Is ‘cold shoulder’ shirt passe?
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Watching a video of Dolly Parton getting her COVID vaccine makes me want to ask a fashion question. Are those “cold shoulder” tops and dresses still in style? I have several from a few years ago, but to me they look kind of outdated. Since Dolly Parton obviously can afford to wear the latest styles, if this style is good enough for Dolly, can I still wear mine?
— Jessica T.
Dear Jessica: I think we can agree that Dolly Parton — in all things — is a special case. For instance, that hair. For most of us we’d be laughed out of town, but her hairdos (or wigs)? Well she wouldn’t be Dolly without them.
That purple dress with the cutouts at the shoulder that she wore for the vaccine worked for her since it gave the doctor a clear target when she got the shot. But for the rest of us, those tops and dresses that have holes to show off the shoulders? They were everywhere four or five years ago and I predicted back then that the trend would only last until the weather got cool. I was so wrong.
The “cold shoulder” held onto its popularity (and ubiquity) for a few more seasons. But now? No. I’d donate those tops and, if you want to be trendy, buy a “nap dress” — a dress that can also be a nightgown, a maternity staple, a beach cover-up or just a dress (hillhousehome.com, $125) (amazon.com, various prices).
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