Single shoulder dressing

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Single shoulder dressing

— by Angie

on April 20, 2009

We see this trend waft in and out of fashion and this season it’s back for tops and frocks. Grecian, breezy, cool, asymmetrical and alluring are words that come to mind when I see one shoulder dressing. I’m not particularly drawn to the style, but don’t mind it either. It can make for an interesting look.

If you fancy the vibe, you’ll need a strapless bra and minimal accessories. A cuff or chunky bracelet with a clutch gets my vote over anything else (wearing the wrist accessory on the arm that bares it’s shoulder). I’d also leave one shoulder dressing for evening settings like date nights, parties, clubs, dinner events and fancy functions. You’d probably get away with sporting a casual version of the look at a beach resort during the day, but that’s about it.

Any takers?

Spring 2009 · Summer 2009

28 comments · Add a comment

Cathy R in Melbourne

I have a long sleeved black woollen top which has only one shoulder. Wouldn’t quite fit with your idea of breezy and cool, I guess, but it’s certainly evening wear.

April 20, 2009 at 3:53 am

Joy

I agree with you completely on this. I saw a mom sporting this look while helping with a child’s class and she looked out of place. On the other hand, it’s prom season here and the girls I saw exposing one shoulder looked more comfortable than those trying to keep a strapless gown in place.

April 20, 2009 at 5:52 am

Real Style Real People

(website)

I like it for evening wear! I abhore wearing strapless bras but I’ do it for an evening!

April 20, 2009 at 6:56 am

Ele

For some reason I’ve never really warmed to this look; it always seems to look wrong to me. (I’ve been told that it’s because I’m a Libra and asymmetric looks offend my sense of balance, but I don’t put much stock in that;) Having said that, I think it can definitely work as evening wear, but it probably takes the right person (Jennifer Lopez in her trademark red-carpet togas comes to mind) to pull it off.

April 20, 2009 at 7:01 am

shiny

You have to have nice shoulders to pull this off. I’ll be passing.

April 20, 2009 at 7:16 am

Sarah

I’ve never tried the look, and before last month never even considered it. I saw a springy yellow dress on the cover of Lucky Magazine recently and am really intrigued to try it (Maggy London) at some point. I’m open minded, but I won’t be too disappointed if I don’t like the result.

April 20, 2009 at 7:18 am

Maddy

I like the look on the models, but whenever I try it on, I feel frumpy. I think the look of the sleeveless picture on the right would probably work best for me.

April 20, 2009 at 7:21 am

LegacyOfPearl

(website)

I used to wear this style in my daily outfits whenever it was popular until about five years ago. I remember getting positive comments on the look often. I think the material and the haircut is the key to pull it off. If you’re short haired with an age up to 25 years old, do it in a sporty style daily. I feel like it’s easier to pull it off in evening wear for my age now, but I think there are better alternatives that fit my current lifestyle and body. I also blogged about evening dresses in this style recently: http://www.legacyofpearl.com/2837756

April 20, 2009 at 7:42 am

Sal

(website)

Oooh, me, me! I really love my shoulders and have a tattoo on one … I think this look would be so fun for summer and am keeping my eyes peeled for a top or dress that suits me.

April 20, 2009 at 7:42 am

lola

I love the one shoulder look. I think it’s unexpected, safer than strapless (especially on busty gals) and elegant. There’s an interesting flair an one ehsoulder dress has. I think it’s wonderful as a casual or dressy piece.

April 20, 2009 at 7:51 am

carmen

I only like the look if it is completely sleeveless. The ones with sleeves look like they are half done, especially the dress.

April 20, 2009 at 8:06 am

Eva

I am in complete agreement with Angie. I like it for evening and going out wear, dancing, etc. I agree with you, Carmen, I like it when it is sleeveless. We wore them when I danced hula professionally. It was very pretty with flowers draped over the strap. It shows off nice collar bones.

April 20, 2009 at 8:43 am

Chris

I think the style looks fresh and can be chic. I like the minimalist looks the best – with a very cool chunky bracelet. That said, I have not actually tried the look on myself. For the occasions you mentioned Angie – dates, evening, etc. – the one shoulder could be fab.

