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

See the off-the-shoulder outfits we want to repeat right now. Yep, the trend is back.

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

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.

In the Collections

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.

Pictured: Saint Laurent S/S 21

Pictured: Khaite P/F 21

Pictured: Versace S/S 21

Pictured: Jacquemus F/W 20

Pictured: Dion Lee F/W 20

On Celebs

Recently, celebs have been embracing off-the-shoulder silhouettes on repeat. From Hailey Bieber's Saint Laurent look straight from the runway to Ashley Graham's vintage corset top, there is plenty of inspiration to borrow from their stunning outfits.

On Hailey Bieber: Saint Laurent romper, belt, and heels

On Ashley Graham: Pechuga Bejeweled Corset ($2200)

On Elsa Hosk: The Elder Statesman dress

On Irina Shayk: Khaite dress

On the Fashion Set

The fashion set has been quick to embrace the new off-the-shoulder pieces that have been popping up recently. From slinky one-shoulder dresses to voluminous bikinis, I can't stop thinking about these amazing outfits.