Here are the top 5 fashion mistakes people with broad shoulders make — and how to fix them.
1. Wearing High Necklines That
Emphasize Width
Mistake: Tops with high necklines like crew necks, boat
necks, and turtlenecks tend to draw attention to the upper torso, making your
shoulders appear even broader.
Fix: Choose V-necks, scoop necks, or wrap tops. These create
vertical lines that elongate your frame and draw attention away from the
shoulder width.
Style Tip: Try a deep V-neck blouse with layered necklaces to create balance.
2. Choosing Puffy Sleeves or
Shoulder Pads
Mistake: Exaggerated sleeves, puff shoulders, and shoulder
pads add volume where you already have plenty — making your upper body look
bulky and top-heavy.
Fix: Opt for fitted sleeves, cap sleeves, or even sleeveless
styles. Structured but minimal shoulders will create a more proportional and
streamlined look.
Avoid: Statement shoulders and balloon sleeves.
3. Ignoring Waist Definition
Mistake: Wearing boxy or shapeless outfits can make your
body look wider overall, especially if you're already broad on top.
Fix: Use belts, wrap dresses, or peplum styles to define
your waist and create an hourglass illusion. Emphasizing your midsection shifts
attention away from your shoulders.
Pro Tip: A cinched waist with an A-line skirt helps balance the silhouette beautifully.
4. Wearing Horizontal Stripes Across
the Chest
Mistake: While stripes are trendy, horizontal lines across
the chest can make your shoulders seem wider and your upper body
disproportionate.
Fix: Go for vertical stripes, diagonal patterns, or solid
dark tones on top. These help elongate and slim your upper frame.
Good Combo: Vertical stripe shirt + high-waisted jeans = balanced style win.
5. Neglecting Lower Body Styling
Mistake: Focusing only on the upper body and ignoring the
lower half creates imbalance, especially when you have broader shoulders.
Fix: Add volume or visual interest to your lower body with
wide-leg pants, flared skirts, or bright colors. This helps even out your
silhouette and brings harmony to your outfit.
Try: A-line skirts, pleated trousers, or printed bottoms.
Final Thoughts: Style Is About Balance
Having broad shoulders is not a flaw — it’s a feature! The
key is to style your outfits in a way that balances your proportions and
enhances your confidence. By avoiding these common fashion mistakes and
embracing the right silhouettes, you can feel and look your best in any outfit.