8 secret tips to dress with broad shoulders & a small bust *I mean ittt*

Okay, let’s talk about a silhouette that’s powerful, elegant, and sometimes tricky to style: broad shoulders with a smaller bust.

I’ve worked with so many clients who have this amazing athletic frame—think tennis player, swimmer, runway model—and their main concern is finding clothes that feel proportional and flattering.

The goal isn’t to hide your shoulders (they’re a fantastic asset!), but to create a beautiful balance with the rest of your torso. It’s all about optical illusion and playing up what makes you feel great.

If you have this build, you likely know the struggle of tops that gape at the bust but are tight across the back, or dresses that make you feel top-heavy.

Forget that stress.

With a few simple principles, you can build a wardrobe that celebrates your strong shoulders and creates a beautifully harmonious silhouette.

1. The Golden Rule: Create Volume Below & Define Your Waist

We want to draw the eye downward and inward to balance the shoulder line.

This means adding interest or fullness from the bustline down and always nipping in at your natural waist.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #1:

Use nail polish clear coat on fraying thread ends to stop further unraveling until you can properly repair the item!

2.  Embrace Wide & Square Necklines

This is your #1 secret weapon. 

Square, scoop, and wide boat necks are perfection.

They break up the horizontal line of your shoulders, expose collarbone (a gorgeous asset!), and don’t leave empty fabric hanging over a smaller bust.

• Avoid: Thin, spaghetti straps that sit right on the edge of your shoulders. They can emphasize width. Instead, opt for thicker straps set slightly inward.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #2:

Prevent button-down shirts from gapping between buttons by using double-sided fashion tape <3

3. Fall in Love with Peplums, Ruffles & Details At the Waist

Details are your best friend, but placement is everything.

Look for tops and dresses with peplums, ruffles, gathers, or pockets that start at your natural waist.

This instantly creates volume and curves exactly where you want them, balancing your shoulders and adding feminine shape.

• Avoid: Puff sleeves or voluminous details at the shoulder itself, which can add more bulk up top.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #3:

Rub clear deodorant on the inside hem of pants/skirts to prevent thigh chafing. ❤️

4. Master the Art of Layering with Vests & Open Layers

Structured layers that remain open are magic.

A sleek blazer, a long vest, or a cardigan left open creates two strong vertical lines down your torso. This visually narrows and lengthens your frame.

Wear them over a simple tank or tee.

• Avoid: Clingy, thick knit cardigans buttoned all the way up, which can create a solid, boxy block of fabric.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #4:

Use rolled-up magazine pages to maintain boot shape when storing – truly work wonders imo lol

5.  Become a Pro with Statement Sleeves (The Right Kind!)

Not all statement sleeves are created equal.

You want volume that starts lower on the arm. Look for bishop sleeves, bell sleeves, or full sleeves that gather at the cuff.

They add drama and balance by creating volume below the shoulder joint.

• Avoid: Cap sleeves, tight puff sleeves that end at the shoulder, or strong shoulder pads (unless you’re going for an extreme power-shoulder look!).

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #5:

Stretch tight shoes by wearing them with thick socks and blowing them with a hairdryer!

6. Rock Tops with Ties, Bows & Crossover Details

Any top that has a wrap-front, a tie at the neck, or a cross-over V-neck is a winner.

These details create diagonal lines and gentle draping that add the illusion of fullness to the bust area and draw the eye inward.

• Avoid: High, tight crewnecks or turtlenecks without any detail, which can make the torso look like one long column.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #6:

Quick fix – Brighten yellowed white clothing by soaking in a solution of lemon juice and hot water!

7.  Choose Bras that Work for You

This is foundational.

A lightly padded bralette, a push-up, or a bra with contouring cups can provide a gentle boost and smooth shape under your clothes.

The goal is to fill out the cups completely for a seamless look, not necessarily to add multiple cup sizes.

❤️Girl’s fashion hack #7:

Whenever I feel bloated, I’ll always use a rubber band to loop through a button hole and around the button for a temporary fix to pants that are too tight!

8. Use color to your advantage

A darker, solid-colored top (navy, black, charcoal) can have a slight minimizing effect on the upper body.

Pair it with a brighter, patterned, or textured skirt or pant to pull the eye down to your lower half.

❤️ Girl’s fashion hack#8: Keep Jewelry Organized While Traveling hack

Thread necklaces through drinking straws to prevent tangling – simply clasp the necklace and thread the chain through a straw.

Final Thoughts:

Fashion “rules” are just starting points.

Your shoulders are a sign of strength and beautiful posture.

The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and powerful.

Start by trying on a top with a great square neck or a dress with a defined peplum—you might just discover a new favorite silhouette that makes you feel unstoppable.

For more styling hacks, check out these blog posts down below <3

• 18 tops for large bust & small waist + specific hacks❤️👇🏼
• 18 outfits to dress broad shoulders & small bust *Targeted tips!*