If you have a muscular shape with broad shoulders, your challenges in dressing up is the lack of wide hips and curves. Thus, you need to learn to create illusions of hips and curves by learning how to dress a body building muscular female shape.
I am a body building muscular shaped female. I wear a size 2. I have wide shoulders and lats, but a tiny waist. I’m 105 pounds, 5ft3in and I am 60 years old. So even though I could wear miniskirts and such with my figure, I want to stay appropriately dressed. What style advice can you offer if any? BTW button down shirts and blouses never fit correctly. Thanks for any advice you can give me. ~ Dottie
If you have a muscular shape, broad shoulders and a tiny waist, and (probably) narrow hips, your goal in dressing up is to create a balanced curve by making your shoulders appear narrower and your hips curvier.
It may seem challenging specially if there are tops that don´t fit well on you, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, dressing up a boyish muscular shape is easy.
1. how to dress a muscular female shape: Dresses
Wrap Dresses. The V-neckline that you get from wrap dresses will emphasize the oval shape of your face and make your neck appear longer. This helps in making your broad shoulders look narrow.
Similar Wrap Dresses: PRETTYGARDEN Black / PRETTYGARDEN Yellow / dowerme / BTFBM / BerryGo Velvet
The wrap style of the dress gives you an illusion of fuller curve while ruching (which you see in the middle dress above) adds width to your narrow hips. A twisted knot is a great alternative to belted wrap dress.
Similar Dresses: The Drop Slip Dress / Fashionme / Ted Baker
Bias Cut Dresses. With bias cut the fabric is cut diagonally so it can drape and skim the body. Slip dresses with spaghetti straps will especially look great on you. Because they´re slinky and romantic, bias cut dresses add feminine flair to your boyish built.
Shirt Dresses. If you have problem looking for tops that fit, choose shirt dresses that fit right on your shoulders, then gather them at the waist with a wide belt or waistband. This will flare out the skirt of your shirt dress to balance the width on your top.
2. how to dress a muscular female shape: Pants
Get the Look: Tapered Pants / Pencil Casual Pants / Straight Leg Pants / Harem Pants
Look for flat-front trousers that are straight from waist to hem. Avoid pants that are too tight on top if you have narrow hips as this will make your hips look unattractive. A slight flare at the hems works for you. To create curves, try pleats or tapered pants. A wider belt at the waist also creates curve.
3. how to dress a muscular female shape: Jeans
Get the Look: Low Rise Skinny Jeans / Flared Jeans / Boyfriend Jeans
When it comes to jeans, opt for low-rise, straight leg styles with a fitted behind. You can also look chic in slouchy boyfriend styles worn with feminine shoes. Or you can try low-rise skinny jeans; they will flatter your toned figure. You would want to avoid fitted high waist jeans since they would feature your tiny waist and emphasize your broad shoulders and lats. Tuck in your top to create curve.
4. how to dress a muscular female shape: Skirts
You´re lucky, you can wear any skirts … except too full skirts because they will highlight your broad shoulders. If your hips are narrow, look for pleating details, as well as slanted or patch pockets. Show off your waist with belts and thicker waistbands.
Get the Look: 1) Rooscier / 2) HERBATOMIA / 3) Avanova / 4) CHARTOU
5. how to dress a muscular female shape: Tops
From Top Left: 1) Wrap Top / 2) Short Sleeve Top / 3) Dokotoo / 4) Rooscier / 5) Tank Top / 6) GRACE KARIN
For your tops, go for fitted shirts with seams and details that highlight your figure. You can enhance the bust with breast pockets and gathers. Choose slim V-necks and cap-sleeve styles, or tops with details on the waist to highlight your waist area.
Remember to team dark tops with light bottoms in order to slim down your top and add width to your bottom.