Power shoulder dresses are both a thing of the past, and a trend to be embraced for this new year! What better what to express a gender fluid power that the eighties made so popular and ubiquitous! Let us bring it into the NOW, when we need it the most!
When this new year dawned I thought I would celebrate in a statement making way. Attempting a clear message to myself, and my readers, I would encourage you to express this thought ! Own your power !
Power shoulder dresses say “authority” in a bold way.
Power shoulder dresses dare to make a curvy shape appear even curvier.
Yes to accenting female curves while having the veracity to stand out and up!
This dress is vintage and has a vintage feel. Whereas versions of this trend are seen on runways throughout the globe. Comprised of intricate panels, this couture dress is adorned with metal beads at the end of the short sleeves.
Wool and silk feels divine and wears like iron ! Here, Matthew Williamson has designed a forever dress. What luck I enjoyed when I found this at consignment a few years back.
Perhaps the most common use of power shoulders is in the pantsuit trend. In the simple dress category, the clashing dichotomy is ironic in such a playful way. Ebony wool hits significantly lower than mid-thigh, but in this post (which originally was going to highlight the booties) it appears short.
Black and white booties are my New Yorker’s way of making the white bootie trend wearable in the cement jungle. Bought several years ago on eBay from an individual seller, I am pleased to own these. A shiny black patent toe is chic and practical. The quilting is on- point and adds texture.
Worn with an amethyst pendant that is blackened gold and contrasts with clear gold, this piece stands out. Don’t you think it is hard to identify if it is current or vintage? A snap of the boots and the pendant is below. Below, as well, is a photo of the label, and more details of the glass and metal beadwork that embellish the sleeves .
Matthew Williamson has branched out recently to decor and stationery ! Fabulous talent stands out in any field !
In terms of recent fashion, I especially like this designer’s take of the summer boho dress which rivals Zimmerman in terms of aesthetic and quality.
Check out the dresses and beach looks here and here to see what I mean!
Black and beads are perfect for NYE!
Strong shoulders have been feature that I have worn despite it trending status- or not- for years.
Chanel has always used this style feature, although its popularity does wax and wane.
My feature from a while back demonstrates the classic allure of the power shoulder .
Long ago, I wore this tweed suit with Chanel boots!
Perhaps 5 years is not SO long ago! As an older photo you can see that my current photos do have better resolution !
Better light editing would help this snap. Certainly I will try to find the photos from this shoot and edit them, as this aesthetic is still relevant.
See this below. An older shot demonstrates my consistent use of wearing this featured detail.
Defined by strong shoulders, there is also this!
NYFW from last year finds me in colorful layers and a neutral camel coat.
Therefore it is no surprise that is is also featured here, with the power shoulder dresses trend, and also topped with colorful faux fur! The juxtaposition between frilly and bold is signature Elle.
Sleeve treatments, shoulder definition, and dress length are all variable. We should wear what we love and those beautiful items that will endure the test of time.
Enough said ! Power shoulder dresses and coats; are you ready for them, or are they too much for you ?
Let me know ! You know how!
Own your power ladies and gents! Also, SHINE ON for this New Year!
——- XOXO,Elle ——-
Wowza on that knit dress! I think this style of dress looks amazing on everyone. I have similar dresses in my store as I’m also drawn to them. The strong shoulders create a great shape as you’ve demonstrated so well here.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thanks ! Yes, it does add good volume and a cool silhouette !
Love my new sweater, btw!
xo, Elle
That is such a great little black dress! I love the beading on it too. You wear the statement shoulder trend so well, in this outfit and the others you shared 🙂
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you Mica!
That is very nice. This dress is made so well it is very flattering!
Haopy weekend!
xo, Elle
It’s fact that all trends will return, especially the ones that make us feel so good….like the shoulders!!
I know my mom has a ton of pads that she’s kept, so she may be adding them into items again!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Gosh your mom.. can she adopt me so we can be sisters please?
xo, Elle
I am still so in love with your gorgeous boots! Love the padded shoe! I actually never stopped loving shoulder pads.
You are consistent with your love of classic feminine style , so I an not surprised !
happy weekend!
xo, Elle
The boots rock they are so chic
Thanks so much Jackie!
