One Shoulder Dresses

Fashion. While some styles remain perennial classics, others tend to come into favor and fall out of favor just as quickily as they came. Some trends tend to last longer then others, while some evolve and tone down their look to become regulars each season. One style that has come and gone and is back again is the one shoulder dress.

A one shoulder dress is a dress that has only one "sleeve" or strap holding it up, leaving the opposite shoulder completely bare and exposed.

This type of dress is a great way to add sex appeal to ones look without "showing it all". For some formal events, tube dresses are slightly frowned upon, especially without a shrug or mini jacket of some sort to cover your top. A one shoulder dress is perfect as it shows more skin without, as stated, showing it all.

There are countless different combinations and styles of the one shouldered dress. The variations start with the one remaining "sleeve". This sleeve is what holds the dress up and provides the unique interest.

Some sleeves simply are composed of a thin strap. Others are a piece of fabric that is worn off the shoulder. Sometimes it can be a small cap sleeve, while other times long sleeve. The long sleeve versions can be different lengths, tight or flowy.

Once we have the sleeve established, the rest of the dress can be any length, any style, any fit. Some one shouldered dresses are long and fitted, providing a sexy yet covered look perfect for any special gala. Some are more loose, often sheer or adorned with prints, lending a great daytime bohemian vibe.

Many one shouldered dresses are tight and either mini dresses or short in length. These ones are practical for club-wear, and often have many "look at me" embellishments such as metallic stitching and rhinestones.

Read More

Because of the one sleeve that holds the dress up, the neckline generally swoops down to the opposite underarm. Therefore, there is not much variation with the neckline of one shoulder dresses, nor the backs, although sometimes the backs do scoop and rise back up.

Fabrics, colors, anything goes when constructing a one shouldered dress. However, it should be noted that they are usually constructed of stretchy fabrics, or at least have elastic along the "neckline" in order to make the dress fit and stay in place without exposing ones top half.

When, where and who should wear one shouldered dresses, and why? Because of their immediate sex appeal with the exposure of one shoulder, one should generally avoid wearing a one shouldered dress- whether long or short in length- to any type of professional or conservative event.

Religious events, parent teacher conferences, job interviews...don't even think about wearing one, ladies! Same goes for any other occasion where one wants to be taken seriously and not stared at like one is a teenager who does not know how to appropriately dress.

One shoulder dresses are okay for most formal and even the occasional black tie event, as long as they are tasteful and classy looking and have a long hemline that falls with elegance and grace.

As for the basic wearing of a one shoulder dress, just think about the construction of the dress and what exactly you are doing. Going to pick up the dry cleaners generally does not call for a dress of this nature, but if it is of a loose casual material with little embellishment and a medium length, go for it miss fashionista.

The best time to wear a one shouldered dress is to an evening event or to a club or lounge. This provocative style is perfect for the clubs, as for any other party where appearing a little more sexy is okay and even encouraged.

These dresses can be worn during any season. In the summertime they can be found in both casual daytime and nightime styles, as the balmy weather permits the exposure of more skin.

In the wintertime, however, one shoulder dresses generally are found in evening and clubwear styles. After all, no one wants to be traversing the streets with one arm nice and toasty and the other one covered in goosebumps!

Because of the interesting shoulder exposure/neckline, a woman should  want to show off this detail of the dress. When wearing a one shoulder dress, a woman should generally brush her hair back off her shoulders. Securing it back with long clips to keep it off her chest helps not hide this detail.

Wearing ones hair in a ponytail, bun or chignon is a lovely look when attired in a one shouldered dress. It keeps ones hair completely in place and the shoulder is completely on display. A chignon is very chic yet refined, thus complementing the sexy one shoulder and providing balance.

As for who should wear a one shoulder dress, this is very simple. Ladies of all sizes can sport this style, as the focus is on the one shoulder and one strap. The rest of the dress can be found in hundreds of variations (lengths, colours, fits) which can suit many different body types.

The only body style that may have some problems are large chested girls. Because of the one shoulder, it can make their chests seem a bit unporportionate, and may not provide enough support. They can wear one shoulder dresses, but should be more careful and selective when purchasing.

As for purchasing one shoulder dresses, just keep in mind your tastes, the season, the occasion if there is one. Also, stick to your budget, and head to dress shops or the brands you love that you know may carry dresses of this nature.

Always remember that if you are not comfortable in a dress, you will not exude confidence. Make sure the top part is not too loose, or you may accidentally have unwanted exposure when you least expect it! This is key when buying a one shoulder dress.

Von Vonni, women's apparel company based in New York, has several darling one shouldered options. The Von Vonni maxi Kafkan is a lovely summer option. It an be worn on or off the shoulder, and as loose, easy going fit. It comes in a striped, ethnic, or floral pattern.

The Von Vonni transformer dress in both long and short versions are two other fine one shoulder dress options. The longer length is more appropriate for an elegant event, or for those who have more conservative taste. The shorter version is perfect for those ladies who want to show some more skin.

The transformer dress comes in a multitude of colours, making it almost impossible to find one not ones liking. From bright yellow to black, Von Vonni has it all. A soft jersey knit, the top of this dress can be tied into various one shouldered looks.