HOW TO WEAR BOLD SHOULDERS

Balmain, Fall/Winter 2009

GO BIG OR GO HOME

Bold shoulders are back in a big way – literally. From Balmain's sharp shoulder blazers to BCBG Max Azria’s leg-of-mutton sleeves, the season’s silhouette is all about going top heavy. The trick to tackling the trend is perfecting proportion. Balance is key but remember, the best thing about the look is that fullness at the top gives the illusion of a tiny waist. Who doesn’t love that? Here, the dos and don’ts of wearing bold shoulders.

The Domed Shoulder

• Do opt for a subtle spin on the rounded shoulder such as the look at Balenciaga. It’s much less literal and a fluid, more feminine interpretation of the trend.
• Don't do the literal 80s look if you've already lived through it the first time around.
• Do wear this look if you’re petite or want to create instant curves.
• Don’t wear this with skinny cigarette pant. You need a bit of fullness on the bottom to avoid the linebacker look.

The Squared-Off Shoulder

• Do balance a sharply squared-off silhouette with a shorter hem or feminine neckline a la Barbara Bui.
• Don't do all-over boxy – it barely works on the runway let alone on the street. Highlight a narrow section on your body like your waist with a belt or flared denim.
• Do wear this wide frame with confidence!

The Peak Shoulder

• Do wear this if you’re fuller figured as it elongates the arm and creates the illusion of a narrower silhouette
• Don't wear a multitude of other trends. With the single sleeve top, statement shoes, biker leather, and dramatic shoulder, this Givenchy look works on the runway, but for the real world one trend is more than enough.
• Do choose simple separates and accessories to mix-and-match.

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