I am not so sure I like a one shoulder novelty t shirt. Seen those in jrs. sections (not shopping, just looking!) and they look very “cheap”.

April 20, 2009 at 10:13 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I like this one-shouldered look on younger women.

I’m trying to figure out what kind of bra you could possibly wear with the second top pictured. That would be a challenge!

April 20, 2009 at 10:52 am

Maya

I think I would probably look good in this look but for the problem of not being able to wear a supportive enough bra. Even then I doubt I’d go for it. It makes it look like the dress has been partially removed, which is much too sexy for my liking, and I don’t really attend a whole lot of “evening” events anyway.

April 20, 2009 at 11:00 am

Inge

I quite like the look, but don’t have all that much opportunity to wear off the shoulder items. I agree that they work best for evening wear and/or hot Summer days (and we don’t have many of those).
I’m thinking that a wide boat neck – love those too – could be a good alternative?

April 20, 2009 at 11:44 am

san

I have never had an opportunity to wear this style. I think it would be nice on someone with beautiful shoulders to show off. I like the sound of it for a beach resort.
I like it best with no sleeve.

April 20, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Lisa Sperling

(website)

Full disclosure: I work with Sassybax Shapewear and hoped I could tell your readers that the company has four options to wear under striking single-shoulder designs: 1) the Very Bare backless strapless adhesive bra that celeb stylist love for the red carpet, 2) the Bandeau that stays put and won’t create a uniboob look, 3) the Strapless Torso Trim that lives up to its name, and 4) Sassynips, the sticky nipple concealers to wear with or without a bra for just in case there’s a nip in the air. Enjoy and be sassy!

April 20, 2009 at 12:23 pm

cathy

I bought a black one shoulder dress with a ruffle over the weekend and have no idea whether I would ever wear it or not. I was hoping it could be worn casually since it is cotton jersey but somehow I don’t think so. Guess I’d have to start dating again.. yeah right!

April 20, 2009 at 12:55 pm

Brianna

I love that one you posted on the far right, Angie. That’s my favourite way to wear this style. I also like the shorter dress type ones worn with leggings–imagine the one on the far right, only a few inches above the knee. I definitely feel they’re best suited for things like dates, going out to dinner, or beach vacations. I also don’t think they work on my strong shoulders. I haven’t tried it, though.

April 20, 2009 at 2:34 pm

Imogen

(website)

Asymmetrical styles look great on those with asymmetrical features or scoliosis.

I like the look on others, but can’t really wear it well as the lack of bra strap does me no justice.

April 20, 2009 at 3:14 pm

Sher

(website)

Can’t wear it to the office. Can’t wear it to a teacher’s conference or grocery store…..Don’t think I’ll be buying it

fashionafterforty.blogspot.com

April 20, 2009 at 5:24 pm

lex

I really like the look – I’ve just never worn it myself, usually because of practicalities.

Except in the height of summer, I can’t see how to pull this look off and not feel too hot, or too cold.

And how do you put a jacket or cardigan on over a one-sleeved number?

April 20, 2009 at 6:40 pm

JewelryGirl

I think you have to have just the right body type & look to carry it off. Gorgeous on some I’m sure, not on me. I shall pass!

April 20, 2009 at 8:03 pm

Joelle

I like this look in an evening dress but other than that it doesn’t appeal to me. Somehow it looks especially sloppy as a casual top. Also it has limited utility in my lifestyle. So I will pass on this one.

April 21, 2009 at 8:04 am

jwomack

I agree with the comments here that this is better for evening or the beach. As a SAHM who is over 40, I definitely would not be sporting it at any PTO meetings or in the classroom. I don’t think I would be comfortable even wearing it to neighborhood events or casual dinners. In an evening, dressy event, I would try it.

April 21, 2009 at 8:46 am

Claudia

LOVE IT… I’ve loved this look for ever… I wore a one shouldered dress to a high school winter formal dance over 10 years ago and am always excited when it comes back in style

April 21, 2009 at 9:40 am

Yvonne

I have seen a few examples where this look is nice. Usually in a more formal manner. However, most of the time this style just looks wrong. It just doesn’t “feel” right. So, I have a hard time with this fashion. When I have tried this fashion on, it makes me feel self conscious or something. Not my favorite.

April 22, 2009 at 6:24 pm

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