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Can you wear cold shoulder tops to the office? Reader L wrote in wondering whether cold shoulder tops are work-appropriate… Here's her question:
Cold shoulder tops seem to be everywhere. Are they ever appropriate in the work setting? I've seen some that would look acceptable as a sleeveless tank or cardigan (for more casual environments), but there's something about the “cold shoulder” that feels more risque.
Interesting question, Reader L! We got into this a bit in our chat about the trends we won't wear to work, but as always trends get muted and change the longer they go on, so it seems like it's deserving of a fuller discussion. I will note that a number of stores (sigh) include such styles in the “wear it to work” section. I'm curious to hear what readers say.
{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}
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Here's my thing with cold shoulder tops: setting aside the super old Superman II evil villain connotations, when I wear cold shoulder tops I kind of think of it as a sexy thing, when done right — it's a little suggestive of your clothes falling off your shoulders, no? I like them for date nights. (Hmmn, maybe the villain's look is cold elbows? Things to ponder.) |
White blouse, at left: Basically an off the shoulder top but with straps. Very highly rated, super cute for a date or night out with friends, but not work appropriate because of the too-skinny straps (won't cover your bra) and let's face it, those sleeves are going to make it a bummer to type. Or write. Probably eat, too. 2018 Update: See similar tops here. |
Now there are some cold shoulder tops I might say, in theory, are totally fine to wear to work — because they don't show your bra straps, don't require a new bra, don't show too much skin, don't involve lace/mesh/boudoir influences, and so forth… but then it just feels like they've sapped all of the fun out of the trend and made them into this odd hybrid of work/date/wannabe cool girl. For example, the red top featured at left: there's nothing wrong with it for work, but it doesn't even feel dressy enough work or even a casual date, either — it has more of that “playing pool with ‘friends' and I really hope X notices me!” vibe. Meh. (2018 Update: If despite this commentary you are still looking for a top just like this, see similar options here.) |
Here are some more options that are, in theory, work appropriate, but in the end I just kind of feel like “why”? (Especially the ruffles. I'm very rarely a fan of ruffles.)
Pictured: one / two / three / four
(2018 Update: see similar tops here.)
Ladies, what do you think about wearing cold shoulders to the office?
1) Do you think any cold shoulder tops can be work-appropriate, and 2) do you have any that you WEAR to the office? Or do you agree with me that it's a look better left for weekend fun? What do you think about the white, red, and black tops featured here?
Anonymous
Recommendations for a DC hair salon? Looking for cut and/or highlights.
Kk
Ian Mccabe on 23rd.
Anon
Immortal Beloved on 14th
jumpingjack
Glynn Jones Salon off 17th in Dupont.
DC anon
Salon Quency.
Anonymous
My workplace is incredibly casual. I regularly wear jeans, solid color t-shirts and Birkenstock sandals but I would never wear a cold shoulder top to work. Partly because I’d be cold, but also because it just strikes me as a very juvenile look that’s not right for work. Several of my co-workers wear them but they’re all under 25.
Anonymous
Yup, I also work in an incredibly casual office and still do a double-take at cold shoulder tops. My female boss actually interrupted herself talking to me the other day when a 30-something woman walked by her office wearing one to sputter, “What the h3ll is that shirt? Why is she wearing it to work?”
So, hard no on this from me. But I think it’s a weird, unflattering look on most people anyway. I really don’t understand how they have become A Thing.
Laura B
Agree. My workplace is very similar and I wouldn’t wear it. No one would say anything, no one would probably even care, but there’s something about it that is just not for work.
Emma
My secretary wears them. I think they’re inappropriate for the office. But I’m not the senior person on her desk, and I don’t care much more than a fleeting thought whenever I see it, so I don’t say anything.
anon
I am in middle school and someone I dislike has a crush on me so what should I do?
Suzanne
Don’t go out with them. Easy.
Suzanne
Birkenstocks should never be allowed in public… the ugly factor alone is enough to ban them forever! Sure, they are comfortable, but why not find something with at least a LITTLE bit of style that also offers comfort?
