A wise woman once shared with me, to instantly look slimmer, work your shoulders. Now in this case, she literally meant work them (as an athletic trainer, one would hope this would be her goal), but judging from the latest fashion lines that are hitting the stores for Fall 2009, the aforementioned mantra is definitely open for interpretation.
Don’t call it a comeback, but shoulder-focused fashion is definitely making a strong debut for the fall. Now I know what you’re thinking; every time you wear a tank top or anything without sleeves you’re working your shoulders, right? Sure. But allow me to inspire you to take it just a little further. From hardware, to sleeve detail, to asymmetrical necklines and even *gasp* shoulder pads; this upper extremity is hardly going unnoticed, and by some of the biggest names in fashion no less. Here is a basic breakdown for you.
Angular Lines: Be it a basic blazer, or a staple shift dress, shoulder lines are expanding outward (and in some cases upward); both with and without the aid of shoulder pads. Check out Erin Fetherston’s Fall ‘09 collection for inspiration. Practical application of this trend could be pairing a blazer or motorcycle jacket with sharp angles on top with your favorite skinny jeans or leggings. Just don’t go overboard, or you’ll look like a linebacker.
Puffs: I’m sure there’s a more technical term for it, but let’s just call a spade a spade shall we? There’s a right way and a wrong way to do “the puff.” Check out Anna Sui’s Fall 2009 for the right way. The wrong way; anything that would make you want to quote Napoleon Dynamite; (“I really like your sleeves”) steer clear.
Cut-outs and Asymmetrical Necklines: There’s more to it than grabbing a pair of scissors and going at your wardrobe full force (though that could be a money-saving way of updating for the fall; just a thought). One-shouldered tops and sleeves with cut outs add a modern twist to what could be typical or even boring wardrobe staples. Charlotte Ronson’s 2009 sweaters and dresses really allow for practical fall pieces with a little bit of skin. Just think of it as built in air conditioning for your fall wardrobe.
Hardware: While textured tanks and halters have been around for awhile, watch for this look to cross over into the fall with shoulder and sleeve details on sweaters and jackets. If you’re not into the idea of hardware on your outerwear (and let’s face it, outerwear in Florida is never long-lived), you can easily rock this trend by sporting a fierce hand-bag with shoulder detail. Look to fearless fashionista Rihanna for guidance.
Yes, some of these styles are a little extreme, and yes, some of them aren’t entirely practical. But anything in moderation (in the fashion world at least) is totally acceptable. By all means, pick your favorite interpretation and go for it with confidence. Even mix and match these trends if you dare. But do be aware that unless you are auditioning for a remake of Dynasty, then metallic blazers with ear-high shoulder pads and metal grommets should stay in the 80’s. Whether or not these styles are your thing is fine, but you’d better get used to the idea of seeing them around. Thanks to the most recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week which highlighted the upcoming Spring 2010 lines, it has become very obvious that shoulder-focused fashion will not become a thing of the past.
At least not anytime soon that is.
So ladies, to instantly look fashionable, work those shoulders.
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fashion, rihanna, shoulders, neckline, clothing, style, |
