I can remember as a young girl being captivated by the beauty of French style-icon Brigitte Bardot. Luckily for me, I was able to emulate her look by adding a few Bardot tops to my closet and now you can too.
The Bardot top is recognized by a wide off-the-shoulder neckline and can be either loose/flowing or have a more fitted look. The Bardot top is so versatile that it can be styled in a way to flatter any body type. The Bardot top design is used for tops, dresses, formal/wedding gowns, and swimsuits.
Let’s take a closer look at your style options for the versatile Bardot top.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Bardot Top?
As far as women’s fashion trends go, tops with off-the-shoulder necklines are rocking it in the mainstream wear department. An off-the-shoulder or Bardot top is characterized by a neckline cut that is just below the shoulders, emphasizing the collarbone and the bare shoulders of the wearer. Along with the distinctive off-the-shoulder neckline, most variations come with elastics to help the top stay in place.
The unique silhouette of the neckline showcases a flash of skin that creates an illusion of an elongated and slender neck. This widely famous trend has many different styles and iterations, from form-fitting or loose. The look has also been adapted not just for tops but also to jumpsuits, dresses, and even formal gowns and swimsuits.
What Are The Origins Of The Bardot Top?
The reign of Queen Victoria known as the Victorian Era gave way to the off-the-shoulder trend. The style endured and stayed at the height of fashion in all walks of life during the early to mid-nineteenth century, with fans among the prominent figures at that time, including the French Empress, Empress Eugenie.
Ever wondered why off-the-shoulder tops are also known as the “Bardot” style? Well, in the 1960s, the popular French actress, Brigitte Bardot was so fond of wearing the style, she paired it with every bottom imaginable. Seen as a major style icon of that era, her choice influenced the fashion landscape and made the style trendy again, making her name synonymous with it, thus the moniker.
What Figure/Body Shape Is Best Suited To A Bardot Top?
Owing to the style’s extremely versatile nature, all body types – petite, slender, hourglass, athletic, apple, and pear shapes, can look fantastic in them. You just have to think of certain design considerations when choosing one as some can accentuate broad shoulders which can be an unflattering look. As a general rule, horizontal necklines widen while diagonal and rounded ones gave off a slimming effect.
For fuller figures, sweetheart and V-cuts for the off-the-shoulder top will soften and shorten broad shoulders. Slender and thin body types can always opt for tight-fitting and flowy designs. If you really must wear the straight, horizontal style, a good rule of thumb is to balance the severity of the cut with a peplum or flared cut at the bottom.
Etiquette: When Can You Wear/Not Wear Your Bardot Top?
In terms of modesty and etiquette, off-the-shoulder tops can pass with flying colors so to speak. Even in the school and work environments, as long the cut is done in a tasteful way, the design is hardly considered inappropriate, save for some skimpier variations. Some may argue against the severity of skin-showing but with the right complementary garment such as blazers or cardigans, the style can be universally worn.
On the contrary, more and more bridal and formal gown designs are favoring the iconic Bardot top cut. The clavicle-baring style lends a feminine touch to every garment. No wonder teens and millennials are clamoring to wear the top, as evidenced by photo upon photo of influencers wearing off-the-shoulder tops on Instagram and Facebook.
What Shoes/Bag Works Best With A Bardot Top?
An envelope bag in the arms of a sweet-heart cut, off-shoulder-top clad fashionista is sure to stop anyone in their tracks. Clutches are also fantastic companions to the dramatic and elegant cut. If the idea of holding a bag in your hands seems a bit tiresome, shoulder bags will also lend the same sophistication to your romantic and feminine top.
To complete your outfit, strappy sandals in neutral colors will complement the dramatic style. For a laidback, casual look, pair a flowy Bardot top with a pencil skirt and a pair of sneakers. And for that extra summery vibe, wedge espadrilles will take your off-shoulder top with billowing sleeves to a whole new level.
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