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18 Pieces With Puffed Shoulders You Never Knew You Needed

When you want to make a statement, look no further than these pieces with big, Dynasty-style shoulders.

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Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Nostalgia has clearly had a tight grip on trends over the last few seasons. From mood-boosting metallics of the '70s to looser-fitting trousers reminiscent of the '90s, retro styles have been clearly dominating the fashion space. In recent months, it's become apparent that statement-making shoulders a la the '80s are also joining the mix, and love it or hate it, the polarizing silhouettes are here to stay.

While some may argue that the Dynasty-era shoulders already had their resurgence a couple of years ago, recent iterations on Rick Owens, Balenciaga, and Giambattista Valli's runways prove that the style is bigger than ever. Perhaps it's because over-the-top fashion is the trend du jour after two years of hunkering down at home in loungewear and nap dresses, or maybe it's simply just because accentuated shoulders are the ultimate power move for females. Either way, the go-big-or-go-home silhouettes of 2022—whether on a sophisticated blazer, a festive holiday dress, or a casual everyday turtleneck—are nothing like they used to be (think: less football player, more old money aesthetic) and are one trend you're going to want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Below, our favorite pieces with bold shoulders for every occasion on your agenda.

  • 1
    Metallic Bouclé-Tweed Jacket

    Timeless Tweed

    BALMAIN Metallic Bouclé-Tweed Jacket

    $1,710 at NET-A-PORTER
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  • 2
    Versace Shoulder-Pads Logo-Print Blazer

    Borrowed-From-the-Boys Coolness

    Versace Versace Shoulder-Pads Logo-Print Blazer

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  • 3
    Izra Dress in Holly Berry Floral

    Flirty Florals

    Batsheva Izra Dress in Holly Berry Floral

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  • 4
    The Mythical Blouse

    For the Office

    The Vampire's Wife The Mythical Blouse

    Read more
  • 5
    Maeve Shoulder Pad Bodysuit

    Essential Basic

    Et Ochs Maeve Shoulder Pad Bodysuit

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1
Timeless Tweed

BALMAIN Metallic Bouclé-Tweed Jacket

Metallic Bouclé-Tweed Jacket
Now 40% Off
$1,710 at NET-A-PORTER

No one does padded elegance like Balmain, and with this effortless number, you get three on-trend styles in one: a tweed jacket with accentuated shoulders and a hint of metallic.

2
Borrowed-From-the-Boys Coolness

Versace Versace Shoulder-Pads Logo-Print Blazer

Versace Shoulder-Pads Logo-Print Blazer

The easiest way to incorporate the trend into your look? With a blazer, of course. Versace's oversized pinstriped topper with menswear details will be your go-to for seasons to come.

3
Flirty Florals

Batsheva Izra Dress in Holly Berry Floral

Izra Dress in Holly Berry Floral

Batsheva is also the queen of big and bold shoulders. Go for a girly look with this darling floral number.

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4
For the Office

The Vampire's Wife The Mythical Blouse

The Mythical Blouse

Want to power up your office attire? This pussybow blouse is the answer.

5
Essential Basic

Et Ochs Maeve Shoulder Pad Bodysuit

Maeve Shoulder Pad Bodysuit

Shoulder pads level up a basic that can be dressed up or down with ease. Bonus: This one is actually a bodysuit, meaning no more having to retuck it again and again.

6
Classic Stripes

St. Roche Sissy Sweater -Breton Stripe Berry

Sissy Sweater -Breton Stripe Berry

Combine bold shoulders with classic Breton stripes, and what you have here is a sweater that looks timeless no matter how you style it.

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7
Retro Chic Blazer

Dolce & Gabbana Shoulder-Pad Double-Breasted Blazer

Shoulder-Pad Double-Breasted Blazer

Dolce & Gabbana takes your run-of-the-mill black blazer and makes it utterly chic with retro shoulders and double-breasted gold buttons.

8
Punch of Color

Karen Millen Strong Shoulder Single Breasted Blazer

Strong Shoulder Single Breasted Blazer

Everything about this zingy blazer screams power dressing.

9
Layering Must-Have

Elie Tahari Mock Turtleneck Padded Shoulder Zip Top

Mock Turtleneck Padded Shoulder Zip Top

Puffed shoulders on an otherwise understated black turtleneck will zhuzh up your look.

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10
Versatile Blouse

Beaufille Beaufille Bourke Blouse

Beaufille Bourke Blouse

The beauty of this white blouse is its versatility: The puffed number looks just as good with a skirt and pumps as it does with jeans and loafers.

11
Kate Middleton Fave

The Vampire's Wife The Falconetti Metallic Chiffon Midi Dress

The Falconetti Metallic Chiffon Midi Dress

Between the gorgeous emerald hue and the dramatic shoulders, it's no wonder why Kate Middleton and Princess Beatrice love this Vampire's Wife style.

12
It-Girl Factor

The Frankie Shop Alexis Padded Shoulder Coat - Camel

Alexis Padded Shoulder Coat - Camel

A camel coat is a cold-weather wardrobe classic, but a camel coat with a boxy cut? It's a must-have if you want to make a statement wherever you're headed this season.

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13
Cute and Casual Knit

AS by DF Kelly Shoulder Pad Top in White

Kelly Shoulder Pad Top in White

Not ready to commit to the trend? A casual ribbed sweater is subtle, yet it will still add interest to your ensemble.

14
Pretty in Pink

Rebecca Vallance Cupid's Bow Mini Dress

Cupid's Bow Mini Dress

The type of dress Alexis Carrington would have in heavy rotation. So in other words, you need it.

15
Preppy Cardigan

Balmain Padded-Shoulder Cardigan

Padded-Shoulder Cardigan

Go big or go home is the motto of this vibrant cardigan. And the gold crest buttons? Just another reason to love it.

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16
Fall Florals

Dolce&Gabbana Floral Padded Shoulder Stretch Silk Button-Up Blouse

Floral Padded Shoulder Stretch Silk Button-Up Blouse

Florals for fall? Groundbreaking. Especially when paired with this structured blouse that cinches at the waist.

17
Elevated Denim

Retrofête Ada Jacket

Ada Jacket

Retrofête takes your average denim jacket and elevates it with puffed shoulders for a more refined look.

18
Glitzy and Glamorous

Batsheva Mini Prairie Dress in Silver Holographic Lamé

Mini Prairie Dress in Silver Holographic Lamé

Have a holiday party on your agenda? This holographic dress will look out-of-this-world on.

Headshot of Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more. 

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