck to stay up. This is a great way to show off some shoulder and be a little bit bold in your decision.

High neck swing dresses are also made from polyester, cotton, rayon, or chiffon. These dresses make great beach dresses as well as party or day time everyday dresses.

If you love this style, we have a dress for you! Available via Amazon, you can find this amazing dress for a steal.

Click here to find this dress on Amazon.

How to Wear a Swing Dress

We love this look, and this is one of the most effortless outfits to create with a swing dress. Now that you know your swing dresses, inside and out, we'll focus on how to get it styled for you.

Long necklace and short boots

To show you what you're aiming for, we found this adorable outfit on Pinterest.

An outfit like this is perfect for any season. Boots aren't just for the winter anymore. To learn more about how to wear boots in the summer, read our awesome article right here on Stylecheer.com.

This look is easily created with a couple of accessories. The point of this outfit is to make your dress the star.

You'll need a long and somewhat chunky necklace. It needs to be big enough to see but not so huge that it takes away from the look. We found this amazing option that has 12 necklaces included. It's such a great deal, and you would be sure to have a necklace that pairs great with any swing dress, no matter the color.

Click here to find this necklace set on Amazon.

The next thing you'll need is an awesome pair of short boots or ankle boots. A neutral color works best. If you don't already have a pair, you should invest in these suede shoes by Toms.

Click here to find this on Amazon.

Dressy Flats

One easy look that is classy and timeless is to pair your dress with a pair of dressy flats. See our fashion inspiration:

This is a great way to turn a swing dress from something casual to business casual. Or, you could even wear this on a night out with your friends and save yourself from the pain of heals. All you need to do is have a fantastic pair of flats.

If you search your closet and can't find something you love, check out these beauties. Reviewers preach about how comfortable they are. They are perfect for any outfit, and they come in a variety of designs.

Click here to find these flats on Amazon.

Blanket Scarf

A great way to turn swing dresses into fall or winter fashion is to add a thick blanket scarf. It's a hot trend that will also keep you warm. The look we recommend you try to recreate is this one. It's perfect for the colder seasons.

To complete this look with your swing dress, you will first need, of course, a blanket scarf. If you don't already happen to have one, our top pick for you is this one.

This scarf is great because it comes in different colors and patterns so that you can match your skin tone and dress.

Click here to find this scarf on Amazon.

The next component for this look is a pair of super tall and skin-tight boots. No need to search high and low because we already found the perfect pair.

Click here to find these boots on Amazon

Tall Boots

Instead of over-the-knee boots, rock a swing dress with a regular tall boot like this:

Obviously, for this outfit, you'll need a pair of tall boots. These ones come in an assortment of colors and also come highly recommended by (almost) all of the buyers.

Click here to find these boots on Amazon.

Simple Earrings and a Contrasting Bag

This look is classy to the max and so simple to complete.

For the earrings, we highly suggest you get these three sets of earrings from Cocodant. The set comes in three metallic options.

Click here to find these earrings on Amazon.

Now, onto the purse. A bold contrast completes this look, so it's best to go with black, but there are other colors available. To recreate this look, we found this purse. It's playful and small but can still hold everything you need.

Click here to find this purse on Amazon

Denim Jacket and Sneakers

You've got to try out this denim jacket. It's distressed and oversized in the best way.

Click here to find this jacket on Amazon.

Not that you don't already have a pair of sneakers, but you'll need these too. Converse are perfect for this look.

Click here to find these shoes on Amazon.

Tall Boots with Exposed Boot Socks

We've said it before, but we'll repeat it: tall boots are perfect for swing dress outfits. It's just a fact. Here is the look you'll want to copy.

These tall boots from Dream Pairs are super cute and are another excellent option for tall boots if you are in the market.

Click here to find these boots on Amazon.

The next key to creating this look is the super cute boots socks. For the best deal, we recommend these socks. When you order these, you get four gorgeous pairs!

Click here to find these socks on Amazon.

Matching Bag and Strappy Sandals

This look is another one we are desperate to try. The strappy sandals elevate the look while remaining comfortable.

If you want to copy this look, here are the essentials you'll need. First, let's focus on the sandals. These ones by Blowfish Malibu are perfect and comes with tons of color variations.

Click here to find these sandals on Amazon.

Next, the purse. To recreate this look, make sure to match your bag to your shoes. A great copycat bag for this look is the Charming Tailor clutch.

Click here to find this purse on Amazon.

Statement Shoes and Bag

For the bold, this is simply a look you have to try. The key to nailing this look is to have a bag that stands out and contrasting shoes.

We've picked out items to help you recreate this look. This purse is the perfect statement piece, and it's functional!

Click here to find this bag on Amazon

If you don't already have a fun pair of heels or you want another, you should invest in these! It's available on Amazon, and they are heavenly.

Click here to find these heels on Amazon

White Sneakers

One way to make a dress casual is to pair it with a good pair of sneakers. For more ways to wear dresses in a more casual setting, read our other article right here.

To copy this look, all you'll need is your favorite swing dress and these Adidas sneakers that are found on Amazon - comfortable and classy.

Click here to find these shoes on Amazon

Cheers to rocking any swing dress any way you want!

For more great dress ideas, check out our posts:

How to Make a Shift Dress More Flattering

What is an Empire Line Dress?

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