Off-the-Shoulder Top, Meet Your Makeover

last updated 28 October 2019

Ask anyone what the reigning trend of summer is and we’d bet that nine times out of 10, you’d get off-the-shoulder tops as your answer. Women all over the country (hell, all over the planet) have adopted this flattering closet companion and worn versions across the gamut. Don’t fret: We’re not suggesting you retire your clavicle-baring beauties just yet, but we do have to admit that it’s starting to feel a bit passé to step out in a basic billowy off-shoulder blouse. After all, it’s good to feel unique, right?

If you share similar thoughts, we have an exciting new look for you to try that doesn’t sacrifice the allure of showing off your shoulders. For fall, some of our favorite established and emerging designers such as Nina Ricci and Beaufille debuted thick fold-over tops and dresses in their collections. This modern, sleek update feels like the sophisticated cousin to the ruffled blouses of summer, which makes sense as we transition into the autumn months.

See below for examples from designers and brands on how to get the look, and tell us if you’ll be taking the trend for a spin in the comments below.

off-the-shoulder-top-meet-your-makeover-1872633-1471454068 — F/W 16 Look: Jason Wu

We already knew this trend was fun, but how much more festive does it look adorned with feathers?

Baja East + One-Shoulder Satin Top

Baja East

One-Shoulder Satin Top

A satin blouse feels especially decadent.

Loeil

Charlie Top

Accessorize with a pair of statement drop earrings.

off-the-shoulder-top-meet-your-makeover-1872634-1471454068 — F/W 16 Look: Dior

The look translates divinely onto a cocktail dress.

Wilfred

Croquis Sweater

Bonus: You can try this trend out via a sweater.

Michelle Mason + Off-the-Shoulder Stretch-Ponte Top

Michelle Mason

Off-the-Shoulder Stretch-Ponte Top

Team this top with a pair of wide-leg trousers for an evening out.

Modern Citizen

Essa Fold-Over Top

Snag one in black so you can mix and match with your favorite going-out pieces.

Rosetta Getty + Cropped Off-the-Shoulder Stretch-Knit Top

Rosetta Getty

Cropped Off-the-Shoulder Stretch-Knit Top

We’d try this one with a full printed skirt.

off-the-shoulder-top-meet-your-makeover-1872629-1471454067 — F/W 16 Look: Rosetta Getty

True, we’re cheating a little with this one due to the covered-up shoulders, but we couldn’t resist showcasing this beautiful fold-over top from Rosetta Getty’s fall collection. Plus, we included an off-shoulder version for you to shop.

Tibi

Frederic Pinstripe Off-the-Shoulder Top

We couldn’t not include Tibi in an off-the-shoulder story.

Vince + Skinny Rib Off-the-Shoulder Elbow Sleeve Pullover

Vince

Skinny Rib Off-the-Shoulder Elbow Sleeve Pullover

Style with vintage-inspired denim.

Curious to see how Olivia Palermo styles her off-the-shoulder top? Have a look!

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Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)