One shoulder: pros and cons of the style choice most loved by the deities of yesterday and today. Including Artemis

L'one-shoulder dress reveals his double soul through the history of his divine births. Legend has it, in fact, that the goddess of hunting, Artemisto facilitate movements with bow and arrows, he tore his robe leaving one shoulder and one arm exposed. Style choice “copied” later by another Olympian star, Aphroditealbeit with another purpose: the goddess of beauty loved the Sensual DNA of this asymmetrical garment which on the one hand revealed what was hidden on the other.

The royal look of the day: Letizia Ortiz in a sinuous one-shoulder dress (and her mother-in-law's earrings)

The Spanish sovereign dusted off an enveloping long dress with drapes from her wardrobe which she decided to match with a pair of sapphire earrings belonging to her mother-in-law. The exchanges and loans of clothes and accessories within the family never end

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It's a short step from the divinities of yesterday to those of today: the celebs who showed off the one-shoulder dress rmaking it even more celestial they cannot be counted. Impossible not to mention among many Lady Dianabig fan of this asymmetrical solution.

On the subject of royals, we also remember Meghan Markle who often wore one-shoulder dresses and Kate Middleton at the 2023 Bafta with an unforgettable model one shoulder designer Alexander McQueen who made history.

Lady Diana yesterday in 1982. Photo Getty

Yesterday: Lady Diana in 1982. Photo Getty

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Today Kate Middleton in 2023. Photo Getty

Today: Kate Middleton in 2023. Photo Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Not just women and not just dresses: David Bowie in the 70s it also made the one-shoulder garment a thing genderless choice revived in the Third Millennium on the Ariston stage by Mahmood in Rick Owens at the last Sanremo Festival wearing a one-shoulder top, confirming its relevance and underlining the evergreen nature of a timeless silhouette. The one-shoulder dress teaches us, in fact, that often, lightening and subtracting can be factors in a winning stylistic choice.

David Bowie yesterday in 1979. Photo Getty

Yesterday: David Bowie in 1979. Photo Getty

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Today Mahmood in 2024. Photo Getty

Today: Mahmood in 2024. Getty Photo

Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images

Designers know this well, of course: the New Yorker Jason Wu made it a cornerstone of his latest Autumn/Winter 2024-25 collection but the trend also manifested itself on the catwalk at Tom Ford, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and Ralph Laurenjust to name a few.

If you are planning to go to a wedding, consider that the dress that leaves one arm uncovered is also popular in bridal collections this year as an alternative for those who don't want to totally show their back or décolleté.

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Eurovision Song Contest 2023, there is also Princess Kate of Wales with the blue dress that pays homage to Ukraine (and perhaps also to Europe)

The royal did not physically present herself in Liverpool but she was the unexpected surprise of the opening video of the grand final. For her, a blue one-shoulder dress like a true princess with which she wanted to demonstrate closeness to the war-torn country

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Jesus Peiro Bridal Collection 2024. Photo Getty

Jesus Peiro Bridal Collection 2024. Photo Getty

Marylise Bridal Collection 2024. Photo Getty

Marylise Bridal Collection 2024. Photo Getty

In any case, before venturing into a purchase in this sense, consider the list of pros and cons that we have compiled below for you.

The «pros»

1. It enhances a measured sensuality

Getty photo

Getty photo

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

In these times of style too much, the classic charm of the one-shoulder dress remains a quiet refuge to be on the safe side and not feel over the top. Oscillating between see-through and non-see-through, as we were saying, it is becoming a popular choice especially for brides who want a touch of refinement but with a pinch of glamour, guaranteeing the same percentage of seduction and comfort. Its design gives a nice movement to the entire silhouette, enhancing the shoulders but at the same time creating a diagonal that gives impetus to the figure. On the other hand, if you don't want to enhance the upper part of the body too much, it is better to opt for a short model: the focus will also be on the legs to thus be able to rebalance the whole.

2. It adapts to all tastes

Kendall Jenner.  Getty photo

Kendall Jenner. Getty photo

Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin

The asymmetrical silhouette of the dress works with a wide range of fabrics and styles: if you are looking for a Grace Kelly atmosphere you can head towards the sophisticated long-sleeved lace dresses proposed by fashion houses such as Carolina Herrera, suitable for more formal occasions. If you are looking something more etherealideals are the party dress floral designs by Oscar de la Renta, Jenny Packham and Marchesa and characterized by light, layered, semi-transparent tulle and open chiffon sleeves. Otherwise, for something more casual, head for stretch and short models like those by David Koma or Brandon Maxwell, much loved by Kendall Jenner, which can also be combined with ankle boots.

3. It makes you feel at ease

Getty photo

Getty photo

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

One of the advantages of this item of clothing is that allows you to feel at ease showing a little skin without completely revealing both shoulders like a strapless design does for example. Additionally, the asymmetric cut flatters and adds interest to the neckline.

The «cons»

1. It absolutely does not adapt to all body types

Charlène and Albert of Monaco at the Coronation of King Charles in 2023. Photo Getty

Charlène and Albert of Monaco at the Coronation of King Charles in 2023. Photo Getty

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The one-shoulder look is undoubtedly versatile but not really suitable for any type of physicality. It highlights the shoulders, collarbones and arms, and is therefore particularly suitable for those with muscular and toned shoulders and arms. It is also very good for women with an inverted triangle body shape, i.e. with shoulders wider than hips. This model, therefore, is in tune with toned and slender physiques, it being understood that everyone is free to show it off if they want. Fashion is always a very personal interpretation of trends, let's never forget that.

2. Choosing jewelry is not easy…

Salma Hayek.  Getty photo

Salma Hayek. Getty photo

Karwai Tang

Can be a little difficult to wear a necklace with this trend. It's usually a good idea to leave your neck bare when choosing an asymmetrical neckline. On the contrary, a pair of statement earrings look great with this neckline, as does a brooch to enhance the one-sided neckline.

3. …And not even that of outerwear

Getty photo

Getty photo

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

As with jewellery, there is also the choice of outerwear to accompany the dress one shoulder it's not easy, also because it also depends on the size of the other sleeve, on whether the garment has a more linear or voluminous silhouette and on many other factors. Actually it would be better to opt for a stole. Or, sleeve permitting, even with an oversized blazer you can achieve a noteworthy result. The trench coat is a great alternative.

Source: Vanity Fair

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