Trend Snark: Off the Shoulder Edition

I’m starting a new series wherein I make good natured jabs at some of the seasons’ more ridiculous trends. Here at IHC, I believe that trendy fashion is like the annoying pre-teen sister of timeless style: awkwardly trying to find herself and fit in with the crowd.

This week’s feature: the off the shoulder trend

At a recent local music festival, girls were positively swimming in this look. I get what it’s trying to achieve: flirty feminine ruffles, and a different/unique neckline. If you’re trying to show off your shoulders/neckline this certainly would seem like a great option.

However, when you get down to the brass tacks, this look is more complicated. I can’t help but be reminded of a little girl trying to play dress up in her mother’s clothes, which are pitifully large and are sliding off of her small frame. I’ve seen it styled with shorts and wedges, but it still makes the wearer’s figure look off-kilter.

Also, what kind of bra is she wearing? Like, forreal. I don’t know about y’all but I’ve never found a strapless bra that didnt either make me feel like I was in a restraint or found its way down to my bellybutton unless I constantly tugged it up. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Maybe she could wear pasties, but even then, if the shirt doesn’t stay put somehow (tape?) that sounds like a recipe for a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.

“But Beth!” you say “haven’t you seen the options with the straps AND the off the shoulder look?” Um, yeah. She looks like she got into a cage fight and chunks of her shirt got torn off her shoulders. Remember Cinderella after her stepsisters got ahold of her?

Yeah, I just can’t get behind it.

As always, you do you. While this isn’t my favorite look of the season by a long shot, I have found a version that I find more attractive: the fitted off the shoulder crop top. There’s a snazzy little number on Amazon from American Apparel for under $15 too. While its relationship with gravity is still questionable, it doesn’t eat you alive and since its form-fitting, odds are it’ll stay on your body better. Since its cropped AND slim fit, it will look fantastic with all your high waisted pants, skirts, shorts, etc.

image from American Apparel

I ordered one in black. So, in this case, my fashion snark isn’t a complete wash. 😉

Thanks for reading!

-BW