Welcome to the third installment in our series: ‘Our Guide to Dressing Broad Shoulders’, where we have taken you on a journey of styling your splendid silhouette.
If you’ve been blessed with broad or broader shoulders, you might have considered stepping into the world of halter tops. There has been debate on the subject leaving people to wonder, are halter tops good for broad shoulders?
In this article, we will be answering this question and offering expert fashion advice, so that you can move forward with confidence.
Debate: Are Halter Tops Good for Broad Shoulders
Weighing up the advantages and challenges of wearing halter neck tops with broad shoulders is key to making the right fashion choice. It’s important to consider one’s body type, including broad shoulders, when choosing halter tops to ensure they complement and flatter your specific physical characteristics.
Pros of Halter Tops for Broad Shoulders
With their unique, swooping design, halter tops, especially those with a halter neckline, can be a gorgeous garment for those with broad shoulders. Here are a few key advantages:
Accentuates Shoulder Width: The unique, swooping design of the halter neckline draws attention to the shoulders, enhancing their width and making them look powerful.
Creates a Balanced Look: The thin straps of halter tops can balance the figure by diverting attention and contouring your shape.
Versatile Styling Options: Halter tops, particularly those with various halter necklines, pair wonderfully with most bottoms and can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion, making them a reliable option.
Cons of Halter Tops for Broad Shoulders
While halter neck tops offer their benefits, there are a few drawbacks to note:
Potential Over-Emphasis: Depending on the top, some halter necks can overemphasize broad shoulders, which might not be what you’re looking for. In contrast, cap sleeves can offer a more balanced look for those with broad shoulders, providing a flattering alternative without the added pressure on the neck or the challenge of styling around bra straps.
Limited Bra Options: Finding the right bra to wear underneath a halter top can be difficult, as traditional bra straps can’t be covered by the top design. However, some halter neck arrive with a built-in bra which solves this issue.
Weather and Comfort Considerations: Skin exposure of the upper back and shoulders may not be practical in all weather conditions, and some individuals might find the tight straps less comfortable.
Contrast in Comfort and Support: Individuals with a large bust or broad shoulders may experience discomfort and lack of support with halter tops, in contrast to tops with a scoop necks/ scoop neckline that alleviate pressure on the shoulders and provide better support.
Styling Tips for Broad Shoulders in Halter Tops
Choosing your halter neck is only one piece of the puzzle, there are a few other details to consider. Paying close attention to necklines, color choices, accessories, and even posture will elevate your halter top and make you feel more confident than ever!
Selecting the Appropriate Halter Necklines for Broad Shoulders
The choice of right neckline in a halter top has a huge impact on the way your shoulders appear. As mentioned in our article on ‘How to Dress Broad Shoulders and Large Bust’, a halter top with a plunging or V-shaped neckline, tricks the eye with an illusion of narrower shoulders.
For those with wide shoulders, certain necklines can be particularly flattering by creating a visual balance, making the body appear longer and drawing attention away from the shoulders’ width. This not only enhances the appearance but also highlights the structural benefits of broad shoulders, indicating an aligned shoulder girdle and an open chest, which are signs of health and strength.
On the other hand, a higher neckline can emphasize the shoulders’ width. Boat necks offer an alternative, balancing a fuller midsection by drawing the eye out to the shoulders, providing a stark contrast to halter tops in terms of comfort and support for different body types.
Similarly, round neck and scoop necks serve as flattering options that accentuate the face and shoulders or offer a comfortable choice for various body shapes, without demanding much in terms of accessories, unlike the more embellished halter tops.
Each body shape is unique, so the best thing to do is try out various necklines to find the style that flatters your physique.
Incorporating Accessories
Accessories can be helpful allies when styling your halter top. Long pendant necklace will direct the gaze downward, adding a vertical shape that beautifully balances the shoulder width.
Scarves, shawls, and cardigans are fantastic layering tools, softening the shoulders with a touch of sophistication. Considering an off-the-shoulder style as an alternative or complementary option can also draw attention to the shoulders and showcase the collarbone, enhancing your outfit’s appeal.
The accessory possibilities are endless, allowing you to match your halter top to any mood or inspiration.
Pairing with Complementary Bottoms
The lower half of your outfit can either amplify or downplay the focus on your shoulders. Pairing your halter top with flared trousers or an A-line skirt will create a more balanced frame. For more detail on this, check out our guide on ‘How to Dress Broad Shoulders and Narrow Hips’.
Conversely, if you wish to highlight your stunning shoulders, you can rock some fitted jeans or a sleek pencil skirt. The key is to find the combinations that make you feel your prettiest.
Selecting the Right Fabric and Patterns
The fabric and patterns of your halter top play are important factors. Delicate and flowing fabrics will add a touch of elegance, while stiffer materials will provide structure and definition to your shoulder shape.
Patterns can also make a dramatic difference; vertical stripes or patterns can visually elongate the body, making the shoulders appear more narrow. You can have fun testing out a range of textures, fabrics, and patterns to discover what showcases your personality and complements your body shape best.
Colorplay
Colors can be a powerful tool for sprucing up your halter top. Darker shades often slim the body down, minimizing the prominence of your shoulders.
On the other hand, brighter hues and patterns will draw attention to your upper half. Color isn’t just a styling aid, you can also use it to mirror your mood and unique personality.
Layering Techniques
Adding a lightweight jacket, cardigan, or kimono to your halter top will soften the look and balance the broadness.
Layering presents an excellent opportunity to transform your halter top from casual wear to a more formal ensemble, or simply for adapting to a drop in temperature. Layering allows you to customize your outfit while maintaining warmth and personality.
G. Embracing Hairstyles and Makeup
Don’t forget that your hair and makeup are a part of the outfit too! Your hairstyle and makeup can certainly complement your halter top; take some time to try out updos that highlight your neck and shoulders, such as buns, ponytails, or French braids.
Makeup is a creative way to bring out your features and direct the eye upwards. Consider using makeup to enhance your eyes, lips, or collarbones, adding color and depth to your look.
Confidence Boosting Posture and Body Language
Ultimately, body language is everything, so a straight back and neck create a sense of confidence and class. Proper posture will make you look powerful and feminine, whereas slouching makes you look tired and bulky.
Stand tall, shoulders back, and make sure your chin is always parallel to the ground. Standing proud in your halter top will make you look your very best!
Final Thoughts
To conclude, the answer is ‘Yes’—halter tops look beautiful with broad shoulders. The sultry, feminine neckline will only accentuate the distinctive charm of your shoulders. Anyone who says that halter neck tops are only for certain body types is simply close-minded and we don’t need any of that negative energy over here!
To find more fashion tips for your body shape, check out ‘How to Dress Broad Shoulders and Large Bust‘.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article today. Please feel free to check out our other articles for more expert fashion tips!
