5 Tips for Wearing a One Shoulder Dress

Time to try something new again!  Trying new things can be hard.  With hectic work and social lives it can be a little overwhelming and more than a little intimidating to branch out from our comfortable, familiar styles.  I can relate.  I spent years in the same old style and even a year or two ago, I remained somewhat reluctant, but the more I try, the more excited I get to try new things.  As we keep pressing further and further outside that comfort zone it becomes less intimidating and more exhilarating.  Funny how that works.  I’m not saying that I deliberately go out looking for things outside my comfort zone, but when I do find them, I don’t just skim over them anymore.  I pause to consider and more often than not these days, I go for it.  So, I was browsing FemmeLuxe a couple of weeks ago when I realized I have never tried a one shoulder dress before.  FemmeLuxe has lots of great one shoulder MidiDresses and Jumpsuits, but I really liked the deep mocha color of this BrownOne Shoulder Ruched Slinky Midi Dress in the Savannah style.  If you’re a bit of a shy violet when it comes to trying new things, here’s my first tip.

Tip 1:  Start Simply.

You wouldn’t learn to swim by jumping off a cliff into the ocean, right?  So, when trying a new style, start with a solid color that you already know is flattering to your complexion.  Going with a solid color over a busy print can be a low-pressure way to dive into something new (*snickers at the intentional pun*).  It truly is ok to start slowly and then branch out more and more.

Tip 2:  Ruching and Pleats, Please

I knew this dress would be flattering for my figure—and not just mine for that matter—because Body-Con dresses show off those curves while things like pleats and all the wonderful ruching of this dress can camouflage trouble areas while preserving that shapely silhouette.  If you have curves, don’t be afraid to show them.  If you don’t have many curves, pleats and ruching can create the look of curves while still hiding a little extra tummy.  

Tip 3:  Accessorize Lightly

The great thing about a one shoulder dress is that it's already making quite a statement, so you don't need to do much to accessorize.  If you're wearing a blousey style, add a belt, but with a slinky dress no belt necessary.  It's also best to keep your neckline free of accessories.  Just out of curiosity, or maybe rebellion because everyone says not to, so of course I just had to, I chose to wear a necklace that is quite light and delicate and I like the way that it looks with the dress, but over all, I do think it's best to go bare and let the neckline standout.  Do add some chandelier earrings as they will definitely take the look up a notch, though some tasteful diamond studs will still look classy.

Tip 4: You Need the Right Bra

Bra straps showing are a major Don’t for this look.  You’ll need something strapless that gives you great support and that you won’t be fussing with all the time.  Also consider the shape of the cups.  You won’t want something that’s going to peek-a-boo on the bare shoulder side.  Consider a balconette shape if a low neckline is a concern or a bandeau, but above all find something strapless with the proper cut.

Tip 5:  Don’t Cover Up

This isn’t the time to wear a jacket.  You bought a one-shoulder dress--Show that shoulder off! Maybe consider a long sleeve style like theSavannah dress.  I took these photos on a brisk spring morning, but I was surprisingly warm.  In any case, the main thing to remember is that this is a statement piece, don’t be afraid to get a few looks.  If you need a jacket or wrap to get you from point A to B, that’s totally fine, just remember to ditch the wrap when you enter the event, and then it’s: Chin Up, Shoulders Back, Own the Look.

Shopping Info:    Brown One Shoulder Ruched Slinky Midi Dress--Savannah from FemmeLuxeFinery.co.uk, heels from ModCloth