Ilona Maher has helped put USA Women's Rugby on the map by leading them to a Bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, all while leading young women to a deeper sense of self-love through her unapologetic body positivity. Maher is undeniably beautiful with her athletic build, luscious brunette locks, and pretty pout, which she accentuates with striking pink and red lipsticks. Another unmissable feature is her broad, muscular shoulders. The body part that helps her kick ass on the field and attracts the negative/misogynistic comments about masculinity and weight. How does she combat this with an audience of 3.2 million and growing? By telling people to shut the hell up, inspiring young girls (and grown women) to love and appreciate their bodies, and wearing clothes that highlight her shoulders instead of hiding them.
I was in 5th grade when I realized my broad shoulders and biceps were bigger than my male classmates. I started to look closer at the women I saw in magazines like Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily (because, yes, I played ball, but I have always been into fashion). It didn’t take long for me to become self-conscious about my muscular arms, no matter how “coveted” they were or the advantage they gave me on the field. I wanted to look like the girls in the magazines; I wanted clothes to fit me like they did on the mannequins. I’m sure I would have been even more self-conscious if social media were around at that age.
What didn’t help was when I would look up “how to dress broad shoulders,” much of the advice was and still is geared towards hiding them and bringing people’s focus elsewhere. But in the year 2024 and all body positivity, we say F*CK that! We are going against the grain and showcasing the athletic bodies we’ve been blessed with. And we are letting Ilona lead the way!
Here are the tips found on the internet for searching how to dress broad shoulders.
Choose tops with large arm openings, scoop necklines, or cap sleeves to create balance and disguise your shoulders.
Counterbalance broad shoulders and even out proportions with wide-leg pants.
Create an eye-catching focal point by wearing tasteful pants patterns, like stripes or plaid. These draw attention to your lower half. (Aka, distract people from even looking at your shoulders)
For dresses, emphasize your waist to balance out your figure. Empire line, A-line, and wrap dresses are great options.
Skip tops and jackets that draw attention to your neck and shoulders.
Wear a fit and flare dress to take the focus off your shoulders.
And here’s how Ilona does what the hell she wants:
Brings attention directly to her shoulders by wearing spaghetti straps. YES!
An off the shoulder moment. The first thing we see is her strength and self-love through showcasing what's always told to be put away.
The person in the background is also in awe of how gorgeous she is! She's definitely going against "the rules" here by wearing a dress that hugs her figure and pulling her hair back, she highlights her gorgeous face card and broad shoulders.
The fashion police would recommend against wearing cap sleeves on broad shoulders, likely because most sleeves aren't made to fit broad shoulders properly. Here she is for Women's Health Magazine wearing a Solid and Striped top that fits her beautifully.
Strength is beautiful!
Maher told Time, “I get the comments of being called a man, being called too masculine, because I have muscles,” Maher said. “I know that it’s from very sad, insecure people online. But I know they’re saying it to other girls as well. And that’s what I don’t like.”
I couldn't help but add this gem of a reel where she inspires women and rightfully shows off!
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