Anon.
Cold Shoulder tops with the little cut out just make think that the wear thinks she is being like ” … I want to show some skin and be a little risque…I am so daring! ” when in reality it just looks goofy.
Or I always think the woman is probably not comfortable with her arms so this is a way to flash some skin while not showing your arms or chest. Anyways not a fan.
Suzanne
Cold shoulder tops caught on because they are CUTE, generally! Some designers miss the mark, but cold shoulder is a great trend that has been going on now for 3 years for a reason. Risque? Hardly! Since when is a shoulder risque?
Steph @ Stiletto Jungle
This is such a timely topic. I’ve been contemplating this for a while and I’ve landed in the “not appropriate” camp. Although many cold shoulder tops are essentially shells with additional fabric at the sleeve — like the four black options you show in this post — I feel like the peekaboo cutout comes across as a detail deliberately designed to create a sense of allure. Similarly, I wouldn’t wear a top with an open lower back or a cutout at the waist to the office, even though neither would, in theory, show a lot of skin or require a new bra. Even in my ultra-casual Silicon Valley office, I think this look is a no-go.
HSAL
I think it’s a look better left in h3ll, whether for work or weekend. I hate them so much.
bestname
Ugh. I cannot wait for this trend to be over. They look freaking ridiculous.
Bibi
I hate the cold shoulder look and can not wait for it to pass.
Anonymous
Thumbs up!
Annie Q
Totally with you. In a few years this look will just be a “What were we thinking?”
Suzanne
I just can’t stand them on FAT shoulders. When a fat girl decides to show her fat shoulders… then I wonder, “what was she thinking”? We should ALL dress in a way that is suitable for our figures. I follow this rule.
Chunky Munky
I’m a fat girl and I love cold shoulder tops that show off the cute freckles on my fat shoulders. What do you think is “suitable for the figures” of fat women? Those shirts that look like tents to hide all our gross, awful fatness that no decent person should ever have to see? Nah. I’ll wear clothes I like, thanks. Some of them may even be, gasp, tight.
Anonymous
No, no, no. Do not wear cold shoulder tops to work. Hard stop. They are going out weekend and clubwear if you absolutely MUST wear one.
To Go Or Not To Go?
A loved one completed an advanced degree at WGU (fully online and he says fully accredited, I haven’t done any personal research). Apparently he graduates in July, they mail his diploma, and he is allowed to go to a regional graduation ceremony in another state in the fall. He’s asked some of us if we wanted to go. We’re not really sure what to make of the whole thing… should we treat it like he graduated from a brick and mortar school or is this like a joke school and we should talk him out of spending the money to buy a cap and gown and travel? Is this a real thing someone puts on a resume and people hire based on or is this like tr*mp university and my loved one just got snowed?
Help!
LMGTFY
http://www.onlinecollegedegreesforadults.com/western-governors-university-scam/
Just from 2 minutes of Googling…
Anon
That site states:
” We have completed an excellent and thorough examination of WGU and have not discovered any red flags. Thus, we can say (regardless of what data is contained on the Internet) WGU is an accredited university with properly accredited PAOs.”
Anonymous
I have my degree from WGU and no, not a joke, not a scam. Nationally accredited and the coursework is no cakewalk. It was challenging and I learned so much while being able to work full time AND have a child.
Anonymous
I wouldn’t go, but if it’s accredited then it’s not a joke.
Anonymous
No matter what you think of the university, think well of your loved one. He did work, he persevered, and he completed a goal. That’s worth celebrating.
Anon
+1
Anonymous
I’m not familiar with WGU, but there are plenty of all-online programs that are fully accredited and legitimate degrees. You can’t do lab science online, but liberal arts degrees, computer science, etc, translate pretty well into remote coursework. I have a degree from UMUC, which is all online. The coursework was comparable to classes I’ve taken in brick-and-mortar universities. Online does not equal sham, just like in-person doesn’t equal accredited.
