They’re baaaaaack!
Shoulder pads, the classic ’80s trend that’s both iconic and ironic all at once, is everywhere from Madison Avenue to the Manhattan Mall.
Hate them?
Blame Balmain. Designer Christophe Decarnin’s blazers and jackets sparked the resurgence of the big, bold shoulder.
But rest assured the ’80s never looked this good.
“I grew up with what I think of as the original shoulder pad generation, but these are decidedly different from the ’80s. This is not the ‘Working Girl’ shoulder pad,” says celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. “The silhouette of the clothing is much narrower. The old style made woman appear broad and husky, and that’s not what’s happening with these at all.”
If yesterday’s shoulder pads were bulky and clunky, this season’s are small, sleek and almost subtle. So instead of “Dynasty” and Michael Jackson, today’s incarnations are more Rihanna and Victoria Beckham, both of whom rock a statement shoulder.
“I love shoulder pads!” says 32-year-old Pia Sharma, who says she recently hit up Topshop for a boyfriend blazer and jumpsuit, both with shoulder pads. “I love that the blazer resembles the ’80s power suit.”
She’s in good company. Beyoncé, Kate Moss, Rachel McAdams and Ashley Olsen have been spotted sporting the look everywhere from movie premieres to the BET Awards.
But not everyone is buying it.
“I do not like shoulder pads. It makes women look buffer and more masculine,” says Tania, 27, from The Bronx. “I would never wear them. My mother-in-law wears shoulder pads on most of her tops, and I think they are for older women!” Ouch! Sorry, Mom.
If you’re working the look into your fall wardrobe, don’t overdo it. One dress or jacket will address the trend without turning you into a style slave. And know when to cut your losses — broad-shouldered ladies need to stay away. Always. And of course, there’s always the issue of color.
“Don’t wear it as a suit. Don’t look Joan Collins. Wear it in a subtle tone, not a vivid color. No cobalt or raspberry. Think black, gray or charcoal to make it look fresh and modern,” warns Verdi.
Additional reporting by Celina Tisaj