I really like the off-the-shoulder trend, but for some reason I was not able to find an off the shoulder top that worked for me. I had decided that I needed one even as the snow was still melting, but was not able to find one that suited me until a few weeks ago. It was beginning to look like I would have to pass on the trend this summer and had all but given up on the whole quest.

As a working mother, I don’t find myself with a lot of time to shop, and I do most of my shopping online. I must have ordered and returned 4-5 different off the shoulder tops. I tried white ones and chambray ones (I love chambray, and it broke my heart that I couldn’t make them work), but alas I had to return all of them. And then, one day, as I was making my way out of Target, this gingham off the shoulder top caught my eye. I checked the label, and it was cotton (because if you’ve read my other posts, you’ll know that I have an aversion for non-cotton materials, especially rayon). I was in a hurry, so I bought it without trying it on. It was gingham, after all. How could it not be good?

I was so delighted when I finally tried it on. It was perfect. The fit was perfect. It was the right balance between balloon-y and fitted (some of the other tops I tried skewed one way or the other in the most unflattering way). And, most importantly, the sleeves did not ride up as I moved my arms. That, if you’ve ever tried wearing an off the shoulder top in real life, is quite the achievement. So, hurray (!), I found my gingham (!) off the shoulder top.

Get the Off The Shoulder Look:

MOSSIMO/TARGET gingham off the shoulder top (similar) and a few more cute cotton ones (non-gingham) here and here; black shorts (old) (similar); MADEWELL laceup sandals (on sale!)