I didn’t go to my own graduation, though. Very similar situation to what you’re describing.. maybe he’s making a trip out of it and wants other people to enjoy the location with him, even if you skip the ceremony? In any case, you should support his pride in his accomplishment.
Anon
Could you maybe just be supportive of your relative and not so judge so harshly?
JuniorMinion
My employer will reimburse you tuition to WGU and they will not for U of P and some of the others with improper accreditation.
Academic
WGU and University of Phoenix are both regionally accredited, which is the critical point.
UoP is acreddited by The Higher Learning Commission as are UArizina and Arizona State.
UoP has had accreditation issues and is seen as lower tier by those in academia but is currently not under investigation nor accreditation hold. Some companies will not approve tuition reimbursement for UOP but some will including the US government.
I have taught for them occasionally and also at other traditional schools. Their standards are lower than some but they are not a diploma mill.
anon
The time to evaluate the school or the value of the degree has long passed! The graduation ceremony is to congratulate the graduate for what he accomplished, not to recognize the excellence of the school. (And scammy online schools typically have terrible retention rates, so graduating really is an accomplishment.) If he were feeling scammed, he wouldn’t want to celebrate. It sounds like he has gotten what he wanted out of it so far, and things may continue to go well for him, so there’s no reason to cast a shadow on a happy occasion.
Nicole
+1
pseudonymous
I know nothing about WGU personally but I work in Higher Ed Admin and WGU is regionally accredited since 2003, which is the most legit accreditation for a US institution. Online degrees have a bad rap but I think that is mostly stigma from those of us who had a “traditional” education pre-online programs (and also thanks to a few sketchy schools that took advantage of a new thing). There will probably always be a place for the traditional on-campus experience, but online education is the future. *Everyone* is getting on board, including the most elite liberal arts schools. Online education has a much better profit margin and is way more scalable in an age of decreased state/federal funding and industry consolidation. In many cases, it helps pay for a school’s on-campus experience.
As far as attending the ceremony, I would expect a lower turnout than a brick and mortar school (since there are regional ceremonies) and no headline speaker so there will probably be less fanfare but that might make the whole experience more intimate. I would treat it as you would any graduation since your loved one is treating it that way. If you wouldn’t normally go, don’t. If you would, do. If it’s in a fun location, you can make a mini-vacation or long weekend out of it.
Summer Wear Everything Challenge
Are we still working on the wear everything challenge?
Today I am wearing tan ankle pants, a striped oxford from Old Navy and a light weight blue sweater with a pair of tan leather designer flats that I purchased on sale and never really wore.
I usually don’t wear pants but these seem ok. It’s been crazy hot this week but today was a bit overcast when I left the house so I opted for a sweater, which I may regret when I leave the building at lunch. Overall, everything is fine but not great, so I’m not really sure where that leaves me with keep-or-toss.
Yesterday I wore an ancient sheath dress (nice designer dress than MIL wore 20+ years ago), a scarf and the same flats I’ve kept buying on an endless loop since law school (15+ years). When I realized that everything I was wearing was stuff I’d work for 15ish years, I felt rather dated but I got a lot of compliments anyway.
Anon
What are these flats worthy of so many repeat buys? PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW
J in Seattle
Agreed about these mystery flats. We.must.know.
Summer Wear Everything Challenge
Left early – sorry!! The Ferragmo Audrey flats (in around 2000 they started remaking a pair of flat that had been made for Audrey Hepburn). They are stupid expensive. They were $250ish when I first started buying them and now they are close to $400. I am a bit embarrassed by this. BUT they are lovely and timeless and work with skirts and pants.
Summer Wear Everything Challenge
These – mine are last year’s version and have black soles instead of tan but I buy whichever version is being made when they wear out. I have a shoe repair place put rubber protectors on the bottom and they last through heavy wear for 2-3 years.
https://www.ferragamo.com/shop/en/eur/special-collections/ferragamos-creations/audrey-595729
Fishie
I’m not the OP but I typically buy Steve Madden’s patent flats in a different color every year. They last about 1 year and then they’re done, but they’re under $40 so I don’t expect much.
