It’s hot outside but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel ‘haute’ in summer. If anything, it’s vital to hold on to your style, in order to maintain your sanity. Luckily, one trend raging like wildfire is the asymmetrical shoulder baring style. Go all the way if you dare to bare or then coquettishly restrain yourself to a demure slit of fabric if you’d rather not. Not only will this trend keep your head cool when the mercury rises but it’ll help your stylometer climb to unprecedented heights. Here’s a little help from our favourite designers…

Sadaf Malaterre

Feminista

This collection was flirtatious, it was delicate and it inspired one to replace heavy fabrics with delicate wisps of silk and chiffon. Does that sound ideal for summer? It does to us. We love how Sadaf Malaterre is unapologetically global in her fashion outlook, consistently designing clothes that belong in resorts or foreign travels just as subliminally as they do here in Pakistan. She projected the shoulder-baring trend for Summer 2015, executed in a pretty and demure rather than brazen way.

Wardha Saleem

Power Play

Wardha Saleem loves to play with print and colour in her collections and this one was a fun splash of pastels. We love how she stopped short of going into ‘feminine territory’ as is usually the case with pastels and instead, threw in some funky flamingoes to add character. Her asymmetrical, off shoulder styles came with billowing silhouettes and clinched waists. Dramatic and flared, this trend is ideal for evening soirees and when you want to project some sauciness rather than femininity.

Sonia Battla

Restrain Spotting

This collection was all about soul and feeling for nature. It had the movement of rugged oceanic currents and a palette that connected it with surf as well as turf. While exploring the theme Manora, Sonya Battla projected several trends including the shoulder barer. But this is not a sexy and brazen display of skin; this is a camouflaged love for style that is ideal for women who believe in restrained elegance. Instead of taking away the entire shoulder, she plays with the image by slitting into the sleeve. It’s stylish and yet adaptable, perfect for the season.

MishaLakhani

Bare-Devil

Not for the faint hearted, this collection belonged at a destination wedding or a swanky resort where bronzed and well-toned shoulders must be flashed. We loved the play with fabric and the solid display of a trend that is a summer essential. In tune with Misha Lakhani’s personal aesthetic this collection was delicate and detailed and yet it announced the shoulder-baring trend with the conviction of a town crier. If you dare, bare those shoulders this summer, especially when and if you can!