Finding flattering outfits can be tricky when you have broad shoulders and a large bust.
Certain silhouettes and details can help enhance your body shape rather than working against it.
With the right know-how, broad shoulders and a large bust don’t have to limit your fashion choices:
11+ Broad Shoulders & Large Bust : Gallery
Off-the-shoulder tops or dresses to highlight your shoulders. Pair with a A-line skirt to balance proportions
Off-the-shoulder silhouettes beautifully showcase your shoulders, collarbones, and neckline. The exposed skin draws the eye upwards.
Look for tops and dresses that have an elasticized or structured off-the-shoulder neckline that will stay in place. Avoid styles that may slip down and expose more than you intend.
An off-the-shoulder top paired with an A-line skirt is a classic combo. The skirt’s subtle flare balances out the shoulders.
For broadest shoulders, an A-line skirt that hits right below the knee is ideal. Longer, fuller maxis can overwhelm your frame.
An A-line skirt with a front or side slit also allows you to show some leg while balancing your top half.
Solid colored or minimal patterned tops and dresses keep the focus on your shoulders rather than busy designs.
Strapless off-the-shoulder styles work well for large busted women who want to highlight this asset. Provide support with shapewear.
Look for off-the-shoulder dresses and tops in stretchy, curve-hugging fabrics like jersey, silk or satin. This shows off your shape.
Statement earrings and an up do hairstyle further draw attention to your shoulders and elongated neck.
Wrap dresses in jersey or silky fabrics that drape nicely over your curves
Look for wrap dresses made of jersey, silk, or other fabrics with nice drape and stretch. This skims over curves rather than clinging.
Wrap dresses that crossover and tie at the side seam are great for cinching in at the narrowest part of your waist. This creates that coveted hourglass shape.
For busty women, a V-neck wrap dress is ideal. The V-neck draws the eyes down and the crossover wrap enhances the bust. Choose wrap dresses with elbow length or 3/4 sleeves to minimize broad shoulders.
Wrap dresses hitting just below the knee are the most balancing for your shape. Avoid midi or maxi lengths.
The wrap skirt will likely have a slit which shows just a flash of leg as you walk. This slit can be slightly sexy while still keeping things tasteful.
Jersey wrap dresses in solid colors or simple patterns are classy options for the office. Save heavily printed or excessively clingy wraps for date nights.
Look for wrap dresses with some stretch but also substantial weight so they don’t cling or gape at the bustline. Shapewear can help too.
Since wrap dresses cinch in the waist, you have the option to accessorize with a belt. A medium or thin belt works best.
Pointed toe heels or flats elongate the leg line. Carry a shoulder bag to avoid widening your upper body.
Boat neck or square neck tops to draw attention upwards and highlight your collarbone area
Boat neck and square neck tops draw the eye upwards to your face, shoulders and collarbone area. This balances out a fuller bust.
Look for boat and square necklines that are wide but not too low or revealing. Stay away from overly high necks that might overwhelm your shoulders.
Styles that are fitted through the shoulder and bust but gently skim over the waist and hips work well. This highlights your top half assets.
For broad shoulders, choose tops with 3/4 length or elbow length sleeves. Cap sleeves also minimize shoulder width.
Boat neck and square neck tops look great layered under blazers, cardigans or jean jackets to downplay your shoulders.
Pair these necklines with straight leg or bootcut pants. Avoid voluminous or wide leg bottoms.
Structured fabrics like poplin, brocade or stiff silk work better than ultra clingy jersey. Some drape in the torso helps skim over your lower half.
Jewel tones, rich solids and minimal patterns keep the focus on your face and upper body rather than busy prints.
Complete the look with a statement necklace that draws further attention upwards. Stud earrings also work well.
Try a sleek bun or other updo hairstyle to highlight your neck and shoulders.
V-neck tops or dresses to elongate your torso and create balance
A V-neck helps elongate the torso, which counters wider shoulders. The deep V draws the eyes down and creates the illusion of a longer neckline.
For modesty, look for V-necks that don’t plunge too low on a large bust. Aim for a depth that hits just below the collarbone.
V-necklines look great on wrap style dresses and tops. The crossover creates a slimming effect at the waistline.
Pair your V-neck top with straight leg or bootcut pants that have a medium-high rise. This continues the torso elongating effect.
Structured fabrics work better than super clingy jersey. Look for cotton, polyester blends with a little give. A-line skirts can balance the shoulders.
3/4 length sleeves on a V-neck top provide arm coverage to minimize broad shoulders. Bell sleeves are also a nice option.
V-neck dresses with a fit and flare shape highlight your upper body assets while skimming over your lower half.
