Our Best Tips For Recreating The Celeb-Approved Off-The-Shoulder Top Trend

The off-the-shoulder top is a delicate way of showing some skin while still sticking to a more formal dress code. We saw this played out by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, when she and Prince Harry visited New York City in October 2023 for World Mental Health Day. While speaking at an event, Meghan wore an off-white pant suit by Altuzarra, featuring an off-the-shoulder woolen blazer that retails for $2,195. Also in October 2023, we saw Zendaya rocking a brown, pinstripe Vivienne Westwood corset suit that also featured an off-the-shoulder cut. Both style icons wore the look in monochromatic ways, combining the sexier top with business-style slacks, pushing the look in a more professional direction. The monochromatic style is a good direction to go, since it automatically makes your clothes look more expensive.

While we love the monochromatic look, there are several different ways of styling this off-the-shoulder trend. We're especially interested in ways to wear it during fall and winter months. In the summer, it's easy to rock an off-the-shoulder look since the weather is warmer. In cooler months, it can take a little more work. But there are ways to do it and look amazing. 

We love the look of a woolen off-the-shoulder sweater, since the fabric's texture giving us a juxtaposition of cozy, sexy, and professional. It's also great for wearing during those winter months where you want to show off some skin but still stay warm. To recreate the look, try the Topshop knit chunky twist bardot sweater top in grey for $69.99 and Banana Republic Ryan Straight Pants in Grey Heather, which usually retail for $90. Pair with woolen business pants to steer the look in a polished direction, or layer over a relaxed fit denim for a more casual look. Accessorize to suit your whim. What we love about this particular style is how it's accessorized thanks to the tonal clutch and boots in pale cream tones. Plus, a little red lipstick never hurt anybody!

We love the playful contrast of a button-down work shirt that just so happens to feature an off-the-shoulder cut. It's cute and feminine, but still appropriate for daytime events thanks to the longer sleeves and collar detail. To find something comparable, White House Black Market's off-the-shoulder seersucker surplice top offers a similar look for $99. New York & Company, meanwhile, features an off-the-shoulder buttoned top in a Desert Sage color. Pair with your favorite white or dark jeans. To make it seasonally appropriate, if you're feeling chilly, you can easily slip on a blazer or jacket. A wide brim hat adds a chic addition to any look, too, as it balances out the bare shoulders.

We love the minimalism of an all-black, monochromatic look, particularly when we play with silhouettes. Here, this look utilizes the off-the-shoulder trend with a fitted, ruched, black top over loose, black trousers. The simplicity of using one color makes the shoulders really stand out here in a good way. The look is also decidedly chic, thanks also to the black sunglasses. The elegant and sexy look can easily be recreated too. Check out something similar, like the off-the-shoulder ribbed top by Banana Republic. You can also add some warmth with this long sleeved, off-the-shoulder Florentina Knit Top by Reformation for $98. As for the wide-leg pants, we're obsessed with the cult-classic Harlow Wide-Leg pants by Madewell. They retail for $118, and look perfect with everything. 

Have some fun with the off-the-shoulder trend by sourcing out an oversized sweater dress. The slouchy look creates a playful silhouette that's workable even in cooler months due to the thicker fabric. If you're after a bright, off-the-shoulder dress, check out the orange knit sweater dress by Isabel Marant. While it's more fitted than other designs, it still scratches the itch of a vivid color with the off-the-shoulder cut. Style the dress with chunky, black boots for the ultimate cool-girl vibe. Opt for platform boots if you want to make a statement, or lean into the very trendy Engineer boot for the perfect balance. Add a pair of tights if it's extra chilly outside.

We already discussed wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater with work pants and jeans, but a slouchy, off-the-shoulder sweater is also the perfect top to wear with front-slit pants. The unique cut can match the intrigue of the unique hemline without overpowering it. We love the romantic whimsy of these tops, and how perfect they are for fall and winter, since you won't be cold in something so cozy. If you want to source something comparable, check out the Silence + Noise Claudia Off-The-Shoulder Sweater by Urban Outfitters for $59. If you want to play around with the front split pant trend, check out the Neoprene Split Front Pant by Revolve for $178. An off-the-shoulder sweater is the perfect top to showcase some daring earrings, so be sure to accessorize away!