Fashion has a way of taking looks of yesterday and making them modern and popular once again. Sometimes the trend is just that a trend and other times a trend can transcend to that classic “it” piece of the every woman’s wardrobe. The Off the shoulder look may be that piece that will make the cross over.
Now, I’m not sure of “the off the shoulder” looks made their debut into the fashion world, but this is the first time that I am wearing this trend and I have to say that I am a fan of the look. The off the shoulder look can be romantic and sexy; with the right material, print and length; it is a look that any woman can wear with confidence.
Material: Many of you that follow me and have shopped with me; know that I preach the importance of material; it affects how clothing will fit and lay. I have found that off the shoulder blouses fit best with lighter materials like cotton or a cotton/linen blend. I have seen silk off the shoulder blouse, though they are very elegant, silk is not a giving fabric.
Length: The body part that is being highlighted are the shoulders. Hence “off the shoulder” This means that you should not show your midriff, lower back or décolletage in addition to your shoulders; the shoulders are the only part of your body that should be highlighted. Now, if you decide to don an off the shoulder dress, please beware of the length. Note: if a dress hits mid-thigh, it is a considered a tunic and you need to wear it with shorts, jeans or as a cover-up.
Prints and Colour: I love, love ,love, colour and prints and I don’t shy away from either. My rule for colours are that they should be bold and rich. As for prints; they need to be proportionate to your body shape. For example, chicas with boobs, you should avoid thin lines or small prints. Small lines and prints can make you appear larger. Instead go for medium sized lines or prints, which is flattering for the ladies who have a full bust. The same can be said for women who are petite; larger prints give the appearance of the garment wearing you and you not wearing the garmnet.
Fabric and material: Those of you that that may have shopped with more or regular readers of the blog, know that fabric is an important element of how a garment will fit. This season, I purchased an off the shoulder in linen and cotton this season. Linen is a fabric that I love in theory.; it is light and perfect for hot summer days especially as we reach triple digits. However; it is a fabric wrinkles very easily which can make your ensemble look unprofessional. One way around this, I ‘ve discovered in my years as being a stylist, you should opt for linen-blend garments or bright coloured linen garments. Picking one of these linen combinations will help the linen garment appear more crisp and polished. Cotton and Cotton-blend: In my efforts to explore the off the shoulder trend, I have found that cotton has made the best fabric for this trend just because it is a more breathable and accommodating fabric for various body types. More importantly, cotton is a versatile fabric which makes it easier to transition looks from season to season
Off the shoulder looks have exploded this season and have implemented a romantic look to every woman’s wardrobe. I don’t see this trend fading away any fashion season soon, so if you decide to rock this trend please keep in mind that body part that is being highlighted is in the title of the garment “shoulders”. I should not see cleavage or belly buttons. If you decide to don an off the shoulder dress, please beware of the length, explore multiple fabrics and silhouette of the off the shoulder look… not all are created equal.
Style by Syraluna 