Empire waist dresses or tops to cinch under the bust. Choose flutter or bell sleeves
The empire waistline hits right under the bust, drawing emphasis upwards and creating definition between the bust and waist. This balancing effect is flattering for your shape.
Look for empire waist dresses and tops that have a well-defined seam or ribbon right under the bust. Avoid undefined waistlines.
The dress silhouette should skim over hips and flare out into an A-line or slight trumpet shape below the waist seam.
Light, flowing fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and lightweight knits work well for the skirt portion. Avoid heaviness.
Flutter sleeves add a soft, billowing effect to balance out broad shoulders. Bell sleeves also minimize shoulder width.
Elbow length flutters sleeves are ideal. Avoid sleeveless or cap sleeves.
V-neck, square and boat necklines are all great neckline options for empire waist styles.
Solid colors or muted floral prints keep focus on the defined waistline rather than busy patterns.
Pair your empire waist dress with delicate heels and a shoulder bag. Avoid layers like blazers and cardigans.
Peplum tops to accentuate your waistline and minimize broad shoulders
Look for peplum tops where the ruffled or flared peplum hits right at your natural waist. This creates definition between your waist and hips.
For broad shoulders, choose a peplum top with 3/4 length or elbow length sleeves. The flare of the peplum minimizes the shoulder width.
Scoop, V-neck and boat neck peplum tops are great neckline options. Avoid high necks or turtlenecks.
Fitted fabrics like ponte knit or stretch cotton work best for the bodice. This skims over your bust and highlights your waist.
The peplum ruffle itself can be a flowy, lightweight fabric like chiffon if the bodice is more structured.
Solid colored peplum tops are ideal for minimizing broad shoulders. Subtle patterns like polka dots can also work.
Look for a shorter peplum length – longer tiers can overwhelm a petite frame.
Pair your peplum top with straight leg trousers, cigarette pants or a pencil skirt to balance proportions.
Pointed toe heels and a bold necklace draw attention downwards from your shoulders.
Style your hair away from your shoulders – a side pony or low bun shows off the peplum shape.
Cap sleeves that widen your shoulders minimally. Pair with deep v-necks
Cap sleeves add shape and definition to your shoulders without overly widening them. Choose cap sleeves with a slight curvature rather than severely straight.
Look for cap sleeves with a finished edge rather than raw cut. This gives a more polished look. The sleeve should fully cover your shoulder joint.
Pairing cap sleeves with a deep V-neck helps create balance and draw eyes down. Plunging V-necks can be daring yet elegant.
Choose structured cap sleeve tops in fabrics like poplin, satin or brocade. Some stretch like ponte knit works too. Avoid thin jersey knits.
Fitted silhouettes through the bust and waist complement your curves while minimizing shoulder width. An A-line skirt can balance proportions.
Deep V-necks may need shapewear or sewn-in bust support. Look for dresses with princess seams to enhance your bustline.
Jewel toned colors near the face illuminate skin tone. Darker hues on bottom such as black elongate your shape.
Finish the look with chandelier or shoulder dusting earrings to add interest while keeping emphasis off shoulders.
An updo hairstyle shows off shapely shoulders and the V-neckline. Side-swept bangs also draw eyes down.
Structured jackets with shoulder pads to even out proportions. Choose nipped-in waists
A jacket with mild shoulder padding can help make broader shoulders appear more proportional. Avoid major shoulder pad exaggeration.
Tailoring is key. Look for jackets with princess seams and darts through the bust for shape. The waist should nip in before flaring at the hips.
Fabrics like tweed, hopsack, and stretch wool lend structure. Linen and knit blazers tend to skim over curves rather than define them.
Pair your shoulder pad jacket with a lightweight camisole or fitted shell to accentuate your waist. V-necks and jewel tones flatter.
Pencil skirts, cigarette pants or tailored trousers balance out the shoulders. An A-line skirt hits at a slimming length just below or above the knee.
Three-quarter or bracelet length sleeves on the jacket minimize the upper arm while defining shoulders.
Simple vertical seams or princess seams shape the bust area. Avoid strong horizontal seaming which widens.
Jewelry like a statement cuff or delicate necklace provides contrast to the structured jacket.
Pointed toe heels and sleek hair (like a bun) polish off the look. Shoulder bag purses also work well.
Dolman or kimono sleeves that skim over the shoulders and arms
Dolman and kimono sleeves add width through the upper arm which helps balance out broader shoulders. The sleeves taper in at the wrist.
The looser sleeve silhouette also skims over the bust area rather than clinging. Look for a gentle blouson effect.
The armscye seam should hit just off the tip of the shoulder to provide ease through the arm without overwhelming your frame.