Baconpancakes
Actually appropriate today: navy trousers, nude flats, mint green cotton cardigan, and an ivory waterfall-ruffle sleeveless top. The top is a little too tight but the ruffle mostly conceals that, and I love it so much it’s even more motivation to “make good food choices” as my phone reminds me every morning.
Carrots
I love pairing navy and mint green and I never really considered it until someone mentioned it here a few years ago.
I’m working to combine more patterns from my closet. Today I’m wearing a black and white polka dotted skirt and a sleeveless yellow based floral top. The floral pattern is larger (probably about the same of my hand) so it pairs nicely with the polka dots which are about thumbnail size. I paired it with tan flats and brought a black cardigan to throw over top if needed (we’re a fairly casual office). I really like this combo and am glad I found a new top to wear with this skirt :-)
Fluevog Lover
If you like navy and mint green, check out these shoes. I have them (and two other pairs in the same style but different colors). Incredibly comfortable and I get so many compliments! Love John Fluevog!!!!
https://www.fluevog.com/shop/4618-earhart-aqua?item=65&of=88&anchor=true
nutella
I actually did a double-read because this is exactly what my coworker is wearing today and I thought you were her but her cardigan is pink!
Jo March
I’m wearing dark blue Old Navy Pixie ankle pants, a blue/white top I got from Poshmark (first time wearing it, it is more sheer than I thought…. but then I saw another colleague wearing a spaghetti strap summer sundress giving a presentation down the hall, so that made me feel better about my white cami under a white/blue shirt), a gray cardigan that I plan to get rid of as soon as I find a replacement (open to recommendations), and cream ballet flats from Zara with blue stripes. Accessories are the earrings, 2 rings, and watch. Hair is a rat’s nest and I’ve given up for the day on that front.
lsw
I am, with a focus especially on shoes. I am a year post partum and coming to terms with the fact that my feet are my feet now. So, I should just get rid of all my shoes that are slightly uncomfortable now, right? My feet are just slightly wider and slightly bigger, still technically in my same size, but not all shoes fit comfortably right now. As a shoe person, I am just heartbroken about getting rid of so many pairs of great shoes, especially since I can’t afford to buy replacements. Ugh. Please encourage me to just do what I need to do here. I hate it and want all my shoes back.
JTX
Before you get rid of your shoes, try a shoe stretcher and some shoe stretch spray (at least on leather shoes).
lsw
oo, thank you! I will!
Anonymous
Busted. I am wearing an old Target dress that doesn’t really fit any more (too big, but I belt it) and on which I keep the hem up with staples (I KNOW, I KNOW). The dress really needs to be retired. UGH. I love it, but it needs to go.
GirlFriday
I’m wearing a blue and white sleeveless patterned blouse from J. Crew factory, red J Brand chinos (it’s our 4th of July celebration at work today), Cole Haan suede oxfords, and my 20 year old Relic watch that the head lifeguard bought all the senior lifeguards as a graduation present. I realized on my way to work today, I think my style is nerd-chic.
E
Ugh I hate cold shoulder tops in general but please do not wear them to the office. Do not.
Anna
They’re all just hideous, especially the ruffly ones. Forget wearing them to work, I just want them to go away. If they were just a minor trend I wouldn’t really care, but it’s almost impossible to find a normal shirt this summer. It seems like all the clothes everywhere are so ugly right now. Good for my budget, but not good for stores…
Anonymous
+1 I can’t remember the last time I bought an item on clothing from someplace other than Poshmark or eBay.
Anon
+1! I thought I was just horribly out of fashion, but yes to the ugly clothes everywhere. Why are normal shirts sooooo scarce right now? I’m saving a ton on my clothes budget though.
Cookbooks
I discovered there are cold-shoulder cardigans.
What is their purpose? I thought the whole point of a cardigan was to keep you warm.
NYNY
I. Do. Not. Get. It.
Minnie Beebe
Here, here!
busybee
I agree. I’m usually so excited about the Nordstrom summer sale but this year, I’ll be saving my money instead
Two Cents
A MANAGER in my office in wearing a cold shoulder dress to work today. Just say no.
