Fashion Clothing Pick a Favorite Shoulder, Because Asymmetrical Styles Are Everywhere for Spring '22 The good news is you don't have to wait until then to start wearing this trend. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on September 16, 2021 Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Getty Images Sometimes, looking at future fashion trends can feel like torture. Here we are, bracing ourselves for the freezing cold winter months, and at the same time, we're daydreaming about the light, airy dresses and tiny shorts making their way down the spring 2022 runways. Ugh. Cropped Cardigans, Knee-High Socks, and 7 More '90s Trends That Will Be Big For Fall That's part of the reason why we were so excited to spot all the one-shoulder tops and dresses that are seemingly taking over next year. Sure, this asymmetrical look is one we enjoy wearing in the heat — it's cool, it's cute, and just sexy enough for outdoor dinner dates — but at the same time, there's no real reason why it won't work for fall, too, especially on transitional, in-between days. Of course, 'one-shoulder' might not even be the best way to describe what we're seeing for spring '22. These designs are different in the best way; some include a few extra, hole-punched cutouts, while others create an illusion, simply highlighting one side. Regardless, it seems like influencers are already on board. We saw plenty of single-shoulder styles on the street during Fashion Week, proving this detail is an investment to wear both now and later. PatBO Arturo Holmes/Getty Images With the help of those contrasting colors, this crisscross, cutout design immediately caught our eye. We'd wear this one on a tropical vacation, or even to a wedding. Christian Siriano Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Christian Siriano We just know someone, somewhere is going to show up at a major award show wearing this sleek sequined design. The side cutout adds some extra spice. Celebrities Have Committed to 2021's Hole-Punched Trend Victor Glemaud Shannon Finney/Getty Images Matching sets may be here to stay, but between that one-shoulder detail and eye-catching print, they'll feel fresh for spring '22. LaQuan Smith Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images Dark, lacy, glam — we expect to see at least one It celebrity head to a dinner date night in this sexy number. And we guarantee we'll swoon all over again when we see it. Ulla Johnson Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images If poufy sleeves are more your style, not to fret: the one-shoulder trend goes hand-in-hand with a whimsical aesthetic. Moschino Gotham/GC Images Remember Gigi Hadid's runway tribute to baby Khai? She did it in a quirky, quilt-like dress — which yes, was a one-shouldered design. Supermodels Are Already Wearing Fall's Biggest Trend With No Shirt Underneath Dundas X Revolve Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images This generation of single sexy shoulders doesn't play by the rules. For example, this Dundas X Revolve dress has a similar feel to one-sided styles, but is still covered up. Monse Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images We also spotted a handful of peek-a-boo shoulder cutouts, much like Monse's eye-catching — and super comfy-looking! — sweater dress. Sandy Liang JP Yim/Getty Images Asymmetrical pieces were definitely one of the themes of New York Fashion Week. While it may not be a traditional one-shoulder dress, this design drew our eyes to one side, while the top looked like an unfastened strap. Fun! Keep an Eye Out for One-Shouldered Dresses Jared Siskin/Getty Images Longer-sleeved options will take you through the colder months, but also work when things warm up again. Eloquii's One Shoulder Sweater Dress ($100) is easy enough to throw on in a pinch, while Kim Shui's balloon dress ($330) will add a bit of color — in a subtle way — to a neutral fall wardrobe. Switch Up Your Staples Ease yourself into this trend by simply trading tank tops and tees for one-shouldered styles. This Good American bodysuit ($115) will pair perfectly with your favorite jeans, while Zara's bright blue asymmetrical top ($20) is a low-effort statement piece. Borne Collection's black Limitless Dress ($48; Originally $68) is also a smart wear-anywhere staple that can be dressed up or down. Incorporate Layers Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Even if it's a tad too cold for bare arms, letting a one-shoulder something peek out from underneath a leather jacket or blazer is still just as fun. The addition of a cutout ensures this NBD top ($138) will always be the star of the show, and if you're looking for something with extra warmth, try a one-shouldered turtleneck, like this one from The Range ($195) or Cotton Citizen x Revolve's light pink option ($33; Originally $125). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit