Call it the Balmain effect (everything’s the Balmain effect these days – ripped jeans, sequins, studs, breathing) – but shoulders are seriously big news for the first time since about 1989.
Literally big.
Whether they’re under the guise of the ‘statement silhouette’, the ‘dramatic detail’ or just ‘shoulder pads to power of 10000’, it’s time to rifle through your mum’s wardrobe and embrace the large and in charge Maggie Thatcher look.
Ashish Sequin Embellished Sweater
£405, Browns
When you compare this to the Balmain tops (in excess of £3,500), this snazzy little sequinned number is in fact a total bargain. To your boyfriend/colleagues/roomies you will look like Leslie Hall, to the fashion pack you will look like the on-trend goddess you really are.
Premium Shoulder Pad Blazer
£75, Topshop
It will come as no surprise to anyone that Topshop are on board with this look. Last season’s boyfriend blazer advances for Autumn/Winter with the oversized shoulder pad jacket, designed, possibly, to make you look like you’re 5 years old, wearing your dad’s blazer.
Shoulder Pad Dress
£10, Oasis
At first glance this just looks like a tasteful, if not slightly slutty, tube dress. Look closer and you’ll see that the shoulders are lightly padded, adding just a hint of structure to the dress. This is a really easy way to wear the trend, and also people will be so distracted by your fabulous ass in this skin-tight number that your shoulders will be the last thing they look at.
Cobalt Power Tube Dress
£16, Dorothy Perkins
Another easier way to wear this trend is through looking for garments with detailing on the shoulders. You could go the Michael Jackson/military route and wear embellished shoulder pads with fringing and embroidery, or you could just opt for this ruffly-sleeved number from good ol’ Dotty Ps.
Full Circle Fold Shoulder Detail Top
£65, ASOS
I guarantee that if you wore this to work you would receive at least 5 hilarious comments from people that just don’t GET IT. The pointy origami shoulder is the most Balmain-y way to wear the look, and by restricting it to an otherwise fairly plain navy top, it’s a little easier to get away with. Still, prepare yourself for witty remarks a-go-go from the plebs.
John Zack Glitzy Power Shoulder Pad Mini Dress
£16.99, Ebay
The seriously brave/stylish who fancy going all out with the Balmain-loving will no doubt be overjoyed at the site of this bad boy. It’s shiny, it’s shouldery and it’s balancing the fine line between tacky and fabulous. I’m in love.