Trend report: The one-shoulder

This season forget about décolletage and showing too much skin, it’s all about flashing a bit of shoulder.

This season forget about décolletage and showing too much skin, to be fashionable it’s all about flashing a bit of shoulder.

The festive season is in full swing and the pressure to get the perfect outfit is undoubtedly higher than ever this time of year as our social calendar is marked red. But not to worry, as always designers have come to the saritorial rescue.

Out of all the must-have looks we’ve seen for Fall/Winter 2010, the best for showing off your fashion nous at the next seasonal wedding or winter luncheon has to be a one-shouldered number. Long-sleeved or bustier-style, body-con or loosely flowing, in neutral tones or graphic prints, there is no end to the one-shouldered wonders up for grabs this season. Whatever your budget or body-type, this is one trend we can all tap into so just read on to find out how you too can work the one-shouldered look. Many designers showcased this look on their runways, but some took it up a notch.

Mary Katrantzou

Mary Katrantzou has undoubtedly been one of the most talked about names on the fashionscene this year. Katrantzou’s take on the one-shoulder trend is one of the most striking around and rocking one of her vibrant, one-shouldered mini dresses is a recipe for style savvy party perfection.

If you want to go for a covered up look then Mary’s longsleeved one-shoulder print dress is the most modest way to work the look. Fashion extroverts however can work the ‘wow’ factor into their look by choosing one of the designers more decadent pieces, such as her corseted dress with its ruffle- detailed shoulder strap and ruched skirt. Wear with simple stilettos and minimal jewellery to keep the focus on her fabulous prints.

Herve Leger

The designer has most of Hollywood’s young and old starlets wrapped in its signature “bandage” dresses. For one-shouldered dresses that exude sex appeal look no further than the internationally renowned ‘King of Cling’. Any piece by Herve Leger is bound to stop traffic, but the designer’s one-shouldered dresses offer an all together more sophisticated method of seduction.

Leger is the fashion world’s go-to brand for ultra glam party wear and their Fall/Winter 2010 collection features is a myriad of one-shouldered lovelies. The brand offers numerous variations on the trend in a huge selection of colours and styles including elegant neutral tones, long and short sleeves, intricate detailing and metallic panelling. Team with sky-high heels and a sequin-embellished clutch for a party look that packs a serious punch.

Reiss

To work the one-shoulder trend on a smaller budget, head to fashions favourite high-street store, Reiss. The brand is known for its on-trend evening wear, and Reiss’ take on the one-shoulder look is as covetable as many high-end designer versions. As well as catering to all budgets, Reiss has come up with a variety of one-shoulder styles to suit different body types and tastes and each dress comes in a variety of eye-popping hues as well as sophisticated black.

Elan

Pakistani label, Elan, has been making waves on the Asian fashion scene for some time . This season, they have pulled out all the stops to bring us some of the most beautiful one-shouldered dresses on offer. Staying true to the brands signature aesthetic, Elan’s one-shouldered pieces bring you traditional eastern dress with a contemporary twist. With their intricate embellishment and long, flowing hemlines, Elan’s divine dresses look fantastic worn with a sleek up-do, delicate stilettos for an exotic party ensemble.

Iman’s dos

• Wear with an up-do to really showcase the shoulder

• Go for bright vibrant colours

• Dramatic eye makeup

• Wear earrings to keep emphasis on one area

Iman’s don’ts

• Wear with flats

• Wear a necklace, takes away from the statement of the piece

• Wear unfitted one shoulders as they can look shapeless and sack like