In Praise of: One Shoulder Dresses

There’s something classically elegant about a one-shoulder evening dress. They show enough skin to let you feel glamorous and feminine, but because of the way they sit on the chest, the neckline is actually usually a bit higher than a standard two-shoulder dress – so they won’t look or feel too revealing. They’ve been a staple of the Hollywood red carpet since time immemorial, and they’re the perfect style for a formal event like a wedding or a romantic meal with the one you love.

Arguably the most widely used one-shoulder style is the full-length maxi dress. The embellished material on this Oli dress creates a beautiful cascading effect that really flatters. You barely need to add a thing to a dress like this to make it sparkle, it does all the work for you. Just throw on some heels and perhaps a simple brooch or bracelet. You should avoid anything too ostentatious around the neck, as it can undermine the asymmetrical effect of the one-shoulder and make your upper half look too busy.

The one-shoulder look can also be vibrant and playful, as with this fiery above the knee evening dress with eye-catching Rose appliqué. Set it off with some statement jewellery and some killer heels for a dynamic outfit that’s ideal for a night on the tiles.

Finally, the dynamic patterns on this Shimmer Dress make fabulous use of the one-shoulder style, combining the old-world elegance of the cut with a futuristic metallic sheen. Add some sparkling jewellery for a really distinctive evening look.