Padded shoulders replace puff sleeves as autumn 2026's must-have trend

For autumn/winter 2026/27, puff sleeves are giving way to padded-shoulder blouses that create a bolder, more structured silhouette. The "strong shoulders" trend appears on the runways of Stella McCartney, Valentino and Chloé — in long-sleeves, tops and dresses. The power-dressing effect holds even when a jacket or blazer is worn over the top.