Focus on Flattering Décolletage

As the leaves change colour and the temperatures drop, it’s a sign to revamp your wardrobe. In the transitional Fall of 2023, shoulder and neckline styles offer an array of choices to express your unique fashion personality. Whether you’re into bold power dressing or prefer subtle elegance, the dramatic shoulders, daring cut-out necklines, and off-the-shoulder designs are perfect wardrobe options. From the runways of Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Loewe, Ralph Lauren, Tory Bruch, Ferragamo and Armani, straight to the autumn mood board — it is the perfect time to flaunt your toned torso and décolletage in style with oversized padded shoulders, feminine blazers with deep necklines, glamorous cut-out dresses and knitted jumpers.

A Class Apart

Whether you’re looking for warm sweaters or glamorous evening wear, with unique shoulder styles you can exude elegance and sophistication. A classy yet edgy way to show off your shoulders this fall is to think about wearing clothing that sits off the shoulder and has texture, suggests designer Yuv Bharat Ram, founder of Primal Gray. He says, “Another option is to try out one-shoulder tops or dresses, with details or cold-shoulder blouses featuring autumn-themed prints. To balance the amount of skin shown, pair these tops with high-waisted pants or skirts. Complete the look by accessorizing with statement jewellery and items that suit the season such as comfy winter boots, a classic bag, and fine jewellery.” The key is to embrace your style by experimenting with different silhouettes and designs to find the ones that suit your style and make you feel comfortable without looking dull or boring.

Hot & Cold

For those transitional days when the weather is still a bit warm, cold-shoulder cutouts are your go-to choice. They provide a subtle and flirty way to show some skin without being too revealing. For a touch of vintage-inspired glamour, halter necklines and square necks are making their way back into the fashion scene. According to designer Aditi Swain of the label De Chevalerie en Rouge, “Fall is the best time to celebrate your style with futuristic patterns, asymmetric cuts, high neck collars, and boat-style fitted necklines that are known to stand out among European fashion trends. Combine the vintage style of blouses and tops with a traditional sari for a fusion look. Or, simply pair them with a formal pencil skirt for chic office wear that can be turned into evening wear with a few tweaks.”
Whereas, if you’re looking for glamorous evening wear options, one-shoulder dresses and tops are the perfect asymmetrical style for formal events as well as a night out. It offers a touch of glamour while maintaining a modern edge. Opt for rich, autumnal colours like mustard yellow, eggplant purple, and pumpkin orange to fully embrace the season.

Power Ranger

Dramatic shoulders that remind you of the power-dressing era from the 80s are also making a comeback season. The OTT padded shoulders on blazers, dresses, and sweaters add an exaggerated effect, and designer Felix Bendish pays homage to this fabulous style in his latest collection “Fierce Momentum” at the ongoing London Fashion Week. He says, “The world is shifting towards women empowerment, and wide shoulders are the best way to depict it with fashion. I have taken the shoulder pad out and placed it over the shoulders in the form of an accessory to make a statement in my latest designs. Some other trends that are popping with this season are sensuous high sheer necklines, cowl necks playful with metallic fabrics, power dressing jackets with wide lapels, and using scarves as a fabulous tie-up neckline.”

Statement Necklines

For a touch of sensuality and grace, off-the-shoulder necklines in dresses and tops give a subtle glimpse of skin while keeping you warm and stylish. Add a stylish neckpiece or chunky earrings and you can make heads turn anytime. To make a bold statement with necklines, consider trends like plunge necklines for elegance, asymmetric necklines for edginess, or cowl necklines for draped sophistication, opines designer Yuv Bharat Ram. “Style these necklines with complementary pieces like a sophisticated, light necklace to accentuate the plunging neckline. Add sleek accessories like statement earrings to compliment the asymmetrical neckline, and pair it with high-waist pants to give a sophisticated and elegant look for a cowl neckline. Remember, bold necklines are a powerful focal point, so keep other elements minimalistic to let them shine. Experiment, have fun, and embrace your unique style to make a striking impression,” recommends Yug.

Try out one-shoulder tops or dresses, with details or cold-shoulder blouses featuring autumn-themed prints. To balance the amount of skin shown, pair these tops with high-waisted pants or skirts. Complete the look by accessorizing with statement jewellery and items that suit the season such as comfy winter boots, a classic bag, and fine jewellery.” —Yuv Bharat Ram, designer cum founder of Primal Gray.

“Fall is the best time to celebrate your style with futuristic patterns, asymmetric cuts, high neck collars, and boat-style fitted necklines that are known to stand out among European fashion trends.” —Aditi Swain, designer of De Chevalerie en Rouge.

“The world is shifting towards women empowerment, and wide shoulders are the best way to depict it with fashion. I have taken the shoulder pad out and placed it over the shoulders in the form of an accessory to make a statement in my latest designs.” —Felix Bendish, ace designer