The year was 1994. My older sister’s sweet sixteen party was coming up and I, a lowly 13-year-old, was invited. I had to find the perfect dress and it had to say, “I am a teenager now too!” All of the cool girls in Sassy and Seventeen magazines were wearing strapless dresses and, of course, I wanted to look like them. Meanwhile, my mom wasn’t having it. She thought strapless was a little too ‘mature,’ so we had to compromise, or I could forget about attending.
This is where my lifelong love affair with an “off the shoulder” garment began – dangerously close to being strapless without technically being strapless. Feminine and flirty but not overly sexy. The perfect way to debut my new slight, but existent curves.
Fast forward 30 years and I’m overjoyed that strapless numbers are back and in every variety. Be it a cocktail dress, jumpsuit, bodysuit or blouse you can find a flattering iteration to wear this summer. Here are a few picks from local shops to consider for the debut of your summer curveshowever slight or mighty they may be!
Jonathan Simkhai, UAL
Knit Top, Reformation
Crossover Top, Angelique
Mock Neck, Reformation
Bow Shoulder Romper, Febe
Knotted Midi Dress, Elizabeth Chronicles
Cotton Top, SOSUSU
Puff Sleeve Top, Elizabeth Chronicles
Ashlyn Dress, SOSUSU
Mini Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue
Floral Dress, Ballin’s Ltd
Aubrey Dress, Febe
Shion Top, Pronto
Farm Rio Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue
Jacquemus Top, Saks Fifth Avenue
Mid Sleeve Top, Banana Republic