Dolman sleeves look great on knit tops, silk blouses and lightweight swing dresses. Avoid stiff fabrics that add bulk.
Solid colors or muted prints keep focus on the sleeve shape rather than loud patterns. Darker hues on bottom lengthen the body.
Boat, scoop and V-necklines complement the loose sleeve style. High or jewel necks can shorten the upper body.
Pair dolman and kimono sleeve tops with straight leg or bootcut pants. Pencil skirts also balance the volume.
Cinch in the waist with a medium width belt if the top is loose and flowy. This defines your shape.
Shoulder dusting earrings and delicate layered necklaces draws eyes down from the sleeves.
Wear hair up or pulled back to prevent distracting from the sleeve silhouette.
Surplice neck wrap tops to flatter the bust
The crossover surplice neckline creates a V-shape that highlights the collarbone and draws eyes down to accentuate the bust.
Look for wrap tops in stretchy or draped fabrics like jersey, rayon or lightweight knits that will conform to your curves rather than gap at the bust.
Tops that wrap and tie at the side seam cinch in the waist and are more secure than simply a crossover front.
The neckline should plunge moderately but not too low – ideally ending just above the bra line for support and lift.
Surplice wraps look great in solid colors or minimal patterns to keep focus on the neckline rather than busy prints.
Pair with straight leg or bootcut pants – avoid voluminous bottoms like wide leg or palazzo pants.
Layering a cropped cardigan or blazer on top provides arm coverage to balance the chest focus of the deep V.
Add a long, delicate necklace that draws eyes down the V-neckline further. Avoid short chokers.
Shoulder-length earrings also complement the look. Pull hair back in a low pony or bun to showcase the neck.
Maxi dresses to elongate your frame. Cinch in with a belt
A maxi dress helps elongate your entire frame, balancing out broader shoulders. Look for dresses that hit right above the ankle bone.
Fabrics like jersey, rayon, or light cotton with stretch and drape are ideal.
This skims over curves rather than clinging.
A maxi with an empire waist is great for cinching under the bust. V-necks, wrap styles, and off-the-shoulder necklines also flatter.
Three-quarter length or elbow sleeves add arm coverage to balance your top half. Avoid spaghetti straps.
Solid colors and subtle vertical patterns help elongate. Busy prints can overwhelm your frame.
Cinching with a medium width belt just under the bust defines your waist. Try knots, bows, or tassels.
Look for slight high-low hemlines or side slits to show a bit of leg as you walk. This creates shape.
Strappy flat sandals or wedges keep the outfit casual. Heels dress it up. Avoid ankle straps that cut off length.
Layered necklaces that draw the eyes downwards. Avoid chokers
Long, delicate chains in varying lengths help elongate the neck and torso. This creates balance against wider shoulders.
Steer clear of chokers or short necklaces that cut horizontally across the neckline. This emphasizes width.
Let your necklaces cascade down over your collarbone and décolletage to create a vertical line. V-necklines show off the layers beautifully.
Incorporate different textures like chains mixed with pendants for visual interest. Just don’t overload with too many short chains.
For casual outfits, try lighter metals like silver or gold with raw gems and stones. For evening, go more luxe with sparkling crystals.
Anchor your layers with a longer pendant, drop chain or Y-silhouette necklace. This carries the eye downwards.
Pair layered necklaces with hairstyles like a low bun or ponytail to keep your neck elongated. Avoid scarves.
Stick to delicate chains that don’t pull focus. Giant statement necklaces compete with your décolletage.
Let your necklaces provide the pattern and interest, keeping your top or dress more simple and neutral.
The key is drawing the gaze vertically to offset broad shoulders and balance your shape. The right layered necklaces can work wonders!
Scarves and shawls to softly frame your shoulders and bustline
Choose scarves in soft, flowing fabrics like chiffon, jersey, or lightweight cashmere. The drape helps minimize the appearance of broader shoulders.
Rectangular and large square scarves allow you to wrap in different styles. Avoid tiny kerchiefs or bandana styles tied at the neck.
Drape scarves with the points facing down to draw the eye vertically. Tie at the waist or hip rather than the neck.
Shawls with rounded, open fronts softly frame the shoulder and bustline area. Longer shawls pull focus down.
Wrap wider shawls once loosely around your shoulders, letting the ends hand long in the front. Twist or knot to cinch at the waist.
Neutral colors and muted prints keep focus on the sculptural draping rather than loud patterns.
Layer scarves and shawls over simple, solid colored tops and dresses so they stand out.
Blazers with rolled or 3/4 sleeves to minimize shoulder width
Rolled sleeve blazers expose the forearm which balances out the shoulder line. Go for a casual, elbow grazing roll rather than a tight retro roll.