They are pretty comfy and do not get scuffed !
xo, Elle
Although you wear power shoulders beautifully, they are not for me. I wore them back in the day but I never cared for their bulk. You couldn’t buy a suit jacket without them! I don’t miss them from my wardrobe! 🙂
Yes, I remember those days! I agree that were a bit much. These I still love, the have a rounded shape, and the fabric is so luxurious with drape!
I feel you there.
xo, Elle
I love how you have taken power shoulder dresses literally in this blogpost. I had never looked at them that way and quite like it. As a mom you are often the one that offers a shoulder to cry on, so yeah, why not put our shoulders to the wheel and wear this kind of dresses. Love the inspirational photos and especially that awesome chic dress Elle. Love, Lieske
Beautifully said Lieske!
I seem to take everything literally these days…
Happy weekend!
xo, Elle
Yes fashion is power or should be. And yeah shoulder pads are having a moment. The MAJE tuxedo jacket I got in Paris has shoulder pads and I love them. And thanks for the intro to this designer. Checked out his site and it is great.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
It is hard to go wrong with that brand Allie and you have great taste!
HIs collections are wonderful and the decor is such fun to peruse!
xo, Elle
What an amazing dress, Elle! The metal beads at the sleeves make this one stunning piece. Power dressing at its best! I adore the pendant too, and those quilted booties with the black tips are gorgeous! xxx
Thanks you so much Ann!
This dress is ol well made I think it will always look good ( on someone !– lol!)
xo, Elle
Love this! The shoulders create a fun profile.
Thanks!
It does, I like the slightly exaggerated look of this too, it is somewhat playful !
xo, Elle
I love a strong shoulder and I am a fan of them in vintage clothes, but they have to be just so. There were a lot of cheap pieces with ginormous shoulders in the 80s, and they look very dated now, but good quality clothing has better quality shoulders. I can think of a few of my pieces that still look current: a blue Karl Lagerfeld jacket, a gorgeous Helmut Lang blazer.
I adore this outfit on you, Elle! When this silhouette looks deliberate, you know a real fashionista is rockin’ it! Have a wonderful week, my dear!
That is most kind Sheila. You are correct with cheap clothing.. it seldom looks good over time .
I know I have seen this “strong shoulder ” look on you too!Always so well curated and styled !
happy weekend !
xo, Elle
I love a strong shoulder- it adds so much attitude to a look!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Yes ! And cant we ladies use just a bit more of that
x, Elle
I love the denim style . You look amazing Elle ❤️
XOXO tina
Thank you Tina!
You also look wonderful in denim!
xo, Elle
Same ‘problem’ and I’m fine with it 🙂 love the way to share it!
Have a lovely New Year, full of your dreams!
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
That is great to hear! Yes, happy New Year and lots of hugs from NYC!
xo, Elle
Elle, for sure I’m ready for power shoulder dresses! Although I have to admit my collection of pieces with such details is not as wonderful as yours. Yes, Matthew Williamson has designed a forever dress – you look simply divine in it! Love your other looks, too! It is always so interesting to see the proof that your looks are timeless. Thanks for sharing!
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Thanks for this kind words Rena! I am sure your wardrobe is abundant with every style!
xo, Elle
Yep ! those shoulders command respect – I am so glad to see they are making a come back. Anything that makes my waist look smaller is always welcome 😉
LOL, ! Yes to both !
xo, Elle
That dress is gorgeous! I love the shoulder pads, how cool is that? Such a statement!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Thanks so very much Lorna!
I hope you are well!
xo, Elle
It’s a joy to see all your wonderful outfits, but the big shoulder dress is my most favorite! So elegant, powerful, sensual and playful all at once! Brava!!! Happy New Year, dear Elle!
I am so glad you like it! i is either something you love or hate !
Happy New Year to you and yours!
xo, Elle
Hi Elle!
I am catching up on my blogging and wanted to pop by. LOve those booties.. oh my! gorgeous! I am looking for white booties myself for spring. I love the dress and the strong shoulder, the beading is fantastic! All beautiful looks!
Happy Monday friend!
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I am glad you are catching up! I am happy to have these, pure white is not wearable here!
Happy week and feel well!
xo, Elle