Cold Shoulder

There’s a new neckline in town for summer, one that is subliminally sensual.

Let’s take a small trip down memory lane first: do you remember that scene in Pretty Woman where Vivian (Julia Roberts) walks out wearing the red floor-sweeping, off-the-shoulder gown, ready for the opera? Do you remember the gasp you drew when she walked through that door? Sexy, right?

Right!

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

Not because the hemline was short or because her midriff was exposed or because she was flaunting cleavage (ahem Kim Kardashian). But because bearing just shoulders is an insanely elegant way to show off some skin.

Style highlights from the past can now be a staple in your wardrobe. Notwithstanding the fact that the off-the-shoulder trend is competing for the spotlight with the crop-top this summer, the former is more appealing to me. Mostly because I’ve grown two little people in my tummy so my midriff is not in its finest form. My shoulders, on the other hand, are my best asset.

And they might be yours too – no matter your size or age, your shoulders do not stretch nor sag. So bear some collarbone skin and make a trend-setting transition into summer because … the clavicle is the new midriff!

Australian Blogger Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage

Miroslava Duma Street Style

This outfit is the perfect amalgamation of delicate lace and a contemporary digital print. The Shona Joy pencil skirt offers a prim counterpoint to the playful boho top. It adds a contemporary polish while maintaining an ethereal quality about it.

In order to achieve this drunk-in-love countryside fantasy, keep it loose and effortless and resist the desire to go tight (no channeling Sandy from Grease). Whether your style is boho or bombshell, an off the shoulder piece needs little more than denim cuff-offs or a pencil skirt. And extra style points awarded if we can’t see the clear plastic bra straps.

And in case you need some extra convincing, Amal Alamuddin Clooney has just cemented this trend into history with her delicate off-the-shoulder wedding gown. Case in point.