The halter top is a style that rose to fame during the 90s, and continues to be popular today. Find out some of the different designs available and how to incorporate this warm-weather staple into your wardrobe for almost any occasion.
7 Halter Top Looks and How to Wear Them
A halter neck top is similar to a tank top in the way that it's sleeveless, but the straps are tied (or sit) behind the neck, and it tends to be minimal in coverage at the back. Take a look below at the most common halter top shapes, where to buy them, and how to wear them.
Choker Neck Halter
A choker neck halter design is characterized by the band of material that sits around the neck, in the same position that a choker necklace would sit. This style has risen in popularity in the recent years (along with the choker necklace as an accessory), not just for halter styles, but bandeau styles too.
The choker style automatically creates a glamorous evening look, so this top can be paired with high-waist skinny jeans or leather look trousers and heels for a sophisticated going-out look.
This ASOS choker neck halter top comes in a pretty shade of pink, with a sexy strappy lace-up back. It's reasonably priced at about $23, and comes in sizes 0 to 14.
Plunge Halter
A plunge halter style refers to any top that ties at the neck, and has a plunging neckline at the front. This can be in the form of a deep plunge, a subtle one, or even a cowl neck plunge.
The plunge detail lends itself well to more formal occasions as it's a dressier design detail, and often deemed less acceptable when worn in the daytime. The general rule of the thumb is to not have too much skin on show at any one time, and due to the plunge detail this is a great option to pair with trousers for a little modesty.
Bodysuits have become really popular in contemporary fashions, and are a great way to create a streamlined silhouette. This plunge halter bodysuit by Halston Heritage will make a bold statement worn with a pair of smart wide-leg trousers and heels. You can get it now for about $175; it's available in sizes XS to XL.
Spaghetti Strap Halter
A halter top that has very thin (spaghetti-like) shoulder straps is known as a spaghetti halter neck. This is a very feminine and delicate design detail, which creates a minimal and sophisticated overall look.
Wear your spaghetti halter top in the day paired with jeans, for a pretty and feminine, but also casual, look. Or, pair it with a mini skirt for a cute and playful party vibe.
Tibi's strappy ruffle halter top can be dressed up or down, and tucked in or left to sit over the top of jeans or trousers. This top comes in a choice of dark navy or ivory for around $265, and is available in sizes 00 to 12.
Open Back Halter
An open back halter neck top means that the back is completely exposed, apart from a small fastening detail. This is a great piece for hot summer days, chilling at the beach or by the pool, and for festivals like Coachella, too.
For a casual look, pair with jeans and open sandals, or throw over a bikini for the beach. For the ultimate festival look, wear over denim shorts, or a boho maxi sheer skirt.
This pink crushed velvet open back halter top by Dolls Kill is available in a wide range of sizes from XXS to XL, and is priced at about $38.
High Neck Halter
The high neck halter style refers to a top that doesn't have noticeable separate straps - the neck and body combine as one piece (similar to the shape of a 2D lampshade).
If you're creating a daytime look, jeans or a midi or maxi skirt would work well paired with a high neck halter shape. For the evening, a body-con or pencil skirt would create a sexy, figure-hugging look.
This pretty floral print halter top by Rebecca Taylor is available in sizes 0 to 6, and priced at approximately $250. The delicate and feminine floral print is understated and relaxed, but will ensure you turn heads!
Handkerchief Halter
A handkerchief halter refers to a halter top with a handkerchief style hem - either in a diamond shape with its lowest point at the centre bottom of the top, or an all-over asymmetric hemline.
The diamond shaped versions of this style are often made from paisley or bandana-like patterned materials, and therefore have a very casual vibe. The all-over hanky hemlines can be worn in the day or night, mostly depending on the fabric. Chiffons and silks create an evening look, while cottons, polyesters and crochets work better as day looks.
Alice + Olivia's tie-neck handkerchief top comes in a gorgeous shade of bright red, has a simple tie neck fastening, and an elastic-back detail to fit snuggly to your body. It's priced at about $225, and is available in sizes XS to L.
Cropped Halter
A cropped halter top is simply any style of halter neck that cuts off at the waist. The cropped trend has grown over recently and doesn't appear to be dying down anytime soon.
Cropped halter styles look great paired with high waisted skirts, jeans, or trousers to keep the focus on the smallest part of your waist. Cropped styles are perfect for the beach and festivals - anywhere that has a casual dress code with warm weather. You can layer a checked shirt or crochet cardi for a little extra warmth with this type of top if you need to.
Check out this gorgeous floral crop halter neck top by Glamorous. It has an open back with a bow tie waist to fit your body perfectly, a keyhole neck detail, and there's a matching wrap skirt available too! The top is available in sizes 2 to 12, and priced at around $34.
Halter Top Fabrics and Details
Halter neck tops can be found in almost every fabric imaginable. The most popular casual fabrics are cotton, polyester, crochet, and jersey, while sheer, lace, silk, and chiffon fabrics are usually used to create more glamourous evening pieces.
Although halter necks are usually associated with being worn in the summer when there's hot weather, there is also a type called the halter 'sweater' which is made from jersey or knitwear, and is made to be worn in the winter seasons.
The straps of halter styles can be made to be decorative, through the use of ribbons, beads, and strings as fastenings.
Get Shopping
No matter which style halter takes your fancy, there's an abundance of options to pick from. It's important to experiment, try things on, and see how they suit your body shape and complexion. Don't be afraid to try something new this spring and summer!
