what to wear for broad shoulders
How to Dress to Flatter Broad Shoulders and Create a Balanced Silhouette
Dressing to flatter broad shoulders involves creating a balanced silhouette by visually minimizing the width of the shoulders and drawing attention to other areas of the body. One way to achieve this is by choosing clothing styles and cuts that create the illusion of narrower shoulders. Opt for tops with details that emphasize the waist, such as peplum tops, wrap tops, or belted styles. These designs help create an hourglass shape, which balances out the broadness of the shoulders.
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Another effective technique is to choose clothing with strategic draping or ruching around the shoulder area. This helps soften the appearance of broad shoulders and adds visual interest to your outfit. Additionally, selecting tops with asymmetrical necklines or off-the-shoulder styles can draw attention away from your shoulder width and towards your collarbone or neckline.
To further balance out your silhouette, consider wearing bottoms that add volume or structure to your lower half. A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, or flared jeans can help create an hourglass figure by adding volume below the waistline. Pairing these bottoms with more fitted tops will accentuate your curves and draw attention away from your shoulders.
Recommended Clothing Styles and Cuts for Individuals with Broad Shoulders
When it comes to clothing styles and cuts that are flattering for individuals with broad shoulders, there are several options to consider:
V-necklines:
- A V-neckline helps create a vertical line down the center of your body, which visually breaks up the width of your shoulders.
- Opt for deep V-necks rather than shallow ones for a more elongating effect.
- Avoid high necklines like turtlenecks or boat necks, as they can make your shoulders appear wider.
Cap sleeves:
- Cap sleeves provide a balanced look by adding width to the narrower part of your arms, creating the illusion of more proportionate shoulders.
- Avoid wearing sleeveless tops or halter necklines, as they can accentuate the broadness of your shoulders.
Empire waistlines:
- Tops or dresses with empire waistlines draw attention to your waist and create a flattering silhouette by emphasizing the narrowest part of your body.
- Consider pairing empire waist tops with bottoms that add volume, such as flared skirts or wide-leg pants, for a well-balanced look.
Tops to Avoid if You Have Broad Shoulders
While there are many styles that can flatter individuals with broad shoulders, it’s also important to be aware of tops that may emphasize shoulder width. Here are some tops to avoid if you have broad shoulders:
- Halter tops: Halter tops draw attention to the shoulders and can make them appear wider. Opt for other neckline styles instead.
- Puffed sleeves: Puffed sleeves add extra volume to the shoulder area and can make them look even broader. Choose sleeker sleeve styles instead.
- Bardot/off-the-shoulder tops: These styles draw attention directly to the shoulder area. If you still want to wear off-the-shoulder tops, choose ones with additional details or patterns on the lower half to balance out your silhouette.
By avoiding these types of tops and opting for more flattering styles, you can create a balanced and visually appealing look that downplays the broadness of your shoulders.
Colors and Patterns that Minimize the Appearance of Broad Shoulders
The colors and patterns you choose can also play a role in minimizing the appearance of broad shoulders. Here are some tips:
Dark colors:
- Wearing dark-colored tops can create a slimming effect and make your shoulders appear narrower.
- Black, navy, charcoal gray, or deep jewel tones are great options for creating a more balanced silhouette.
Vertical stripes:
- Vertical stripes help create an elongating effect, drawing the eye up and down rather than side to side.
- Avoid horizontal stripes or bold patterns that emphasize width.
Color blocking:
- Opt for color-blocked tops with darker shades on the shoulder area to visually minimize their width.
- This technique can draw attention to other parts of your body while still adding interest to your outfit.
By incorporating these color and pattern choices into your wardrobe, you can create a more balanced visual effect and minimize the appearance of broad shoulders.
Accessories and Layering Techniques to Draw Attention Away from Broad Shoulders
In addition to clothing choices, accessories and layering techniques can help draw attention away from broad shoulders. Here’s how:
<h3.Statement necklaces:
- A statement necklace draws attention towards your neckline rather than your shoulder width.
- Opt for chunky or layered necklaces that add volume and visual interest to this area.
Scarves:
- Wearing scarves can create a vertical line down the center of your body, visually breaking up the width of your shoulders.
- Choose lightweight scarves that drape softly rather than bulky ones that add extra volume to your shoulder area.
Layering with jackets or cardigans:
- Add structure and visual interest to your outfits by layering with jackets or cardigans.
- Choose styles that hit below your shoulders to draw attention downward and create a more balanced silhouette.
