Spring Trend Review: The ’80s

The ’80s are back with a vengence and fashionistas are bracing for the resurgence of shoulder pads, boxy jackets, color and graffiti prints. The trendsetters were spotted wearing the sharp angled and over extended shoulder jackets all around the streets of New York and Paris during fashion week. French Vogue editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld was filmed recently wearing a daring shoulder padded dress/jacket during an interview.

Who can wear the shoulder pad trend? If you are already boxy and have broad shoulders, I have one advice for you. SKIP IT! Why look more manly when you can opt for a more flattering cut jacket. This jacket should contour in so that your middle is accentuated a bit. If not, you might end up looking like a box.

To avoid looking so squared and shapeless, Balmain – responsible for the first three looks – paired the jacket with a slim fitting pant or jeans. Basso and Brooke added color and dimension with a cropped pant and platform wedges. Check out the Grace Jones inspired coif on the fourth model. Are you ballsy enough to rock the hair? I haven’t seen this trend on the streets of Washington yet but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a trendsetter will rock the hair and the shoulder padded jacket.

For those of you out there not gutsy enough to go all out ’80s on this trend, Bottega Veneta – two looks above – have just the right jacket that channels Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. The jacket is very relaxed and a bit musculine, perfect for most shapes but gets updated in more vibrant colors and silhouettes. This ain’t your boyfriend’s jacket ladies. These spring jackets have major sex appeal. You have the choice of showing a little decollete or a lot of cleavage, depending on how you button it. Downplay the musculine aspect of the jacket with a knee lenght pencil skirt that shows off your curves.

Kirsten Dunst shows off her ’80s flare in a Band of Outsiders jacket, a rendition of the preppy boy’s blue blazer with gold buttons, and cuffed ankle length khaki pants. This looks is relaxed yet perfect for work or a night out on the town. Just make sure you add a long necklace or pearls to vamp it up a bit.

photos curtesy of style.com