Us ladies sometimes like to go on a bender analysing our bodies, critiquing every curve and angle, and then we get conscious about our shape. One “problem area” that plagues the mind of many is wide shoulders. Well, for those of you who are losing sleep over this, we bring you our guide to what to wear if you have broad shoulders. Try these tricks out, and we can assure you that you will be able to soften the impact of your shoulders not only on your appearance but also your peace of mind. 🙂
1. Choose Necklines That Soften Your Shoulders
The right neckline is everything for a broad-shouldered woman. Opt for V-necks, scoop necks, narrow collars and lapels, collarless styles and mandarin collars. Laser cut or mesh bodices prevent unnecessary emphasis on the shoulder too. When layering up, turn to jackets and blazers that are long and hit the hip instead of the waist.
POPxo recommends: French Connection Kimono Sleeve Scoop Neck Red Smock Style Top on Jabong (Rs 1,200), Meira Bold Beige Palazzo Pants on LimeRoad (Rs 599) and The Marissa Flat by The Trunk Label (Rs 1,450)
2. Avoid Necklines That Broaden Your Shoulders
Boat necks, halters, square necklines and off-shoulders and shoulder pads are a no-no if you’re conscious about your shoulders. If you want to try one-shouldered styles, go for a top or a dress that has diagonal pleating. Your blazers and jackets shouldn’t be too snug, as they will further define your shoulders. Remember not to button up the waist of your jacket as that too draws attention to your shoulders.
POPxo recommends: KOOVS V-Neck Cut Out Back Playsuit in Leopard Print (Rs 645), Merry Go Round Black Bag by Stalk Buy Love (Rs 899) and Aldo Mid Heels (Rs 5,800)
3. Pick the Right Sleeves
Sleeves play a major role in downplaying well-defined shoulders. Avoid strapless styles as they not only enhance your shoulders but also play havoc with the appearance of your body’s proportions. Spaghetti straps are best avoided too. Wear broad straps instead. Raglan, dolman, kimono and diagonal cut sleeves are safe bets as they soften any sharp edges in your silhouette. But remember that puffy and horizontal cut sleeves have no business being a part of your closet!
POPxo recommends: Electric Blue Raglan Sleeve Solid Blouse by Cotton World (Rs 1,100), Dhora Illustrated Pajama (Rs 2,999) and Do Bhai Wedges on Flipkart (Rs 449)
4. Add Volume to Your Lower Body
As always, balance is the key, particularly if your shoulders are wider than your hips. So offset your wide upper body by adding volume to your lower body. Wide-legged pants, palazzos, maxi skirts or voluminous midi skirts are the easiest ways to do this. When it comes to Indian wear, shararas or lehengas are a better bet than churidars and leggings. Flared or skater dresses are another hot favourite too. They create the illusion of wider bottoms, thereby maintaining perfect balance.
POPxo recommends: Vanca Charcoal Grey Skater Dress on Myntra (Rs 1,499), FabAlley Snake Print Gold Box Clutch (Rs 1,500) and Three Lion Bracelet by Style Fiesta (Rs 899)
5. Try Wrapped Styles
Wrapped styles, be it tops or dresses, are a boon for you and you would be wise to stock up on them. They slim down your shoulders while defining your waistline, thereby promising a balanced look. The V-neck splits the shoulder expanse, making it appear narrower, while the tie accentuates the waist.
POPxo recommends: Tie Dye Overlap Dress by The Closet Label (Rs 1,650), IDIVA Heels by Veruschka (Rs 4,800) and Sanya V Jain Donna Brown Suede Fringe Sling Bag on Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop (Rs 9,900)
6. Wear Dark Tops
We all know how flattering dark colours are. The trick here is to wear dark tops with bottoms that are at least a shade or two lighter and aren’t super-skinny, thereby creating an ultimately proportionate look. If you’re wearing a colour-blocked dress or salwar, ensure the darker of the hues is on top.
POPxo recommends: Recap Fall for This Floral Balloon Top on Fashionara (Rs 1,399), Roadster Women Blue Bootcut Jeans on Myntra (Rs 1,299) and Adidas Vitoria Li Running Shoes (Rs 2,999)
7. Divert Attention
The oldest trick in the book is to draw the eye somewhere else so that focus isn’t on your problem area. In the case of broad shoulders, there are several ways to achieve this – backless styles, short hemlines or peek-a-boo necklines that put modest cleavage on display. Embellishments ought to be saved for the bottom half of your outfit. As far as accessories are concerned, turn to long pendants over choker necklaces as they elongate the vertical line of your body. Chandelier earrings should be avoided as they draw the eye back to your shoulder area.
POPxo recommends: Tarun Tahiliani Teal Short Kaftan Tunic on Exclusively In (Rs 16,900) and Cream Cube Strand Necklace by Pipa+Bella (Rs 1,200)
MUST-READ: #RealGirlStyle: Clothes and Styles That Flatter a Small Bust
MUST-READ: #RealGirlStyle: The Best Kurtas for Every Body Type!
