Rihanna shows us how to wear shoulder pads (and how not to)

Rihanna, May 7 (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Now, I understand that the '80s are back. Neon, tapered pants, harem pants... it's all been popping up in stores. But shoulder pads? Really? This is one trend that I refuse to embrace. I understand the logic behind these puffy shoulders. The idea is to widen your shoulders in order to create a slimming effect for your waist; and while this works, I still think it tends to look a bit ridiculous. Victoria Beckham and Rihanna have recently embraced this trend full-force. They can frequently be seen sporting blazers and blouses with huge shoulder pads. However, I don't think either lady needs to worry about slimming their waistline.

If you disagree with me and think this trend might just be a winner, that's fine, but please proceed with caution! There are definite ways to wear shoulder pads, and Rihanna is a great example of what to do and not to do. This rocker loves to exaggerate her outfits, and shoulder pads are becoming Rihanna's newest odd accessory. Follow these do's and don'ts inspired by Rihanna while shopping for padded shoulders:

Lace Balmain top: A definite fashion DO

Shoulder Pads: Do

• Do tuck a tight fitting blouse with mid-sized shoulder pads into your pants/skirt. Rihanna has been seen wearing this lace top by Balmain, and I must say, I don't actually mind this one too much.
• Do wear shoulder pads with a form-fitting mini dress. It's '80s, but at least it's chic.
• Do wear them military style, like the jackets from the Balmain spring collection; in this style, at least shoulder pads have a purpose. Phillip Lim also makes a great asymmetric cadet jacket.
• Do wear natural-looking shoulder pads in a cute cropped jacket over a tee shirt and jeans. Leather will bring out your inner '80s bad girl, but you can also go for something a little more sophisticated like this Rag & Bone 'Jem' One Button Stretch Wool Jacket.

Rihanna, May 4 (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Shoulder Pads: Don'ts

• Don't wear them so big you could use them as pillows... what is Rihanna thinking here??
• Don't wear oddly shaped shoulder pads, such as the ping pong balls that seemed to be under Victoria Beckham's shoulders the other day.
• Don't sport pointy shoulder pads. “Star Trek” may be popular right now, but this is definitely a fashion faux pas.
• Don't pair them with any other '80s trend – please!
• Don't wear them in an oversized blouse, you'll just look like you're swimming in your clothes.

Luckily this trend hasn't quite trickled down too far off the runways, but because of this, the best shoulder-pad-sporting pieces are pricey. If the trend sticks, I'm sure you'll soon be seeing them in H&M and Forever21. Good luck with this one, fashionistas!