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Home • Fashion

Off the Shoulder Fashion

Off the Shoulder Fashion by Alexandra Phanor-Faury In addition to covering up shoulders in pads and even spikes this season, designers are also exposing them and drawing attention to this often ignored erogenous zone with striking, asymmetric necklines. This Grecian look isn’t all that new, this trend has been around the block before but today the attention grabbing silhouette can be seen in array of styles from the traditional, ethereal long number to the sexy ultra-mini dress. There is a one-shoulder dress out there for everyone from the vampy to the avant-garde which explains why celebrities on the red carpet can’t get enough of this look. If you need any more proof of this silhouette’s staying power, just look to Michelle Obama. The First Lady looked breath-taking in a beautiful, white Swarovski embellished crystallized gown by Jason Wu at the Inauguration Evening Ball for President Obama. It’s time to exfoliate your shoulders and get those babies ready for the spotlight in this revolving trend.
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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Actress Keke Palmer arrives at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on August 8, 2010 in Universal City, California.

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Shaun Robinson attends the “I am perfect – exactly as I am” event at SLS Hotel on August 6, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.

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Corinne Bailey Rae attends the photocall for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize Nominations Announcement at The Hospital on July 20, 2010 in London, England.

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Rihanna attends the exclusive after party for Rihanna’s LA show hosted by Asics and Drai’s Hollywood at Drai’s Hollywood on July 21, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

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Michelle Obama smiles during a walk at Marbella’s city center in southern Spain, on August 4, 2010.

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Actress Garcelle Beauvais attends the “I am perfect – exactly as I am” event at SLS Hotel on August 6, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.

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Lynn Whitfield attends the 2010 NYILFF premiere of ‘Gun’ at the School of Visual Arts Theater on July 30, 2010 in New York City.

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Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones shows off the one-shoulder trend in a tribal print dress tightly cinched at the waist.

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Sanaa Lathan

The unexpected hue of Sanaa Lathan’s flirty dress calls for a night of dancing.

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Keri Hilson

Keri Hilson exudes cool-girl rebellion in a tight-fitting one-sleeve dress complete with arm-length, leather gloves.

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Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland takes this feminine, asymmetric, yellow, satin dress and toughens it up with a wide leather belt and a thick wedge heel shoe.

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Halle Berry

A long, flowy, one shoulder, toga-style gown is always a glamorous option for a special occasion.While we suggest you keep the look sophisticated with a simple hue, look for eye-catching details like Halle Berry’s twinkling jeweled bust to keep the look fresh.

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Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson shows off her sculpted arm in a delish, pink gown replete with intricate folds and pleats.

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Niecy Nash

The one-shoulder trend is an equal opportunity trend that looks amazing on any size or shape.

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Zoe Saldana

The busy, dazzling black tulle and sequin of Zoe Saldana’s Marchesa Spring 2010 dress doesn’t overwhelm the actress’s petite frame.

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Selita Ebanks

Selita Ebanks looks angelic in a white, one-shoulder, long dress.

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Paula Patton

Paula Patton celebrates her eclectic flair opting for a one-shoulder dress in an intoxicating palette of navy, wine, green and yellow.

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