If you are one with broad shoulders, BE GLAD!

Broad shoulders are what nearly every girl is hoping for, and if you noticed, most models have broad shoulders. These girls are normally referred to as "clothes hangers" because they are suited to wear almost every kind of clothes - their shoulders are able to support the clothes and bring out the style perfectly.

However, if you feel like downplaying your broad shoulders, here are some of the ways you can do so:
1. Wear tops or dresses with cap or flutter sleeves so that they will narrow the appearance of your shoulders, while still showing most of your arms.
2. Wear a v-neck top/dress, or if your body allows, wear a deeper-V neckline top/dress! This will draw attention toward the center of your body, and away from your shoulders.
3. Wear vertical stripes, which downplay the appearance of full shoulders. People will tend to look up and down instead of side to side.
4. Find jackets that fall to the hip instead of the waist. Do wear long coats and tops. If you wear something long on your top half it helps to draw the eye downwards, therefore taking the focus off your shoulders.
5. Soften the shoulders and make the body appear longer and leaner overall by wearing an entire outfit that's all the same color. Darker clothing on top will also help achieve this look.
6. Wear accessories such as interesting buttons & bangles so that they will help to divert attention away from your shoulders.
7. Short hair that doesn't hit the shoulders is a good choice. (alternatively, you can tie it up!)
8. Do wear simple silhouettes and dark colors on top. If you have nice toned hips, consider wearing light colored and detailed bottoms to draw attention to your smaller area.
9. Do wear long necklaces and narrow scarves to help draw the eye downwards.
10. Wear looser fitted shirts! But of course you don't want anything overly baggy hiding all your good points! But a beautiful silky blouse or a dolman sleeved sweater will give off the illusion of small shoulders. Anything that flows at your top area will be a great concealer and you'll look lovely and feminine while doing it!

What you should NOT do if you want to downplay your broad shoulders:
1. Avoid strapless or halter tops as they will put your shoulders on display.
2. Become aware of the triangle created by your shoulders and waist, and dress accordingly. Try not to wear tops that will narrow your waist-lines because it will only make your shoulders look bigger in comparison. In other words, try not to wear tops that "stick to your waist".
3. Avoid tops/dresses with thin straps as well!
4. Don't draw attention to your shoulders with shiny fabrics, loud prints, overly bright colors, or shoulder detailing. Jackets with epaulettes are best avoided.

Despite all, I would advise girls with broad shoulders to consider showing off your broad shoulders. In my opinion, downplaying of broad shoulders should be done only if your broad shoulders are not proportionate to the rest of your body - small hips etc. It is not necessary to hide your broad shoulders!

Tip for all:
Don't slouch! Standing up straight makes your entire body look better, no matter what your proportions.
Never slouch in an attempt to try and hide, or disguise broad shoulders. Poor posture never looks attractive and it typically makes clothing look ill fitting. Simply pick flattering clothes and stand proud, you'll appear much more attractive because you will look confident.

References:
shopaholic-area; all experts; e-how; helium

1. NEVER wear white undergarments under white-coloured clothings as they will show. Wear nude-coloured lingerie instead.
2. Instead of pairing a short dress with leggings or tights, wear it with a pair of shorts for the perfect casual look.
3. When it comes to accessories, don't be too matchy-matchy i.e. colour-coordinated. For instance, if you carry a dark brown bag, don't wear dark brown shoes - choose light brown ones instead!
4. Some suggestions on what to wear with white: (click on the pictures to see a full-sized image with captions!)

  Common Shopping Mistakes

1. Don't talk yourself into an outfit that isn't flattering to your frame.There are only two kinds of clothes in this world. Clothes that flatter you and clothes that don't. Don't blindly follow the trend when they don't suit you.
   
2. Girls usually find more joy shopping together but just a word of caution: don't shop with a competitive friend because she will cajole you into buying more and possibly unflattering items.
   
3. If you are shopping for a cocktail (for special occasions) dress, remember to bring your shoes. That way if you need to have in-store alterations you will be all set.
4. If you have many things you need to shop for, remember to bring a list. This can help to focus your attention and keep you on task.
5. Nothing good will come from buying uncomfortable shoes regardless of how fabulous they are.
6. Don't buy something you don't need just because the price is good. I know we have all done this but it is a waste of money and closet space.
   
7. Don't buy on impulse. Ask yourself the following questions when deciding if to buy. Do I need this? Does it fit with my lifestyle or wardrobe? Where and when am I going to wear this? If you are still undecided, put it on hold and shop for other clothes first. If you are still thinking about it at the end of the day - buy it.
8. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy a particular item, thinking that "I would be able to wear it when I thinned down", "I will exercise more, eat less, and then I should be able to wear this" or something like that. Most of the time, these items will end up rotting in your wardrobe and you will soon forget about it.
   

  Some Shopping tips

1. Spend money on great shoes because they can make or break an outfit. You can even wear them with jeans and look fabulous!
2. Buy items that fit your lifestyle. If you know you are going to live in your jeans then it is ok to spend $150 for a pair especially if you have to try on dozens to find the right fit. Buy clothes to suit your lifestyle.
3. Spend money on staples like shoes, bags, a black pair of pants/jeans, and skimp on belts, socks, trendy tops, scarves, hats and sunglasses.
4. Before you shop, know what you have at home. Make it a point to go through your closet at the beginning of every shopping trip.
5. When deciding whether to buy a particular item, ask yourself whether you have clothes/pants to go with it. If not, that item will just end up collecting dust in your wardrobe.
   
6. Invest in undergarments because the right foundation garments can make everything you own look better.

Aside from the usual combination of jeans/shorts & hoodies, here are a few other styles that you can use to go with hoodies:

Lounge-Around Casual
Since heavy cotton hoodies can only be casual, save these for off-duty days. If the hoodie is baggy, style it with fitted skinny jeans or ultra short-shorts to control the volume. Go for simple, casual tops underneath like a fitted T-shirt or halter top. This look is perfect for a movie or board game night with friends at home or just a quick dash to the library.

Streetstyle Cool
Adding a few catchy accessories and a statement piece can update your hoodie instantly. Avoid the one that's most worn out when creating this look. Style it over a button-front plaid shirt, roll up the cuffs and then team it with check shorts over bright-colored tights. Finish with a pair of sneakers to create a classroom-perfect look that's bound to keep the boredom away. Other options to try include pairing with a mini skirt and leggings, cropped sweatpants or distressed denims.

Classically Chic
Reach for your knit or thin cotton hoodies (this might even just be a hooded top) to create a look that's smart casual and pretty. You'll want to layer the hoodie under a blazer and then pair with skinny pants and high heels. Large and bold accessories are an important finishing touch.