Certain features on our bodies can present unique styling challenges when it comes to choosing a dress. This isn’t to say they are ‘bad’ features, simply that it pays to plan your look around the areas of your body you are proud of. Women with broad shoulders have likely experienced a great deal of trial and error when styling their build. Here you’ll find a style guide and dress examples that are ideal for those with broad and athletic shoulders.
How the shoulders can impact dress style
We all have different bodies, with different dimensions and features that make us unique. Those with broad or athletic shoulders will typically have a strong straight line out from the neck, with shoulders wider than the hips. This often leads to the upper body taking on the look of a ‘V’. The main challenge when buying an occasion dress as someone with broad shoulders is finding one that works to your proportions. The best dresses for broad shoulders will create a balanced appearance.
If you’re looking for more insights on how to dress certain body types, read ‘How to pick the perfect bridesmaids dress style for each body type’.
Bridesmaid dress styles for broad shoulders
As mentioned above, bridesmaid and guest wedding dresses for broad shoulders should contribute to the shape of your silhouette to draw attention away from the shoulders. Certain dress styles can even help minimise the breadth and size of the shoulders.
Wrap dresses
Wrap bridesmaid dresses create balance by creating a diagonal crisscross that extends down the torso, with a cinch tied at the waist. This, coupled with an abundance of fabric, helps to balance your look. Our range of wrap dresses are available in a variety of exciting colours, from bold greens and blues to neutrals and much more.
Halter neckline dresses
Halter dresses are ideal for drawing attention up through the centre of the body towards the neck. This not only accentuates the height of your silhouette, but also distracts from the shoulders due to the lack of material.
V neck dresses
The shape of this neckline helps separate out the shoulders to create a narrower appearance. It also does this by elongating the neck to add proportionality to the upper torso. The depth of the V can then be adjusted based on your proportions. For example, those who are taller might only need a shallow V neck to achieve the desired effect.
Slim sleeve dresses
Sleeves and shoulder pads are one of the biggest risk areas when it comes to styling for broad shoulders. Puffy or long sleeves risk adding volume the shoulders, whereas a slim fitted sleeve helps streamline the shoulders. You can have dress alterations to install the necessary sleeves on bridesmaid dresses of almost any style, although it’s worth getting the opinion of a seamstress first.
Shop online for bridesmaid dresses UK
At Maids to Measure, we have bridesmaid dress styles designed to accommodate all body types and proportions. This is because we believe everyone should have the opportunity to look stunning, whether it’s at a wedding, a formal event, or a special personal occasion. If you’re unsure how your broad shoulders will look in any of our dresses, simply book an appointment at our showroom and our stylist will work with you to find the perfect look. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.