Women's Figure Flattery Guide: Broad Shoulders

Downplay the width of your shoulders by softening them.

Look for...

• Set-in sleeves that do not extend beyond shoulder bones.
• Dark colored tops.
• V-necklines.
• Vertical seaming.
• Balance narrow hips with pockets at the hipline.

• Jackets & Coats
• Longer styles.
• Loose, unstructured jackets.
• Deep armholes.
• Raglan sleeves.
• Kimono sleeves.
• Dropped sleeves.
• Small lapels.
• Small, narrow collars.
• Single breasted styles.
• Notch or shawl collars.
• Vertical seaming.

• Tops
• Deep V-neck tops.
• Raglan sleeves.
• Deep, narrow v-neck tops.
• Narrow collars and lapels.
• Cuffed sleeves.


• Swimsuits
• Straps that hit at mid-shoulder.
• Wider straps.
• V-necks.
• Scoop necklines.
• Vertical details.
• Diagonal lines.
  

Run from...

• Anything that will draw extra attention to the shoulder area.
• Shoulder pads.
• Horizontal lines at the shoulder.
• Colorblocking on shoulders.
• High, closed necklines.

• Jackets & Coats
• Double breasted styles.
• Horizontal detailing.
• Fitted styles.
• Wide lapels on collars.
• Short, rolled lapels.
• Yokes.
• Breast pockets.
• Puffed or gathered sleeves.
• Epaulettes.
• Asymmetrical closures.
• High, closed, round necks.

• Tops
• Tops made of shiny fabrics.
• Horizontal lines at the shoulder, or anywhere above the bustline.
  
• Shoulder detailing.
  
• Boat necked tops.
• Square necked tops.
• Wrap-style tops.
• Wide collars.
• Puffy sleeves.
• One-shoulder necklines.
• Wide necklines.
• Halter tops.

• Swimsuits
• Racerback suits.
• Halter necklines.