By incorporating these accessories and layering techniques into your outfits, you can divert attention away from your broad shoulders and create a more balanced overall look.
Suitable Necklines for Individuals with Broad Shoulders
The right neckline can make a significant difference in minimizing the appearance of broad shoulders. Here are some suitable necklines to consider:
V-necklines:
- A V-neckline helps create a vertical line down the center of your body, which visually breaks up the width of your shoulders.
- Opt for deep V-necks rather than shallow ones for a more elongating effect.
Scoop necklines:
- Scoop necklines have a rounded shape that draws attention towards the center of your chest, away from your shoulder width.
- Choose scoop necklines that aren’t too wide or low to maintain balance in proportion.
Cowl necklines:
- Cowl necklines drape softly around the collarbone area, creating a flattering look and drawing attention upward.
- Opt for cowl necklines that aren’t too voluminous to avoid adding extra width to your shoulders.
By choosing these neckline styles, you can create a more balanced and visually appealing look that downplays the broadness of your shoulders.
Fabrics and Textures that Soften the Look of Broad Shoulders
The choice of fabrics and textures can also play a role in softening the look of broad shoulders. Here are some options to consider:
Soft, flowy fabrics:
- Opt for tops or dresses made from soft, flowy fabrics like silk, chiffon, or lightweight cotton.
- These fabrics drape softly over your shoulder area and create a more feminine and balanced silhouette.
Knitwear with texture:
- Choose knitwear with textured patterns or details like ribbing or cable-knit to add visual interest and distract from shoulder width.
- Avoid chunky knits that add extra bulk to your shoulder area.
Ruching or gathering:
- Tops with ruching or gathering around the shoulder area can help soften the appearance of broad shoulders.
- This technique adds texture and creates visual interest while minimizing the focus on shoulder width.
By selecting fabrics and textures that have a softening effect on your shoulder area, you can create a more balanced overall look and feel confident in your outfit choices.
Brands or Designers Catering to Individuals with Broader Shoulder Frames
While many brands offer clothing options suitable for individuals with broader shoulder frames, some brands or designers specifically cater to this body type. Here are a few worth exploring:
Rag & Bone:
Rag & Bone is known for its tailored yet relaxed aesthetic, offering clothing styles that flatter broader shoulders. Their blazers and jackets often have structured shoulders and slimming silhouettes.
Diane von Furstenberg:
Diane von Furstenberg’s designs often feature wrap dresses and tops that cinch at the waist, creating an hourglass shape and balancing out the broadness of the shoulders. Her prints and patterns also draw attention away from shoulder width.
Reformation:
Reformation offers a range of stylish clothing options with flattering cuts for various body types. Their tops often have details like ruching or draping that minimize the appearance of broad shoulders while still maintaining a trendy look.
These are just a few examples, but it’s always worth exploring different brands and designers to find ones that cater to your specific body type and style preferences.
Outerwear Recommendations for Those with Broad Shoulders
When it comes to outerwear for individuals with broad shoulders, there are certain styles that can help create a balanced silhouette. Here are some recommendations:
Tailored blazers:
- A well-fitted blazer can add structure to your upper body while creating a streamlined look.
- Look for blazers with structured shoulders and a nipped-in waist to balance out your silhouette.
Trench coats:
- Trench coats have a classic silhouette that flatters various body types, including those with broad shoulders.
- Choose trench coats with a defined waist or a belt to create an hourglass shape and draw attention away from your shoulders.
Wrap coats:
- Wrap coats are great for creating an hourglass figure and balancing out broad shoulders.
- Opt for wrap coats with a tie waist or adjustable closures to accentuate your waistline.
When selecting outerwear, consider the fit, structure, and details of the garment to ensure it flatters your broad shoulders and creates a balanced overall look.
Embracing and Celebrating Your Broad Shoulders with Confidence in Outfit Choices
Ultimately, the key to dressing well with broad shoulders is embracing and celebrating your unique body shape. While there are guidelines and recommendations that can help create a more balanced silhouette, it’s important to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Experiment with different styles, cuts, colors, and patterns to find what works best for you. Remember that fashion should be fun and expressive, so don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. With the right outfit choices and a confident attitude, you can rock any look and feel great in your own skin!
In conclusion, when dressing for broad shoulders, it is important to choose clothing that balances and flatters the upper body. Opting for V-necklines, structured jackets, and A-line dresses can help create a more proportionate silhouette. Additionally, avoiding certain styles like boat necks or shoulder pads can help minimize the appearance of broad shoulders. Ultimately, confidence is key in any outfit choice, so wear what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful.
