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# Linebacker Shoulder Chic
Gwyneth Paltrow Rocks Bulbous Black Cap Sleeves for British Elle

By Bianca | Published 2009-02-05 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lineback-chic-gwyneth-paltrow-rocsk-bulbous-black-cap-sleeves-for-british-e
References: [catwalkqueen](http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2009/02/gwyneth_paltrow_10.html) & [thesuperficial](http://thesuperficial.com/2009/02/gwyneth_paltrow_does_not_care.php?bfm_index=1)

Gwyneth Paltrow not only dished about drugs in the March 2009 edition of British Elle, but she did it wearing a shirt with gargantuan puffy shoulders from the new Spring 2009 [Dolce & Gabbana](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/il-pranzo-campaign) collection.

The 80s made their comeback last year when we saw structured micro shoulder pads, but these colossal tufts truly look as though they were inspired by football linebackers. Good thing Paltrow’s so thin, otherwise she could risk being mistaken for a [Chicago Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucky-shorts) player.

Then again, if I had stylists, art directors and photographers from Elle magazine fussing over me, I’d probably be shimmy into just about anything, including [football fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocknots-new-game-day-collection).

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.1/10
- Popularity: 17% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Puffy Shoulder Fashion:** There is a potential for designers to innovate with more dramatic and abstract shapes to create more beautiful designs using puffy shoulders.
- **Revival of 80s Fashion:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands to combine modern and retro fashion to create unique designs.
- **Sports-inspired Fashion:** The trend could bring about innovative designs that combine comfort and style, giving rise to new clothing lines aimed at the sports community.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Fashion:** Clothing designers and manufacturers can benefit from this trend to produce evolving fashion brands that cater to different markets.
- **Sports Apparel:** Sports brands have a unique opportunity to market their products to fashion-conscious individuals who value both style and comfort.
- **Design:** Designers can explore the puffy shoulder fashion trend and revive the 80s or draw inspiration from sports fashion, to create unique designs.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Football Series Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/football-series.md)
- [Intergenerational Fashion Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gapstudios-fw25.md)
- [Milk-Filled Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-puffer-jacket.md)
- [Performance-Focused Softball Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g-form.md)
- [Super Bowl Apparel Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rebecca-minkoff-x-wear.md)
- [Sports-Themed Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nfl-x-veronica-beard.md)
- [Collaborative Football-Inspired Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-season.md)
- [Wild Animal-Decorated Gowns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schiaparelli-lion-head.md)
- [Streetwear Sports Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brigade-x-new-york-giant.md)
