Revealing a little shoulder is the perfect way to show some skin without going overboard.
AFTER a long winter of hibernating in cosy knits the lure of warmer climes fuels a dismissal of anything that obscures full view of the décolletage – spring/summer’s go-to erogenous zone.
Bonang Matheba cold shoulder trend. Credit: Mangue Banzima
As of late there’s been a focus on the bare shoulder and Bardot necklines. There’s shoulder exposed, but upper arm covered; just the merest flash of clavicle; or whole shoulder and upper arm exposed. We advise you, however, to lay memories of the ghastly gathered necklines of the 1970s and 80s firmly to rest, for this is turning into the summer of off-theshoulder style.
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So if we’re going to go in for this fad, or to at least nod in its direction, it has to be done with caution, brutal self-honesty and avoidance of anything that could be accused of being a peasant top. Revealing a little shoulder is the perfect way to show some skin without going overboard.
Cold shoulder trend. Credit: Simon Deiner
It is a trend that almost everyone can embrace, but there are a few points to bear in mind. Firstly, pick your undies wisely as this trend may demand a strapless bra and seeing as you’ve gone to so much trouble to find the perfect look – make sure it’s the feature of your outfit. Keep things simple elsewhere and don’t forget to keep your hair off your shoulder too.
Off the shoulder top by Witchery available at Woolworth s. Credit: Supplied
Off the shoulder jumpsuit by Gert Johan Coetzee available at Spree. Credit: Supplied
Off the shoulder jumpsuit by Mango available at Spree. Credit: Supplied
Follow these simple rules and you’ll soon be the collar bone queen.
THE RULES FOR SHOULDER FLASHING:
- Do the "lean forward" test to make sure you aren’t exposing any more than just your shoulders
- Ensure any fabric around the arm doesn’t cut in when you move - Long or elbow-length sleeves are best for the nervous shoulder-flasher
- Avoid statement necklaces
- The glimpse of shoulder is the focus