For 3/4 sleeves, the ideal length hits right at the largest part of the upper arm. This shows off a slimmer part of the arm.
Avoid blazers with major shoulder padding or embellishments like epaulets that add bulk. Go for sleek, tailored styles.
In terms of fabric, stretch cotton, ponte, jersey and linen work well for rolling and bunching up sleeves. Avoid stiff fabrics.
Pair rolled sleeve blazers with darker-wash, straight leg jeans to continue elongating the body. Show off a fun tee or tank peeking out from underneath.
For work, try rolled sleeves with cigarette pants and a silky camisole layered under the blazer. Add a skinny belt.
Shirtdress-style blazers look great worn open over a sleeveless sheath dress. Roll up the attached sleeves.
Cuff bracelets stand out on an exposed forearm. Chandelier earrings draw attention upwards away from shoulders.
Pointed toe flats keep things casual, while wedges or slim heels dress up the look.
Loose, tousled hair adds nonchalance. An updo shows off shapely shoulders.
A-line skirt with tucked in blouse to accentuate the waist
A structured cotton blouse with darts, seaming and silhouette that fits close through the bust and waist works best. Avoid blousy shirts.
Tailor your blouse to fit your waist or add darts. Get one with a straight hem meant to be tucked in rather than a curved shirt-tail hem.
Tuck the entire blouse in smoothly, front and back. Use a higher waisted A-line skirt to completely hide the shirt.
The A-line skirt should fit well at the waist and hips, then gently flare out below. Knee-length or just above works best.
Go for solid colored blouses and skirts rather than busy prints to keep focus on your waist. Darker hues on bottom elongate.
Add a coordinating skinny belt that defines your waistline further. Place it directly on your natural waist.
Complete the look with fitted blazer atop the outfit for balance and structure. Cap or bracelet sleeves work well.
Pointed toe pumps add polish. Low-heeled booties can also look chic with tights. Avoid flat shoes.
Pull hair back in a low bun or pony to keep emphasis on the tucked-in waist. Simple jewelry like studs and a watch.
Pleated or tiered skirts to add fullness below the waist
Look for skirts that flair out from the natural waistline to create fullness below the hips. This provides contrast to the top half.
Pleats and tiers add beautiful movement and a touch of whimsy. Go for knife pleats, soft gathers or ruffles.
A-line, skirt skater, and tennis skirts with built-in pleats or tiers are flattering options. Midi lengths work well.
Pair with a fitted top tucked in to accentuate the waist. V-necks and wrap styles flatter the bust.
Lightweight, flowy fabrics like chiffon, crepe, and jersey move nicely. Avoid stiff fabrics.
Solid colors or minimal patterns allow the pleats/tiers to stand out. Darker hues on top elongate the torso.
Cinch in with a thin belt at the natural waist if the skirt is loose. Define the waist.
Hold a clutch rather than shoulder bag to keep emphasis off the shoulders.
The volume of pleats and tiers balances out broader shoulders for a flattering silhouette!
Wide leg pants to balance out your top half
The volume and flow of wide leg pants helps add fullness to your bottom half, offsetting broader shoulders up top.
Look for wide leg pants that are fitted at the hips and have a waistband that hits around your natural waist area. This creates definition.
Fabrics with drape like crepe, satin and lightweight woven fabrics work best. Avoid stiff fabrics that add bulk.
Pair wide leg pants with close fitting tops in stretchy fabrics to highlight your top half assets. Wrap styles, v-necks and boat necks flatter.
Tops ending at hip level help elongate your torso. Cropped tops can be stylish but avoid anything too boxy.
Solid neutrals on bottom keep the outfit balanced. If you want patterns, use them sparingly on your top.
Tailored blazers help define the shoulders and a cinched waist belt adds contour.
Pointed toe heels elongate the leg line further. Go for a sleek hairdo like a low bun.
Finally here are my main tips to remember about broad shoulders and large bust outfits ideas:
- Focus on accentuating your waist. This creates definition between your upper and lower half. Try belted dresses, pencil skirts, and tops tucked into A-line skirts.
- Elongate your frame with V-necks, maxi dresses, vertical patterns and long layered necklaces. Avoid anything that cuts the body horizontally.
- Seek out interesting sleeves that add volume like flutters, dolman and kimono styles. They balance the shoulders.
- Tailored jackets and blazers with sleek lines provide structure up top. Opt for nipped in waists.
- Wrap styles, surplice necks and deep v-necks flatter your décolletage area. Show off your assets tastefully.
- Balance your proportions with A-lines, pleated skirts, wide leg pants, and peplums that add fullness below.
- Stay away from spaghetti straps, strapless tops, boatnecks and high necks that over accentuate shoulders and bust.