Anonymous
Threadjack: What’s the hype about Third Love? Just the half sizes?
I do think I might be between sizes but other than that their options didn’t seem to do much for the other problems I have with bras (see my: sloping shoulders, asymmetry, side-set-ness). Since my favorite ones are from Target and Costco right now I’m just trying to see what I would get for $50 more…
anon4this
I think the half sizes are nice, but they didn’t do anything for my sloping shoulders issue either – the straps still fall down all the time. But I forgot to return it under the 30 day mark so now it’s mine forever!
Anon
The hype is their advertising.
Check out R/ABraThatFits. They have suggestions for asymmetry, and places to buy for cheap.
I love LingerieOutletStore on ebay and amazon. Also, check out the Freya Rapture and Freya Marvel. Both sound like they could work for your issues.
Anonymous
The thing is that my “issues” are at most light annoyances. I have a small bust and typical bras don’t fit great on me, but they aren’t actively uncomfortable. So I find things like r/ABraThatFits aren’t that helpful, cause they seem to cater to people who have serious issues with fit right now, and are wiling to make more mental/monetary efforts to remedy it. I also don’t often see a lot of advice for mid-range sizes.
(Sorry for the rant, I get pretty irritated with r/ABTF evangelists — not your fault, well-meaning Anon! I’ll take a look at your recommendations.)
In-House in Houston
I’m wearing a Third Love Bra today for the first time. I really like it. They have a promo or something where if you just pay the $2.99 shipping, you can wear/wash it for 30 days. I really like mine. They ask you very specific questions about your boobs, They even have diagrams. I got my hubby to help me determine which diagram was closest to my breasts….he loved helping me out. So far, I’m liking it.
Anonymous
They are actually a lot more comfortable than all my other bras.
So Anon
+1. I adjusted it right and it’s very comfortable.
Mpls
I actually kind of like the one with the slit on the side of the sleeve (not the cut out that exposes the whole shoulder), but probably wouldn’t get this particular iteration. I’ve also seen a variation where the sleeve splits, and then ties at the hem. Of all the ventilated sleeve styles, that’s probably the one I’d go with.
Or the cold-shoulder tops that don’t have the piece over the top of the shoulder (just a straight line across) for the weekend, because I think I have an excellent collarbone/shoulder situation going on.
The one shoulder shirts with a long sleeve made in classic shirting material (like a regular button-front; I’m looking at you BR) are also mind-boggling.
Mpls
So, I’d wear split sleeves for work and off-the-shoulder for the weekend.
Senior Attorney
Yeah, I have a dress I bought a few years ago (before the current cold shoulder trend) and it has elbow-length sleeves with a slit. Pretty subtle and I’ve worn it to the office and not thought twice about it.
Cat
Never. I hate off/cold shoulder generally (and also generally hate cut-outs) so may be biased, but they definitely have no place in the office.
Anonymous
Can we talk about splurge shoes, which to me is anything over about $150? I don’t get it. In my experience, the amount I pay for shoes doesn’t correlate in the slightest with how comfortable they are, how long I last, etc. I’ve owned LK Bennett flats and even Jimmy Choo heels (on sale and secondhand, respectively) and I had to get rid of both because I literally could not walk in them.
Expensive dresses? I get it. Expensive bags? Drool. Shoes? I’m afraid I’m sticking with Aldo, Naturalizer, et al.
Anyone else?
Anonymous
Yup. All I care about with shoes is comfort and Payless and Target have some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve found.
JuniorMinion
I buy all shoes at payless basically because of this comfort issue.
anon
I swear I’m the only person I know who has rotten luck with Target shoes. So cute, but they kill my bony feet.
Amy Fong
Target and Payless shoes kill my feet too. I don’t pay a lot for shoes, but if I go the discount route I always regret it.
Anonymous
Comfort Plus heels forever. I will never buy anything else.
anon
I have never found my splurge shoes worth it.
