A Bardot top is cut so the neckline sits across the upper arms and leaves both shoulders bare, held in place by elastic or a folded band. That single detail changes the whole upper body: it widens the shoulder line, shows the collarbones and makes the neck look longer. In my experience it's one of the easiest shapes to dress up or down, because the neckline already does the decorative work. With denim it's relaxed, with tailored trousers it's smart, and with a full skirt it's romantic. The outfits that work best keep the bottoms comfortable, the shoes practical and the jewellery out of the neckline's way. Fit is the part people skip: the band has to stay where you put it when you lift a glass or reach for your bag. Here are fifty combinations, from summer shorts to wool skirts for winter.

How a Bardot Neckline Changes Your Shoulders
A horizontal neckline across the upper arm draws the eye sideways, so it makes the shoulders look wider and the neck look longer. That's why I reach for it first for narrow or sloping shoulders, and for pear shapes who want the top half to balance fuller hips. It's less flattering when the shoulders are already broad, but you don't need to skip it.
- Broad shoulders: choose a neckline that dips into a soft curve or a slight V in the centre, which pulls the eye down and in, and avoid puff sleeves or stiff ruffles that add width.
- Short necks: wear the band a little lower on the arm and keep your hair up, so the bare area looks longer.
- Fuller upper arms: a three-quarter or long sleeve, or a band that sits below the widest part of the arm rather than across it, avoids the elastic cutting in.
Before buying, I lift both arms and reach forward in the fitting room. A good Bardot should stay level and not creep up to your neck. If it does, the elastic is too loose for you or the armholes are too tight, and neither gets better with wear.
1. White Bardot Top With Straight Leg Jeans

White Bardot with straight-leg jeans is the first outfit I'd build for anyone new to the neckline. A fitted, softly ruched, or lightly structured top decides how much waist you show. Medium wash is everyday; dark denim is a step smarter. Tan sandals, white sneakers or low block heels, and a woven tote for daytime. Keep the collarbone area clear: small hoops, and a fine pendant at most. Hair up or in a low bun shows off the shoulders best.
2. Black Bardot Top With Wide Leg Trousers

Black Bardot over high-waisted wide trousers gives you dinner polish without a dress. The fitted top marks the waist, and the wide leg below balances the width the neckline adds at the shoulder. Cream, camel or charcoal trousers feel refined; a bright pair makes it more playful. I always want the hem to almost touch the floor in the chosen shoe, so pick slingbacks or heeled sandals before you hem. Sculptural earrings are the one accessory I'd allow, since a necklace just sits on bare skin with nothing to frame.
3. Striped Bardot Top With Denim Shorts

Stripes and denim shorts are the summer default. Navy and white, black and white, or red and white all suit the shape, but I check one thing first: horizontal stripes across a wide neckline make the shoulders look broader still, which is good on narrow shoulders and less so on broad ones. Pair with high-rise shorts that aren't skin-tight. Canvas sneakers for walking, espadrilles for the coast. A red lip or a bright bag is the only extra colour needed.
4. Floral Bardot Top With Midi Skirt

A floral Bardot looks calm when the skirt pulls one colour out of the print. Ivory, blush, navy or soft green in a fluid midi, with the top tucked to give a clear waist. If the blouse has ruffles or big sleeves, the skirt should be plain and clean, not tiered too. Strappy block heels give height you can stand in for hours, and ballet flats work for daytime. Small earrings only. I'd wear this to a garden party or a shower, where a dress might feel too formal.
5. Red Bardot Top With White Jeans

Red goes crisp and approachable next to white jeans. Cherry, tomato or deep crimson, depending on your colouring: blue-reds suit cool skin, orange-reds suit warm. A fitted top goes with a slightly wider jean, a floaty blouse with a slimmer leg. Tan sandals, a camel bag, gold hoops. Red flats matched to the top are the bolder version. Drape a beige trench over your shoulders and it carries into early autumn.
6. Blue Bardot Top With Linen Trousers

Blue Bardot with linen trousers is my go-to for a really hot day. Pale blue, cobalt or navy against white, oat or sand. Tuck the top or choose a short one, because loose linen trousers with a loose top lose your shape entirely. Flat sandals for walking, woven wedges when you want height. Linen creases within the hour, and that's fine; it's part of how linen looks. It's the outfit I'd pack for a waterfront lunch or a long day sightseeing.
7. Cropped Bardot Top With Cargo Pants

