With broader shoulders, the neckline, waist and shape of the trousers can influence the proportions of an outfit. A V-neck or open collar gives a vertical line. Soft shoulders and a tailored top can make the proportions calmer. Flared or wide trousers can add extra volume at the bottom. Long lines and calm colours can bring the outfit extra balance.
A strong silhouette, no problem
Broad shoulders do not need to be corrected or hidden. It is mainly about which proportions you find pleasant in an outfit. It is mainly about the proportions between shoulders, waist and bottom half. You can play with the neckline, waist and shape of the trousers. With the right neckline and trouser shape you can keep that proportion calm.
The five principles
- Choose a vertical neckline. A V-neck or open collar gives a vertical line and can draw attention more towards the centre.
- Keep the shoulders soft. Avoid shoulder pads, epaulettes and puff sleeves. A seamless or slightly dropped shoulder seam looks softer.
- Show your waist. A tailored blouse or a tucked-in top creates an hourglass line that connects shoulders and hips.
- Give the bottom half volume. Flared or wide trousers bring balance with the top.
- Dark on top, light below. A dark top with lighter trousers shifts attention downwards.
Necklines: what works and what does not
| Neckline | Effect with broad shoulders |
|---|---|
| V-neck | Vertical line; can make the neck look longer |
| Open collar or lapels | Good: open, downward-pointing line |
| Deep round neck | Good: softens the shoulders |
| High neck or quarter zip closed | Neutral: wear the zip half open |
| Boat neck or off-shoulder | Puts more emphasis on the shoulder line |
| Halter | Can be lovely, shows the shoulders without widening |
Tops and blouses
A blouse with a V-neck gives a clear vertical line. The blouse with V-neck and matte satin look in white drapes smoothly over the shoulders and has an open, vertical neckline. The supple fabric prevents the shoulders from looking angular. For the office the tailored blouse in shadow blue works well: the darts define the waist and bring shoulders and hips into balance.
Knitwear with a V-neck can also work well. The knitted polo with V-neck in black combines a dark colour with a vertical neckline, two principles in one piece. Wear it tucked in, so the waist stays visible.
Trousers: strengthening the bottom half
Wide or flared trousers can add extra volume at the bottom. The flaring line adds volume to the lower half. The trousers with pleats and flared leg in black have a high waist and a long, flaring line. In spring and summer the flared ankle-length trousers in white are a beautiful choice: a light colour under a dark top shifts attention downwards. Very slim trousers give more contrast with a broader shoulder line.
Three outfits
- Office: tailored blouse in shadow blue tucked into the black flared trousers, pumps or loafers, a long thin necklace.
- Weekend: black knitted polo with V-neck over the white flared trousers, sneakers and a crossbody bag with a long strap.
- Evening: white blouse with V-neck tucked into the black flared trousers, slim heels and long earrings.
Using colour and pattern smartly
The distribution of colour also influences where attention goes. Wear dark, plain colours on top and lighter or slightly more striking colours on the bottom. A black or navy top with white, cream or grey trousers shifts attention downwards. If you want to wear a pattern, choose it for the bottom half. Vertical stripes in a top or dress work well, because they emphasise length rather than width.
Sleeves and armholes
The sleeve makes a difference too. A raglan sleeve gives a different, softer line around the shoulder than a classic set-in sleeve. A sleeve that starts slightly below the shoulder also works well. With sleeveless tops, choose an armhole that is cut slightly inwards, so the end of your shoulder stays free: that looks slimmer than a sleeveless top with a wide shoulder strap.
Coats and jackets
Choose coats without shoulder pads and with soft, rounded shoulders. A coat with V-shaped lapels or a wrap coat with a belt at the waist works especially well. A cropped jacket can work, provided it is worn open and the shoulders are not too tight. Avoid coats with large collars that flare out over the shoulders.
Accessories that help
- Long necklaces: a necklace that falls to halfway down your chest creates a vertical line.
- Long earrings: draw the eye to your face instead of your shoulders.
- Bags: a crossbody with a long strap or a handbag. A small bag high under the armpit emphasises the shoulder line.
- Belts: a narrow belt at the waist reinforces the hourglass line.
What can work less well
- Puff sleeves, ruffles and frills on the shoulders.
- Horizontal stripes across the chest and shoulders.
- Boat necks and wide collars.
- Shoulder pads in jackets and blouses.
- Very tight trousers without volume at the bottom.
Fit: choose on the shoulders
With broad shoulders it is tempting to choose a size up so the shoulders fit, with the result that the rest is too loose. Do choose the size that fits your shoulders, but have the waist taken in if necessary. A good fit at the shoulders and waist is more important than fixed style rules. Discover flattering styles in our blouses for Women, trousers for Women and knitwear for Women.
Shop the look
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Delphine: tailored blouse, shadow blue
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, black
Daphni: trousers with pleats and flared leg, black
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, white
Frequently asked questions
Which neckline suits broad shoulders?
A V-neck, open collar or deep round neck. They draw the eye downwards and to the centre. A boat neck or off-shoulder style emphasises the width instead.
Which trousers suit broad shoulders?
Flared or wide trousers with a high waist. The flaring leg gives the bottom half volume, so your silhouette is in balance.
Should I avoid shoulder pads?
Yes, with broad shoulders, pads and puff sleeves make the upper body wider. Choose soft, natural shoulders.
