Big shoulders are back baby! With everything from gentle ruching through to full blown padding, 2020 has very much seen the return of the shoulder as a focal point.
What we think of as the classic accentuated shoulder look originated in the 1930s as a way of making the waist look slimmer but, like bubble perms and legwarmers, for many of us it’s forever associated with the 80s. But don’t worry, this is less about those Alexis Carrington monochrome power suit vibes (if only!), and more about pieces with a low key structured feel.
So what jewellery to wear to balance out that width?
If you’re going to go full tilt with this trend, how about this incredible teal mini dress (above) from Copenhagen-based brand Rotate Birger Christensen which is currently on sale from Net-a-Porter. This is an outfit that’s crying out for a pair of statement hoops, right? My top choice are the Double Orbit Hoops (above top right) which pack a real punch, but are made from square section silver wire so they’re still light and comfortable to wear (I think Alexis would approve). Or you could try these lovely gold plated Large Atomic Hoop Earrings (above bottom right) which are currently available at 50% off.
If you fancy a slightly more understated approach to a statement shoulder, then there are a wealth of simple tees on the market at the moment like this relaxed t-shirt from & Other Stories (above) or this sleeveless version from Zara which comes in 4 different shades for you to choose from.
Jewellery wise, I’d keep with the 90s minimalist vibe of these tops and choose a pair of simple hoops. These stunning Large Gold Hoop Earrings (above top left) are on sale at the moment and are the sort of piece you’ll be wearing for years to come. Or if silver is more your thing, what about the Large Nova Hoop Earrings in silver (above bottom left) which have a cute little detachable charm so you can wear them plain should you so wish.
Subtler still is this pretty Liberty print blouse (above) from my newest obsession OffOn Clothing, a Lithuanian–based sustainable clothing brand that produces made-to-measure pieces that are designed to last The shoulders aren’t padded here, but the ruching gives the illusion of volume.
To accessorise this top it would have to be something low key and pretty like the Small Luna Hoop Earrings (above top right) in silver or gold. If you’d prefer a necklace to show off that gorgeous v-neck then the Mini Meteorite Necklace (above bottom right) has just the right amount of gentle sparkle.
If print's not your thing, & Other Stories also do a lovely smocked shirt with gathered shoulders (above), available in three colours, which would look fabulous with a pair of classic gold hoops like the Small Parallel Hoops (above top left) or the Callisto Hoop Earrings (above bottom left)
So whether you choose to go big or small with this trend, there's defintely something to suit everyone. Just leave the legwarmers at home this time, eh?
Elin Horgan designs and creates handmade jewellery in her Bristol studio. Elin’s beautifully simple handmade jewellery is carefully crafted and designed to be worn every day. You can read more about Elin’s work and the ethos behind her understated jewellery brand on her About Elin Horgan Jewellery page.
If you’d like to enquire about a specific product or discuss a custom piece of jewellery, please have a look at the Bespoke Handmade Jewellery page or email info@elinhorgan.com