How to Rock Off-shoulder Tops

Ever since first lady Michelle Obama debuted her white, floral, one-shoulder-wonder gown to the inaugural ball back in January, the trend has been hotter than ever.
If you’re looking for a different, dramatic look, you can’t go wrong with a single shoulder – they provide a coquettish glimpse of skin, but cover enough to keep you comfortable. It’s the perfect mix of edgy, sexy, and sophisticated.

If you’ve never worn a top or dress with a single shoulder, now is the perfect time to try the trend. Keep reading to learn how to rock it this season!

How to Wear the One-Shoulder Trend:

Here are some tips on how to make this trend work for you.

 Start with a solid. Whether it’s trendy magenta or classic black, choose a solid-colored one-shoulder piece if you’re feeling nervous about the style. You can still look for chic accents, such as beading or ruffles, to give your solid color some punch, but don’t be afraid to go basic at first.

 Belt it! Celebrities have been rocking one-shoulder dresses with hot belts to showcase their waists and keep their styles far from frumpy. Take a cue from Blake Lively and Kendra Wilkinson and put a belt over your dress!

 Keep the rest of your look simple. A fabulous pair of shoes and a great bag are all you need with a one-shouldered dress.  If you’re going to wear jewelry, try a cocktail ring or glitzy earrings – you don’t want a necklace competing with your neckline!

 Don’t cover it up! This is a style that is made to be seen, not layered over. Shoulders are pretty universally attractive, so show it off, sister! If you need to keep warm, try an open blazer, cardigan, or bomber jacket so your cute threads can still be seen.

 Mix and match. Pair a slouchy one-shoulder top with tight pants or a pencil skirt for a boho chic look. If you choose a tight top, wear baggy bottoms! Wearing pieces of different proportions will keep your look fresh and  sophisticated.

 It’s all in the fit. Like most items of clothing, all one-shoulder tops fit differently, so you’re going to want to try on a variety of options before making your pick. Sometimes the necklines can hit at the wrong places or fit uncomfortably. There are lots of options within this look, from the traditional grecian style to one full sleeve or even a solo spaghetti strap. Pick what speaks to you and go from there!

 Consider the underwear. Pick your bra wisely! One-shoulder styles demand a strapless bra. Those colorful bandeau bras you might have in your closet from last spring also work well under one-shoulder tops. Your bare shoulder provides the beauty of this look – don’t clutter it with a bra strap!