Drop Shoulders question - YouLookFab Forum

Angie and tribe:

I’m trying to hone my style knowledge.

A lot of drop shoulder tops haven’t worked for me, especially with long sleeves. This shoulder is pretty common construction for sweater shirts, long sleeve tops/tees, and sweaters. I have some rock band sweatshirts that work with styling fine. And a handknit sweater with a diagonal shoulder line to create the drop sleeve. But otherwise, drop shoulder is not special or terrific on me.

However… I recently purchased two summer sweaters. They’re essentially a longer drop sleeve shoulder with no long sleeve. Or could be a very modified dolman? (There is some corner under the arm, versus sharp angles.) The sweaters’ torsos possess no waist shaping. They’re literally boxes. But somehow, they’re magical and I adore them. A first for drop shoulder tops!

I feel I’m missing something.

What makes this drop shoulder work while a typical drop shoulder sweater with sleeves fails me?

Is it the line that the short sleeve creates?
Longer torso length?
Fluid ease? (Photo examples are a good 12-15” positive ease.)

Would love some insights. Thank you <3

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18 hours ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

No idea, but I feel the same way. Curious what the reason is.

Julie

Active Member

I don't like drop shoulders with long sleeves either, I think because I have broad/straight shoulders. (I like raglan sleeves which break up that long straight line from shoulder to shoulder). Not sure about the answer to your question but I will be following to see what the experts say!

17 hours ago

Star (Lise)

This top is super cool. It drapes beautifully. Maybe it is the fabric that makes the difference. Looking forward to Angie's thoughts on this.

Suz

(website)

I love questions like this! It's all about the proportions, right? And possibly fabrication, as well. But this reminds me of our straight leg vs. tapered and tapered pencil vs. straight pencil skirt conversation.

I like this top on you -- it is easy. The fit glides.

I don't have an absolute answer. But I suspect it relates to what Julie said, above, combined, perhaps, with other fit elements of the other drop-shoulder sweaters you've tried.

For instance, neckline. This one has a very open neckline. Were those other sweaters higher or snugger in the neckline? That would change the effect completely.

Drop shoulders with a very open neckline will not work on me, whereas those with a neater or more closed neckline are much more promising. I can do a drop shoulder boatneck (if the fit is neat) or a mock neck, or a shirt collar or similar. But if the neckline is as open as this it will always look sloppy on me. (So perhaps the opposite of you.)

It may also just be a question of structure, i.e. showing some skin and bone. In this style, we see your arms and neckline clearly and that adds structure to the ease.

Irina

Maybe a long sleeve version adds bulk if sleeves are wide? Also, there might be a lack of structure. With short sleeves and more fitted sleeves in #2, there is a balance to my eye, between slouchy and streamlined.

15 hours ago

Lisa

I’m broad shouldered and how dropped the shoulders are make a big difference for me. I haven’t figured out that sweet spot yet, it’s always hit or miss.

11 hours ago

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I'd like to see you in a dropped shoulder top that you don't think works on you, Ket. Then I can answer your question, accurately - or provide a link if you can.

FWIW, I haven't seen the right top with dropped shoulders fail on anyone yet! As Suz mentioned, there are MANY variables at play. Fit, silhouette, fabric and proportions. And they ALL need to work with the wearer to create a fab look.

I'm willing to bet that a top may not work because of other reasons - and not because of the dropped shoulders!

Jaime

Agree with Angie - I need to see what doesn't work before I can even guess.

8 hours ago

Brooklyn

I wonder if your bare arms or blouse layered under the drop shoulder provides structure. Whereas dropped shoulder with loose long sleeves is a very unstructured look. Have you tried pushing up the sleeves of the long sleeve sweater to see if you like it better?

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