Call it the Balenciaga effect. Back in March of last year at the brand’s Fall 2016 presentation, the phenom that is Demna Gvasalia offered up a new spin on off-the-shoulder tops when he paraded a variety of shoulder-exposing outerwear looks down the runway. Cut to every editor, stylist, buyer, blogger and other fashion week devotee decked out in jackets worn askew in a manner guaranteed to provide chills (both the fashion and subzero kind).
As frequently happens, the street style set expanded on the emerging outerwear trend by not only showing some shoulder, but frequently displaying sleeves as well. This technique can be put into practice with a variety of looks, from playing a little peekaboo with an oversized bomber positioned over a frilly dress to securing a little structured one-shoulder action via a belt or a trusty crossbody.
Tiffany Hsu is our off-the-shoulder role model; Images: Imaxtree, Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images, Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
If there’s one expert in this growing field, it’s fashion month stalwart Tiffany Hsu. Tiffany has managed to school us on the many incarnations of shoulder exhibition by sacrificing warmth in favor of style. Whether we’re talking full-on exposed skin, sporting a fluffy jacket like more of a wrap or just slipping on one sleeve, this girl’s got it down pat. And if there’s any doubt that this ploy is an official trend, we offer up Olivia Palermo as proof. Our style spirit animal propped her furry coat on the very outer tips of her shoulders at Christian Dior’s Spring 2017 Haute Couture show, allowing her crisp white and black getup to share the spotlight.
Olivia Palermo showing some shoulder outside the Christian Dior Spring 2017 Haute Couture show; Image: Imaxtree
Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to learn the tricks of the trade for this burgeoning outerwear trend. Let the slideshow below inspire you on ways to give your jackets the cold shoulder. And don’t worry, it even works for lighter cover-ups like satin bombers and denim jackets for when spring finally rears its head.
Off-the-Shoulder Jackets
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #1
You can always wade into this trend by simply placing your coat just slightly off-kilter. In this case, the trick translates because the textured coat with its orange lining complements that colorfully patterned sweater.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #2
When the sleeves of your trench come complete with furry arm warmers, draw even more attention to them by belting the piece so it sits off your shoulders. Bonus points for wrapping your mini chain-strap bag around your trench’s belt to create a faux belt bag.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #3
If you’re searching for a stylish way to keep your downward-slung jacket shoulder in place, a crossbody bag with a bold strap will be your savior. It helps if you sport some starch allies underneath, like a hooded vest over a crisp dress shirt.
Image: Timur Emek/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #4
There’s a lot to take in with this eye-catching ensemble, but it’s that shiny jacket that really grabs our attention. It’s not just because of its bubble gum pink hue, though, it also has a lot to do with the strategic way it's positioned off the shoulder up top and asymmetrically snapped at the bottom.
Image: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #5
Kendall Jenner knows that the only way to show off a fringe-tastic leather miniskirt in the cold is by wearing your heavy coat off shoulder and open to let those frays sway in the chilly air. It also provides prime viewing of your old school Tupac Shakur tee.
Image: Pierre Suu/GC Images/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #6
No, that’s not a fur stole draped over this showgoer’s shoulder. Give your outfit the one-sleeve treatment by only placing one of your arms into your furry coat — best to wear a sweater to keep your other half toasty.
Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #7
In an effort to keep your slouchy shoulder from shifting during those walks to and from shows, wrap up your coat with a skinny black belt. You can draw even more attention to your tilted take by working in a solitary oversized earring on the same side.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #8
For a more free-flowing topper, double belting is the best way to go. In case you’re concerned this will result in a severe structured look, add in a black turtleneck and track pants with red side stripes underneath for a more well-proportioned effect.
Image: Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #9
As long as you’re going to set up your jacket off your shoulders, why not position another layer in the same format? Just make sure your base T-shirt is presented straight on and tucked into your bottoms.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #10
Put your own spin on the classic trench by not only exposing one shoulder, but wearing the staple backward. To make things more convincing, pair the reversed style with a bold pinstripe suit, a tan saddle bag and stark footwear.
