One shoulder dress styles combine classic elegance with modern simplicity. From the little black dress that is perfect for occasions like a party or a wedding, to the chic, colourful number that works just as well for casual wear, the asymmetrical one-shouldered neckline is a timeless look that seems never to go out of fashion.

Design Inspiration From The Red Carpet

For a formal event, one shoulder dresses give women a classy but sexy alternative to a strapless gown, showing off a fetching shoulder and bringing a flirtatious silhouette that flatters the figure. Each year, the red carpet welcomes new examples of the glamorous off-the-shoulder look, and celebrities such as Emmy Rossum, Taylor Swift, and Kate Winslet are just a few examples of stars who have been admired in this style at recent awards ceremonies. Kim Kardashian is another celeb who has enjoyed the fashion and extolled the virtues of these dresses for their ability to draw attention to the neck and shoulders area.

First Lady Fashion

Michelle Obama set the fashion world abuzz with her dazzling one-shoulder formal gown designed by Jason Wu in winter white for the 2009 Inaugural Ball — and it’s a look the the First Lady clearly enjoys, appearing the following year in a one shouldered black and white print blouse designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier for a walkabout during a visit to Marbella, Spain. And for a visit to Brazil, she’s been photographed wearing a one shoulder Rachel Roy design during a Latin American tour.

One Shoulder Prom Dresses

Women everywhere are drawing inspiration from these examples of high-profile women embracing the chic allure of this asymmetrical fashion as they choose their styles for the new season. There’s a huge variety of one shoulder gowns, with sleeves or without, to make a girl feel extra-special for the Prom or Homecoming, with long, flowing designs as well as elegant short dresses that are perfect for a spring or summer evening.

One Shoulder Wedding Dresses

It’s a style that’s all the rage for weddings, too, and designers like Vera Wang, Maggie Sottero, and Monique Lhuillier have featured models in a range of stunning creations that echo the Grecian off-the-shoulder sophistication for brides, bridesmaids, and flower girls.

Dresses like these can bring cohesion to a wedding theme. However different in size, shape, or age the bride’s attendants may be, a one shoulder style can lend a unity of style to all the members of the bridal wedding party. Many wedding designers retain the simplicity of this classic look, while others seek to embellish the shoulder strap with ruffles, a flower, ribbons or other accessories. There are many different ways to create a charming effect, whatever style or shape of gown you choose. One-shouldered versions can be found in ballgown type dresses, empire waist gowns, A-line or princess gowns, sheath wedding dresses, and mermaid style dresses.

Accessories For The One-Shouldered Style

Just because the dress itself brings a certain dramatic flair, there’s no need to be nervous when wearing this style. It can make a bold yet simple statement that needs few accessories to be effective. An elegant pair of shoes, some glamorous earrings and a bracelet, and a hairstyle that emphasises the line of the neck may be all that’s required to complete the look. And for lingerie, choose a convertible or bandeau bra to avoid spoiling the effect with an unsightly strap.

Perfect for the warm weather, and with styles to suit special occasions as well as daywear, the one shoulder dress brings timeless elegance and classic simplicity to women’s fashion.