Okay, I know many of my GFs, in real life or virtually via social media, really aren’t into what’s in fashion, in style, on trend.
For my part, I am past the point of caring like I used to — and spending tens of thousands while at it. At my age, I know what makes me feel comfortable while looking relatively decent. Plus I hate shopping but I will admit to a lot of online browsing while bored.
STILL…
Lately, I have noticed that big shoulders are coming back in. For example, while watching the Oscars, I saw shoulder pads plus dresses with big up-top detail (bows and capes and ruffles oh my!) — almost NFL player padding big.
But don’t roll your eyes: this is a socio-cultural observation and not about fashion.
Big shoulders were “in” during the Edwardian/suffragette years when women marched for the vote in poufy sleeved blouses and dresses. In the early 1940s, when men were off to war and women (Rosie the Riveter! Joan Crawford!) were doing their jobs* in the factories and elsewhere. They returned yet again in the 1980s, when women, armed with business and law degrees, were power-suiting their way into investment banks and legal offices.
So why are they now edging back in? Are designers sub-consciously reacting to #MeToo and related feminist movements? Is this about pushing back on “men’s rights” and the neo-fascist fundie freaks who want to take away women’s choices and keep us in the kitchen and the nursery? Are women on the verge of another revolution?
I sure am glad I kept some of my shoulder pads from back in my MBA days. They’ll look great with my work-from-home sweats.
* For half the pay, by the way.
Debra Roppolo says
Interesting observation. (And I didn’t roll my eyes for one second. If you want to talk about fashion, it’s your blog and your prerogative and I will happily read all about it!) I also noticed that very few of the women were dressed in anything overtly sexy, which seemed like a statement. This is making me think about the ways in which fashion reflects what’s happening politically and culturally…
Antonia Zerbisias says
True. Most were pretty much covered up. As for Glenn Close, her 42 pound dress was a statement in itself.
Debra Roppolo says
It was indeed. (Not the most flattering IMO, but definitely a statement. AND YET…a lot of pink and a preponderance of ruffles. Power coupled with overt femininity? Not sure what to make of this.
Antonia Zerbisias says
I think the pink is also relevant.What colour are our genitalia? Pussy Power For the Win!!
Barbara Fletcher says
I, too, am not one to follow fashion; I wear what I like, which comes from thrift shops for the most part.
As for the return of big shoulders: I have enough shoulder of my own, thanks. 🙂
Nina Keogh says
I noticed the shoulder detail and the pouffe and massive fabric bows and yards of material draping. And yes- the more modest take by some. What I also noticed was that in spite of Hollywood’s obsession with boobs and acquiring big boobs, a large number of these women were very small breasted/flat chested and natural. My Oscar watching gang commented on all of the above constantly. We women liked the dearth of implants.