Fall Fashion 2009 – The Bold Shoulder
September 16, 2009 by Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler - The Glam Gals
After laughing about those big shouldered outfits we wore in the 80′s, they are suddenly back in style.
This fall we’re seeing lots of volume and width at shoulder, reminiscent of the 80′s ( and 1940′s) silhouette. But don’t go thinking you can hunt down one of your old Dynasty jackets and it will look new again. Things have changed a little, and shoulder pads are only one way designers have created shoulder focus. Check out what we mean:
| Padding: True enough, shoulder pads are still quickest way to give the power message. Bold shoulders are great for us gals over 40 with softer bodies who need some structure. Great piping on this jacket adds extra emphasis. How do you wear a padded jacket like this so you look modern and hip?..with the new slim pants or a slim skirt. (Saks) |
 strong shoulders send a powerful message |
| Draping: Strategically draped fabric is soft and feminine, but strong too. (Saks) |
 Draping creates shoulder emphasis |
| Cinched Waist: The smaller your waist the bigger your shoulders will look. The main difference between the Dynasty 80′s shoulder and the new 90′s strong shoulder is that the styles nip in at the waist instead of being overall boxy. (Nordstrom) |
 a cinched waist balances things out |
| Necklines: The sweeping neckline on this cowl neck sweater adds volume to the shoulders. (Nordstrom) |
 necklines like this create the illusion of wide shoulders |
| Miltary Styles: naturally lend themselves to squared off shoulders which signal authority. (Saks) |
 military jackets make shoulders stand at attention |
| Gathered Fabric: Another way to get shoulder definition is to have folds or gathering at the shoulder. If you already have strong shoulders, this look will only make them look wider, as if you have wings and are about to fly away! Also cap sleeves like this look best with toned arms. (Nordstrom) |
 gathered fabric can bulk up shoulders |
Yes, even one of those puffy sleeve outfits makes me look as though I should be wearing a helmet and charging away on a football field. Worst still, I have a pair of very thin legs. Imagine! Haha!
Glam girls, please suggest some styles that are good for us girls with broad shoulders and spindly legs…
That’s right. You’ll look like a football player. But, if you are pear shaped (much bigger on the bottom than at the shoulders) this look will balance you out nicely!
Make sure if you already have broad square shoulders, to skip this trend!