If thereβs one piece that has defined fashion in 2020, itβs the padded shoulder tee. Yep, the wardrobe basic officially rose to cult status this year and itβs easy to see why. By adding statement-making shoulder pads to a standard tee, the β80s detail instantly updates a regular basic, making it the perfect Zoom-ready piece to slip into. While it started out as a trend we first saw with sleeveless muscle tops, shoulder pad details have since made their way to sleeved T-shirts as well as dresses.
Fashion people are definitely on board and have been debuting plenty of must-repeat looks wearing the upgraded basic. From outfits with sweatpants and sneakers to tailored trousers and boots, thereβs lots of inspiration for how to style the cool staple ahead. And yes,Β you can count me as a big personal fanΒ of the trend.Β I always have my eye on the best new fashion findsΒ and this one has stuck with me all year. Trust me, youβll want to get shopping.
Remember how I said I was a big fan of the trend? Here’s the proof.
Does it get any more simple or chic?
Here are some style tips to wear your padded tops:
β‘ Bold color.
β‘ Paired with Bermuda shorts and heels, you will have the perfect outfit.
β‘ Just add slouchy trousers. This will elevate your look and itβll look more expensive, specially if you wear heels and gold jewelry.
β‘ Looking for a fresh way to wear your sweatpants and sneakers? This is it.
β‘ Add sleeve padded tee and padded sweaters to your wardrobe.
β‘ Mini skirt + Padded Tee = Yep, the perfect piece to wear
β‘ And yes, there are stunning padded dresses as well.
β‘ Pair with fall boots and top off with a trench coat.
β‘ A way to style a padded shoulders muscle t-shirt and make your look more chic, is to pair it with leather pants, shorts, a skirt, anything leather really. Definitely an outfit I would wear 24/7 if I was in New York.
β‘ Keep it basic. Padded shoulders make me feel more put together and they add more structure to an outfit. Keep your look simple & cute by pairing yourΒ padded shoulders muscle t-shirtΒ with jeans. Throw on gold jewelry, sandals, a cute baguette bag and youβre good to go! You can wear the t-shirt with loose mom jeans or skinny jeans β youβll look cute AF no matter what.
Fashion Nova + Pretty Little Thing
Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to vote and make sure your ballots are secured. Everyone’s voice matters! β‘
POSTS YOU’LL LOVE:
- How to Achieve the Butter Skin Effect in 5 Easy, Glow-Boosting StepsLearn how to achieve the butter skin effect with 5 easy, glow-boosting steps. Hydrate, prep, and glow naturally for soft, luminous, radiant skin.
- The Winter Reset: 11 Simple Rituals to Boost Energy and Calm Your MindRecharge your energy and calm your mind this winter with 11 simple rituals. From cozy cup pauses and candlelight resets to winter journaling and morning sunlight, these seasonal practices help you winter intentionally, boost wellness, and embrace the solstice.
- Tinsel Lids Are the Ultimate Holiday Glam MomentCreate the ultimate holiday glow with tinsel lids. Discover step-by-step tips for shimmering gold and champagne eyeshadow, subtle sparkle, and festive eye makeup thatβs elegant, wearable, and perfect for holiday parties.
- A Modern Smokey Eye for New Yearβs Eve GlamCreate a flawless New Yearβs Eve makeup look with a modern smokey eye, polished skin, and glossy neutral lips. This step-by-step beauty guide delivers long-lasting, photo-ready glam perfect for ringing in 2026 in style.
















































