Off the Shoulder Dresses
Ever since the off the shoulder trend hit the runway, this fad has taken off in popularity that fashion experts never expected. Off the shoulder dresses are a great way to show off your neck and shoulders with a subtle hint of sexiness without exposing too much skin. With any trend this style has evolved from when it was first released, however many designers have stayed true to the original design.
What types of off the shoulder dresses are there?
- Original - The classic and most well known of the styles of off the shoulder dresses is the original design that first came out where both shoulders are exposed with a small sleeve coming off the base of the shoulder attached to a flowy silhouette. To accentuate the classic look, buy a black off the shoulder dress.
- Asymmetrical - Similar to the one shoulder design, asymmetrical exposes one shoulder, either on the left or right side. This style may offer more visual appeal and interest as it toys with how much skin is exposed. In addition, if you have a particular side that you find more appealing, this style is a great way to show off.
- Subtle exposure - This is a great option for women who don’t feel comfortable showing as much skin as classic off the shoulder dress would expose. This design has a large scoop neck that graces the top, outer portion of the shoulder. For women with larger chests, this would be a good option as you have more coverage allowing you to wear more support.
- Shoulder strap - Off the shoulder dress styles have evolved with including a skinny strap attached to the dress. This helps the dress from not falling down, but also provides a little extra design to the dress. Women of all body types would benefit from this design as it does have more support from the tiny straps.
- Cold shoulder - Evolving more into a thicker strap, cold shoulder dresses provide more coverage and a ‘peek-a-boo’ design on the shoulders. Still considered off the shoulder, this style provides a very subtle shoulder exposure that has a hint of sexiness.
What occasions can an off the shoulder dress be worn for?
- Formal - When you need to go to a formal, black tie event, a formal off the shoulder dresses provide the right level of elegance with a bit of sexiness. Designers have jumped on this trend and are designing many formal, full-length dresses with off the shoulder styles along with the different variations from that original look.
- Cocktail - For just the right touch of elegance, off the shoulder cocktail dresses can make your night magical. Found in skin hugging styles with shimmering fabrics or classic lacy styles that stand the test of time, a red off the shoulder dress is a great choice for any party or wedding.
- Casual - Many of the style variations of off the shoulder dresses can be found in a variety of casual styles including an off the shoulder denim dress. Go for an off the shoulder maxi dress in a wide selection of casual styles.
What fabrics are made into off the shoulder dresses?
- Cotton - Off the shoulder dresses made out of cotton are a great summertime option. Cotton dresses can be found in a variety of styles with a boho chic attitude. These dresses are flowy and fun.
- Silk - Many special occasion off the shoulder dresses are made of silk to provide a certain level of elegance. The shimmering fabric works well for flowy or tighter fitting dresses alike.
- Polyester - Polyester is a wonderful option for any dress style as it can be styled either for casual designs or for fancier cocktail dresses. Long or short, fancy or casual, polyester off the shoulder dresses can be found for just about any event, in any price range, and in almost any store.