Sometimes you look back at old photos and say things like, “look at that perm!” or “look at those huge shoulder pads!” and laugh at how fully you embraced the trends. But then one day, you see that same trend you once chuckled at strutting down the runway in Paris or Milan. One of those resurfacing trends? Bold shoulders! Shoulder pads date all the way back to the 1890s, when women padded their silhouette to appear to have broader shoulders and less of a “sloping” shape. But we all know these days that the fashion industry isn’t about maximizing your proportions, and “smaller is better.” But that’s another issue for another day.
Lamont O’Neal for Vogue Patterns magazine, September/October 1986
Shoulder pads in particular saw a resurgence in the late 2000s thanks to mainstream celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rihanna. So while shoulder pads themselves haven’t really ever fully gone away, it seems like now in 2019, bold shoulder trends have officially made their way back into the mainstream market.
A butterfly-sleeve blouse elevated to even higher heights with the addition of shoulder pads.
An oversized blazer isn’t just for kids playing dress up with mom’s clothes. We love how this high-waisted skirt and statement shoes pair with this look.
When in doubt, go for a bold color. This look mixes the ’80s trend of a brightly colored blazer with padded shoulders and the glossy white square-heeled boots of a ’60s go-go girl.
High-waisted, wide-leg pants have been on trend for a few years now. We love this modernized bold shoulder look that creates an interesting silhouette by tucking in the top and adding large statement earrings.
Menswear, but make it fashion. Even though this is an oversized silhouette, it’s still sexy and feminine thanks to the tapered waist, white heels and playful handbag.
So what do you think? Will you be pulling out the shoulder pads or giant puff sleeves any time soon?
shop our favorite bold shoulder looks:
Make sure to also check out 14 Of The Prettiest Dresses To Carry You Through The Rest Of Summer, or If You Aren’t Wearing Linen Year-Round, What Are You Doing With Your Life?!
