Stop stressing out about the transition from (what seemed like would never ever end) cold weather wardrobe to (finally) lighter, brighter spring styles. Wondering what to wear as you either transition from wonky weather days (50 degrees one day, 75 degrees the next: aka Cleveland, Ohio weather) and how to easily add in new trends into your closet? Would you like to not spend a fortune in the process yet still have pieces that are comfortable, classic and chic? Sharing some of my fave #ootd pieces with you and those wardrobe staples for spring that are cute-cute-cute! The top 2 trending summer style pieces to add to your closet ASAP are off the shoulder tops and kimonos. Bonus: Both can have major mileage in your outfits and both can be worn in the spring, summer and even into fall!
Don’t miss out on showing off your shoulders! The off the shoulder top is THE style shirt for the summer. As soon as I saw THIS navy striped OTS top, I loooooooved it! Oh, and its only $26!
How To Do the Off The Shoulder Top
- Bra Basics: Wear a nude colored strapless bra. Tres important.
- Elastic Essentials: If the OTS top elastic is weak, don’t plan on making ANY arm movements. At all. Ever. Or the top will continually flip (then flop) up above your shoulders for a wardrobe #fail.
- Extra Elastic Hack: Just for kicks (or in case you do want to move your arms), attach 2 safety pins to 1 hair elastic on either end. Then attach each pin to the top of each shoulder area on your OTS top. Slip your arms through the hair elastic to keep your OTS top snugly in place.
- Classic: A nautical vibe for any top (especially OTS) keeps your look on trend, but without being “trendy.’
- Wear it With: Anything. Distressed denim, cargo pants, joggers… it’s a go. Just remember to keep a balance with the volume of your top to other pieces you wear with it.
How to Style a Kimono
- Boho Chic: toss it on over a v-neck tee and denim shorts
- NOT Boho Chic: No Coachella for you? Wear a kimono with a LBD or strapless dress. Adds sophistication to the look.
- Belt it: Too much material for you? Belt it. Cinches in your waist, styles a kimono in a classic way!
- Cardigan Upgrade: Colorful and embellished kimonos are an outfit upgrade when temps are cooler
- Boring outfit?: Almost any kimono instantly adds that je ne sais quoi to any #ootd. Done and done.
- Just Keep Swimming: Kimonos are fabulous for cover-ups at the pool…
You can.not.go.wrong with either of these 2 top pinned summer styles. And you’ll be within your budget. Try out the OTS tops and kimonos (but maybe not at the same time) for wardrobe staples that will be super flattering and so fun to wear! SHOP the (only $26 y’all!) off the shoulder striped top HERE and the (only $34!) kimono HERE…
Which of these 2 popular trends do you (or will you) wear the most this summer?
TOBI offered me the OTS top and Kimono for review for this post. All opinions are mine alone.
I’ve always been a bit daunted by the off the shoulder shirt. This shirt looks lovely on you though. Also loving the kimono. I’ve wanted one for ages! But if I had one I probably wouldn’t know how to style so this is a great post.
I am a huge fan of the off the shoulder look! I am super psyched it’s back in style again this year. I can’t wait to get a top just like yours 🙂
I really like off the shoulder tops but picking out the right bra can be a challenge. Your tips in this department really make a lot of sense. I will keep them in mind when picking out new tops for the summer.
Both of the outfits are adorable. I especially love the first shirt that is off the shoulder. It looks like it is a PERFECT summer/Spring shirt .
I love off shoulder tops. its kinda nice to show off the neck bones. Looks great on you too!
what a cute top. I almost bought one of these at a secondhand store last week. That’s a great tip about the elastic. Now I need to find a really good strapless bra if I ever want to wear a top like this .
I love these! It is getting really warm in Phoenix already and these outfits would be perfect.
You are always so fashionable! I’ve been trying to figure out how to rock a top like your’s while nursing. I may have to only wear without the babe. Super chic!
I am in love with both trends as I wear both kimonos and off the shoulder quite a lot. That being said I have a thing for off the shoulder right now ! x
You look really gorgeous in this striped blouse. Not many can pull off that blouse that easy.
I just recently bought an off the shoulder dress and I love it! And you can never go wrong with a kimono! Love both of your outfits! They can both transition nicely as the weather warms up!
Absolutely love this top! I love off the shoulder tops. They are cute yet can look sexy too.
I love your tips on how to style a kimono.. Sometimes I feel that I want to be a boho chic, and sometimes it’s the other way around. Now, here’s the answer! Thanks!
I love the nautical sort of stripes on the first top! But I LOVE that kimono. I am a boho chick myself. These are some great looks and you look super cute!
Love the top! I have never been able to find a strapless bra that actually works for me so I am going to have to think about that one. I would love to have the option!
I really love the off the shoulder trend but I ‘m not sure I can find a strapless bra that works for me. I’m determined to make it work. I’m also loving the kimono trend. It’s great for keeping warm in the cold AC and it looks so chic.
i’m really loving the off the shoulder at the moment! Pregnancy has done a bit of a number on my arms so this allows me to show off without getting the wings out at the moment :p loving the stripey vibe too!
The off shoulder top is best for all types of jeans. I would love to have a floral printed one, though you had pulled-off that striped so well. And the kimono could always be a back-up, when the weather suddenly becomes windy!
I love the holy jeans look. I remember when those were big back in the day. I never stopped liking that look and I am glad it has come back in style!
I love kimonos! I am not sure how I feel about off the shoulder tops, but I’d be willing to try one!
Off shoulder isn’t going anywhere! I think it’s really lovely and there are so many styles to choose from. I love that you can pair it with anything. Distressed jeans would be my favorite! I can’t believe that the kimono is back in the trend as well, I love how comfy it is! Perfect for dressing up a simple top.
I like both of your outfits, they are super cool. I love how you style the Kimono
Shirts with the shoulders off are my favorite! I Love this look and the colors.
Very pretty!
What a beautiful outfit and It really looks beautiful on you, I really love the top and I would love to have this too
I love your off the shoulder top! It’s so cute! My mom used to always buy them for me and now I’m fully obsessed!
I love the bare shoulders and navy stripes! So summer!
I’m loving this off the shoulder trend!!! I just need the weather to get a tad bit warmer so I can regularly wear my new off the shoulder shirts!
I love the blue, striped, off the shoulder shirt. I’ve been trying to find a look that would work for me and the whole off the shoulders trend.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips. This is really helpful. I love that off shoulder blouse. It looks very lovely!
I love off shoulder tops! I’m surprised I actually don’t have many of them! I’ll ahve to look into this one! I love how it looks on you!
Thank you for the OTS top hack. My top always flips. I figured it was because my shoulders were too small for the top itself.