A cropped Bardot with high-rise cargos mixes softness with utility. The pockets put weight and structure below the waist, so the top should be simple: black, white or muted olive. Straight or gently relaxed cargos, not the biggest cut you can find. Chunky sneakers for streetwear; heeled mules if you want it sharper. A slim belt if the waistband needs definition, and no layered necklaces, since the neckline is already the detail. Good for concerts or a city weekend.
8. Cream Bardot Top With Satin Midi Skirt

A cream Bardot with a satin midi skirt looks dressed up without any effort in the styling. I choose a matte top, knit, ruched jersey or cotton, so it contrasts with the skirt's shine. A bias-cut skirt in champagne, chocolate, sage, burgundy or black moves well. Pointed flats if you'll be on your feet; delicate heeled sandals for a dressier occasion. Pearl studs or polished gold earrings, a small clutch, and hair up. Satin marks easily with water, so be careful with drinks.
9. Puff Sleeve Bardot Top With A-Line Mini Skirt

Puff sleeves already add volume at the shoulder, so the A-line mini needs to stay clean and simple. A plain white blouse goes with printed, denim or coloured skirts; a patterned blouse wants a solid skirt. Loafers with ankle socks for a preppy version, block-heel sandals for a softer one. Skip big earrings, which crowd the sleeves. A small crossbody keeps it neat. It's a young, fun brunch outfit, and I'd honestly steer anyone with broad shoulders towards a flatter sleeve instead.
10. Long Sleeve Bardot Top With Leather Pants

Bare shoulders and sleek leather trousers make a confident evening look. A long-sleeve Bardot in black, ivory, red or deep green, with straight faux-leather pants that skim rather than squeeze. If both pieces are black, I vary the texture: a matte knit top against the leather's shine stops it looking flat. Pointed ankle boots or heeled mules. One strong accessory, such as silver hoops or a bold cuff. Remember leather doesn't breathe, so in a hot restaurant a looser cut will be more comfortable all night.
11. Ribbed Bardot Top With Denim Maxi Skirt

A ribbed Bardot gives a denim maxi the definition it needs. Fitted tops in white, black, rust or soft grey, with a high-waisted skirt that has a front slit; straight denim maxis without one are hard to walk in. The long skirt covers a lot, and the bare shoulders keep it from feeling heavy. Sneakers for errands, ankle boots once it's cooler. Rib already has texture, so keep the neck bare. Add a cropped jacket as the temperature drops.
12. Gingham Bardot Top With Tailored Shorts

Gingham gives the neckline a cheerful, classic feel, and tailored shorts keep it neat. A black, blue, red or green gingham top with high-rise shorts in white, navy, tan or black. Pleated or belted shorts look smartest with the top tucked in. Espadrilles or loafers, a structured crossbody, and no second pattern anywhere. A sun hat if you'll be outdoors. It looks much more put together than shorts and a T-shirt for the same effort.
13. Lace Bardot Top With Tailored Pants

Lace can tip into delicate and fussy, and tailored trousers stop that. Choose a lined lace top in ivory, black, navy or a muted pastel; unlined lace shows your bra through the gaps. High-rise straight or slightly tapered trousers below. Black pants with ivory lace give clear contrast; tonal neutrals are softer. Pointed flats or low pumps and a structured bag. I'd hand-wash lace in cool water and dry it flat, since lace edges catch and snag in a machine.
14. Crochet Bardot Top With Maxi Skirt

Crochet and a flowing maxi skirt make an easy boho outfit. Wear a lined or tightly worked crochet top in cream, rust, black or soft green, and a solid skirt with a high waistband. A printed maxi works only if the colours tie in and the pattern stays simple. Flat leather sandals, a woven bag, natural jewellery, and a wide belt if both pieces are loose. Soft hair suits it, such as loose waves, braids, or a low bun. Crochet stretches when wet, so dry it flat.
15. Denim Bardot Top With White Trousers

A denim Bardot is a fresh change from the usual chambray shirt, especially with crisp white trousers. The denim needs to be lightweight; heavy denim won't fold neatly at the neckline and stands away from the arms. White straight, wide or cropped trousers, tan platforms or flat leather sandals. A cognac belt and bag link the pieces, and gold jewellery warms up the blue and white. I'd wear it for sightseeing or a relaxed lunch.
16. Pink Bardot Top With Flare Jeans

