Shoulders are the new cleavage: It’s the elegant way to flash some flesh and Amanda Platell loves it!
- Summer is the season for 'flesh-flashing', but how do you get it right?
- However, this season is not about showing off your legs or arms
- This summer is all about making the most of your shoulders
- Amanda Platell tested the trend in a number of dresses for FEMAIL
Summer is the season for ‘flesh-flashing’ and, for most of us, unmitigated fear.
The first days of sunshine bring on a wild panic when we hit the gym, start the latest bikini diet and reach for the fake tan — anything to conceal our lumpy, lily-white, winter bodies. This year, however things just got a little less scary. Because this year it’s not about showing off your legs, arms or any other wobbly bits — this summer it’s all about the shoulder.
When cleverly done, these designs not only show off your shoulders but also discreetly conceal your bingo wings. So, are shoulders really the new sexy? Amanda Platell decided to find out...
JUMP TO IT
Navy jumpsuit, £195, bodyfrock.co.uk
I was reluctant to try this on, as I’m simply not a onesie woman. Perhaps I was put off by the concealed Spanx-like undies, as I’ve vowed never to wear Bridget Jones pants either. However, once I’d put it on I discovered the jumpsuit is incredibly flattering.
The cutouts are alluring, revealing just enough skin to tease. There’s a teeny bit of cleavage, but not too much to detract from the shoulder detail. A masterclass in sophistication, but if only it was a frock...
3/5
CONCEAL AND REVEAL
Burgundy and beige dress, £51.10, hybridfashion.com
Sometimes a dress can be horrible on the hanger, but divine on, and so this one proved.
The V-shaped burgundy top dives into the cream skirt of the dress and is so slimming and elongating. The length, just below the knee, is perfect. I love the subtle little sexy kick of colour at the hemline and the cut-aways both conceal and enhance the shoulders and upper arms — demonstrating exactly why this is the perfect trend for all ages.
4/5
EARNS ITS STRIPES
Stripe midi dress, £30, asos.com
This nifty, nautical number was my favourite daytime dress. Off-the-shoulder designs can be difficult to wear, but the Lycra clung to my shoulders comfortably. The horizontal stripes enhance the shoulder line, the vertical elongate the body. You could dress it down with espadrilles or up with heels.
5/5
RED HOT
Grace red maxi dress, £362, oxygenboutique.com
Love at first sight. Red can be a difficult colour to carry off, but this shade was wonderfully warm.
It was so tight I needed help to zip it up, but boy did it slim me down once I was in. The top is corseted to boost droopy breasts without the need for a strapless bra, the scooped neckline is elegant and the sleeves are a perfect length to hide bingo wings. The side splits allow you to walk easily without looking tarty.
5/5
DRAPED PERFECTION
Khaki dress, £30, walg.co.uk
This is not a colour I’d usually wear, but when I put it on, the khaki looks more woodland moss than GI Jane. The soft fabric is beautifully draped to conceal my tummy, and the asymmetrical hem is delicate and leg-lengthening. The high boat neckline is particularly flattering if you wear a decent bra, and the flash of shoulder is undeniably sexy.
4/5
UPPER ARM ALERT
Blue ruffle hem dress, £221.84, rebeccataylor.com
This was all a bit too cutesy for me, with the ruffled cross-grain hem. The neckline is too high and the bands on the arms too narrow to hide anything. It looks as though an electric blue bra strap is showing.
And somehow the cut of the skirt and the ruffle combine to make it look frumpy. There’s just too much going on.
The length is not flattering on me either — stopping just above the knee but not short enough to show any thigh.
2/5
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