As the weather gets colder, our sleeves unfortunately get longer. The below 70-degree temps usually call for covering up, but who said you couldn’t bare a little skin in the fall? To give my sweaters and tunics a sexier edge in the colder months, I always reach for one of my coziest long sleeve cold shoulder tops.
Long Sleeve Cold Shoulder Tops: A Fall Must-Have
Think of the cold shoulder top as the perfect middleman: it shows off just a little more than the average long sleeve top, but teeters on modest in comparison to off the shoulder pieces.
Here’s a little recap on the history of the open-shoulder trend: while it feels like a very modern idea, this style was actually conceived during the 1950’s, by none other than Bridgette Bardot. Most of her looks featured off the shoulder tops and dresses, and she got the rest of the world hooked on this concept. The trend was so embedded in her brand that it was often referred to as “The Bardot.”
As the style began to evolve, the cold shoulder top became a style that has been embraced by many. While there is no definitive timestamp of when and where the cold shoulder top was created, it’s obvious that this fall veteran has been around for quite some time.
How To Wear Long Sleeve Cold Shoulder Tops
If you’re doing the fall aesthetic right, then you must have at least one of these cold shoulder tops in your wardrobe. These shirts are one of the most versatile autumn items for their different designs, cuts, and fits, making them a must-have for the season.
These stand-out tops can also be paired with a variety of items: wear your favorite high waisted denim and black ankle boots to create a casual fall ensemble, or wear your coziest long sleeve cold shoulder tops with a bold leather skirt to create a flirty outfit for your next date night.
Whether you’re in need of a monochromatic basic top, or looking for a vibrant slit-shoulder tunic, there are thousands of picks for you to choose from. Light blouses with subtle slits are great office-appropriate cold shoulder pieces, and large and in charge cut outs create a lively look that’s perfect for any nighttime outing in downtown NYC.
So, instead of bundling up all autumn long, be daring and dust that chip off your shoulder with some of these breathable tops.The style options are endless, so there’s no excuse — you can easily find a long sleeve cold shoulder that will fit into your style persona.
With that being said, I know that shopping can get pretty frustrating, especially when there are so many options to choose from — so much designer, so little time, am I right? If you’re stuck in a styling conundrum with your autumn long sleeve cold shoulder essentials, then follow my lead and grab one of these fresh takes on the top trend.
Dare to go bare this fall with these long sleeve cold shoulder tops.
Formal Occasions
This long sleeve cold shoulder top is the perfect fit for any professional woman. It’s a classic polo style, but has a carefree contemporary feel through the minimal angled shoulder cutouts. These cut-throat cutouts are at the perfect 90-degree angle, an the crisp cuts are perfectly matched by the straightedge pointed collar and true-white hue, but are given another modern touch through the bow-tie slit sleeves. We’ll easily volunteer to put on this modern play on classic office apparel any day. This top is the best pick for any perfectionist with a clean-cut aesthetic through its satisfying cuts and semi-formal design.
A Classic, Reinvented
We all love a turtleneck sweater, but sometimes they can feel a little played out. That’s why I’m reaching for this cool play on the classic top — and you should, too. This fun essential can be dressed down (or up) with some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. If you’re daring enough, you can semi-outfit repeat by wearing this top and playing around with different bottoms, accessories, and shoes — I bet no one will ever notice. This top is great for any day or night ensemble, making it a necessity to your autumn wardrobe.
The Lightweight
Sometimes, being a lightweight really isn’t that bad. When the fall weather feels like throwing it back to summer temperatures, we reach for this lighter version of the classic long sleeve cold shoulder top. This lightly heathered top is crafted with ultra-light cotton to keep you cozy, without making you sweat bullets or have dreaded pit stains. The cold shoulder openings stay easy and breezy by keeping the large cuts at the collar, creating a cool contemporary feel for any causal weekend stroll.
Basic Black
No matter what occasion it is, there is always room for a black staple. I’ll be real: I’m a huge fan of the black-on-black look, and I have just about every article of clothing in existence in the dark hue. That’s why I’m in love with this black cold shoulder top! It’s simple, but gets a major styling upgrade through the large cold shoulder cutouts and playful V-neckline. It’s such a versatile top, so you can wear it on just about any casual night. Pair it with black jeans or leggings to create a classic black-on-black look, or go for a cool athleisure style like above by wearing some vibrant bottoms.
Ruffled Up
If you’re headed out for date night, then this top is perfect for you to put on. It has a flirty attitude with the elongated cutout sleeves, but stays modest through the slit bow-tie neckline. This flowy top is great for those nights when you just want to hang loose, while still staying on the sultry side (because who said tight bodycons were the only options for date nights?). The ruffled sleeves and mockneck add a delicate femininity to this royal blue blouse, creating a stunning look for any hot affair.
White-Out
Serve some white-hot looks in this top. The rounded shoulder cut-outs create a modern twist on the average white sweater, and the 3/4 sleeves allow you to add some detail to your outfit of the day with some metallic bangles or beaded jewelry. The modest scoop neck makes this item a safe-for-work piece that can easily be worn to the post-work happy hour. The choice is yours to make in terms of styling this top, which makes it a customizable add-in to your closet.
Making Statements
The ruched sleeved of this top is the real star of the show here. These large and in charge sleeves create a vibrant, “life of the party” mood that still stays tamed and sophisticated. The eye-catching ruched sleeves are fittingly juxtaposed against a fitted bodice and halter-style neckline, embodying a fall look that has a subtle nod to summer fashion. The bold olive green color is also perfectly on part with the fall aesthetic, making it a great fir for anyone’s autumn ensembles.