In September a lot of us like to straddle summer and fall. There is one group who wears flip-flops with their jeans, shorts and mini skirts as long as possible and comes up with any excuse for a final beach trip. Then there’s the other clan who can’t wait for Labor Day to pass so they can douse themselves in pumpkin spice everything, judgment free. They want to cozy up in a thick wool sweater and break out their boots before the calendar technically calls for fall. I am happy to announce that this year there is a top made for both types of people.
It is a rarity when fashion provides us with one garment with shapeshifting superpowers. A silhouette is typically composed by the entire outfit. So when one piece can create such shape on its own, a standing ovation (in the form of shopping, of course) is in order. This article - this shape is for the lazy people with a desire to look put together. One shirt is all you need. One shoulder is all it needs.
*I take zero credit for the images below. All images link back to their site of origin.*
For the Summer Supporters: A one-shoulder knit top or dress is the perfect piece for transitioning from summer to fall. A true all day outfit with just enough coverage for fall nights. Known for punchy pinks and tropical orange prints, Carolina Herrera’s Autumn 2020 Collection caught my eye because, well, it wasn’t that. A dramatic black lined ruffle cascades from one shoulder past the model’s knee. And it is a moment. Here, one ruffle over one shoulder was enough to elicit a rebirth of the standard t-shirt and denim pant duo. This look actually resembles a glamified version of what I wore this spring in Tee Time. I took a ruffled off the shoulder top and pulled one of my arms through to create a new, lower maintenance silhouette!
For the Fall Fanatics: For those of you who can’t fathom wearing a top now with one little strap Safiyaa’s long sleeve version is for you. The construction of this garment is A-one. Let’s get into it: on the long sleeve side, this is not just your ordinary sleeve. This is a comfy crepe fitted sleeve, almost tailored to hug your arm. The shrouded shoulder nods to a Spring 2020 trend: light shoulder pads. A tie is added for flair. And why not two sleeves? Well, that would be frumpy and outdated. Only the office of Brooke Shields 35 years ago could rock that and maybe my older cousin’s Barbie’s.
For the Winter Women: What’s even cooler than rocking this season’s most desirable silhouette is creating the illusion of it. Bottega Veneta proves they can construct more than timeless handbags, with their diagonal color-blocked trench. The tapered paint lines allow the one-shoulder trend to be accomplished ironically with full sleeve coverage on both arms. Plus, they utilize my favorite two juxtaposing tones: black and tan. A diagonal colorblock is a great replacement for colder winter months.
For Casual Couch Chic: ‘Cause no I didn’t forget its 2020 and this is now the thing. Out of all these examples I find the easiest, most wearable way to be a one strap gal is by actually having, um, two straps. Two straps but both on one side. One strap runs perpendicular to your shoulder blades like a normal tank top and the other starts on the opposite side of your chest and shoots upwards. Kind of like a reverse halter. Ya, follow? Select in a ribbed knit material because though sleeveless sweaters don’t make much sense, they are amazingly comfortable. And that is just the way it goes! If you decide to go out tuck into a skirt or toss on a pair of jeans and thrive in knowing your put together look was actually easier than Staples.
Your arms are steamy - free them.
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