Clothes for Broad Shoulders
With broad shoulders the best way to make them appear narrower and more in proportion to the hips, is to draw the eye from the edge of the shoulders down towards the centre of the body. This creates the illusion that you have a more hourglass figure instead of an inverted triangle shape.
Neck Lines that Suit You
Tops that are good for your shape are scoop necks that break up the expanse of your chest area. V necks are also a good shape for broad shoulders, especially if you have a large chest to go with it. If you have a smaller chest and broad shoulders then a fitted shirt with the top few buttons undone can also look great.
Shapes to avoid in general are slash necks and round necks. Also avoid polo necks if you have broad shoulders and large boobs. All these neck lines are close up to the chin and create a horizontal line, mirroring the line of your shoulders, making them appear even broader.
Wider straps are much more flattering for broad shoulders than thin spaghetti straps as they break up more of the shoulder area. Avoid adding bulk to the shoulders themselves, so steer clear of shoulder pads and puff sleeves.
Another neck line to be careful with is halter necks, as these emphasise the muscular appearance of the shoulders. You could get away with this shape if the halter neck starts wide, right under your arm pits, is not tight around the neck and the straps are at least an inch wide, otherwise it is probably a shape to avoid.
Balancing Broad Shoulders
Adding width to you hips can make your shoulders appear more in proportion. If you have a larger bum, an A line skirt will add volume at hip level and therefore balance out your shoulders, but also skim and flatter your bottom half.
If you have broad shoulders and narrow hips you could try buying tailored trousers with slit pockets at hip level which will make that area appear wider and in more proportion to your shoulders.
Jeans and trousers should either be straight leg or boot cut. If you have the height to carry them off, flared trousers are great for balancing broad shoulders. Avoid tapered trousers and also skinny jeans as although these may be flattering for your bottom half, they will make your shoulders appear wider.
