Here to chronicle the life and times of one of fashion’s most frightening trends, I must preface that the aesthetic created by these foam enhancements is only unappealing if executed incorrectly. A fine line must be walked to avoid reminiscence of the easily comparable Star Trek uniform and ladies... please, no gentlemen, your stature is broad enough... I am here to show you how to strut it. Shoulder pads CAN work in your wardrobe too! Our instinctive intimidation keeps us away from this runway commodity but there is a method to the madness and the key is in subtlety. The structure of this trend actually lends to a very flattering female form and can be interpreted in different ways to suit the individual. Let’s first take a boo at who the hell had the cojones to introduce the bigger, badder, broader phenomenon:
A History Lesson of Shoulder Pad Do’s and Don’t:
Shoulder pads made their debut gracing the silverscreen on starlets like Joan Crawford and Katherine Hepburn in designs (by Adrian) that portrayed a refined strength and edge. At a time when women held more significant societal roles than ever before and style was being heavily influenced by war-time circumstance, this new wave of femme masculinity in fashion represented the rise in gender equality.
DO:
In the 1930s the hourglass-figure was the desired physique and shoulder pads were finally a way for women to enhance focus on a petite waistline...but remember the key in subtlety...or you’ll resemble a college linebacker.
DON’T:
Post war, fashion reverted back to more traditional gender representation until the late 70s and 1980s when they resurfaced, again with a movement of social change and a silverscreen showcase...(sigh) Dynasty. This time, in search for equality in the workplace, women meant business and so suited their wingspans.
DO:
However, looking like you’ve beenswallowed by your boyfriend’s wardrobe is not a cute look so avoid bulk in the rest of the outfit. Remember: juxtaposition is what makes it sexy so balance jacket with slim-fitting pants or a low-cut undershirt.
DON’T:
Fashion evolves with its environment and with the economic crisis
looming, fashion’s been feeling drab. Designers have recognized the
need to motivate women to make a statement again and challenged themselves to revamp this seemingly abused trend using sexier
silhouettes than ever before. With equality now an issue of the past,
today’s statement is simply this: because we’re women, because we can.
DO:
Head my warning, in fashion we trust but our lates and greats can turn
a good thing awry with an over-experimental approach I call OVERKILL.
Artistic license considered but art these pieces remain. Clothing must
be wearable; we want to stand out without harming others when we stand
up.
DON’T:
This trend may be daunting to transplant from runways to our bedrooms as most of us don’t have 6-foot gams to accompany but methinks we all can with the help of these simple guidelines. I only hope to have helped shatter the tentative divider between you and the fierce-shouldered style maven within.
Stay tuned for my tips on how-to at home!