How To Nail The Off-The-Shoulder Trend

Hello!

 

This week's trend focus is on off-the-shoulder outfits. We see them everywhere we look (well those of us experiencing summer) but rather than run off and buy a top or dress, do your homework to ensure you know how to best style them according to your body shape.

 

The off-the-shoulder design is a great alternative for those wanting to bare some skin but are conscientious about their upper arms. But be mindful of the fullness of some of these tops, the lack of shape, and stiff fabric which can be unflattering and make you look larger than what you are. I want to help you avoid this by styling four outfits with tips for the common body shapes. These are:

 

Hourglass - hips and shoulders are similar width with a defined and noticeably smaller waist
Rectangle (boyish shape as well but slimmer) - shoulders, waist and hips all similar in width
Triangle - shoulders are narrower than the hips
Inverted Triangle - shoulders are broader than the hips
Oval - waist is wider than the shoulders and hips

 

Read on!

 

Outfit #1 - Classic

 

Pair a white off-the-shoulder top with dark jeans, or cream trousers for a more monochromatic look. Cinch in at waist with a rope belt with jeans for a more casual vibe or dress it up with a tan buckle belt and trousers. Accessorise with earrings, tan saddle bag and heels, and lippy for a pop of colour.

 

Hourglass

• Opt for monochromatic look/tonal colours which are more flattering and visually lengthen the silhouette
• Opt for plain, straight leg pants for a more balanced silhouette
• Cinch in at waist with belt to highlight waistline

Inverted Triangle

• Opt for wide leg pants to balance silhouette. Skinny jeans can be worn but ideally with boots to balance shape of lower legs with upper body
• Cinch in at waist with belt to define shape
• Opt for wrist cuff, statement ring or belt, rather than earrings to ensure there isn't too much attention to shoulder area if broad

Rectangle

• Cinch top in with belt on the hip area to give shape
• Can wear skinny jeans

Triangle

• The off-the-shoulder top draws focus to the upper part of the body, away from the hip area
• Cinch in at waist to define shape 
• Opt for trousers that are plain and straight cut 
• If wearing jeans, choose darker denim as more flattering, and avoid side and hip pockets that draw attention to the hip area
• Tonal colours preferable to visually lengthen the silhouette

Outfit #2 - Casual

 

 

Standout in a mustard yellow top paired with a denim skirt. Add sneakers for a casual vibe or dress up with heels. Accessorise with gold hoop earrings, a white bangle and sunglasses, and tan bag to complement the mustard yellow and denim colours. Add some lippy for another fun pop of colour.

 

Hourglass

• Ensure the length of the top ends at the waist (but not showing skin) so that it is defined by the skirt
• Ensure the skirt has minimal hip/back pockets to avoid attention to the hip area if conscientious
• The A-line skirt is flattering to shape and skims over the body, ending just below the knees

Inverted Triangle

• The A-line flare of the skirt helps to balance the lower part of the silhouette while defining the waist, giving shape 

Rectangle

• The top adds interest to the upper part of the body while the skirt gives shape by defining the waist  

Triangle

• The style and colour of the top draws attention to upper part of the body along with earrings
• Ensure the skirt has minimal hip/back pockets to avoid attention to the hip area 
• The A-line skirt skims over the curves to just below the knees
• The bag is small and doesn't draw too much attention to the hip area

Outfit #3 - Nautical

 

Go for a nautical look while it's still summer and all things beachy. Pair a stripe top with white jeans and add white sneakers. Silver jewellery looks great with white - opt for simple earrings and watch - and add a white fedora, navy tote bag (for your beach needs) and some coral lip gloss for a natural look.

 

Hourglass

• While off-the-shoulder tops are flattering, be careful of horizontal stripes especially if have big bust. The wider the stripe, the wider and shorter the area will appear. Opt for vertical stripes or block colour. 
• Ensure jeans are plain and straight or boot cut to ensure balance to the lower part of the silhouette

Inverted Triangle

• Ensure jeans are straight, boot cut or wide leg to ensure balance to lower part of the silhouette. Can have pockets

Rectangle

• Opt for vertical stripes particularly if you have short waist and ensure the top ends just below the hip bone
• Opt for pants with straight leg

Triangle  

• Ensure the pants are plain and straight, with minimal pockets to avoid drawing attention to hip area

 

Outfit #4 - Curvy

 

This style of dress is versatile in that it can be worn casually with sandals or dressed up with fabulous heels. I actually have these heels and can attest to how fabulous they look with black! Accessorise with statement earrings, black sunnies and a black saddle bag that's suitable for most occasions. 

• The dark block colour is visually slimming and the tie belt defines the waist and gorgeous curves.
• If larger, place belt higher above, not on tummy, or remove it and rely on fabulous accessories
• The three-quarter sleeves are flattering while hiding the arms if conscientious
• The style of the dress skims over, not clings to, the curves
• The neckline and earrings draw attention to your gorgeous face

I hope this gives you some guidance on how to style off-the-shoulder tops in a way that suits you. Details of these outfits can be found at http://whatsmystyle.polyvore.com/?filter=overview

Look forward to sharing more trend tips next week. 

Nicky xx

 




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