I’ll be the first to admit that finding the right dress used to be my least favorite shopping trip. But after years of figuring out what works for my inverted triangle shape, I’m now obsessed with it!
Here are all the styles that have become my go-tos.
The Best Dress Styles for Broad Shoulders
When you’re shopping, I’d highly recommend looking for these dress styles that add such great balance and proportion to an inverted triangle frame:
Wrap Dresses
Is there anything better than a classic wrap dress? The way it drapes diagonally across your torso and ties on one side is genius.
It creates a V-neckline and a really dynamic silhouette with a ruching effect that complements broad shoulders perfectly.
You can find them in everything from jersey knits to silks and cottons, so they work for day or night.
My advice is to look for a true wrap style that you actually crisscross and tie yourself, not a faux wrap. The adjustable fit is a dream because it contours so beautifully to your shape.
Fit and Flare Dresses
Just like the name says, a fit and flare dress hugs your upper body and then flares out into a pretty A-line or circle skirt. This shape creates such flattering proportions for broad shoulders.
I suggest looking for stretchier fabrics, like a ponte knit, that will contour your top half without feeling too tight.
For a super feminine silhouette, a fit and flare with a V-neck and cap sleeves is a home run. The V-neck draws the eye down, and the cap sleeves soften your shoulders.
Peplum Dresses
A peplum dress is one with a short, gathered flounce that flares out at your natural waistline. This little detail is amazing for adding interest, balance, and shape to a straighter waist and hips.
Peplum dresses come in so many styles, from professional-looking shirtdresses to stunning evening gowns. For wider shoulders, I recommend a dainty, pleated peplum that adds a feminine touch without a lot of extra bulk.
A-Line Dresses
An A-line dress is fitted up top and then gradually gets wider from the natural waist, creating that “A” shape.
This silhouette is so good for broad shoulders because it adds volume and fullness to your bottom half. The full skirt balances out your upper body and creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
To really define your waist, look for A-line dresses that have a tie, a belt, or another cinched detail right at the narrowest part of your torso.
For a fancy occasion, a full-skirted A-line dress creates such an elegant, balanced look.
Empire Waist Dresses
Empire waist dresses have a seam that sits right below the bust, often with a detail like a tie or ribbon.
This high waist placement is extremely flattering for broad shoulders because it highlights the narrowest part of your torso and just skims over your waist area. The looser skirt is also great for disguising a straighter waistline.
For casual empire waist dresses, look for smocked, shirred, or pleated fabric that hangs gracefully from the bust down.
The Best Necklines for Broad Shoulders
On top of the dress silhouette itself, picking the right neckline can make a world of difference in creating a balanced look. Here are the neckline styles I’m totally into:
Halter Neckline
I am a huge fan of a halter neckline. It ties right around your neck, leaving your arms and shoulders open, which is perfect for drawing all the attention to your neckline and collarbones.
I think this style is a total knockout for a summer cocktail party or any formal event. The most important thing is finding one that ties comfortably without squeezing, so you feel amazing all night!
V-Neck
You really can’t go wrong with a classic V-neck. It’s one of my absolute go-tos because it creates this amazing vertical line down your torso.
The V-shape visually breaks up the line of your shoulders, making them seem narrower in an instant.
For a casual day, I love a soft, rounded V-neck, like in these dresses on Amazon. But for a dressier occasion, a plunging V-neck adds some serious drama and is incredibly slimming.
Off-the-Shoulder
An off-the-shoulder style is another one I’m loving right now. It does such a great job of accentuating your collarbone and drawing the eye upward, away from your shoulders.
Just a little tip: I’d steer clear of true strapless styles, since they can sometimes make shoulders appear wider.
Look for a dress that has a little sleeve or strap that sits gracefully on your upper arms. It’s so feminine and pretty!
Surplice Neckline
Have you tried a surplice neckline? It has a similar vibe to a wrap dress, where the fabric crosses over itself diagonally.
This creates that flattering V-neck shape and a slimming diagonal line across your body that is just so good.
I’d recommend looking for styles in stretchier fabrics so the crossed fabric lays perfectly flat across your bust. You can check out some great surplice neck options on Amazon.
Additional Tips for Dressing Broad Shoulders
Want to take your look to the next level? Use these extra tips and tricks to really enhance your inverted triangle frame when you’re wearing dresses:
- A statement necklace is your best friend. It helps draw eyes downwards. I find that long, bold necklaces work great, and chokers are also good for minimizing your shoulder width.
- Try wearing your hair down. Long hair that drapes over your shoulders can really soften the look. I tend to avoid super sleek hair pulled back tightly.
- Don’t forget to cinch at the waist. Adding a belt is a simple way to define your natural waistline, especially in A-line or looser silhouette dresses.
- Elongate your look with some heels. That little bit of extra height really helps to balance out broad shoulders.
- Pick out some stunning earrings. I love this trick. Eye-catching drop or chandelier earrings draw attention upward toward your face.
- Consider shoulder-slightly pads. It sounds counterintuitive, but subtle pads can sometimes help make your shoulders appear more proportional, unlike big, bulky shoulder pads.
