If the transition into spring has you feeling a little lopsided, warm one day, frigid the next, don’t fret, fashion has you covered. Asymmetrical features on everything from dresses and skirts to tops and bathing suits really seem to suit the changing of the seasons.
Even hairstyles are benefiting from this new trend. My 50-something neighbor recently got her hair cut by “Her gal,” as she says in her out-of-place, heavy southern drawl, and there is nothing symmetrical about it, but it is perfect. The look has even hit the jewelry department, with asymmetrically placed beads and bows meant to be worn to the side rather than center.
Off-kilter fashion tips;
Uneven hems. After so many years of trying to balance and keep everything in line, an off-center hem seems quirky and fresh. Perfect for a Spring fashion trend. Making people look twice and try something new is after all the goal of designers.
– Skirts and dresses with the hem longer in the back than in the front are perfect for highlighting a pair of interesting tights.
– Try tea-length or mid-calf handkerchief style hemlines with multiple layers of varying lengths all falling to different points are flattering and fun to wear.
– Diagonal cut hems are another option. These show more of one leg than the other. Definitely an attention-getting look.
Lop-sided shirts. Visually lose a few pounds by sporting an off-balance top. When everything is well-defined, straight across and balanced, a little of the mystery is taken away. Go for the angles for an edgy and slimming look.
– Go to the extreme with a completely bare shoulder or side of the shirt. Seen in both long or short sleeve styles. This dramatic look is sexy and creates a nice diagonal line that is flattering to the body.
– Look for details on one shoulder such as a bow, flower or extra ruffles. The embellishment draws the eye to that corner, and away from any perceived flaws.
– Color blocking is another way to incorporate this look. Shirts with stripes on one side, or colorful accent create visual interest.
– Shirt hems cut on the diagonal or with other angles, lengthen.
Dresses can include either an asymmetrical hemline, one shoulder style or both. Greek goddess looks with extreme drapes or something more akin to a salsa dancer are dramatic looks that require an extra dose of confidence, because it won’t go unnoticed. Dresses are also seen with ruching or ruffles that create an asymmetrical look.
Bathing suit designers have been showing a plethora of asymmetrical looks. Try a few on for size. Spanx has a great one shoulder suit that is very flattering, thanks to the Spandx and the slimming angle.
For the most part, asymmetrical styles will work for the office, grocery store as well as date nights, you just have to find the right amount of angle. A bare shoulder look would be out of place in a board room, and too dang cold in a grocery store, but perfect for date night. An asymmetrical hemline on a blouse or a slightly angled pencil skirt add a trendy, yet appropriate look.
DIY. If you want to try the look out without forking over any cash, this is one trend that you can fake. Take a T-shirt and a pair of scissors and give it a try, or add a large flower to one side of your blouse or jacket. Tie a bow on one side of a long chain necklace, or pull one side of you hair up and slip a flower in place.
Warning. Keep in mind that this look does have a couple downsides. One, throughout the summer months weird tan lines are a distinct possibility. The other thing you may run into while incorporating this trend is temperature control; one side may be uncomfortably warm or cool. But, you will look trendy and cool, so wear sunscreen and bring a jacket. The things we endure for the sake of fashion!
