Naked shoulders dominate the Golden Globes: Celebrates 15 styles that flatter ... trends now

Red carpet events rarely offer practical fashion trends for those of an unconfident disposition. Yet, at last, it seems that has changed. For at Tuesday night’s Golden Globes, one of the most pervasive, persuasive themes of the evening was a shoulder-exposing gown.

Finally, the fashion gods have presented us with an erogenous zone we can all get behind, no matter how body-negative we may be feeling. Not every woman is confident about baring her knees, her hips, her midriff or her cleavage, but few baulk at showing their shoulders.

Shoulders, after all, are devoid of such concerns as sagging or crepey lines or muffin tops. Like a fine wine, they age well. By definition, they are elegant and sculptural, regardless of whatever else is going on elsewhere.

While many women of a certain age might fret about the tone of their upper arms, they are unlikely to fret about their actual shoulders. As Jennifer Coolidge, who won a Best Supporting Actress Globe for her role in The White Lotus, proves, a simple off-shoulder sleeved gown confers instant sex appeal whether the wearer is 16 or 61, as Coolidge is.

It also shows how those with more ample breasts needn’t be precluded from wearing the style. In fact, with the help of a supportive bra, a black, strapless top can even make larger cup sizes look smaller.

As I detail here, more than a dozen different ways of styling your shoulders were on show at the Golden Globes, meaning no matter your age, figure or confidence level, you are sure to find inspiration.

The red carpet is the last place most women would turn to for fashion trends that can be accommodated into their wardrobes. That A-listers have presented us with one so early in the year bodes well for 2023 — and for our bodies.

ALL ABOUT THE SLEEVES

Selena Gomez’s strapless Valentino gown argues the case for velvet, with the puff sleeves leaving her shoulders the stars of the show.

BOUDOIR ELEGANCE

Daisy Edgar Jones’s lace corset dress, by Gucci, takes its inspiration from the lingerie drawer, and means you can bare your shoulders while still feeling secure.

CURVED HIGH RISE

Jessica Chastain’s strapless spider web-effect gown is classic Oscar de la Renta. Rather than sitting straight across her chest, the bodice rose up in a curve, avoiding showing cleavage.

TACTICAL HAIR PLACEMENT

The peplum detail on Michelle Yeoh’s strapless gown by Armani Prive makes for a striking silhouette. She has cleverly worn her hair to one side, so the gown seems to be one-shouldered.