Peek over shoulders

This summer, the off shoulder aka ‘cold shoulder’ trend has morphed into a beautiful variation of the peek-a-boo shoulder, and we can’t help but peek through it! The trend basically translates into a cute little cutout left on shoulder ends so that a patch of skin can peek out from a top or a dress. For an Indian summer, the trend refuses to go away from and is back to give you an open and breezy silhouette packed with versatility.

In simple terms, when a part of the full sleeve has holes cut out near the shoulders it becomes a peek-a-boo, enabling the dress to hang in a chic way. The look is effortless yet glamorous, and perfect for creating new looks, suggests designer Deepa Sondhi. She says, “This trend is used by designers in multiple ways to create different silhouettes. Apart from evening gowns, tops, and knee-length dresses, the peek-a-boo shoulder is even used in corsets and cholis that can be teamed with embroidered skirts or lehengas. Jumpsuits also look very flattering and give a boho impression. It’s a complete look in itself, but while accessorizing keep in mind to avoid any jewellery in the neck region and loose hair, as it subdues the effect and kills the effect.”

A peek-a-boo look can go from day to night, leaving plenty of room for accessorising, and offering a skin-baring option for girls who prefer not to expose their arms or décolletage. Designer Vaishali Shadangule  mentions, “The peek-a-boo shoulder cutouts are a great alternative to spotlight the shoulders in a different, but equally off-hand way. A floaty and layered off-the-shoulder top will give you a gorgeous feminine look, which is even perfect to pair with a saree.”

Speaking of seasonal trends, designer Pooja Shroff points out that one side cold shoulder blouses and dresses are back in vogue as they suit most body types and look extremely flattering in plain and solid colours as well as florals. She finds this as a relaxed and subtle way to transition from day to evening wear.
Imagine a whole outfit covering you everywhere but a shoulder — that is the strategic placement of cutoffs which creates maximum impact, quips Shroff as she adds, “The off-the-shoulder look also looks fantastic in a dress. Hobo-style designs are hugely popular, especially in the mini-dress. Similarly, there’s a stunning range of off-the-shoulder tops, whether you’re looking for a little crop top, crisp sailor top or a variation on the standard tee. A nautical tee makes a great outfit when teamed with denim cut-offs. A figure-hugging stretch top makes the perfect foil for a white denim mini-skirt, or consider a loose design in pale sky-blue to lift a black pencil skirt to new heights. A sloppy-joe style top looks great when worn with denim shorts, and a pin-striped sailor top with flare sleeves looks equally as good with cut-offs.”

Pairing the peek-a-book shoulder with the right kind of layers and accessories is also very important. Designer duo Priya and Riya Jadav find it as a sexy trend with a little bit of drama.

The designers opine, “It is a perfect trend for 2019 summer as everyone can carry it off this trend easily and yet look amazing. You can pair a peek-a-boo shoulder top with high-waist pants, flare pants, culottes, cute denim skirts or even a nice formal skirt. A V-neckline works well with this trend, and you can accessorise this dress/ top with nice layered chains and hoops.” To which designer Mithi Kalra, adds, “This season, stick to classic colours like ivory, nude pink, black, turquoise and sun orange for this trend. Make it eye-catchy by investing in different styles of fabrics like sheer, cotton and silk tops and pair them with matching skirts or pants. The ruffled one-shoulder dresses in luxe satin or velvet will be a perfect option for evening wear. While simple cotton and linen tops with peek-a-book shoulders will make the hot days bearable.”  

Although this trend is a great way to beat the summer heat in style, designer Sneha Arora adds a word of caution and remarks, “You can wear this look in multiple ways, and even DIY this trend with oversized jumpers pulled to one side to show one shoulder. Make this trend as colourful as possible, include a ton of accessories and go crazy with the styling. Try to keep away from too much colour blocking and too much skin showing and avoid ripped denim with it. With a peek-a-boo top, you can pair a denim skirt, flip-flops and basic accessories, with the maxi, try pairing long earrings, a hat, and Espadrilles.”

While designer Adarsh Makharia sums up and adds, “Incorporate this trend into a blouse for a sexy twist to the sari look. Pair it with statement accessories in gold for a bold look. You can wear a peek-a-boo top with a skirt or shorts and sneakers or pair a maxi with heels and minimal accessories. Try to avoid extremely short silhouettes while sporting this trend.”