Looking for a refreshing and creative way to transform your wardrobe staples? Go for off-the-shoulder looks. The dresses are traditionally designed for the breezy weather however, they can be repurposed to function in just about any season. With the right styling tips paired with the best accessories, you’d look everything between sleek and ready. Here’s your no-excuse guide to rocking these gorgeous pieces.
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Detailed Guide To Wearing Off Shoulder Dresses
Off shoulder dresses generally have a dropping neckline that sweeps across the chest and lies above the bust. It is characterized by sleeves that most often start below the shoulders and in the same line as the neckline; hence the name — off-the-shoulder dress. This can be a fun and decent way to rock your feminine shoulders. There are a plethora of accessories and pairing options you can wear to flaunt your exposed shoulders. The best of these have been detailed below.
1. Providing Support For Your Bust
Having your bra straps out isn’t one of the best looks and you don’t want to keep battling with them. Wondering what to wear under your off shoulder dress? Slip on a strapless bra. It provides the most support while remaining invisible. You could also choose a bandeau bra, backless, adhesive, or short-line bra depending on the cutout details and how plunging the neckline of your dress is. They all offer different extents of flexibility and freedom, however, the bra to be picked has to be well fitted and comfortable enough to hold up the bust.
If you don’t have a strapless bra, you can create a makeshift off-shoulder bra by wearing one of your most fitted bras with the bra straps taken out. The problem with this is that you can have both the bust and bra hanging loosely if the bra isn’t fitted enough. Instead of taking chances at expedient means, why not invest in a strapless bra?
To pick out a good strapless bra that is supportive, make sure you have your band size correct. This is the foundation of the bra’s support. The cuts, fabric, and styling of a strapless bra from different brands are not the same, so you can try a good number of those bras to select the best. The best strapless bra should feel like you have nothing on.
2. Keeping Your Sleeves In Place
Thread the ends of a hair tie onto two open safety pins. Secure the cord you’ve created along the inner elastic seamline of your dress, under the sides that would lie above the arm. Do this on both sides to keep the dress sleeves from riding up.
3. Jewelry To Wear With Off-Shoulders
A choker-style necklace, a string of pearls, a pendant-style necklace, or a thin chain with a pearl-shaped earring are the best jewelry pairs you can wear to add a subtle but elegant style. Chunky and heavy jewelry tends to take off the attention away from the dress, unless that’s what you want. The more jewelry you wear, the fewer chances for the dress to be noticed.
4. Shoes To Wear
Boots can be worn for both formal and casual looks to complement a shorter dress. Go for higher shoe lengths for an elegant appeal and ankle-length boots for streetwear. Slip-on, high-heeled, and gladiator sandals, are all stunning choices for a casual dress. Ballet flats or tennis shoes give a more relaxed on-the-go look if popping out on an errand.
The kind of shoes you can wear with a formal off-the-shoulder dress entirely depends on how formal the event would be, how comfortable you want to feel in your shoes, and the style of your dress. Most off-shoulders go with heeled shoes such as closed shoes, stilettos, pumps, and strappy heels.
5. Braving The Cold Weather
Wearing an off-the-shoulder dress in the winter can look fantastic, but would not offer the most warmth. Adding layers to your dress with a sweatshirt and a coat or tights and a turtleneck can help insulate you if it’s cold outside. To wear the look, slip on your off-the-shoulder dress, layer a sweatshirt with long sleeves on top, then, strap on a thick winter jacket to complete the layering.
6. Finishing Off
A clutch, handbag, or small purse in a matching color scheme easily complements the outfit. Put on dark shades in summer to elevate your look. You can also wrap a bandana or scarf to add an edgy vibe to your ensemble.
Where Can You Wear Off-The-Shoulder Dresses To?
This style of dress looks good everywhere and can be worn for just about any event. The dress provides enough coverage to keep it looking decent and shows the right amount of skin which makes it interesting. If your best assets from the top are your neck, collarbone, shoulders, a flash of skin from the back, or all, now is the perfect time to show off.
Be it brunch with the girls, your first date, a friend’s bachelorette, a movie, or even formal events; you can always rock your favorite off-the-shoulder dress. Off-the-shoulder wedding dresses are especially romantic, elegant, and classic. They have an edge over most wedding dress styles because they can be worn for a church wedding.
For a high-quality off shoulder dress, buying from SunsetFashionLA is highly recommended. The dresses available at the online store are very fashionable and budget-friendly.
