Off-the-shoulder tops have long been pitched as a wardrobe staple, and Singapore’s heat is a good reason. Designers such as Rosie Assoulin and Jonathan Anderson helped push the shape on the runway, but you don’t need a designer budget to wear it. Plenty of high-street and online shops sell versions well under S$100.
The shape suits the climate because it leaves the shoulders bare while the rest of the top stays easy and breathable. It can also look polished enough for the office, as long as the neckline is not too low and the fabric has some structure.
Where the under-S$100 picks are now
These are the prices listed on each retailer’s own pages. They move with sales and stock, so check before you buy.
| Shop | Top | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Zalora | Zalora Off Shoulder Top With Straps | S$7.70, down from S$17.90 |
| Zalora | Zalora Basics Off Shoulder Top | S$15.69, down from S$20.90 |
| Zalora | Zalora Cold Shoulder Top | S$10.80, down from S$29.90 |
| GG5 | Off Shoulder Top in off white | S$19, down from S$63 |
| Zara | Asymmetric Draped Top | S$45.90 |
| Zara | ZW Collection Sequin Draped Top | S$99.90 |
The everyday buys
Zalora’s own-label tops are the cheapest of the lot. The strapped version is a solid-tone blouse with a bandeau neckline, unlined, in a relaxed polyester fit. It is the easy choice for weekends.
The Zalora Basics top is a slim-fit knit in a polyblend with 5 per cent spandex. It comes in light blue and yellow and has a slip-on style, with no fastenings to fuss over. The cold shoulder top is a step more office-friendly. It has a V neckline, a regular fit and a back zip, and it is sold in black and pink.
Cotton On also lists a section of off-the-shoulder tops on its Singapore site. They include the Georgie Off Shoulder Short Sleeve at $24.99 and a Gathered Mesh Off Shoulder Top marked down to $10. Pricing there changes with promotions.
Dressier options
GG5’s off-shoulder top is made from modal elastane, with a neckline overlay and ruched gathers. The brand suggests wearing it with straight-leg pants for a casual brunch look. It was listed at S$19 against a former S$63, though the page showed the online size as out of stock at the time, so availability varies by store.
Zara’s range runs from classic rib-knit Bardot tops to draped, metallic and sequinned pieces. The draped asymmetric top at S$45.90 comes in black, cream and dark brown. For a party, the violet sequin draped top sits just under the S$100 mark at S$99.90. The same section also lists an asymmetric ruffle top at S$59.90.
Esprit’s edc line also has an off-shoulder top, listed on Amazon.sg at S$45.89. Amazon.sg also lists many marketplace options in the S$30 to S$60 range, though quality and fit vary more between sellers.
Making it work for the office
- Choose a woven or structured fabric, such as the zip-back cold shoulder style, over a stretchy bandeau.
- Check the fit. Slim-fit knits suit tailored trousers, while relaxed fits sit well with a straight skirt.
- Keep colours simple at work. Black, cream and dark brown from Zara’s draped tops are the safest bets.
- Save sequins and mesh for after hours.
For the heat, Zalora’s polyester options are the lightest on the wallet. If the fabric content is not what you want, read the product page for care labels and materials before you buy.
What to look for
Because the neckline sits low on the arms, fit matters more than on most tops. A top that slips is annoying in a crowded MRT carriage. Look for elasticated edges, a snug band or a structured neckline, and try it with a raised arm.
Also note that Zalora lists some pieces as non-sale items, where vouchers and discounts cannot be applied. That is worth checking before you rely on a promo code.