Pink Bardot with flares has a light seventies flavour. Blush is soft, hot pink is strong, and dusty rose is the quiet option. High-rise flares define the waist and balance the width of the neckline. Platforms or heeled ankle boots let the flares fall properly; flat shoes make them drag. If the top has dramatic sleeves, keep the jeans dark and clean, without rips. Waved hair and hoops lean into the retro mood without tipping into costume.
17. Green Bardot Top With Beige Trousers

Green and beige is a grounded pairing that works most of the year. Emerald is the dramatic one; sage or olive suits everyday. High-waisted beige trousers in straight, tapered or wide shapes. Brown loafers or tan sandals keep the palette earthy. With relaxed trousers, I tuck the top fully so the waist doesn't disappear. A light trench adds cover without changing the colour story, and the whole thing works in a relaxed office.
18. Polka Dot Bardot Top With Pencil Midi Skirt

Polka dots bring energy and a pencil midi brings polish. A small or medium dot, with the skirt in one of the dot colours: black and white with a black skirt is easiest, but navy, red or brown also work. A pencil skirt needs some stretch or a back slit, or you'll shuffle. Pointed slingbacks lengthen the leg. Keep jewellery simple, since the print and the neckline already hold attention.
19. Black Bardot Top With Slip Skirt

Black Bardot and slip skirt is a fast outfit that dresses up or down in one shoe change. A fitted top balances the fluid skirt; olive, champagne, burgundy, leopard or black satin all suit. Midi length gives the most options. Ballet flats and a small bag for the day; slim heels and metallic earrings at night. The top must stay smoothly tucked, so I'd pick a shorter or bodysuit style, because a long top bunches under thin satin and shows.
20. White Bardot Top With Culottes

Culottes add airy width to a white Bardot without losing polish. High-waisted culottes in navy, black, camel or a bright shade. A fitted top contrasts with the wide leg. The cropped length can shorten the leg, so I'd lean on platform sandals or pointed flats that continue the line down. A structured tote for daytime, a watch and thin bangles. It suits a relaxed office, a museum or a travel day, and a light trench takes it into spring.
21. Bardot Bodysuit With High Waisted Pants

A Bardot bodysuit solves the biggest annoyance with off-the-shoulder tops: the hem coming untucked every time you move. Pick a firm stretch fabric with a secure neckline and wear it with tailored straight or wide trousers. Black, ivory, brown and navy are the most useful colours. Pointed pumps or sleek flats, a belt, medium earrings. Support depends on your bust: adhesive cups, a good strapless bra or a bodysuit with built-in support. It's a clean base for dinners or creative-office presentations.
22. Peplum Bardot Top With Skinny Jeans

A peplum flares out from the waist, and skinny jeans give it a slim base. I look for a peplum that fits close at the waist and flares gently, because a stiff, heavy ruffle adds bulk exactly where most people don't want it. Dark or black jeans are the smartest; light denim is daytime. Pointed flats, knee boots or low heels. Skip a belt, the peplum already marks the waist. It's handy for anyone wanting a little extra room at the midsection.
23. Ruffle Bardot Top With Paperbag Shorts

A ruffled Bardot top with paperbag shorts is all about controlling volume. One soft ruffle, not several stiff layers, and shorts with a neat adjustable waist. Solid linen or cotton in tan, white, navy or olive under a printed blouse. Tuck the top smoothly under the gathers, or you get two puffs fighting at the waist. Flat sandals or clean sneakers depending on how much walking you'll do, and small studs.
24. Satin Bardot Top With Dark Wash Jeans

Satin turns a jeans outfit into a dinner outfit straight away. A Bardot in champagne, black, copper, emerald or deep blue with clean dark-wash jeans. Straight or slim bootcut shapes give structure without competing with the shine. Pointed pumps or heeled mules for evening, embellished flats if comfort comes first. Refined earrings instead of a necklace. Steam satin on a low setting before you wear it; creases at the neckline are the first thing anyone sees.
25. Knit Bardot Top With Pleated Midi Skirt

