Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not covering the shoulders: Describes a garment, especially a blouse or dress, that is designed to leave the shoulders and often the upper part of the arms exposed.

Usage

• This adjective is used to describe the style or cut of clothing. It typically comes before a noun (e.g., an off-the-shoulder dress) or after a linking verb (e.g., The dress is off-the-shoulder).
• It is a compound adjective, usually hyphenated when placed before a noun.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She wore a beautiful off-the-shoulder gown to the party.
  • This summer, off-the-shoulder tops are very fashionable.
  • The design is elegantly off-the-shoulder.

Advanced Usage

• Stylistic Nuance: The term often implies a look that is romantic, elegant, or casually chic, depending on the garment.
  • The bride chose a lace, off-the-shoulder wedding dress for a classic look.

Variants and Related Words

• Bardot neckline (n): A specific style of off-the-shoulder neckline, named after actress Brigitte Bardot, where the garment sits below the shoulders.
• Cold-shoulder top (n): A synonymous informal term for an off-the-shoulder top.
• Shoulder-baring (adj): A descriptive phrase with a similar meaning.

Synonyms

• Shoulder-exposing: Revealing the shoulders.
• Bare-shouldered: Having the shoulders uncovered.

Antonyms

• High-necked: Covering the neck and often the shoulders.
• Turtleneck: A garment with a high, close-fitting collar that covers the neck.

Related Phrases

• Off-the-shoulder neckline (n): The specific cut or style of a garment that creates the off-the-shoulder look.
  • The dress features a delicate off-the-shoulder neckline.

Adjective

1. not covering the shoulders (especially in the case of a blouse or dress)