Would You Wear… the Structured Shoulder?
Balmain, Fall 2009 RTW
This week’s trend is all about a change in shape, in the form of structured shoulders. Many designers have started to unveil new shapes recently, and one of the hottest trends is a more refined spin on 80′s shoulder pads. While many designers did a structured shoulder recently, the instigator of this trend is certainly Balmain.
About the Structured Shoulder Trend
Balmain essentially took the structured jacket trend (otherwise seen in the form of popular boyfriend blazers and military and marching band jackets) and made it their own by adding a sculpted shoulder. The understated extravagance of the jackets has made them a hit in the style community.
Celebrities like Rihanna and Kate Moss have fallen in love with the Balmain fall collection because it brings back much of what made the 80′s so infamous–studs, sequins, shoulder pads, acid wash, etc.–and channels it all into a look that modern women can appreciate.
One reason the structured shoulder trend is so popular is because the jacket shoulders look like works of art, giving each piece that “something extra”. But while these jackets have visual appeal, I’m wondering, as I’m sure many of you are, just how well this trend translates to the mainstream.
Do you wear this jacket to the office, or to the club? Is it appropriate for casual wear or “too much” for every day?
Real-World Examples
Here are some retail incarnations of this trend, so you can see how the stores are translating it. While these are toned-down versions of what Balmain sent down the runway, they still certainly channel the same idea.
Dresses from Missguided: Left, Center, Right
Your Thoughts?
So what do you think–is this a trend you like? And can it work in the real world? Would you rock a structured shoulder? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
Posted on on November 23, 2009 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: 1980s, Balmain, Blazers, Fall 2009, Jackets, Kate Moss, Rihanna, Tops, Trends
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Sara
Zephyr- Can you maybe do a post on how to incorporate tights into your winter wardrobe??
B.
EEKS! never.
Catherine
On last Monday’s episode of Gossip Girl, I noticed Serena sporting a green dress with structured shoulders. I personally wouldn’t wear something like that just because I feel I already have broad shoulders, but I think it’s a nice updated fashion on the 80′s. Good post!
Julie
i feel like in order to pull off that looks, you either need to be very tiny or super confident….of which i am neither.
i noticed Serena’s dress too! she had it on the whole episode, i was not feeling the look on her and usually she can do no wrong.
Natalie
I like some of the toned down styles… not sure if I would actually wear the real thing, though.
lalalina
Not for me, I even think the dress that both Rihanna and Kelly Osbourn tried to rock was not a good fashion statement.
SupaWaifu
Nooooo.. haha. My shoulders measure as my widest point and emphasizing them makes me look like a box!
Isabelle
Not everyone can wear it, I dont care if you have the confidence. I have the confidence but because my shoulders are naturally larger I wouldn’t do my body justice which should be one’s main focus in fashion-life. But I love the trend!
Milana
Yes, definitely! It’s just important not to go over the top. The black dresses are really cute and elegant. The blue one is a bit too 80s. Love Balmain.
Claire
No way. They’re a little too Disney villain for my tastes.
m
i personally wouldn’t wear it since my shoulders are pretty broad, but the 2 black dresses look ok but mainly on people with smaller shoulders- otherwise i agree w/claire in regards to disney villains :) only i was thinking a bit too space-agey.
Erin
It reminds me of the 80′s too much, and it may take some getting used to…I have narrow shoulders and I understand that shoulder pads make your waist look slimmer…it depends on what you pair them with, but it would be tough for me to do this trend with out being all out retro instead of contemporary with a hint of retro.
Mae
I think it is a very interesting look, but not for me. I don’t like my shoulders looking too over powering. :) I’m the person who removes shoulder pads if I ever have a coat with them in.
Great post.
<3Mae
Cathy
Definitely not. I think I would look like an idiot. I’m petite and I just don’t think it would go on me. Plus, I’m not af an of the look in general. It’s bad-80′s…
Linda
Love em.
Would rock em’ if I could find a cute enough/affordable jacket.
Annessa
I have broad-ish shoulders and tried one of these on. I looked like an alien. Not for me!
saralynn
I’m a girl with line-backer shoulders (my guy friends say I have “man shoulders”) I’m trying to hide my broad shoulders!
Monica H
This is so 80′s. Lately a lot of the 80′s stuff came back looking good. But the big shoulders I think it’s weird! I wouldn’t wear it.
Grace
I wouldn’t! I’m already very tall, curvy, and imposing. I’m all for the idea, as it seems like it goes with my tomboy/not too feminine personality, but I think putting that together with my body will make me permanently unapproachable looking!
Jen
No definitely not… it makes these models look like skeletor! lol
Jennifer
I like the dresses to the left and the right, but I don’t think I could wear the center piece
STEPHANIE
I agree with the others, I wouldn’t wear it either because i already have pronounced shoulder that dont slope. Plus I think this looks good only on slender and petite women.
Aya
No way! i would never wear something like that!!!:))))
Erinn
Ohh, definitely not for me. I already have disproportionately large shoulders for my tiny little frame, and this would only create a scary football player effect on me.
Alice
No way. I’ve got some strong shoulders already. The look is super cute on some women, but I’ve got nice pronounced shoulders that don’t need much emphasizing. :)
andrea
i would love to try this, but i really dont think it would work on me. besides, there is no where around where i live that i would be able to get my hands on something similar just to try it on.
Valeria
I love the second and the third runway jacket!! I’d definately use them… the dress, anyway.. I’m not so sure…
Breanna
When I saw them for the first time, my thought was “Ohnoes, not THAT again…” but I just realised I actually like the last (fifth) Balmain look. Also, Betty from LBDB pulls them off really well. Anyway, personally, I think I’ll skip this trend while it isn’t very “mine”, even if they would probably look pretty good on me – I have narrow shoulders and pretty broad hips.
Coco
Definitely! I plan on purchasing a sweater with ruffles on the shoulders. I think it is a very chic look. Shoulders are such a beautiful part of the body and I love accenting them!
Marwa =)
I think they are kinda fancy.. =/ I Think I would get one, if it does suit me..
Madeleine Fahlbusch
I don’t really like this trend that much. Structured shoulders just strike me as a trend thats best left in the 80′s. I think it can work in the real world on someone with a very edgy sort of style. It’s definately not a style for the fainthearted considering it’s very bold. I don’t think I would rock structured shoulders for the most part though I do really like Missguided dress to the far right, I would definately wear that.
alexandra
I love it but its not for my body type.
EmilythePanda
oh absolutely, the Balmain collection is so amazing! I’ve always been fascinated by the 80′s and it’s fashions.
What about this dress from urban outfitters? http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17355108&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump
I’ve been eyeing it for a few weeks now.
Shakayla
Yes, I like the left one, with the frill sleeves. It’s cute, classy, and professional loking.
Kalsee
I love love LOVE this look! I cannot get enough. I am searching high and low for the perfect jacket. I think this is one of the best looks to come about in a long time, like slightly obsessed… Loving the satement necklace look too!
aish
i like
but on blazers
Shakayla
Yes, I would wear the structured shoulder. It may be an outfit from the 80′s, but people throughout the world can always bring back fashion from past decades. With more accersories to it.