Tonya’s trends: ‘off the shoulder’ – a low-slung look on the up

Perspectives

Author: Tonya WalkerPublished: 11 August 2016

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In the first of a new monthly series, Tonya Walker, the shoe-loving fashionista behind ‘The Shoe Maven’ blog, reveals one of her style secrets – the ‘off the shoulder’ look. Here, she shares why it’s a firm favourite in her wardrobe and she’s sure it will be in yours too


Most people I know with Parkinson’s, including myself, want to be as comfortable as possible in managing daily life with the disease. I’m a big fan of comfortable clothes, but they’re not always stylish. Fortunately, this season’s ‘off the shoulder’ trend offers comfort without sacrificing style.

Tonya Walker Closet London Top 5

Whether it be a dress or a top, the ‘off the shoulder’ is easier to put on. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I struggle with putting on and taking off certain tops. But not with an ‘off the shoulder’ top. The neckline is elastic so it easily stretches with your body. The tops are also loose-fitting which allows more room. As for an ‘off the shoulder’ dress, you can just step in and pull it up.

Tonya Walker Romwe Dress-2

“Even if you don’t think this look is for you, I recommend you give it a try – you might just be pleasantly surprised”

An added benefit of this style is that it covers the scar from my deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgeries and it also covers the battery in my chest.

Tonya Walker Closet London Top 2

The trend is popular among many different age groups. Even if you don’t think this look is for you, I recommend you give it a try – you might just be pleasantly surprised. These are a few of my favourite looks that I hesitated to even try on but quickly came to love.

Tonya Walker Tobi Sundown Dress-5

‘The Shoe Maven’

Tonya Walker has been living with Parkinson’s disease since the age of 32 and had DBS surgery on her left side in 2013 and her right in 2015. She created ‘The Shoe Maven’ fashion blog and in 2015 started up her own fashion label called TSM Originals in aid of The Michael J Fox Foundation. She is a passionate advocate for increased awareness of young-onset Parkinson’s and loves shoes. She lives in Florida, US, with her husband and young son, where she is also a law professor.


Read more:
Standing tall: the fashion blogger and young-onset campaigner who’s back in heels (thanks to DBS)

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