I’m often asked how to minimize the look of broad shoulders. Fortunately, there’s lots you can do to downplay your shoulders and feminize your body proportions.

But first things first… Don’t feel bad about the size of your shoulders!

Many cisgender (genetic) women have broad shoulders – including some of the most beautiful models and celebrities in the world.

Instead, try these 10 tips and techniques to minimize your shoulders while creating an elegant and feminine look.

1. Find a flattering neckline

As a general rule, you should avoid square or horizontal necklines. Instead, opt for necklines with rounded or vertical lines to help soften and slim your shoulders. For example:

Neckline DOs

• V-neck
• Scoop neck
• Halter tops
• Thick shoulder straps

Neckline DON’Ts

• Bateau neck
• Square neck
• Strapless or sleeveless tops
• Spaghetti straps

2. Wear the right size breast forms

Your breast forms should be large enough to balance out your shoulders. However, they shouldn’t be so big that they add excessive bulk to your upper body. Here are some guidelines for choosing a cup size:

• If you have a small frame – choose a B or C cup.

• If you have a medium frame – choose a C or D cup.

• If you have a large frame – choose a D cup or larger.

3. Wear darker colors on top

Dark colors have a slimming effect, so an easy way to balance your proportions is to wear dark colors on top and light colors on the bottom.

4. Choose your sleeves wisely

Sleeves can have a big impact (good or bad) on the appearance of your shoulders. Here are some suggestions:

• Avoid sleeves that cut horizontally across your biceps.

• Avoid puffy or ruffled sleeves.

• Look for sleeves with a slimming diagonal cut.

• 3/4 length sleeves are universally flattering.

5. Avoid shoulder pads

This tip is obvious. Shoulder pads are the last thing you need, so don’t be afraid to cut them out of your tops and jackets.

6. Distract with a printed bottom

Drawing people’s eyes away from your shoulders is a great distraction technique. Bring attention to your lower body with a printed or embellished bottom.

7. Wear skirts that flare out

Skirts that flare out at the bottom help balance the width of your shoulders, creating a more feminine silhouette. Look for gathered, flared, pleated, and/or a-line skirts. Avoid strait skirts and fitted pants.

8. Choose the right jacket

When it comes to jackets, you should avoid broad collars and double breasted styles. Instead, opt for single breasted jackets with a narrow collar and lapels.

9. Know your best necklace length

Long necklaces create vertical lines that help slim the upper body. Avoid short, chunky necklaces and chokers.

10. Find a flattering hairstyle

Yes, even the right hairstyle helps. Here are some guidelines:

• Hair that falls above or below your shoulders is most flattering.

• Avoid hairstyles that fall at exactly shoulder length.

• Straight hair emphasizes the angles of your body and can make the shoulders look wider.

• Full, wavy hair helps soften the shoulders and balances broader body proportions.

In conclusion

Never forget that you can look beautiful and feminine at any size or shape. The secret is to distract from so-called flaws while playing up your assets.

Do you have broad shoulders? If so, what are your favorite tips for looking your best when getting dressed?

Please share in the comments below!

Love,
Lucille

P.S. If you liked this article, you will LOVE my free 3-part Male to Female Makeover Course.

Sign up for free instant access here!

When presenting yourself as a woman, every detail counts. The right handbag pulls your outfit together and is the finishing touch to your feminine look.

The wrong bag, however, can spoil an otherwise perfect outfit and even call attention to body flaws. Who needs that?

Here are 6 things to consider when choosing a handbag:

1. Length

Length is an important and often overlooked detail. Your handbag accentuates the part of your body it falls next to, so keep these tips in mind:

• To make your hips look wider, choose a bag that falls at hip level.

• To make your waist look more shapely, choose a waist-length bag.

2. Shape

Handbags can range in shape from square and structured to soft and rounded. To provide balance, look for a bag with features that are the opposite of your body. For example:

• If you have a straight body shape, look for a slouchy or rounded bag to create the illusion of curves.

• If you’re on the rounded side, a more structured bag will flatter your features.

3. Size

Your handbag should compliment your overall body proportions. If you’re tall and/or stocky, a tiny bag will look out of place. If you’re small, a big that’s too big will overwhelm you. Choose a bag that’s in sync with your proportions.

4. Style

A bag that’s too casual or too formal for the rest of your outfit is a common fashion “don’t.” Study fashion magazines and blogs to learn which bags looks best with specific outfits. I also recommend the Stitch Fix boards on Pinterest for tons of bag+outfit ideas.

5. Function

While your purse should look good, it also needs to serve its purpose. There’s nothing more annoying than a tiny bag that doesn’t fit your essentials… or constantly losing things in a bag that’s too big or has too many compartments. Make sure the size and various compartments of the bag work for you.

6. Color

Color is one of the most important handbag considerations. Here are two tips to keep in mind:

• Forget about the old rule to match your bag to your shoes. While your bag and shoes should coordinate, they don’t have to be an exact match.

• A black or brown bag will give you the most mileage, but don’t be afraid to try something different. Red, burgundy, forest green, and dark blue are surprisingly versatile handbag colors.

Let’s talk bags!

As much as I love shoes, I might be even more obsessed with bags. That’s why my collection is constantly growing. (Thank you, Ebay!)

What about you? How many bags do YOU own?

Take my poll and tell me about your favorite bag in the comments below! Even better, share a photo of it with us!

Love,
Lucille

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.