Rocking the one-shoulder

The one-shoulder style reappeared several seasons ago on the spring runway for those designers wanting to go against the norm. And yet, now: we see the one-shoulder style has proved it is not simply a passing trend, but a staple requirement in all women’s closets.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Rachel Breaux

The one-shoulder style reappeared several seasons ago on the spring runway for those designers wanting to go against the norm. And yet, now: we see the one-shoulder style has proved it is not simply a passing trend, but a staple requirement in all women’s closets. EmillioPucci, famous for his bright, animated fabrics, featured multiple one-shoulder dresses in his collection this year. Toning down his traditional bright colours, he chose to create two one-shoulder burgundy dresses: one full-length dress with side ruching and a thigh-high slit. The other, an all over lace dress with one full-length bell sleeve. Valentino, with his signature femininity, designed a black long-sleeved mini dress with an oversized white bow for the shoulder as well as a stunning fuchsia ruffled one-shoulder bodycon dress. Several designers, including Alice + Olivia and Rachel Zoe, went glamour with the look: using the one-shoulder style in sequin creations.  Diane Kruger, an American actress and style icon, has been a big supporter of the one-shoulder. First, she wore a green and black Jason Wu sweetheart neckline with a one-shoulder overlay dress to a recent gala. Then, at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, she wore a gorgeous full-length one-shoulder ice blue chiffon GiamattistaValli gown. The excess fabric made her look ethereal. Other celebrities took the style in white: GwenythPaltrow in a simplistic white, one-shoulder dress at this year’s Oscars, and Kate Beckinsale at this year’s Grammys in a white silk mini with a black bow cascading over the shoulder. Although the one shoulder look initially came in for the edgy dressers out there, it has made its way into the wardrobes of the traditionalists as well. For a night out, do a one-shoulder bandage mini dress, like the styles made famous by Herve Leger. It’s best to stay in one colour, or colour blocking for bandage dresses: stay away from patterns. For those of you that do like patterns, stay with a structured dress, but choose a fabric like chiffon. For an extra tip: one shoulder chiffon dresses with ruching look spectacular. For a more formal occasion, these months towards the holidays, it is best to keep out your classic fabrics: velvet, sequin and lace. All of these will go great with the one-shoulder trend. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way.