Baring your shoulders is very Brigitte Bardot. With thanks to many a celebrity, the fashion icon’s sartorial strapless staple is back for summer.
By Susan Devaney
Xavier Dolan and Sienna Miller during Cannes Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Andreas Rentz/Getty Images.
From her famous cat-eye flick liner to her blonde bombshell hairstyle (with hair band in tow), Bardot’s style has transcended through decades. This summer her shoulder-baring ensemble is daring to be fashion’s hottest trend. What is it about this oh-so-chic look that never wavers in capturing our attention?
Portrait of Brigitte Bardot, 1960. Photo courtesy of Hulton Archive/Getty Images.
Dating back as far as 1829, the collarbone-baring neckline has been on show. Seen as a subtle nod to a sensual touch, women have opted to show a bit more skin – without revealing too much. Pulling it off with sheer elegance, Sienna Miller (one to never fall down in the style stakes) has taken on the trend with aplomb. Opting for a white Balenciaga dress, accompanied with Harry Winston jewels, she carries it off with ease. At Cannes, she turned to the much-loved designer again, taking to the red carpet in a beautiful slate grey encrusted dress – with a little neckline showing.
It’s easy to tumble into the pitfall of looking more like you’ve had a makeover moment courtesy of Grease’s Sandy than the much loved Parisian Bardot. To avoid taking part in the Hollywood hit, take note from style maven Alexa Chung. With a Fifties feel to it, Chung wore a vintage inspired Alessandra Rich to channel her Bardot moment. With the subtle detailing of a belted waist and pearl encrusted buttons, it gave a fresh appeal.
As the streets become awash with off-the-shoulder tops, take to the summer sun in a timeless style a la Bardot.
