How to make broad shoulders appear narrow
Necklines
GO FOR:
V-neckline: ‘V’ neckline highlights the neckline, V- Neckline is the most flattering neckline on most women because it emphasizes the oval shape of the face and makes the neck appear longer.
It creates a slimming effect and depending on the depth of the V- neckline it can be used to create the illusion of a broad shoulder or a narrow shoulder.
The V- neckline can dissect large chests, but it can also create an interest for a smaller bust.
The V-neckline with a width greater than the length will help you make your narrow shoulders appear wider. A deeper V-neckline will make your wide-shoulders look narrower.
Cowl neckline: Cowl-neck incorporates a greater amount of extra fabric, hanging in a scooping fashion, on the neck-line. This helps to draw attention towards your chest and neckline. Thus, loosing the focus from the shoulders.
AVOID:
Halter neckline: as this will make you look wider than they actually are.
Square neckline: this neckline gives the shoulders a broader look.
Scoop : provide maximum exposure to the chest making it look broader than they actually are. More focus towards chest and shoulders.
Boat: This is not an ideal one for those with broad shoulders or a short neck.
Off-shoulder: It widens the shoulders.
Turtle: makes the shoulder more wide then they actually are.
Waistlines
GO FOR:
Become aware of the triangle created by your shoulders and waist, and dress accordingly. Nipped-in and cinched waists will make your shoulders look bigger in comparison.
Dropped waistline: The dropped waistline is also a horizontal line that falls three to four inches below your natural waistline, near the level of your upper hips. It helps to balance out the broad shoulders by adding length to your body frame.
Assymetric waistline: An asymmetrical waist-line runs diagonally across the body. The waist-line features a continuous and constant change in the waist-height from one side of the dress to another. This feature of the waistline draws the attention towards it also making the body apper taller.
Natural waistline: The seam of this waistline lies at the natural waist, i.e., between the rib-cage and the hips.This waist-line keeps in accordance with balance and proportion.
Avoid:
Empire-raised waistline: This waistline enhances the upper body.
Sleeves
GO FOR:
Raglan sleeves, :- The smooth fall of the sleeve takes away the attention making the shoulders appear small.
Sleeveless/ thin straps: balances the shoulder without attracting too much attention towards them.
Avoid:
Cap sleeves: Draws the eye to the shoulder area making it more prominent.
Puff-sleeves: Gathering at the sleeves make it more heavy.
How to make broad shoulders appear narrow
Fabrics
GO FOR:
Go for light, soft and flowing fabrics.
Avoid:
Sturdy fabrics.
Colors
Prints
Outfits
GO FOR:
Wear A- line skirts and medium flared trousers with details and prints. They will add some dimension to the slim lower body.
Tops with details on the waist are great for you as they will help you highlight your waist-line.
Team dark color tops with light color bottoms.
Empire dresses will also work well for you. This style narrows at the top and flares at the bottom.
Avoid:
Avoid tops with long, puffed or huge sleeves as they draw attention towards your upper body.
Avoid wearing tube-tops as they can accentuate your heavy bust.
Avoid tops with frills and details at the neckline.
Accessories
GO FOR:
Long neckpieces: they help to lengthen and soften the strong horizontal lines of your shoulders.
Earrings: wear small earrings with interesting detailing.Avoid heavy and chunky ones.
Bags: Carry bright, colourful clutch/ satchel bags.
Belts: Wear stylish and chunky belts as they can draw attention towards your waist.
Avoid:
Opera necklace or matinee as they sit around your chest area thus emphasising and making neck and shoulders apper broad.