But my splurge boots, on the other hand, are totally worth it. Aquitalia and La Canadienne. I buy all at deep discount by timing purchases for sales. But I take good care of them, they last well, and they are very comfortable and practical and stylish for my cold climate.
But I recently splurged on a beautiful Aquitalia pair of shoes. Big mistake. Not comfortable. I am hard on my shoes, and I marred them quickly. Just not worth it.
You can buy a very stylish, comfortable, high quality shoe for less than $150. You really can.
Anonymous
+1 to Aquitalia boots. My mother found a pair on sale in my size e when I was in college. I didn’t realize the brand was anything special– had no idea why my mom felt the need to spontaneously buy boots for me just because they were marked way down. They lasted me almost 20 years in every kind of rain/sleet/snow, and looked cure for every minute of it. You can bet I bought a new pair the week the old ones finally gave out and started leaking.
Shopaholic
I tried to buy boots that looked like the Aquatalia ones but were cheaper and they are so uncomfortable and generally impractical. I need to do that next year.
I find it depends on the brand of splurge shoes for me. I can’t wear Aldo shoes because I find them really uncomfortable but have had some good luck with shoes about $100-250. I haven’t splurged on shoes higher than that price range though, although I’ve been lusting over Valentinos for years.
Ms B
I buy most of my AGLs either on sale, at Nordstrom Rack, or from eBay, but I did buy a pair of the basic black flats at full price (about $250 back then). No regrets on the spend; they have held up to regular and rough wear and I will be able to get them resoled soon, which is not the case with a lot of cheaper shoes.
CHJ
The most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought are AGL ballet flats from Nordstrom ($300). In that case, they are 100% worth the money. They are so comfortable that I have no problem walking several miles in them between commuting, walking to and from court, walking to lunch, etc. They truly revolutionized my ability to walk all over the city in business clothes. I’ve had them for about 3 years and they need to be resoled soon, but otherwise they are still in great shape.
Cookbooks
I might splurge on snow boots, but otherwise, I can find comfortable, stylish shoes that will last–including running shoes–for under $150.
My problem with splurge shoes is that I’m so afraid of ruining them that I rarely wear them. I’ll give everything else a beating, but splurges end up closet art.
Anonymous
The benefit is the materials – high quality leather, etc. I will definitely pay for that, but you don’t need to go up to Jimmy Choo prices to get that. With Naturalizer et al the fit and styles are fine, but I hate the manmade materials and they way it sticks to your feet.
anon
Totally agree. Shoe comfort has everything to do with how they fit my wonky feet and so many brands, even expensive ones, do not deliver.
ANon
I buy Payless too, but I gotta say Feragamos are worth it. I’m wearing out my low heel Varas. Most comfy work shoe ever for me hands down.
Minnie Beebe
No, cold shoulder tops are not appropriate for the office. It doesn’t seem to stop people from wearing them in mine, however.
http://jezebel.com/i-hate-these-goddamn-tops-1793262837
Agree with other posters that clothes right now are so, so ugly! Between culottes, cutouts, crop tops, those high-waited pants that accentuate your butt crack, bell sleeves, and most of all, all of the shoulder-baring top variants, I can’t even right now with the shopping.
Oh! And choker necklaces! I feel like I can’t swallow whenever I see anyone wearing one of those things. Actually, I feel like I’m choking just thinking about them, if I’m being honest.
Cookbooks
+ 1000! Fashion is so bizarre right now.
Anonymous
Fashion’s in a weird moment, for sure. Not much I’m interested in buying as I’m much more geared towards classics – or at least stuff that won’t look dated after one season.
My vote on cold-shoulder tops at work is a no, not that it matters. All of our admin assistants (I think they coordinate by text message in the morning or the night before) are wearing cold-shoulder tops or tank tops, capris, and sky-high heels or wedges today. Lots of glittery eyeshadow also? Maybe they’re all going out clubbing together after work, or something.
Mrs. Jones
I hate cold-shoulder tops period. They are not flattering on anyone.
Off-the-shoulder tops I can live with.
