How to Style a One Shoulder Dress For a Formal Event

One of my favorite photos from my e-book: Tweak Your Chic- Mother of the Bride is a blue one-shoulder dress from David’s Bridal. It’s a popular style for weddings, parties, and other celebrations.

The one-shoulder look is excellent for women 40+ because it reveals just enough skin to be sexy, but it won’t make you feel uncomfortable or look like you are trying too hard. It’s an exquisite style. Think Grecian goddess.

Recently, I received this exciting email from my reader Wendy, who was wondering how to accessorize a one-shoulder dress. She wrote:

Hi Deborah,

Should  I only wear earrings (large enough to be noticed, with some sparkle) if I wear a one-shoulder dress?

That’s a great question, and I’m pleased to say my reader is right on with her thinking. A one-shoulder dress does not require a necklace.

What formal events are appropriate for a to wear a one-shoulder dress

what bra for a shoulder dress

What jewelry with a one-shoulder dress

How to Accessorize a shoulder dress

Othe things about how to wear a one-shoulder dress

The unique neckline of the one-shoulder dress should be the focal point. A necklace is distracting because it competes with the beautiful shoulder draping. In the case of the dress above, it would also clash with the beading.

As for earrings, yes, perfect! Earrings add a lovely sparkle to your face and balance the dress; however, you need to experiment with earrings because it depends on how you wear your hair. When choosing earrings, you don’t want your earrings to overpower. The scale is essential. They need to work with your size and bone structure.

For example, if you are petite and fine-featured, then large, heavy chandelier earrings could ruin the balance. On the other hand, a tiny stud or button earring could look too uptight and businesslike for a party dress like this. On the good side, a small to medium drop or chandelier earring would work best.

So the bottom line is when you have an unusual neckline like one shoulder, it should be your fashion focal point. Don’t ruin the effect with too much jewelry! A pair of earrings and a bracelet on the wrist opposite the shoulder strap would look perfect.

One of my favorites is this purple one-shoulder dress (Sangria) with the beaded gunmetal brooch at the waist. In this case, the clip is the accessory. Don’t take away from this focal point by also wearing a necklace. A lovely pair of earrings would be just enough.