A fine knit Bardot makes a pleated midi feel softer and more current. Fine gauge matters: chunky knit off the shoulder looks heavy, and loose knits stretch out at the neckline after a few wears. Cream, grey, black or burgundy on top with a tonal or contrasting skirt. With full pleats, tuck the top so the waist shows. Knee boots in cooler weather; flats in spring. Store knits folded, not hung, or the shoulders stretch.
26. Oversized Bardot Sweater With Leggings

An oversized Bardot sweater makes leggings look like a planned outfit. The sweater should be long enough to cover the seat, with a neckline wide enough to sit evenly or slip off one shoulder. Thick, opaque leggings only; thin ones show everything under daylight. Knee boots, sleek sneakers or lug-sole boots each give a different feel. A long coat and a structured tote add polish. I'd avoid a big bag and a chunky scarf at the same time, which piles on too much volume.
27. Bardot Top With Blazer And Jeans

Can a bare-shoulder top work under a jacket? Yes, if the jacket is roomy. With a relaxed blazer and straight jeans, you can wear the blazer normally for cover and take it off to show the neckline. A fitted black, white or neutral top under camel, grey, navy or check. The thing I check: the blazer has to be roomy enough at the shoulder, or it pushes the elastic up and the neckline ends up sitting crooked. Loafers or ankle boots, a structured bag.
28. Bardot Top With Vest And Trousers

A tailored vest adds structure while leaving part of the neckline on show. A slim white, black or cream top, an open longline vest in a matching neutral, and high-waisted trousers. The vest shouldn't pull across the chest; size up if it does. Pointed flats and a structured tote. Minimal jewellery, since the layers already crowd the neckline. It gives you the tailored look without the warmth of a full blazer, which I find useful for warm spring days.
29. Bardot Top And Wide Leg Pants Set

A matching Bardot and wide-leg set is about the easiest way to get dressed. Black, cream, cobalt, rust or green look smart; small prints suit holidays. The top should end at the waistband or tuck without bunching. The trousers should skim the floor in your chosen shoes, so decide on platforms, wedges or block heels first. A contrasting bag breaks up the match. Flat sandals and a woven tote make it more relaxed.
30. Bardot Top And Maxi Skirt Set

A Bardot and maxi skirt set has the ease of a dress but splits into separates later. Solid for elegant, a quiet print for holiday. A cropped top needs a high-rise skirt so there's no gap, or only a narrow one. Strappy sandals and a compact clutch. With a full skirt, keep the sleeves simple, since big sleeves plus big skirt leaves no waist. A sleek bun shows the shoulders cleanly. Later, wear the top with jeans and the skirt with a tee.
31. White Bardot Top With Printed Palazzo Pants

Printed palazzos are easier to wear when the top is a plain white Bardot. Fitted or cropped, so the trousers are the focus. Tropical, geometric, floral or abstract prints all work if one print colour shows up in your accessories. Platforms or wedges stop the long hem from dragging. The waist must sit at the natural waist; palazzos that sit low look sloppy fast. A woven clutch and slim hoops for a warm evening.
32. Printed Bardot Top With White Shorts

A printed Bardot can carry a summer outfit if everything else stays crisp. Floral, tropical, striped or abstract, with high-waisted white shorts in cotton, linen or firm denim. Sit down in the shorts before buying, because a leg that pulls when you sit will ride up all day. Tan sandals or white sneakers. No second pattern on shoes or bag. A neat front tuck defines the waist under a loose blouse.
33. Boho Bardot Top With Flare Pants

A floaty Bardot blouse with flares makes a relaxed boho shape. Soft sleeves, light embroidery or a small print, with high-rise flares in denim, cord or a light fabric. Platforms carry the long hem. A woven or fringed bag, hoops and slim bracelets. I keep the palette to two or three shades, or the soft pieces start looking messy. A defined waistband keeps two floaty pieces from losing all shape.
34. Minimal Bardot Top With Ankle Pants

A plain Bardot with ankle pants is for anyone who likes simple clothes that work everywhere. A smooth black, white, navy or taupe top without ruffles or ties, with slim-straight ankle trousers in a matching neutral. Pointed flats or low loafers, a structured bag, one small pair of earrings. The hem should finish at the narrowest point of the ankle, just above the bone. It's quiet enough for a business-casual office with flexible rules.
35. Bardot Top With Full Midi Skirt

