Shape Y Style Tip: Don’t Downplay Shoulders!
Occasionally we find ourselves wanting something we just don’t—or can’t—have. Straight-haired girls yearn for curls and a little more bounce. When you tower above the rest, you may secretly covet a 29-inch inseam. Truth is we just need to work with what we’ve got and maximize the positive. In fact, we could all find ways to love what we’ve got—we are who we are. And we’re pretty great, aren’t we?
Take broad shoulders. How often have you heard “downplay broad shoulders”? Forget it. Most top models are built like lean quarterbacks—those gorgeous broad shoulders make clothes hang beautifully. All it takes is the right neckline to flatter the typical Shape Y proportions with a strong, defined shoulder line. The lesson for today is to think in terms of opposites. If you are wider on top, choose lines that are narrower. That means it’s time to toss the crewneck T-shirt and opt for the minimal lines of a halter neckline. Bare your collarbones, and show off your shoulders—they’re beautiful. The halter ties break up the wide line of the shoulder, creating a frame for the collarbone and softening the shoulders. Understanding that flattering style tip, you’ll steer clear of turtlenecks unless you want to make your shoulders look even broader—and there’s nothing wrong with that approach either!
Monochromatic tops with the least amount of fuss work best. Take a cue from ella moss’s Jersey Ruffle-Neck Knotted-Tie Halter Top, whose subtle simplicity hits all the right notes. Its hem sits on the high-hip region, creating the illusion of more width in proportion to the shoulders. To complete your look, your legs deserve some bold thinking too. Remember: the key is to juxtapose opposites. Your hips are narrow, and your legs are lean? Look for a wide-leg trouser that’s fitted at the waist and has dramatically flared legs.
Keeping the lines of your clothing narrower on the top with width at the bottom creates incredible balance and makes the most of your upper body. Your shoulders can become the main attraction. Embrace the positive and give yourself the right to bare arms…and shoulders!
Posted by Marcia at MyShape on June 12th, 2009
Filed under: Matters of Shape
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June 30th, 2009 at 8:06 am
About the shoulder silhouettes. I do have broad shoulders, and while my arms are fairly toned, they’re not super slender like the models. I also have a bit of curvature to my hips. I’d like to bare my arms more this summer, but I’m still kind of hesitant, feeling that wearing one of those skimpy halthers will make me look bulky. What do you think?
June 30th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Hi Wanda,
Halters like the one in the photo that have a more rounded neckline give the illusion of smaller/more proportioned arms and shoulders. I myself have broad shoulders and never bare arms, but I found a top similar to the style in the photo that has more of a drape, taking the focus off the arms. (It’s style 13678 on our site.) Tops that are fuller at the bottom with banded or floaty hems take away from the hips and narrow the shoulders. You can also wear a cropped cardigan or wrap cardigan with a sleeveless top, which will let you show some skin but still cover up a little when and where you want to.
I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, you can email customerservice@myshape.com.
Marcia