Anon
I guess I don’t understand the hatred… I wouldn’t wear this to the office, but it’s way better than the tube or halter top craze. They show off the shoulders — which typically are pretty good looking — and hide the rest of the arm jiggle. It’s also odd to have such a fiery rage towards a pretty nondescript, modest piece of clothing (ruffles and other embellishments aside). I bought a black cold-shoulder dress for a bachelor***e party and think it looks pretty good.
Chicago
I don’t think cold shoulder tops look good on anyone and they are certainly too casual for my office, though a few secretaries wear them.
Anonymous
At a biglaw firm that is dressy business casual, I saw one of the secretaries wearing a cold shoulder top but then later in the afternoon she had a different shirt on . . . makes me think she was sent home to change.
Business Not Law
The cold shoulder trend just needs to GO AWAY. My thoughts are that when the trend starts showing up in the KIDS SECTION (and yes, this is a real thing…cold shoulder tops for toddlers) we are past the life cycle of the trend.
Very few people can pull this off well and I’ve seen so many bad iterations…*shudder* Can you tell I REALLY don’t like this style? haha
buzzkill
The answer is no
pancakes
I work in an office where I can wear shorts to work. Even flip flops if I really wanted to.
But there’s something about a cold shoulder top that feels more scandalous than showing even more skin (wearing shorts).
I’d wear jeans and Rainbow flip flops to work. But I would only wear a cold shoulder top WITH a cardigan or other topper on at all times.
Cassandra
I wouldn’t even wear this ridiculous fad at home, in private.
Nicole
I feel like it could be appropriate if its a blouse. Personally I feel really casual in a cold shoulder top. I would wear it only if my workplace is of a casual environment.
Glad
I think they are better left for wearing on weekends.
Susan
Cold shoulder tops? a hard no. diminishes women in the work place, silly looking, for teens–can’t wait for this trend to go away.
Belinda
Cold shoulder tops at the office are definitely not appropriate, unless covered by a sweater or jacket. I love the cold shoulder look and have a ton of them. The only time I wear them to work is on Fridays when we can wear jeans, but I cover them up with a jacket and then take the jacket off when I’m headed home.
pseudonymous
I have no problem with cold shoulder tops as a thing but they are definitely not office appropriate unless hidden by a jacket/cardigan. Ironically, a sleeveless shell, which covers up less, just feels more office appropriate. I’m not sure how to articulate it but I think it has something to do with the fact that origin/marketing around the cold-shoulder top is that it is a more sexy or flashy version of a short sleeve (or long sleeve) top. Like “show some skin” while you’re wearing a shirt rather than “get more coverage” when you’re wearing a tank top. Does that make sense?
Anonymous
I don’t like them at all, either. My MIL has been really into them lately, and when she tries to dress like a woman 30 years her junior, it’s definitely time for the trend to die.
Burgher
A co-worker (late 20s) wore one to work last week to our business casual office. While it was flattering on her, it was not appropriate for the office at all. I really hope she didn’t have any clients that day!
Anonymous
I love cold shoulder tops – but never ever would wear them to work. They are just a NO.
EmIpsaLoquitur
Regardless of whether they’re appropriate, why bother? Most offices are freezing this time of year, which means you’re covering them up with a jacket or cardi anyway. And they’re too trendy to get any long wear out of even if you did find a way to incorporate them. I spend too much on my good work clothes to bother with trendy pieces I won’t be able to wear a year from now. Cheap version with jeans for the weekend? Sure. But I don’t see the point in trying to figure out how to make such an undoubtedly short-lived trend work in the office
Lao
Casual or not, they are inappropriate unprofessional look for the office.
Leslie
I would never wear a cold shoulder top for work:
1. Can you even wear a bra with one?
2. My shoulders would be cold.
3. The look is too young and not appropriate business casual wear.
Courtney
What the hell is the difference when wearing a sleeveless top shows your shoulder and whole arm. Some people need to get a grip. It’s a shoulder for crying out loud.
Lauren Haberman
This thread is hilarious. I wear them all of the time to work. Get a grip, it’s a shoulder.