A fitted Bardot and full midi skirt make a classic occasion outfit with a defined waist. Solid top with a floral, jacquard, striped or bright skirt, or reverse it. The tuck has to lie flat, because any bulk shows above a full skirt. Pointed pumps, block heels or smart flats depending on how long you'll stand. Skip a heavy necklace. It suits wedding guest dressing, showers and graduations. For a church ceremony, I'd bring a light wrap for the shoulders.
36. Bardot Top With Suit Trousers And Pumps

A streamlined Bardot with suit trousers and pointed pumps is the sharp version. Black, navy, ivory or chocolate, with the bare neckline softening the tailoring. High-waisted pleated or flat-front trousers that break neatly on the shoe. A fitted top or bodysuit stays smooth under the waistband. Bring the matching blazer for arrival and cold rooms. Be realistic about the setting: networking dinners and creative events, yes; a conservative office, probably not.
37. Long Sleeve Bardot Top With Dark Denim And Boots

When it cools down, a long-sleeve Bardot, dark denim and ankle boots work well together. Choose a thicker knit or double-layer jersey; it's warmer and the neckline holds better than in thin jersey. Straight, bootcut or slim jeans in deep indigo or black. Leather ankle boots with a pointed or almond toe. Burgundy, forest green, navy and chocolate suit autumn. Wear a wool coat over it outside and take it off indoors.
38. Bardot Bodysuit With Wool Midi Skirt

A Bardot bodysuit with a wool midi skirt is the most practical way I know to wear the neckline in winter. The bodysuit stays tucked under heavy wool, which a loose top wouldn't. Black, cream, burgundy or navy with plaid, herringbone or plain wool. Opaque tights, knee boots and a tailored coat. A thermal bodysuit fabric or a thin base layer under the skirt adds warmth without bulk.
39. Pastel Bardot Top With White Trousers

Pastels with white trousers is a spring outfit through and through. Lavender, mint, pale blue, butter yellow and blush all brighten things without being hard to match. Pale colours wash out some skin tones, so I hold the colour under the chin in daylight before committing. White trousers must be opaque with smooth pocket linings. Nude pumps or tan sandals, a bag in cream, camel or a deeper shade of the top. Pearl studs. A light trench for changeable weather.
40. Linen Bardot Top With Matching Shorts

A linen Bardot with matching shorts is a breathable set that looks more finished than random separates. White, beige, terracotta, blue or olive, with a soft lining where coverage matters. High-waisted shorts balance a cropped top; a longer blouse tucks into a belted waist. Flat sandals, a woven tote, a sun hat. Linen creases, so accept it. It's the set I'd want for a coastal break or a hot sightseeing day.
41. Petite Bardot Top With Cropped Jeans

For petite frames, I keep the Bardot fitted and short, finishing at or just below the waistband rather than over the hips. Cropped high-rise jeans, straight or slim-straight, ending at the ankle so no fabric bunches over the shoe. Pointed flats or low-vamp sandals keep the leg line going. A small or medium bag that doesn't swamp you. Monochrome makes it even longer. Most important: get the jeans hemmed, because an extra inch at the ankle undoes everything else.
42. Plus Size Bardot Top With Wide Leg Jeans

Bigger busts and plus sizes need a Bardot with firm elastic, sturdy fabric and enough room under the arm to move. A fitted or ruched top marks the waist; a looser one gives cover. High-rise wide-leg jeans that skim the hips before widening. Platforms, block heels or sneakers. Support is the real question: a good strapless bra, a top with a built-in shelf, or adhesive cups for smaller cup sizes. Earrings that frame the face, a structured crossbody, and it works for shopping or a casual dinner.
43. Bardot Top With Straight Pants For Women Over 50

A Bardot looks good at any age when the fit and fabric are right. For women over 50, I'd pick a softly structured top with three-quarter or long sleeves, which covers the upper arm and still shows the collarbone. High-waisted straight trousers in black, navy, ivory, burgundy or a jewel tone. Low block heels or loafers. Decide how much shoulder you want to show; a wider folded neckline gives a softer version. Wear it to dinner or on holiday, not because an age rule says yes or no.
44. Bardot Top With High Waisted Pants For Tall Women

