Chanel, AW14, Paris.
An example of how yokes are used to give shaping as seen in the Autumn-Winter 2014 collection at Chanel. In this example yokes are used across the back of the shoulder area and across the back of jeans.
Yokes can be used as a design detail, but also create an opportunity for the pattern maker to better fit the panels of the garment to the body without darts. For example, a yoke panel is often used in jeans to allow the fabric pieces to mould better around the curves of the body.
You can see more examples of yokes in relation to pattern making in the post Basic Yokes»
Images from Vogue.co.uk»