Red carpet events rarely offer practical fashion trends for those of insecure character. But that finally seems to have changed. Because at Tuesday night’s Golden Globes, one of the most ubiquitous and compelling themes of the night was a strapless dress.
Finally, the fashion gods have gifted us with an erogenous zone that we can all stand behind, no matter how negative we feel. Not every woman dares to bare her knees, hips, waist or cleavage, but few shy away from showing their shoulders.
Shoulders are finally free of concerns like sagging or crepe lines or muffin tops. Like a good wine, they age well. By definition they are elegant and sculptural, regardless of what else is going on.
While many women of a certain age fret about the tone of their upper arms, they’re unlikely to fret about their actual shoulders. As proven by Jennifer Coolidge, who won a Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The White Lotus, a simple off-the-shoulder dress with sleeves gives instant sex appeal, whether the wearer is 16 or 61, like Coolidge is.
It also shows that there is no need to stop those with larger breasts from sporting the style. With the help of a supportive bra, a black strapless top can make even larger cups look smaller.
As I detail here, more than a dozen different ways to style your shoulders were showcased at the Golden Globes, which means you’ll find inspiration no matter your age, shape, or confidence level.
The red carpet is the last place most women would turn to for fashion trends to fit into their closets. That A-listers got us one so early in the year bodes well for 2023 — and for our bodies.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE SLEEVES
Selena Gomez’s strapless Valentino gown advocates velvet, with puff sleeves making her shoulders the stars of the show.
Selena Gomez’s strapless Valentino gown advocates velvet, with puff sleeves making her shoulders the stars of the show
BOUDOIR ELEGANCE
Inspired by the lingerie drawer, Gucci’s Daisy Edgar Jones lace corset dress means you can bare your shoulders and still feel confident.
Inspired by the lingerie drawer, Gucci’s Daisy Edgar Jones lace corset dress means you can bare your shoulders and still feel confident
CURVED HIGH CONSTRUCTION
Jessica Chastain’s strapless spider web effect dress is an Oscar de la Renta classic. Instead of sitting straight across her chest, the bodice rose in a curve and avoided showing cleavage.
Jessica Chastain’s strapless spider web effect dress is an Oscar de la Renta classic. Instead of sitting straight across her chest, the bodice rose in a curve and avoided showing cleavage
TACTICAL HAIR PLACEMENT
The peplum detail on Michelle Yeoh’s strapless Armani Prive gown creates a bold silhouette. She has cleverly styled her hair to one side so that the dress appears to have one shoulder.
The peplum detail on Michelle Yeoh’s strapless Armani Prive gown creates a bold silhouette. She has cleverly styled her hair to one side so that the dress appears to have one shoulder
THIN NECKLACE
Margot Robbie’s dress took 750 hours to make in Chanel’s ateliers, and it shows. The halter style has slim straps that show off her elegant neckline and fall steeply down the side of her breasts to show off the edges of her bust.
Margot Robbie’s dress took 750 hours to make in Chanel’s ateliers, and it shows. The halter style has slim straps that show off her elegant neckline and fall steeply down the side of her breasts to show off the edges of her bust
BACKLESS AND STRAPLESS
The simplicity of Lily James’ red bandeau top by Atelier Versace contrasts with her matching skirt with ruffles and volume.
The simplicity of Lily James’ red bandeau top by Atelier Versace contrasts with her matching skirt with ruffles and volume
SQUARE HIGH-RISE
Featuring a row of 3D sequins that rise to a square neckline, Louis Vuitton’s Ana de Arma strapless gown is a bold choice that took 150 hours to make.
Featuring a row of 3D sequins that rise to a square neckline, Louis Vuitton’s Ana de Arma strapless gown is a bold choice that took 150 hours to make
CROSS BACK
The crossover strap detail on Claire Danes’ Giambattista Valli dress accentuates her toned back.
The crossover strap detail on Claire Danes’ Giambattista Valli dress accentuates her toned back
Daring drop
Elizabeth Debicki’s strapless Dior dress is simply stunning. The top sits lower than many other strapless styles but is great for those with exquisite collarbones and smaller busts.
Elizabeth Debicki’s strapless Dior dress is simply stunning. The top sits lower than many other strapless styles but is great for those with exquisite collarbones and smaller busts
WIDE NECKLACE
Black Panther star Angela Bassett looks fabulous in her sequined halterneck Pamella Roland dress, a subtle way of showing off her magnificent shoulders and toned arms.
Black Panther star Angela Bassett looks fabulous in her sequined halterneck Pamella Roland dress, a subtle way of showing off her magnificent shoulders and toned arms
ONE-SHOULDER RUFFLES
The ruffles on Michelle Williams’ Gucci dress make it bold, but its asymmetric cut is perfect for those trying an off-the-shoulder style for the first time.
The ruffles on Michelle Williams’ Gucci dress make it bold, but its asymmetric cut is perfect for those trying an off-the-shoulder style for the first time
SPAGHETTI BEARER
The thin straps of the Valentino dress worn by Eddie Redmayne’s wife, Hannah Bagshawe, ensure her side-breasted dress stays in place and accentuates her shoulders.
The thin straps of the Valentino dress worn by Eddie Redmayne’s wife, Hannah Bagshawe, ensure her side-breasted dress stays in place and accentuates her shoulders
HEAVY GLAMOUR
Salma Hayek’s Gucci dress shows in a more subtle way how effective sheer fabric can be when baring the shoulders.
Salma Hayek’s Gucci dress shows in a more subtle way how effective sheer fabric can be when baring the shoulders
BANDEAU TOP
Anya Taylor-Joy confidently pulls off a little bright yellow Dior bandeau top that shows off the shoulders and waist.
Anya Taylor-Joy confidently pulls off a little bright yellow Dior bandeau top that shows off the shoulders and waist
UPPER ARM COVER
Jennifer Coolidge’s sequin fishtail dress from Dolce & Gabbana shows off her shoulders in a subtle way and deserves the Best Wearer award.
Jennifer Coolidge’s sequin fishtail dress from Dolce & Gabbana shows off her shoulders in a subtle way and deserves the Best Wearer award