Tall women can play up long proportions with a Bardot and full-length high-waisted trousers. The inseam must reach the top of your shoe, which is the hard part for tall bodies; check tall-length ranges. A fitted, cropped or tucked top defines the waist. Contrasting colours split the outfit; one colour makes a long column. Low heels, flats or sneakers all work. A medium or larger structured bag stays in proportion, and bold earrings suit the bare neck better than a long necklace.
45. Ruched Bardot Top With Curvy Fit Jeans

Ruching follows the body and hides small lumps, which makes it kind to most shapes. Pair it with curvy-fit jeans, cut with extra room at the hip and a closer waist, so there's no gap at the back. Straight, bootcut or flare. Darker wash looks smarter, medium blue casual. Block-heel sandals, loafers or sneakers. I'd check the top from the side and back in a mirror: the ruching should lie flat and the neckline shouldn't ride up when you lift your arms.
46. Monochrome Bardot Top With Matching Trousers

A one-colour Bardot outfit creates a long, unbroken line. Choose a colour family, cream, black, navy, chocolate, burgundy or grey, and let the top and trousers be slightly different shades for depth. A fitted top with flowing trousers or a looser blouse with straight-leg trousers. Shoes in the same family, with a metallic bag or jewellery for contrast. Texture is what stops it looking flat: knit against crepe, or matte against a little shine.
47. All Black Bardot Top Outfit

All black works best when every piece has a different texture or shape. A smooth Bardot with tailored trousers, dark jeans or a fluid midi. Leather shoes and a structured bag add a little shine. Pointed ankle boots in cooler weather, slim sandals in summer. Silver or gold earrings light up the face. A simple buckle if you wear a belt. A red lip or polished nails give a small hit of colour.
48. Black And White Bardot Top Outfit

Black and white is graphic and needs no colour planning. White Bardot with black trousers, or black top with white jeans. I'd let one colour dominate rather than split the body into many blocks. Black pointed flats, slingbacks or loafers. A bag in black, white or tan, depending on how much contrast you like. One striped accessory is fine; several graphic pieces at once gets busy.
49. Neutral Bardot Top With Cargo Skirt

A neutral Bardot softens a cargo skirt. Cream, taupe, black or muted olive on top, with a high-waisted midi cargo skirt with flat pockets rather than bulky ones. Flat sandals or sleek sneakers for casual; pointed boots for a sharper autumn look. A compact bag and simple hoops. A cropped utility jacket on cooler days. It's a fresh change from the usual cargo pants outfit and very comfortable for a day of walking.
50. Chocolate Bardot Top With Cream Pants

Chocolate and cream is a rich neutral pairing that moves across seasons. A fitted chocolate Bardot in knit, jersey or ruched fabric, with cream tailored or wide trousers in an opaque fabric. Brown loafers, heeled sandals or pumps. A tan or dark brown structured bag and gold jewellery. A slim belt matching the shoes adds definition. A camel coat carries it into autumn; woven accessories make it a summer outfit.
Strapless, Stick-On or Built-In Support
Bra straps across bare shoulders are the one thing that spoils this top, so plan support first, then the outfit.
A strapless bra that actually holds
A strapless bra relies entirely on the band. I'd usually go a band size down from your everyday bra and check that it has silicone grip along the top and bottom edges. For fuller busts, a longline strapless spreads the support down the ribs and doesn't slide as much over a long evening.
Adhesive cups and built-in shelves
Stick-on cups suit small to medium busts and fitted tops where a bra band would show at the back. They lose grip on skin with body lotion or in heat, so apply them to clean, dry skin. A Bardot with a built-in shelf or a bodysuit with moulded cups is the simplest option of all, especially under a fitted neckline.
Fabric decides how much shows
Thin white jersey and loose crochet show the outline of whatever is underneath. In those, I'd wear a nude-to-you shade, the colour closest to your skin rather than white, which shows through pale fabric more than people expect.
Jeans First, Then the Satin and Lace Versions
One neckline, fifty outfits: that's the real strength of a Bardot top. It works casual, tailored, romantic, boho and dressy, and the reason is always the same balance. Fitted tops sit over wider bottoms, floaty blouses over slim trousers, and a busy neckline gets quiet jewellery. Fit and support matter as much as colour, because a neckline that keeps riding up ruins any outfit. If you're starting out, I'd begin with straight jeans, tailored trousers or a midi skirt, then try prints, matching sets and winter layers once you know the shape suits you. Use these as starting points you adjust, not fixed rules.



































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