off the shoulder

One of the simplest, sexiest trends to pull off (pun intended) this summer is the off the shoulder look.  Simple because not only can you find off the shoulder pieces in almost any store you go into, but off the shoulder tops and dresses are also super easy to wear and create an outfit around. And sexy because you get to show off that little bit of skin, leaving the rest to the imagination (and in my opinion, the shoulder is one of the sexiest parts of the body to show off, second only to the upper back).

When you think of off the shoulder tops, your mind might go straight to billowing boho blouses (like mine does), and most styles of off the shoulder will probably lend your outfit a bit of a bohemian vibe. I just find that this is the easiest and most common look for the off the shoulder trend, and many tops and dresses you'll find may even already have a boho print on them. Like for a cooler spring day, go for jeans and a simple white top. Brown and fringe are great accents for this type of look.

Top: Topshop

Jeans: Pink Ice

Earrings: Kasturjewels

Necklace: Vince Camuto
Rings: Forever 21

Bag: Polo Ralph Lauren

Wedges: Ashley Stewart

I love this more modern take on the boho look. Perfect for a hot summer day, or throw on a denim jacket for a warm spring one. 

Top: Oh My Love
Shorts: H&M
Necklace: Minnie Grace
Sunglasses: Linda Farrow
Ring: Calypso
Bag: Charlotte Russe
Sandals: Nicholas Kirkwood

But if you do want to try the off the shoulder trend without going boho, try something in a very non-boho print, texture, and/or colour. This light purple lace dress is the perfect example. The non-boho feel of it also dresses it up, making this particular piece perfect for a summer night time event. I'm not usually a fan of rose gold, but with this dress it just fits so perfectly and it keeps the colour palette more in the pinks!

Dress: House of Fraser
Earrings: Casa
Bangle: Steven Alan

Clutch: Oasis
Heels: New Look

Another direction to go with this trend other than boho is to go with stripes, and give your look more of a nautical feel. I love mixing prints, and putting a striped tee with any kind of patterned skirt really just calls to me. This is such a great conservative look for a summer day!

Top: She Inside

Skirt: Boohoo

Necklace: Kluster

Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples

Watch: Skagen

Bag: Romwe

Flats: Roger Vivier

How are you wearing the off the shoulder trend this season?!