Elevate Your Style: How to Use Shoulder Pads for a Taller, Sleeker Silhouette
It’s not uncommon that we try to make ourselves look elongated, and here’s a trick that not many people know about—shoulder pads. How often do we find ourselves buying new clothes, hoping that the next pair of jeans, skirt, or dress will finally give us the perfect fit? Yet, this can become an unsustainable cycle, where we keep adding to our wardrobe without finding the satisfaction we seek. Instead of endlessly purchasing new clothes, using shoulder pads can help you achieve the look you want while saving money and being eco-friendly. Here’s how it works:
1. Create Proportion:
Shoulder pads can help create a more balanced silhouette by emphasizing your shoulders. This subtle enhancement draws the eye upward, making your overall figure appear taller and more proportionate.
In the image on the left, Kris Jenner is wearing a black top without structured shoulders, making her silhouette appear less defined. The lack of structure in the top gives the overall look a softer and less polished appearance. Without enhanced shoulder definition, the visual impact of the outfit is reduced, resulting in a more understated look.
In contrast, in the image on the right, Kris Jenner is wearing a dress with structured shoulders, likely enhanced by shoulder pads. These provide a more defined and powerful silhouette. The structured shoulders create balance by broadening the upper body, giving her a more proportionate and streamlined appearance. This effect enhances her posture and creates a polished, elegant look. The sharp contrast between her shoulders and waist helps elongate her figure and adds sophistication.
2. Choose the Right Fit:
Opt for shoulder pads that fit well and complement your body shape. You want them to add structure without overwhelming your frame. Look for options that aren't excessively bulky but still provide definition.
This image compares two shoulder shapes, one without and one with shoulder pads, illustrating how the pads enhance the shape. The left figure demonstrates sloping shoulders, while the right figure shows how the use of shoulder pads creates a more structured, lifted appearance. By adding height and width to the shoulders, these pads create smoother, more defined contours, improving the overall proportion and balance of the figure.
3. Select Structured Fabrics:
Choose blouses, jackets, or dresses made from structured fabrics that hold their shape. This helps the shoulder pads maintain their form, ensuring they effectively elongate your silhouette.
The structured fabric defines the upper body, enhancing its shape and creating a balanced look. Additionally, the fitted bottom contributes to a sharp, elongated silhouette (see #4 below). Last, note how a V-neck or open neckline helps to visually lengthen the neck and upper body, and when paired with shoulder pads, it adds to a cohesive, streamlined effect (see #5 below).
Image source: Giorgio Armani - Draped Milano Stitch Midi Dress
4. Balance with Fitted Bottoms:
Pair outfits with shoulder pads with fitted bottoms (like tailored pants or pencil skirts) to enhance the sleek look. This combination emphasizes a streamlined silhouette.
5. Mind the Neckline:
Opt for V-necks or open necklines that further elongate the neck and upper body. This styling trick, when combined with shoulder pads, creates a harmonious, elongated appearance.
By integrating shoulder pads thoughtfully into your wardrobe, you can achieve a more elongated silhouette that is both stylish and flattering!
