You’ve probably heard of Brigitte Bardot– but did you know how big of an impact she had on the fashion industry? I really didn’t until I read an article on her a few weeks ago. Kate Middleton was spotted in an non-traditional off-the-shoulder dress last year, and it was the first time since Princess Diana that a royal had donned bare shoulders. Clearly, the off-the-shoulder style is so huge that even the Duchess of Cambridge was willing to trade in her traditional safety and modesty in order to be “on trend.” So, naturally The Guardian did a full report on the history of the trend, its founder, and how to wear a Bardot top.

The off-the-shoulder look originated with the world’s obsession with Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s and 1960s, as her most famous signature looks incorporated “cold shoulder” tops and dresses. As impractical as they are (I mean, really– in most cases, you can’t lift your arms), they’re becoming more of a summer staple than ever before… so much so that there are now what The Guardian describes as “subsets” of the Bardot family. These subsets include semi-Bardots (an often cheap-looking variation with cut out shoulders), strapped-Bardots (a practical solution to the lack of arm mobility), and collared-Bardots (a chic variation often incorporated into formal cocktail dresses).

If you check out more old Brigitte Bardot photos, you’ll see that she traditionally tucked her off-the-shoulder tops into high-waisted fitted slacks or a-line midi skirts– and she almost always accessorized her ensemble with a thick black buckled belt. I, on the other hand, styled this casual hot pink and black ensemble to showcase how to wear a Bardot top in the relentless Florida heat. You can find full outfit details, plus a list of five southern bloggers you should totally be following, below. I’ve also linked some of my favorite Bardot tops, Strapped-Bardot tops, and Collared-Bardot tops, as well!

Shop the Look: Hot Pink Bardot Top, $13 (comes in ten different colors!) | Geo Pattern Pocket Shorts, $16 | Wedged Strap Sandals, $33 (exact style is sold out, but these are a super similar style for way less) | Bag: Straw Clutch, $78 (currently on sale– purchase right away, as it frequently goes in and out of stock)| Earrings, $13 | Daniel Wellington Leather Watch, $199 | Cat Eye Sunglasses, $12 (my favorite sunglasses EVER– available in black, tortoise, and white)

Click to shop!

How to Wear a Bardot Top: A Breakdown of Its Different Styles

Again, to weigh in on the impact of this once groundbreaking style, it’s now become so popular that entire subsets of the Bardot top family are mass produced, purchased, and worn all over the world. Today’s outfit obviously showcases a traditional Bardot top, which is still by far the most popular off-shouder style. For more ideas on how to wear a Bardot top, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites in each category for y’all to take a look at… with the exception of Semi-Bardot tops. I legitimately couldn’t find more than one style that I liked. 

Traditional Bardot Tops (click here for tips on how to style another one of my favorites, which also happens to have removable straps)

 
Strapped Bardot Tops

 
Collared Bardot Tops

 

Style Inspiration: New Bloggers to Follow

On another note, in any profession, it’s super important to find your “tribe” and create meaningful relationships with peers you admire. For me, it’s these ladies right here. If you’re looking for some new bloggers to follow, I can’t recommend these gorgeous ladies enough! Also, I’m wearing the same top, so here’s an idea of how to style it with jean shorts and flats for casual lunch or dinner. 

Amanda from Meet at the Barre | Sarah from So Sarah Hunt | Heather from My Life Well Loved | Ashley from Ashley Brooke Nicholas | Michelle from Mash Elle

Hope y’all had a wonderful 4th of July! Cheers to a short work week!