One shoulder dresses

Shopping for a one strap dress isn’t something that a lot of people think of when they decide to go dress shopping. But, there are a lot of benefits to getting a one strap dress and seeing how they work for you. These are great dresses to draw the attention away from trouble spots on your body and they are really going to help give you a slimmed look with the asymmetrical design that has been created with them. Try on a one strap dress the next time you are out shopping. One-shoulder gowns are designed to create a stir and you can find the perfect one-shoulder gown to get people buzzing right here! This look adds a creative bit of interest and intrigue to any style gown while showcasing a trend that’s been spotted time and time again on the red carpet.

Celebs that have dared to bare in one-shoulder party dresses include Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Zeta-Jones sparkled in the look big time, combining the one-shoulder look with metallic fabric in a dazzling pewter.

Although the one-shoulder, asymmetrical look is definitely striking on its own, it’s also versatile enough to couple with a variety of both traditional and avant-garde styles. Proof lies in the generous collection of prom dresses we offer in the one-shoulder style.

Many prom dress designers have hopped on the one-shoulder trend with at least one gown that features the style, with options from prom dress designers Tony Bowls, Jovani, Blush, Clarisse, MacDougal and Mignon, just to name a few!

One-Shoulder Full-Length Gowns

Our one-shoulder full-length gowns might all share the same length, but each has its own distinct dazzle! Choices include one-shoulder mermaid gowns with their body-hugging bodice and full skirt that bursts from the knee, one-shoulder sheath gowns that hug the body from your top to your toes, and one-shoulder ball gowns that feature a form-fitting bodice, defined waist and a full and flouncy skirt that swirls when you sashay through the room.

Tony Bowls doesn’t disappoint with a one-shoulder gown that’s a total show-stopper. The full-length gown mingles a wild leopard print with an equally wild metallic gold and embellished, one-shoulder strap. A high slit snakes up the skirt while the front of the gown billows open to make an amazingly stunning entrance!

One-Shoulder Cocktail Dresses

One-shoulder cocktail dresses can be just as dramatic and dazzling as the full-length versions, and the options are equally as vast. Form-fitting bodices accompany full, flirty skirts in a number of one-shoulder short dresses, or you can go for a body-hugging sheath that stops at the thighs. Clarisse has a particularly eye-catching one-shoulder short number, with a single, long sleeve that flows right into the body of the dress to create a dramatic vision with an artistic flair.

Material and Colors

Just as the styles are wide open for the one-shoulder look, so are the materials and colors that work with this trendy style. Metallic gold and silver join basic white and black, although it’s hard to call a one-shoulder gown basic at all!

Any color goes, as does any level of embellishment. Embellishments include beadwork, sequins, lace overlays, ruffles, fabric flowers and super-chic peek-a-boos!

How to Rock It

The one-shoulder dress is designed to showcase your upper body, so go ahead and let it! Don’t bog down your look with heavy jewelry; and avoid a necklace length that competes with the clean lines of your dress's neckline. Skip the necklace altogether and instead opt for a dazzling pair of earrings, as long as they, too, don’t compete with the look.

Your hair should also match the cut of the bodice. Letting long tresses hang loose is only going to block off the back and shoulder which is supposed to be exposed. The ultimate way to showcase the one-shoulder look is to go for a bun, chignon or other look that sweeps your hair up and out of the way so you can show off those killer shoulders!

Who Looks Best in It

Killer shoulders, or at least a bit of muscle tone on your upper body, work best with a one-shoulder dress. This dress put a ton of attention on your shoulders, back and arms so you only want to showcase them if they are sleek, firm and free of blemishes. Exfoliate or even medicate you skin to get rid of anything that can distract from the main focal points, which are your muscle-tone and skin!

Because the one-shoulder dress takes all the attention upward, that means your other areas receive less focus. This can be a blessing for hiding a less-than-svelte middle or lower body, especially if you go for a one-shoulder style that features a fuller or longer skirt.

Who Looks Worst in It

If your upper body could use a little toning, a one-shoulder gown may not be the best choice for you. Anything that sags over the streamlined upper hem of the bodice is going to look sloppy. Sometimes the fit is to blame, with bodices that are simply too tight pushing and puckering your skin. Make sure the dress fits like a glove, not a sausage casing, and you’re on the right track to rocking the one-shoulder look.

You also want to make sure the bodice is not too big, as that can be equally as sloppy. A one-shoulder bodice that sags and exposes parts that are meant to be covered can look more like a potato sack than an elegant gown. A good tailor may be the answer if a dress you love is just a bit off.

Keep the fit right and the bodice lines clean and you can be the center of attention in a one-shoulder prom dress!