How to Wear Shoulder Pads

Co-authored by Kara Allan and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: March 6, 2022 References

Shoulder pads are a fun, iconic homage to the ‘80s that can still be a stylish addition to your usual outfits. This former fashion staple may be straightforward, but it can still be used in a variety of looks. Play around with your favorite padded blouses and dresses until you find the perfect outfit for your day or night out!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating Casual Outfits

1
Pair a shoulder padded blazer with jeans for a sleek look. Search through your closet for a nice blazer that still fits you comfortably. It doesn’t matter what color the jacket is—instead, play around with your favorite pair of jeans to create a chic, streetwise outfit.^{[1]
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- For instance, you can pair a tan or cream-colored blazer with a pair of blue jeans. Finish off the outfit with a comfortable pair of shoes, like sneakers or flats.
2
Tuck a padded blouse into some high-waisted jeans. Find an old vintage blouse with prominent shoulder pads. Slip on a pair of jeans that match your top, then tuck the blouse into the waistband. For an extra stylish look, roll your sleeves up to your elbows.^{[2]
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- For example, you can wear a button-up coral blouse with a pair of light blue, high-waisted jeans. As an extra accent, slip on some hoop earrings or a nice watch.
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3
Slip on a padded jumpsuit for a sleek look. Look in your closet for a comfortable jumpsuit to use as an everyday look. If you don’t have a jumpsuit lying around in your closet, try pairing a padded top with matching pants. You can finish off this outfit with a sleek pair of boots, or whatever footwear you prefer.^{[3]
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- For instance, you can wear a gray or silver padded jumpsuit along with a pair of dark, shin-high boots. As a fun accent, tie a thin belt around your waistline to make the outfit extra stylish.
4
Slip on some white sneakers for a nostalgic ‘80s vibe. Find a pair of shoes that are comfortable for you to walk around in, like some sneakers. These shoes can give you a subtle ‘80s vibe with looking too overbearing.^{[4]
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- White sneakers can go with a variety of casual outfits.
5
Wear some boots for an on-the-go look. Try a pair of ankle boots before heading out and about. If you aren’t in the mood for something flashy, ankle boots can help you get from point A to point B in a comfortable, stylish way. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, opt for more colorful boots.^{[5]
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- For a subtle look, you can slip on some neutral-toned boots. If you’re feeling especially daring, try on some brightly colored thigh-high boots instead.
Costume Party Idea

Recreate a classic ‘80s look with a padded top and leotard. Pick a black leotard as the base of your outfit, then slip on a blouse or top with prominent shoulder pads.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dressing for a Fancy Occasion

1
Accent your date night outfit with a padded blazer. Search your wardrobe for a padded blazer that fits you comfortably without overwhelming your shoulders. Slip on a nice blouse or dress shirt, as well as a skirt or some nice slacks. Mix and match with some of your favorite garments until you find an outfit that you really like!^{[7]
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- For instance, you can pair a cream-colored blazer with a pair of neutral-toned slacks or a fun party dress. As a fun finishing touch, slip on a headband or other brightly colored accessory to make your outfit pop.
- You can also pair a blazer with khakis for a sleek, on-the-go look.
Tip: While anyone can wear shoulder pads, make sure that your outfit is complementing your natural body type. If you have narrow shoulders, choose garments with subtle padding instead of something over-the-top.^{[8]
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2
Opt for a dress with shoulder pads to make a statement. Look in your closet for any old or vintage dresses that are collecting dust. Make a fun, fashionable statement by slipping into a short, knee-length dress with prominent shoulder pads. This outfit can work in a variety of colors and styles, but is especially great with neutral tones.
- For example, you can wear a black or cream-colored dress with padded shoulders, along with a pair of nice heels or dress shoes. Your prominent shoulder pads will be the highlight of the outfit!
3
Get ready for a party in a long dress with subtle shoulder pads. Look through your old clothes for a longer, especially formal dress. You can still look super stylish even if your shoulder pads aren’t that obvious. Choose a dress in your favorite color, or play it safe with more neutral tones.^{[9]
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- For instance, you can slip on a textured, cream- and brown-colored dress with subtle sleeves that rest on your shoulders.
4
Create a fun cocktail outfit with a padded blouse and high-waisted skirt. Pick out a simple, elegant blouse with padded shoulders that goes with a lot of different garments. Slip into a high-waisted skirt to provide some fashionable division to your outfit. As a finishing touch, slip into a nice pair of heels or other dressy shoes.
- For example, pair a white, padded blouse with a high-waisted black skirt and open-toed heels.
- Depending on your workplace, this may be a fun outfit to wear to the office.
5
Play around with fun heels to complete your look. Experiment with pumps, wedges, or other shoes that add some height to your outfit. Shoulder pads are all about making a statement, so pick out some shoes that rise to the occasion! Look through your closet for a fun pair of formal shoes that add a touch of elegance and fun to your outfit.
- Classic pumps and stiletto-style shoes are both great options for an outfit with shoulder pads.
- Open-toed heels are also a great option.
6
Add a padded overcoat to your ensemble. Search in your wardrobe for any kind of stylish, padded overcoat. Slide a padded peacoat, blazer, or long coat over the rest of your outfit. This garment helps you stay cozy and chic during the colder weather!^{[10]
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- For instance, you can wear black padded coat over a short dress. To finish off the luck, put on some polka dot tights and high heeled shoes.
- You can dress up with a professional blouse and slacks with a long, textured and padded coat.
- Pads can be helpful for you if you have narrow or sloping shoulders. They can balance your frame.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kara Allan
  Celebrity Stylist, Makeup Artist & Personal Brand Consultant
  Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.}
- If you are narrower on top and bit but curvier on bottom, pads can balance that top out.^{[12]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kara Allan
  Celebrity Stylist, Makeup Artist & Personal Brand Consultant
  Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.}
- Pads may not suit those who have broad shoulders.^{[13]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Kara Allan
  Celebrity Stylist, Makeup Artist & Personal Brand Consultant
  Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.}