AWEAR | Be fashion aware: be awear.

My favourite trend right now has to be the asymmetrical neckline. I don’t know about you, but my favourite parts of my body are my shoulders and neck; it’s just about impossible to look fat there. What better way to emphasise that area than a classy one-shoulder top? Perfect for an edgy look or an evening out, and easy to pull off if you follow a few simple rules.

Lanvin’s legendary A/W 08/09 collection featured several one-shoulder dresses, and what makes this one (top left) so great is the long sleeve (very Princess Di) and the gloves that help balance the ensemble. There were also a few at BCBG Max Azaria (top right); I especially like the loose shoulder in contrast with the rest of the fitted dress. Single shoulders don’t have to be reserved for dresses, though: Collette Dinnigan’s sparkly top and leather pants spell rockstar chic.

Who better than Carla Bruni-Sarkozy to show us how to wear this versatile neckline? Her dress is one among many sari-inspired drapey numbers at Hermès S/S 08.  I must say I’m a huge fan of it, predominantly because I wore a very similar dress by Razak to my formal just six months earlier.

To wear this look, it’s essential to follow some guidelines:

1. Never wear a necklace. It will ruin the whole look and make it messy. It’s also better not to wear bangles as any additional asymmetry can distract. Go for some classy earrings a la Bruni-Sarkozy. (Gloves look great too.)
2. Keep the waist tight. A one-shouldered dress isn’t very kind to your curves, so it’s best to cinch in the waist if it isn’t fitted already.
3. To really show off the neckline, wear your hair up. It won’t look bad if you don’t, but when you’re wearing such a beautiful top, why not flaunt it?

Pictures courtesy of Style.com and Frillr.

They’re so old you could borrow your mum’s, but the bow-tie blouse has never looked better. Without detracting from this season’s masculine feel, this shirt adds a pretty touch to any outfit. They’ve appeared everywhere from Anna Sui to Marc by Marc Jacobs (pictured, left) to Zac Posen (pictured, middle) in numerous shapes and sizes for both the latest A/W 08/09 and the previous S/S 08 collections. Zac Posen’s look is the easiest to pull off with the miniature bow, skirt and stockings; I think it would look great undone for a bit of edge. At Marc by Marc Jacobs, the bow was found on a vested dress for summer, but without a collar the bow looks a little out of place (it also comes in a cream vest and bow with a plain red skirt). Favourite look? Definitely Proenza Schouler’s (pictured, right) over-sized, off-centre bow in navy - it looks stunning tucked into those wide-leg trousers. And if navy’s not your thing, Proenza Schouler liked the shirt so much they made it in three colours!

The best thing about this trend is that it’s totally wearable. Dress it down with jeans or up by tucking it into a skirt. Don’t forget that if you want to look smaller, wear a bigger bow. And if you just can’t find one you like? Pretend! Tie a scarf under the collar of a plain white shirt - not only will it be unique, but the pattern of the scarf will add a nice twist.

Photos courtesy of Vogue Australia.