Necklines play a much larger role in styling an outfit than many women realize. The slightest shift of a neckline can completely change the entire aesthetic, and alter how flattering (or not) an outfit is on your body. This is primarily due to the fact that dressing based on your body type is very much based on illusions and playing around with proportions and balance.
If you have broad shoulders, you have probably noticed some necklines may not ‘feel’ quite right with your shape. To help alleviate any confusion you may have in the neckline department, this is a breakdown of some of the best necklines for broad shoulders – with some tips along the way of course.
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Neckline dos and donts
Because necklines play such a large role in flattering your figure, there are a few key concepts you’ll want to keep in mind with broad shoulders.
First, avoid any type of neckline that adds bulk or exaggerated focus to the shoulder area. These types of designs tend to further emphasize broad shoulders, making them appear even broader instead of balancing your shape.
With that idea in mind, stylists suggest it’s best to look for necklines that bring more of the attention towards the center of your body with the necklines chosen. What this does is visually draws the eye in, making the broadness of your shoulders less prominent – without ‘hiding’ them.
Now that you understand the general ideas to think about when choosing the right necklines, here’s a deeper dive into some of the best options to get you started.
Wear V-Neckline
One of the most classic and well known of the necklines is definitely the v-neckline. It’s classic for good reason – it’s incredibly flattering and easy to wear for many different body types, but particularly great for broad shoulders.
V-necklines are a great choice because they have a subtle way of elongating the neckline and drawing the focus towards the center of the body. Which is something that beautifully balances broad shoulders.
One of the best things about v-necklines is how many variations of the neckline are available. Scrolling through an online retailer, or in person store, you’ll find quite a few out there. The good news is you can wear the v-necklines of your choosing based upon your personal preferences – whether it’s a subtle v or something that shows a bit more skin.
Of course, the v-neckline is something that can (and should be) adapted with all sleeve lengths making this a great option for your fall and winter wardrobe to stay warm and flatter your figure.
Wear Asymmetrical Necklines
This one may come as a surprise but it happens to be an incredibly stylish and flattering option: the asymmetrical neckline. You may also know this as a one-shoulder neckline.
Asymmetric necklines are an unexpected option but thanks to the way they lay diagonally across the body, they work wonders for broad shoulders. Essentially what this neckline does is minimizes the broadness of shoulders by breaking them up a bit.
Additionally, this neckline gives the illusion of a softer silhouette that brings the focus throughout the body rather than it all being at the shoulders – which is a great attribute when you have broad shoulders that you want to balance out.
Something that’s also really special about this style is the way it gives a sexy, feminine aesthetic to an outfit. Even if it’s just a simple long sleeve shirt and jeans, when the asymmetric neckline is added it really kicks the outfit up a few notches.
Wear Halter Necklines
Another winning style choice for broad shoulders is a halter neckline. The shape of halter necklines adds some structure and lengthening to the body that make for a great balance to broad shoulders.
Similar to v-necklines, the halter style draws the eye closer to the center of the body. The difference between the two styles is that with a halter neckline it provides an opportunity to show off shoulders – if this is something you desire to do with your style.
Elongating the neckline and torso area of the body can be another way to balance broad shoulders. Anytime you lengthen the body it makes the broader area of the body look more narrow. If you have a short torso paired with broad shoulders, you may want to make the halter neckline a staple in your wardrobe.
Wear Scoop Necklines
The second classic neckline to make the list because it’s another option that looks great with broad shoulders. This is very similar to the v-neckline in the way it works for flattering broad shoulders.
One thing that you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting scoop necklines is how wide they sit on your body. If the scoop is too wide, it CAN widen the appearance of your shoulders. To avoid this, stick to scoop necklines that are more narrow in their placement – giving you the effect that’s much like v-neckline.
Now that you know some of the most flattering neckline options for broad shoulders, you’re probably wondering if there are specific necklines to avoid. In short, there are a couple that aren’t the most flattering with broad shoulders.
Necklines to avoid are going to be anything that brings a lot of extra emphasis to the shoulder area (as mentioned previously). In general, most strapless options are tricky for broad shoulder body types to wear without making shoulders look even more broad. But here are a couple of specifics to help you sort through:
Avoid Turtlenecks
Unfortunately, this classic neckline isn’t the best option for broad shoulders.
The problem that arises with turtlenecks is how much focus is at the neck and shoulders.
Additionally, the way the body is cut off at the neck, because of how high a turtleneck rests on the body tends to widen the shoulder area.
Avoid Off the Shoulder Neckline
While this style is ‘off’ the shoulders it’s because of the placement that makes it hard for women with broad shoulders.
This neckline is much like turtlenecks in that it widens the appearance of shoulders, due to the way the sleeves wrap around the shoulder area.
Avoid Boat Neckline
By now you probably can guess why the boat neckline isn’t ideal for broad shoulders. If not, it’s the same reason the previous two aren’t ideal.
The widened placement of the neckline, you guessed it, widens shoulders. Boat necklines can be found in quite a few variations with some not being quite as wide across the shoulders. However, even with the more subtle variations they’re often not the most flattering route to go.
