Fashion has always had a penchant for reinvention, and in spring 2026, it’s the ’80s that’s made the most confident return. Strong shoulders are back, cigarette pants are slim again, and bold color blocks are everywhere – with silhouettes reminiscent of Miami Vice’s sharp suits and hints of Joan Collins dynasty-era glamor.<\/p>\n
On the runways of Versace, Saint Laurent, Chlo\u00e9, and Valentino, designers have distilled these references into cool-feeling collections, and the most popular trend to emerge is the broad shoulder. According to designer and podcaster Amanda Wakeley, "Big shoulders are back with a vengeance and they definitely feel cool and modern."<\/p>\n
The secret to wearing big shoulders is understanding how the rest of the outfit works around them. There are two clear approaches: going for the full oversized look or letting the broad-shouldered jacket do the talking and keeping the rest of the look long and slim. This might mean pairing a sleek blazer with sheer stockings and heels or anchoring it with slim pants or a sleek skirt so that the shoulder becomes the widest point.<\/p>\n
Stylist to the stars Deborah Sheridan Taylor agrees that restraint keeps the look on trend. "For me, the easiest way to keep an outfit simple is to keep it tonal and in one color palette. A suit is a great place to start – keep it simple and elegant." She references the Calvin Klein Collection Fall\/Winter 2025 runway, where neutral and boxy ’80s-inspired blazers looked more modern than retro.<\/p>\n
The key is to avoid layering too many 1980s signifiers at once. If you have a big shoulder and want to keep it understated, create modernity by adding recognizably modern accessories. The rule is not to look like you’re wearing your old clothes or like you’ve been down this path before.<\/p>\n
For newcomers, the blazer remains the entry-level piece. According to Sheridan-Taylor, the trend is best understood with shoulder pads. "The easiest way is to invest in a few pairs of shoulder pads in different sizes. Then you can experiment with pairing them with different items in your wardrobe – a cashmere crewneck sweater, a silk pussy-bow blouse, a knit dress, a simple T-shirt."<\/p>\n
Both Wakeley and Sheridan-Taylor agree that this is not a short-term trend. Wakeley believes big shoulders have "given tailoring a modernity and newness that is needed right now." Sheridan-Taylor advises investing in outerwear first, "A luxe coat with padded shoulders would be my investment choice in a classic neutral shade. You can wear it now to elevate your entire outfit without overhauling your wardrobe."<\/p>\n
A strong shoulder already has visual weight, so texture and embellishment must be carefully integrated. Wakeley points out that widening the shoulder "automatically makes the waist and hips appear narrower and the legs appear slimmer." Sheridan-Taylor prefers to let the form do the talking, "I prefer a peaked lapel collar to emphasize the shape – the width of the lapel balances the illusion of the broad shoulder, creating an overall more harmonious silhouette." Once the proportions are right, texture can come into play, "Velvet with tailoring, leather with denim, rather than piling on prints and embellishments that compete for attention."<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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