Fashion
Jan 6, 2021

Controversial Opinion: Off-the-Shoulder Pieces Are Cool Again

by Kristen Nichols

One thing I always try to think about when I clean out my closet is, Will I want to wear this piece in the years ahead? Often times with trends, I grow tired of a piece after I start seeing it everywhere, but I have to remind myself that fashion is cyclical and the trend could come back. I have to admit that I encountered this exact scenario with off-the-shoulder tops. A few years back, they were so popular and got so much use in my personal wardrobe that I was wearing them on repeat. I reached a point where I was decidedly over them entirely, though, and every single off-the-shoulder top I owned landed in my donation pile.

Fast forward to 2021 and I wish I'd held onto a few of them. I've been spotting off-the-shoulder outfits everywhere recently and think I'm ready for the trend to make a resurgence. I know this might be a controversial opinion—and it certainly has our team of editors divvied—but this time around, off-the-shoulder pieces are sleeker, cooler, and items I want in my closet immediately.

The comeback of off-the-shoulder silhouettes first caught my eye on the runways. With brands like Saint Laurent, Khaite, and Jacquemus debuting their interpretations of the piece, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be in-demand among the fashion set. This time around, we're seeing the trend reimagined. Instead of billowy, flowing tops like we saw in years past, this time around the pieces are more body-conscious basics finished with luxe details like feathers or ruching.