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It’s the trend that no one saw coming – but we’re here for it
This time last year, none of us could have predicted that an article like this would ever feel relevant. But here we are, almost a year after the first national lockdown of the coronavirus pandemic was announced, and a new trend is emerging for one-shoulder and off-the-shoulder tops to wear to your vaccine appointment – a sign of the times if ever we saw one.
What started as a tongue-in-cheek joke about Revolve’s Paige raundi sweater on Twitter has now become a sartorial option we’re actually considering, and not just for our appointment for the jab (which all adults are now set to be offered by 31st July).
Of course there’s a practical level to the purchase – just the right area of shoulder is exposed to give whoever is administering your vaccine a little less admin to deal with.
But given the unseasonably warm February weather (degrees in the teens in many parts of the country), and the fact we’ve been wearing nothing but oversized sweaters and joggers for at least the last six months, these slightly more revealing options are also a much-needed opportunity to inject some fun into our wardrobes as spring approaches.
Read more: Outfit ideas for 21 June: From dinner dates to nightclub looks
If you’re still awaiting your slot (or indeed, your second dose), here are the pieces you’ve still got time to order to make your vaccinator’s life a little easier, and your own style options somewhat more exciting.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Top marks go to this affordable ribbed knit from Asos for an eternally wearable colourway and the elegant sweetheart neckline. It’s also an excellent reminder to keep your posture in check, as shoulders cut that low will surely slip down if you slouch.
We get strong ballerina energy from this Bella bodysuit from fashion editor-approved brand Sézane, which is made from comfortable organic cotton. The sunflower hue is especially cheering as summer draws nearer, but there’s a rainbow of other options, from mint green to basic black, up for grabs.
We can imagine few things more fabulous than turning up to the vaccine centre in this extravagant H&M design. The cropped off-the-shoulder shape is ideal for tucking into tailored trousers to balance out your silhouette, and the eyecatching pattern and metallic thread woven throughout mean this is one you’ll want to rewear for outings on 21st June and beyond, too.
Remember you don’t need to bare both shoulders – an asymmetric style like this gingham Zara top will do the job just as well. We like the fresh, springy colour palette, which is just as perfect for picnics as it is for your jab. The blue will even coordinate nicely with your “I’ve been vaccinated” sticker.
We’re also fans of this striped maeve top from Reiss; it’s a relaxed, easy option that’s simple to style for the daytime or evenings out (remember those?) when the time comes. The straight one-shoulder neckline is smartened up a little by the button cuffs on the sleeves.
Mango pairs this off-the-shoulder crop top with its matching cotton poplin skirt for maximum romance, but we think it’d look just as good with slightly more casual attire from your existing collection. No extra jewellery or accessories required with this one – those voluminous sleeves do all the talking.
Classic, chic, contemporary – this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan purchase for just one day, it’s an investment that you’ll pull out and rewear over and over again. The deep fold of the neckline and ribbed material make it look far more expensive than its £55 price tag.
A puffed, pleated shoulder, a flattering fitted bodice, and a choice of staple black or white to coordinate with any outfit – this is the most affordable way to tap into the off-the-shoulder top trend we’ve found. For a tenner, you really can’t go wrong.
Not strictly a top, we’ll admit, but we couldn’t resist that diamante strap. Plus, a crisp white shirt dress in a lightweight material will never go out of style – we like the oversized fit and dropped waist on this quirky River Island design.