Image: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #11
When you have fancy accents like these diagonal bows, you want to show them off even under a statement parka. After putting on your coat, slip one side slightly off your shoulder to expose those dynamic details on your top just as Olga Karput did. It also gives you the chance to flaunt that contrast lining and its fur-trimmed hood.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #12
Since feminist tees are all the rage (as are fishnets), let the world know that you’re keeping pace with the trends by setting up your coat off your shoulders. If you’re concerned about succumbing to the chill, try to position the sleeves of your jacket to start right under where the short sleeves of your tee stop.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #13
When it comes to sporting shorts and over-the-knee boots, make sure your off-the-shoulder interpretation involves a shorter jacket with a hem that rests just below the waistband of your shorts. A collared white blouse is a great partner for this look because it pops against the yellow coat and those flared shirt cuffs perfectly extend out the sleeves of your jacket.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #14
Sometimes a monochrome look can camouflage what makes each piece special. Make sure your dress doesn’t get overwhelmed by your coordinating outsize puffer by letting the latter rest significantly off one shoulder. Capping things off with a flashy pair of metallic sandals also helps to up the outfit ante.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #15
Follow Gigi Hadid’s lead and let everyone know what brands you favor (or in this case co-design) by sporting a loud-and-proud logo top. Of course, you’ll need to wear your jacket’s sleeves only up to your elbows to really let the message come through.
Image: Darren Gerrish/WireImage/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #16
The ruffles on a formal lace gown supply a great layering opportunity when teamed with a shiny bomber. Just let select ruffles rest nestled over the draped shoulder on your jacket for a feminine spin on that oversized topper.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #17
If you feel like rocking a vibrant set of fuchsia over-the-knee boots, make sure they don’t go unnoticed by letting your coat fall off the shoulders of your hoodie a la Lisa Hahnbück.
Image: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #18
Puffers are a great choice for the falling-off-your-shoulder practice because they add a little well-positioned bulk to the back. If you really want a nice contrast, sport a red puffer over a blue patterned maxi for a difference in both color and texture.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #19
Want to dress up those gray sweatpants? Interject a graphic tee and a bright blue plaid jacket worn resting at the edge of your shoulders into your ensemble for instant street cred.
Image: Vanni Bassetti/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #20
Just because your jacket is wide open doesn’t mean it can’t keep you covered up. Set things up by positioning one side up and over your shoulder and allow the other to fall ever so subtly off your other shoulder for an almost-still-bundled-up vibe.
Image: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #21
What’s the perfect way to style a one-shoulder top? Pile a silver jacket on top with one shoulder squarely set against the ruffled collar and the other sitting down on your arm to show a little skin.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #22
An edgy black jacket can seem even more rebellious when you simply snap it closed at the bottom and let it fall where it pleases. A tweed topper, embellished striped pants and fancy oxfords help keep the rest of the look strictly business.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #23
Don’t break up a one-piece by masking it with an overwhelming coat. Slink your two-tone topper down to your elbows to keep the chill away and let onlookers take in your jumpsuit in all its glory.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #24
As the weather warms up and you’ve become an expert at baring your shoulders, work a denim jacket into your wardrobe worn with the upper part of one sleeve of your turtleneck on full display. Sparkly wide-leg pants optional.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #25
While some street style stars favor only closing the absolute bottom half of their jackets, there’s no absolute rule saying how far you’re allowed to zip up. If you’re slipping on a top underneath that boasts a sheer yoke, you should set up the jacket to close just beneath the see-through section.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #26
Why cover up that statement top you’ve been waiting forever to flaunt? When it’s still too cold to rock it solo, layer an equally colorful coat on top by placing your arms in the sleeves, allowing the collar to sit down your back (plus the lower length will keep your miniskirt-exposed legs a tad warmer).
Image: Imaxtree
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Off-the-Shoulder Jackets #27
Color coordinating is key when you’re showing off more of yourself. Settle your teal coat off the shoulders so everyone can see how the hues in your Chanel tee tie in not only with your coat, but with your skirt and bag as well.
Image: Imaxtree
