Worn as a feminine and flattering neckline, the boatneck is celebrated in royal circles for its ability to flatter the frame. This classic style accentuates the collarbone while drawing the eye outward with its wide horizontal silhouette.
Coming into vogue during the 1920s, the look was brought into the spotlight by fashion icons like Coco Chanel. The ‘Parisian cafe girl’ aesthetic derived from the history of the boatneck which originated on sailors in the French navy in the mid-1800s.
Providing an easy wide neck opening, the simple design allowed seafarers to quickly remove their shirts in the event of falling overboard.
Today, the on-trend style is frequently found in cocktail dresses, casual slim fit shirts and knitwear.
Taking inspiration from classic sailor shirts, boatneck tops draw the eye from side to side and thus, highlight a slim upper body and balance shoulders. Furthermore, the sophisticated design helps draw the eye along the neck and offsets wide hips, balances proportions and brings attention to the face.
Princess Kate has been wearing boatneck styles for years and recently appeared in a striped bateau neck shirt for an Olympics video. She’s become enamored with the so-called ‘Sabrina’ neckline and often appears in boatneck designs for special occasions.
Here 8 Times Kate Middleton Rocked a Boatneck on Royal Duty:
1. Temperley Aster Lace Dress
Stepping out in India in 2012 in this lacy cocktail dress, Kate looked magnificent at a Tea party in honor of the Diamond Jubilee. Wearing a knee-length Temperley dress featuring a floral embroidered overlay, the princess was a style standout. Plus, Kate’s delicate dress looked even more glamorous thanks to an elegant bateau neckline.
2. Emilia Wickstead ‘Kate’ Royal Blue A-Line Dress
The princess owns multiples of this vintage inspired dress with its graceful linear boatneck. Showing off a bit of clavicle with her dark blue fit and flare, Kate has worn this “duchess dress” on three occasions.
3. Navy Midi Dress
For the Festival of Remembrance in 2019, Kate wore this unidentified navy dress with a velvet waistband and striking bateau neckline.
4. Amanda Wakeley Gunmetal Sheath
A formfitting and figure flattering sheath, this felt seam dress was such a hit with the princess that she also purchased the style in oatmeal and black. The knee-length charcoal dress showcased not only stunning curves but a shapely collarbone.
5. Alexander McQueen Lace Dress
A custom designed dress featuring champagne lace with an ivory underlay, this feminine design was a favorite summer style for the then-newlywed in her early days of wedded bliss after joining the royal family. The statement sheath boasts a removable tonal ribbon belt and delicate boatneck.
6. Solace London Sabina Dress
A highlighter hued dress, this floor length design featured an off-the-shoulder wide bateau and bodycon fit.
7. Tabitha Webb Meg-Space Blue Dress
The princess wore this colorful abstract dress boasting an intergalactic print to a BAFTA function in October 2015. Designed with A-line skirt, subtle boatneck and starry print, the dress was conceived by Kate’s friend Tabitha and was a winning look for the charity outing.
8. Jenny Packham Bespoke Sequin Gown
Kate’s sparkly sapphire blue embroidered gown was a showstopper for a Place2Be anniversary celebration. Bearing her trademark full chiffon skirt, the dress also had a regal and refined boat neckline.
