How to hide broad shoulders with a dress: 8 successful styles

Dressing for your body type is about highlighting, rather than hiding, your best features. Broad shoulders are most often characteristic of women with an athletic build or those with an inverted triangle figure with a massive top and narrow hips. Here at Joy-pup, we’ll show you how to optically reduce your shoulder width with dress styles that balance your upper body.

A-line dress

This dress style is one of the best for the inverted triangle body type. It flares out slightly from the top half, creating an attractive line. An A-line dress visually evens out broad shoulders, drawing attention downwards. This could be the perfect option for you, especially if you are looking for a dress that will compliment your massive shoulders. No additional accessories are required here, because an A-line dress does not hide your shoulders, but rather emphasizes them.

Boat neck dress

The boat neckline enhances your features while maintaining a stylish and fashionable look. The horizontal neckline creates balance by drawing attention away from the shoulders and creating the illusion of a slimmer figure. Raglan sleeves are the perfect addition to your personal style. They not only add flair, but also gently balance the shoulder line, creating a more attractive and harmonious silhouette.

Halter neck dress

Off-the-shoulder halterneck dresses can be a stylish choice for those with broad shoulders. This design, where the straps cross at the neck, is one of the best options that highlight your best features and provide a perfect fit. They draw attention to the neck and collarbone area, softening broad shoulders. There are plenty of variations of models – from elegant tight-fitting to flowing A-line.

Off Shoulder Dress

Another very noticeable style is the off-the-shoulder dress, which perfectly balances a wide upper body. These outfits not only follow the latest fashion trends but also suit your body type perfectly. Pair these dresses with long necklaces or drop earrings to elongate your neck and further draw attention away from your broad shoulders. Choosing clothes that suit your body shape wisely is key, and off-the-shoulder dresses bring you closer to creating the perfect look for wide shoulders.

Wrap dress

If you want to hide your broad shoulders, don’t forget about a winning wrap dress. This model’s unique style aims to create the perfect balance. A wrap dress with a V-neck gives the appearance of extra length to the upper body, effectively creating the illusion of narrow shoulders. The empire waistline further accentuates your natural curves and visually reduces the width of your shoulders. Choose dark-colored models with vertical lines.

Maxi dress

A long dress is a fantastic choice for matching broad shoulders. Its goal is to create a visual illusion that narrows the upper body. Particularly effective in this regard are flared styles, which add volume to the lower half of your body, creating the perfect balance with broad shoulders. With the right maxi dress, your shoulders will not be an obstacle, but will become a great accent. So dress up in a maxi dress and let it do wonders for your silhouette.

V-neck dresses

A V-neck dress skillfully draws attention away from the shoulders, focusing it on a small bust and ribcage. The unique feature of these dresses is their ability to create the illusion of a longer neck and slimmer upper body. The best option to achieve a balance between wide shoulders and narrow hips is to use lighter shades for the top and darker shades for the bottom. This technique visually smoothes out the contrast, creating a harmonious image.

Slip dress

When searching for the perfect dress style, don’t overlook the elegant slip dress. This minimalist straight silhouette with spaghetti straps shifts the focus from the shoulders to the arms and legs, artfully balancing your proportions. The fabric hugs your body smoothly, highlighting your natural curves without adding bulk to your top. Choose high-quality materials such as silk or satin for a luxurious and fashionable look. Pair this dress with statement heels for a sophisticated evening look, or pair it with sneakers for casual outings for versatility and style.