4 Best Necklines for Broad Shoulders, According to a Celebrity Stylist originally appeared on Parade.
Sometimes trying on clothes can make you feel like stepping into your own Devil Wears Prada scene—glamorous, exciting and a little intimidating too. However, even though there are so many options to choose from, sadly, not every silhouette you slip into looks or fits like it was made for you. Instead, at times, the pieces you love on the hanger end up highlighting features you’d rather downplay once you try them on. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Just like Andrea Sachs, you have to find what looks best on you, and that means discovering styles that truly celebrate you: for example, the best necklines for broad shoulders. To help with that and learn what styles to look for, we turned to celebrity stylist Fred Kim.
With his background of styling celebs like Taylor Swift, Hunter Schafer, Aubrey Plaza and Timothée Chalamet, Kim knows a thing or two about creating head-turning looks. We’re pretty sure even Miranda Priestly would give him an approving nod. So if you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of tops, jackets, dresses and prints will flatter you, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading, and by the time you’re done, you’ll be stepping into your next shopping trip with more confidence than ever and be able to put together a wardrobe that flatters your unique features. Consider this a quick fashion lesson to transform your style—no dramatic bangs and cerulean sweater required. Just simple style moves that can make a big impact.
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4 Best Necklines for Broad Shoulders, According to a Celebrity Stylist
1. V-necklines
This popular neckline gets Kim’s approval.
“V-necklines are great for people with broad shoulders because they visually draw the eye downward and that helps elongate your neck and torso,” he tells Parade. “This effect naturally ends up softening the width of a person’s broad shoulders and creates a more balanced, lengthened silhouette in the process.”
2. Scoop necklines
Have you heard of this type of neckline before? Kim says they are flattering for those who have wider shoulders.
“Scoop necklines have a soft, curved shape that gently opens up at the neckline area,” he explains. “This makes a person’s shoulders appear less dominant, while still feeling feminine and flattering.”
3. Asymmetrical necklines
This summer, asymmetric necklines are in, which Kim says are perfect silhouettes for people who have broad shoulders.
“Asymmetrical necklines naturally disrupt the straight, horizontal line of broad shoulders by creating angles,” he notes. “These angles then draw the eye across the body in a way that adds visual interest and minimizes any boxy appearances.”
4. U-necklines
Looking for another neckline you can try?
“U-necklines offer a clean, wide opening that subtly balances a person’s shoulder width without exaggerating it,” Kim points out. “The shape feels modern and structured, and its soft curve also visually breaks up the horizontal line of the shoulders for a more proportional look.”
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The Best Clothing for Broad Shoulders
Wide-legged pants
When it comes to fashion, Kim shares that what you wear on your legs can also make a difference in how your broad shoulders appear to others.
“Wide-legged pants that are crafted from cotton materials are a must-have because they create visual weight on the bottom half of your body, which can help counterbalance your broad shoulders,” he shares. “Cotton’s natural texture and flow can elongate your legs and shift attention downward, promoting a more proportional silhouette.”
A-line dresses
“A-line dresses (particularly those made from cotton) are great to wear if you have broad shoulders,” Kim states. “Since they naturally flare out from the waist, they actually end up bringing attention to the lower half of your body and that helps balance out your proportions.”
He continues, adding, “The breathable nature of cotton is important in A-line dresses because it not only ensures you’re comfortable, but it also helps the dress maintain a flattering silhouette while you wear it.”
Peplum tops
If you want to find a shirt that makes you look and feel extra feminine, Kim says this is it.
“Peplum tops cinch at the waist and flare at the hips, adding volume to the lower part of one’s body,” he explains. “That structured shape brings people’s focus to your waist, not your shoulders, and enhances your overall balance since it creates curves.”
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Vertical stripes
Just because you have broad shoulders doesn’t mean you have to stay away from patterns. Kim tells Parade you just have to know which ones work best with your body type, and he says there’s a specific print that especially looks good on people with broader shoulders.
“Vertical stripes are a great print to wear if you have broad shoulders because it draws the eye up and down, rather than side to side, which visually lengthens the body,” he expresses.
Dark-colored tops
Your color preferences may change, seeing how Kim says that they can make a difference in how your shoulders appear.
“Dark-colored tops can help visually recede, making areas of your body seem smaller or less prominent,” he says. “That’s why wearing a dark top can minimize the appearance of broad shoulders while providing you with the opportunity to add more playful/colorful styling on the lower half of your body, like with a red skirt.”
Elongated jackets
With so many outerwear styles, which one is the best if you have broad shoulders? Kim says elongated jackets.
“Elongated jackets create vertical lines that slim a person’s torso and reduce the emphasis on one’s upper body,” he shares. “By doing so, their length helps bring attention downward instead of upward, where your shoulders are.”
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What Not To Wear With Broad Shoulders
Puffy-sleeved dresses
If you ever tried on this trendy style of dress before and thought it brought additional attention to your broad shoulders, you weren’t wrong.
“Puffy sleeves add extra volume and drama around the shoulder area, which can make broad shoulders appear even more pronounced than they are,” Kim stresses.
Boxy structured jackets
Looking for a new coat? Kim suggests skipping boxy silhouettes if you have broader shoulders.
“Boxy jackets create a straight, angular silhouette with little waist definition,” he tells Parade. “This can further emphasize broad shoulders by eliminating your curves. Without shaping, this type of outerwear can make a person’s frame look top-heavy.”
Boat necklines
Not sure what a boat neckline is?
“Boat necklines stretch horizontally across the collarbone,” Kim explains. “People who have broad shoulders should avoid tops with this neckline because it draws the eye outward and visually emphasizes the width of the shoulders. This can make someone’s broad shoulders appear even broader.”
Spaghetti straps
Summer may be here, but spaghetti straps might not be the most flattering choice if you have broad shoulders, according to Kim.
“Spaghetti straps offer minimal coverage and structure around the shoulder area, which can make broad shoulders look more pronounced,” Kim notes. “Their delicate appearance also contrasts sharply with strong shoulder lines, which is why they draw more attention.”
Cap sleeves
If you have broad shoulders and feel like wearing a shirt with cap sleeves makes them look larger, Kim says you’re right.
“Cap sleeves sit right at the widest part of the shoulder, which creates more volume in that area because they don’t provide enough length to visually balance out the upper body,” he reveals.
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Tips for Styling With Broad Shoulders
It’s all about balance
If you have broad shoulders, that’s not a bad thing. Kim says you may not be happy with outfits you’re trying on because they may not be proportioned correctly.
“You want to balance the silhouette by adding volume or visual interest to the lower half of your body,” he advises. “Items like A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers or flared denim jeans can be particularly effective and help you achieve this.”
He says there’s one fabric he recommends trying to stick with as well.
“Cotton’s natural drape and breathability will not only add comfort to your clothing, but it will also bring people’s eyes downward because that fabric creates and holds a more proportionate, hourglass shape,” he explains.
Look for pieces that soften your shoulders
Another style hack Kim tells Parade has to do with the lines of your clothing.
“When shopping, you want to look for tops with necklines and sleeves that soften your shoulder line,” he suggests. “Opt for V-necks, scoop necks or asymmetrical necklines instead. This is ideal when it comes to styles because it helps break up the width of your shoulders [unlike] other pieces.”
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Source:
Fred Kim is a celebrity stylist who’s worked with celebs like Taylor Swift, Hunter Schafer, Aubrey Plaza and Timothée Chalamet.
4 Best Necklines for Broad Shoulders, According to a Celebrity Stylist first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
