For reference, I'm talking about this style here where the shoulder seam is way down on the upper arm:
They're everywhere right now! Clothing companies are pushing this style hard because it's so much cheaper to manufacture. No need to expend resources getting the fit right if it's not supposed to be fitted! In fact, slouchy everything has never been more abundant.
As a Natural, I have to admit I love this. Fashion has never been so kind to us. Both Naturals wear drop shoulders happily, although it is true that Soft Naturals aim for those pieces that are less baggy at the armpits. Or else cropped, to show the waist. Flamboyants, on the other hand, shine in even the slouchiest of items; in fact it just makes them look cooler, in a devil-may-care kind of a way.
Although they're less common at the moment, I should also mention that raglan sleeves are a favorite of both Naturals, especially Soft Naturals. For them, the right amount of shoulder line structure is "No structure at all." Shoulder line anarchists, if you will.
Back to the drop shouldered look - unfortunately, nobody else likes it! Classics, Dramatics and Gamines all report that this style turns frumpy on them and they relegate it to loungewear. And Romantics find that this style completely overwhelms their delicate shoulders and makes them disappear, giving the effect of a neck with arms.
Will manufacturers wise up, and start making clothing that looks good on all of these actual women? Only if we make them. Remember, it's the clothing that's the problem, not the body! Insist on being respected. Insist on rejecting clothing that doesn't harmonize with your actual lines.
I truly believe that this is the solution that will slow down fast fashion. Buying only within our style and color season leads to fewer purchases overall, freeing us to save our money for long-lasting quality items. And it leads to fewer duds in our closet or donation box, because everything we own looks good on us and harmonizes with everything else.
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