This image from The Sartorialist illustrates that strong shoulders are wearable, need not be overwrought, and do not have to refer to the eighties. These shoulders work because they add definition to the jacket and balance out the wearer's hips, thereby creating an overall lean silhouette. These are not shoulder pads for show. They do not extend from her body or add heft. They simply provide definition and balance. Shoulder pads will never be for everyone, but when used appropriately, they can provide a necessary balance to fuller hips and provide a frame for the rest of an outfit to fall from.
I remember reading on girlzone.com (I think it was already defunct when I found it in the sixth grade) about dressing for different body types, and there was something about shoulder pads being good for pear-shaped body types. A bit of a simplification, but it was the only bit of style literature I could find for a long while that actually advocated defining the shoulder in some form or another.
ReplyDeleteI think that's why girls like Rihanna can rock the look - it gives her perfect proportions. And it's true, it really works to define the shoulders, even if you're not necessarily padding them.
ReplyDeleteI also really like this girl's pants. You can tell they're European - the American version would have been baggy all over, while these pant legs are slim and flattering.
Love the textures (again). I couldn't pull off a strong shoulder myself (I always look slightly odd in a jacket, unless it's one of very soft, semi-cardigan deals), but I love how it balances out her proportions.
ReplyDeletelove that combination; she looks great.
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