Wearing a stylish top that bares your shoulders feels natural in warm weather, but can you wear a cold shoulder top in fall and winter? Here are some surprising ways to pull off this look!

Try a One Shoulder Cold Shoulder

I had never heard of a one-shoulder cold shoulder until I saw this interesting turtleneck one at Amazon. This is new from The Drop – Amazon’s trendy influencer-inspired line of clothing.  I wasn’t sure about it when it first arrived, but when I tried it on, I liked how modern it looked and felt. You get the look of a cold shoulder sweater,  but it’s only one shoulder that is cut out. This makes it warmer to wear and more fashion-forward. Add some classy jewelry, and you have a chic look!

shop the look

Whether you are trying the new one-shoulder cold shoulder or the classic two-shoulder cold shoulder, here are some things to make it easier to wear one in cooler weather.

Choose Season Appropriate Fabrics

Airy, lightweight cold-shoulder tops in summer colors, fabrics, and prints look out of place in cold weather, no matter how you try to style them. Instead, shift to cold shoulder knit tops which are a little thicker, warmer, and more fall-like. I have a lovely cold-shoulder cotton knit sweater in a pretty peach color that I use to bridge the gap from summer to fall and winter to spring. I like to wear jeans, but it also looks great with white pants (if you live in the south) or black pants.

Wear Long Sleeves

It only makes sense that cold shoulder tops with long sleeves are more practical in colder weather. I even own a chunky cable knit turtleneck with the top of the arms and shoulders cut out. This fabulous statement sweater looks great with faux leather leggings and flat, high boots.

Silky Fabrics are always Chic 24/12

Some of the best-looking cold shoulder tops for fall and winter are made of silk, satin, or some other fine flowy fabric. They look elegant and expensive for cocktail parties and Holiday events and ooze sophistication and class. Cold shoulder tops are the perfect way to look sexy without revealing too much.

This gorgeous satin blouse is an excellent example of a cold shoulder top that looks youthful and modern paired with black pants. The rich caramel color and satin finish are stunning, and the soft, blousy sleeves give this top a gentle, romantic feel.

Layer a Jacket or Blazer over a Cold Shoulder Top

Another way to wear a cold shoulder top or sweater is to layer it with a jacket. The jacket can be casual and edgy like a leather moto jacket, or more classic like a blazer. For example, wear the coat over your cold shoulder top when going out to dinner with friends on a Saturday night. Then do the sexy reveal once you are in the restaurant and ready to have drinks and fun.

You can also wear a blazer over a cold-shoulder top at work and leave it on. No one would ever know you had a cold shoulder top; this way, you get more wear out of your cold shoulder top. (I would not recommend wearing a cold shoulder top to the office. It’s too alluring for work and not professional)

Pop on a Cardigan

A long cardigan is another way to work with a cold shoulder top to create a layered look or to get double-duty from a piece of clothing.

Accessorize with a Scarf

Many women over 40 yearn to dress more creatively, and cold shoulder tops are a way to do that. They are artsy and look even more creative with a scarf tied around your neck. You might want to play with this look.

Can You Wear an Off-the-Shoulder Sweater in Fall and Winter?

Off-the-shoulder tops are a little barer than cold-shoulder tops, but they can also be a casually chic look in the fall/winter. I have a gorgeous knit off-the-shoulder sweater that is super soft and cozy (similar). It’s long, like a tunic, and I like to wear it with faux leather leggings in the fall. It’s not something I would wear every day or at work, but if I have a date night with my husband or dinner with another couple on the weekend, it’s perfect. Causal, sexy, and chic!

The Final Word on Cold-Shoulder Tops

You may feel self-conscious about showing off your arms, but most of us don’t mind flashing a little shoulder. The reason is simple; shoulders hardly seem to age at all. So wear a cold shoulder top all year round to look and feel fabulous!