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Off-The-Shoulder Tops (& Other Summer Trends)

Before you go off and buy some self-tan lotion, here's a few tips on wearing off-the-shoulder tops (and other summer trends).
White OTS Top, Tokyo, Green Lace Bralette, Francessca's, Embroidered Denim Skirt, Zara, Tan Handbag, Coach, White Sandals, Jack Rogers

Summer is here and that means that the colorful trends of the season have arrived. One of the summer trends of 2017 is the off-the-shoulder top. You've probably seen the covetable style at trendy stores like Zara and H&M, but you might be surprised to know that the style is actually two years old.

When I was in Tokyo two years ago, the off-the-shoulder top was a huge hit. Every store was selling some version of the OTS top. Now, I'm not saying that Tokyo invented the trend and the U.S. stole it. Instead, I'd like to propose that the OTS is a classic summer staple--one undisturbed by time and place.

I didn't want to buy an OTS until I felt much more comfortable with my hairy arms and shoulders. But by the time I was 20 I had managed to overcome my insecurity and decided to buy an OTS top from a chic store in Shimokitazawa, the more hipster part of Tokyo.

An OTS top can be many things, but one thing it should never be is too tight. A good measure is to see how the elastic band at the top of the OTS top fits around your shoulders. Is it hard to move your arms? You don't have to try and pitch a fastball, but you should be able to eat your food in peace. Note: any fashion piece that restricts your ability to eat is worthless. Throw the outfit out and pick up something that won't hinder you.

Also, look at the length of your OTS top. What are you going for? A cute crop that cinches at your waist, a peplum top that comes in and out? Even amongst trendy tops, you want to find the one that matches with your style.

I choose a white OTS top with detailed flower cut outs at the top and sleeves. I really love how the cutouts give the OTS top a sprinkle of creativity. When it hangs on my curtain, the top looks delicate and sweet, but when paired with a high waisted-skinny jean it turns into sexy and inviting. Basically it's a metaphor, a metaphor about me.
You can see the skirt pattern better in this photo.

In the picture I also paired the top with a denim miniskirt with flower embroidery on the side. This is another summer trend that can be hard to navigate. You might be wondering, "why would I buy a miniskirt I can only where in the summer (when floral prints are in), when I can buy a normal one and wear it year round?" That's a good question. My reasoning behind dropping dough on this trend was it's durability. Yes we think that florals are only for the summer, but you can wear flower patterns in the winter too. The patter on the side of my skirt is dark green and red, Christmas colors. Pair the denim skirt with a black or grey long sleeve or tights and you have a fall/winter outfit.      

Whatever trend you're following this summer my advice is simple: be comfy, and try not to break the bank on a one-time-wear-outfit.


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