Each season there’s a trend that becomes the IT look. The must-have item you simply need to add to your wardrobe. This summer there’s no way you can avoid the off-the-shoulder trend.
This summer it’s all about showing off shoulders and décolletage. Unlike last year’s crop top, which required you to have a toned belly, this look can be pulled off by pretty much anyone. So you won’t have to worry about skipping a gym session.
And who doesn’t like to brush a bit of shimmer powder on your collarbones and shoulders to highlight those sexy bits, especially in summer with a glowing tan.
A photo posted by Tina Somikazi Ngxokolo (@tinangxokolo) on Sep 1, 2016 at 6:09am PDT
But lets face it, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses are not are not a brand new design.
1950’s screen sirens like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot where just a few of the original trend setters for this design. These women effortlessly made the décolletage the main attraction by simply draping fabric from shoulder to shoulder.
In recent years shoulders have been shown off various ways, so let’s not confuse the off the shoulder look with the strapless or the cold shoulder trend.
Strapless is pretty self explanatory, no sleeves, no straps, completely bare arms and shoulders.
Where the “cold shoulder” leaves skin bare between your bra strap and sleeve which looks a bit like a “cut out” exposing on your shoulders.
Off the shoulder would be a sleeve that starts off the shoulder, no straps.
A photo posted by G O O D • S O U L (@somethinbout_nik) on Dec 20, 2016 at 8:25am PST
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What makes this design so popular right now is that it can be found in tops or dresses, making it so versatile. Which means there are plenty of ways to rock this trend. Local designers such as Tina Ngxokolo, Khosi Nkosi and Grapevine have featured the off the shoulder look in their latest collections.
Celebries such Kendall Jenner and Alexa Chung as well as trend setting American socialite Olivia Palermo are big advocates for the trend as well. From boho inspired ruffled voluminous sleeved tops to glam evening gowns, this look can easily be taken from casual cool to a night on the town.
A photo posted by Kendall (@kendalljenner) on Jul 18, 2016 at 11:05am PDT
With your shoulders bare it means you really have to think about the type of bra you wear, because there’s nothing nastier than a bra strap showing on bare shoulders.
Even those “invisible” bra straps are a bit of an eye sore. I don’t care how bedazzled it is!
If you are fortunate enough to be able go braless then you obviously have no problem here.
But if you are a big busted or your breasts are no longer as perky as they used to be, this is when I good strapless bra comes in handy.
Every woman should have one in her underwear collection.
There are two types of strapless bras that work really well with this look. One would be the balconette bra, a type of demi cup bra, which basically means the cups are low, allowing you to wear fairly low cut clothing.
Another great option is the bandeau bra. This is shaped like a strip over your breasts, sometimes with ruching in the middle. They are kind of a cross between a strapless bra and a tube top. This bra doesn’t much support so works best for smaller breasts.
How appropriate is the off the shoulder trend for the office?
Showing too much skin in the office is often frowned on especially if your work environment is very corporate. However, if you work in a more relaxed environment this shouldn’t be a problem.
Fashion and beauty blogger, Jade Robertson from justjadeblog, is a huge fan of this trend. I asked her what is her favorite way is to rock this look.
“I love wearing this as a dress with some sandals or heels, it's very effortless and looks super chic. It's a great look to pull over chokers and even to wear over certain tops and shirts. I wouldn’t recommend wearing a bra, but some people like that.
A photo posted by Khosi Nkosi™ @ YDE🇿🇦 (@khosinkosi) on Dec 19, 2016 at 10:23pm PST
My favourite way to wear the ruffled off to shoulder top would be to pair it with fitted pants or skirt. I do love how Olivia Palermo rocked a ruffled top underneath black leather dungarees.
If you are opting for a more skin hugging top wear it with a bottom that has more volume.
Even though Kendall Jenner pulls this look off well with high waisted fitted jeans.
Long or short, a off the shoulder dress looks cute with strappy sandal.