Making Broad Shoulders Look More Feminine

I can remember a time when having broad shoulders was the fashionable look that everyone wanted to have. Those were the days when girls paid top dollar for dresses that had shoulder pads. The bigger, the better. I remember my friends being envious of my broad swimmer-shoulders. Times changed and so did fashion. My friends were able to remove their shoulder pads but I still had my swimmer-shoulders. So, I had to learn how to make my shoulders look narrower.

You can make your shoulders appear narrower and more feminine by wearing tops that have V-neck or scooped necklines. Square necklines and halter necks draw attention to the face and away from the shoulders. Stay away from off-the-shoulder and spaghetti strap tops as they accentuate wide shoulders.

Balance your wide shoulders by wearing wide A-line and circle skirts with a fitted top.

Let’s take a closer look at how you can style your broad shoulders to make them look more feminine.

How To Make Broad Shoulders Look Feminine?

Let’s start with the obvious and get it out of the way. If we are attempting to give our broad shoulders a softer feel – take the shoulder pads out of your shirts. It is not a common trend today, but if you love a good thrift store haul (like me) the shoulder pads sometimes just sneak in. So make sure you remove them from tops and dresses. This will remove any additional bulkiness from your shoulders.

Be sure to examine suit jackets and blazers before buying them; sometimes the shoulder pads are sewn in underneath the lining, In that case, the only way to get rid of the shoulder pads would also ruin the suit jacket.

Find the Right Fit

Another great way to make broad shoulders look more feminine is to make sure you buy flattering fits. Stay away from tight shirts that cling to your upper body. Flowy, looser fits for shirts will balance your shoulders and torso.

When selecting a dress, go for the fitted portion up top and a fuller bottom to give the allusion of smaller shoulders. An A-line dress is a great classy option while wrap dresses could be fun casual wear.

Sleeves and Necklines

When it comes to the types of sleeves, stay away from spaghetti and other thin straps. These styles can be “swallowed” up by broad shoulders and draw attention to them. Since cap sleeves are made to give the appearance of broad shoulders, stay clear of that style as well.

Necklines can also be utilized to make broad shoulders look more feminine. V-necks and scoop necklines are flattering on any body type, but high neck/halter necklines and square necklines draw attention to the chin and face, also distracting from the shoulders. The two necklines to keep away from are off-the-shoulder and boat necklines. These two necklines rest on the edge of your shoulders and highlight their natural width.

Safe Colors

We all know and appreciate the slimming power of black. This power is not just for the gut and butt, but also for the shoulders. Black is a naturally slimming color. A good broad-shoulder wardrobe should include all of these staples: A sexy black dress, a casual black top, and a professional black blouse.

Again, these are staples, so be sure to try them on at the store and make sure you feel confident in them before committing. Avoid bold, intense colors for your tops as these would draw a lot of attention to your shoulders. Natural and softer jewel tones are the best compliment colors for broad shoulders.

Accessories

It may surprise you, but the necklace styles and length you choose could greatly help or hinder making broad shoulders look more feminine. In order to draw attention away from your shoulders, try long draping necklaces. This will create a focal point away from the shoulders. Try to avoid shorter necklaces, especially chokers. These styles can make the neck look stocky and the shoulders even larger.

Earrings should be minimalistic in style. Long earrings naturally flow towards your shoulders – highlighting them. Studs or short and simple drop earrings are your best options.