How to dress my top half….B-road shoulders, large arms

[Moonlightfrog]

I really struggle with how to dress my shape, even more so as I am getting older and my shape changes more.

I am a size 12, I have broad shoulders and the tops of my arms are large (bottom of my arms are skinny). My legs are similar, fat thighs compared to my skinny bottom of my legs. I never know what tops to wear that doesn’t make my shoulders look bigger or draw attention to the tops of my arms. I mainly live in baggy T-shirts and hoodies but would like a couple tops to wear out for dinner or slightly posher places (I don’t go out often).

what tops should I be wearing? I can’t wear cardigans and I am struggling to find a jacket that doesn’t make me look worse.

I am a similar shape. The best tops for me are 3/4 length arms, so that you draw attention to the slim lower arm poking out. I like necklines which break up the width of the shoulder, like boat neck or v neck. I don't do turtle necks or halternecks. Cardigans follow the same idea - don't get one with a tight round neck, or anything "off the shoulder". Instead aim for a line somewhere in the middle of the distance between your neck and shoulder tip.

I don't have chunky thighs, but I'd guess the same principle applies. Trousers your ankles poke out of, or midi skirts/dresses.

I should add that I do wear short sleeves all the time, because I don't mind looking like I look! But if you are asking what makes me look slimmest, then it's 3/4 sleeves.

For short sleeves I prefer cap sleeves, because your upper arms still have some length. Cutting off at the middle of the upper arm is worst for me.

I would think, if you’re the same size on both halves of your body, a dress would be easier to manage than tops and trousers? Buy something that fits your upper arms and shoulders, even if it means getting it altered maybe at the waist.

Don’t know if Justine Tabak might be your sort of thing? Her dresses are generously cut, in lovely fabrics:

https://justinetabak.co.uk/collections/all-clothing

I find my shoulders work best if I play to my strengths. Agree about broader necklines, too. How about these?

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-poplin-mix-puff-sleeve-sweetheart-top-in-buttermilk-yellow/prd/208513223

https://www.secretsales.com/cea5cca5e54d5b-dorothy-perkins-petite-sweetheart-tie-back-puff-sleeve-top-colour-green/

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su788711/v12807

I don’t really wear dresses. I do have a couple but I don’t think I have worn them more than once.

I like 3/4 sleeves. I have been looking at the boat neck 3/4 tops from white stuff (I think that’s where I saw them) but wasn’t sure about the neck line? It might work.

I like the ASOS top and the one from Next linked above not as keen on the DP one as I am lacking in the boob department.