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Genetics, daily activities, whatever the cause may be, I stand firmly in the broad-shoulder category. I accept it (and have learned to appreciate it), but shopping for chic seasonal dresses still throws me through a loop . . . until now. I recently cracked the shoulder-flattering code, and I now feel confident in nearly every dress I slip on.
So what’s the secret? Well, I have a few. Vertical lines, wrap silhouettes and voluminous skirts are a couple of details I look for to make my broad shoulders appear smaller (and make me feel ten out of ten). If you’re like me and want to minimize your shoulders, elevate your aesthetic and feel like a million bucks, read on. These ultra-flattering dresses will carry you from pumpkin patches to fall weddings with sky-high confidence!
13 Dress Styles to Minimize Broad Shoulders
1. No-Brainer: When I don’t want to think about my shoulders or arms at all, I reach for a drapey puff-sleeve dress, like this popular pick, which covers both.
2. One-Shoulder Wonder: Asymmetrical dresses break up your shoulders diagonally. As such, your frame appears narrower by default.
3. Wrapped Up: Not only does this wrap dress minimize your upper half, but it also cinches at your waist. The Mediterranean print is just a bonus.
4. Everyday Outfit: Lazy Sundays call for this comfy quarter-zip dress that when undone has a V-neck design that draws the eyes downward. It seriously feels like sweats.
5. Cold Shoulder: You might think off-the-shoulder dresses are off limits (pun intended), but we think sliding the neckline off to one side has a mega flattering effect.
6. Frills and Fuss: When in doubt, distract! This loose mini dress features a busy print and drapey ruffle sleeves that steal the attention.
7. Pretty Pleats: Combine pleats, vertical stripes and flowy sleeves, and you have this A-line midi. It’s a slimming favorite that’s selling out on Nordstrom, especially now that it’s 33% off.
8. Wardrobe Staple: With the right sleeve length, puff-sleeve dresses can conceal your shoulders and balance your hips. This solid-color midi does both.
9. Mock-Neck Maven: Timeless and polished, this mock-neck mini dress elevates your aesthetic while elongating your torso.
10. Simple Stunner: Imagine a crisp button-up shirt in dress form. That’s what you get with this striped shirtdress that works for everything, including coffee runs and in-office days.
11. Wedding Guest: Fancy occasions call for this velvet maxi dress that features dainty mesh sleeves, a sweeping skirt and a gorgeous jade print. You’ll forget about your shoulders.
12. Silky Satin: When you’re somewhere hot, you’ll be glad to have this elegant, cooling gown that gathers in all the right places.
13. Zimmermann Vibes: Look no further for a long-sleeve mini dress that’ll carry you from orchards to vineyards. The smocked bodice adds just enough structure.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>
Choosing what to wear from now through November isn’t an easy task, but Jennifer Lopez makes it incredibly simple, wearing a loose, polished shirtdress that stuns with flip-flops, sneakers and booties alike. Somehow, her chic look is only $36! Exploring Italy with her kids, Lopez wore a striped shirtdress with easy sandals and a headband. […]
