Formal -esque toppers for broad shoulders - YouLookFab Forum

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Formal -esque toppers for broad shoulders

elpgal

Veteran

I am in need of some blazers, structured cardigans etc. for some semi-casual interviews. As a broad-shouldered, short-waisted petite, these generally make me look odd if I can’t highlight my waist. I can’t do heels at all
, so that way of adding length is out.

What should I be looking for? Would appreciate photos and recommendations for things you own.

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16 replies

Latest reply was from elpgal

karen13

Veteran

I have the same fit issues, but don't wear business attire any more so can't offer any specifics. I often find hinting at the wait but not specifically highlighting it worked better for me - my short waist was often higher than even petite clothes would place it.

For a softer look - I am really liking this long cashmere cardigan (comes in petite and runs true to size for me) - the sleeve detail is subtle and not annoying. I remember liking princess seams back in my business attire days - more of the shaping without focusing.

Charter Club Pure Cashmere Open-Front Cardigan, in Regular & Petite Sizes, Created for Macy's

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elpgal

Veteran

That looks like a great topper for dresses, thanks!

Runcarla

Veteran

Channelesque jackets generally stop short/high (like a jean jacket) and can be dressy for interviews and elongate the leg line.

SarahD8

Veteran

I also have broad shoulders and am petite with a short torso. I like jacket-y cardigans:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....y-cardigan

Collar and gentle waist shaping are key to making these work for me.

The knit material really helps as my shoulders can be comfortably accommodated without bulking them up or leaving my torso swimming.

I work from home generally but this is absolutely the kind of piece I would lean on for work-related meetings outside the house.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Elpgal, I'm with RunCarla. How about a collarless jacket?

elpgal

Veteran

Sarah, I’ll try to look for a refined version to try out. Not a fan of the flimsy ones that get saggy with time.

Carla and Angie, I like the look of these jackets but haven’t found one that doesn’t tent out sideways from bust down. The ones I have tried were kind of stiff. I remember a red/black from NAS aeons ago that I ended up returning for this very reason.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You need a more fitted version. Are you curvy on top at all? If so, try Talbots petites.

LaPed

Veteran

I think SarahD8, Angie and Runcarla have the right idea. I am 5'4" with a strong square shoulder line. I wore a tweedy collarless Chanel-inspired topper to my last job interview. No padding in the shoulders, very lightly structured piece, tailored fit, hits at hip. It's a loose jacquard weave that behaves almost like a sturdy knit. Molds to the body, not stiff at all. I find longer blazers somewhat hard to wear; like you, I prefer a longer leg line and it's hard to do that with a long topper plus flats. There are some shorter blazers out there these days although longer is definitely the dominant silhouette.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Would this work? I loved it, but sent it back because it was alone in my closet, and for budget reasons. I am 5'8", so we don't have that in common, but I do have broad shoulders.

ONLY ONYMIA SOHO COATIGAN - Kurzmantel

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Runcarla

Veteran

I can't do links (7 yo iPad) but I snapped the first page of Ann Taylor petites. There is a big sale on, too. Top right and bottom right might work?

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elpgal

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Carla, thank you for those links!

LaP and Angie,you guessed right, I am busty so that increases the renting potential.

Fashintern: I can see this working with a dress but don’t think I can pull it off on my 5’ 3” frame.

Kathie

Veteran

I recall you tried an MMLaFleur dress once. Did you try either of their jardigans, especially the St Ambreous?

https://mmlafleur.com/shop/sant-ambroeus-black

Also, I have their Deitrich jacket. It’s unlined, washable, but with a longer profile, so might not work for you. It’s been a great fit for my shoulders, which are also slightly broad.

https://mmlafleur.com/shop/die.....will-black

shiny

Veteran

I'm only 5'0 and my shoulders are straight and broad plus I have a C cup. And an apple belly so not much of a waist. Here are some of my favorite jackets right now.

Pic 1 is Alfani (petites) from Macy's -- it is a sweater knit jacket so stretchy. I sized up to a Medium so I could close it at the waist when I want to. I have a red jacket somewhat similar to this (regular sleeves) from WHBM so do give them a try.

Pic 2 is Ann Taylor (petites) -- similar to the ones Runcarla suggested. Once again, I found I had to size up to accommodate the chest. This one does close with no gaping. The only issue is the sleeves are a bit on the longer side for me but as you see I have scrunched them here. I have this same type jacket in several different fabrications (white, off-white tweed, soft grey tweed) and all from AT. I also like their piped jacket that has lapels: that one fits really well too. In some of these jackets I did NOT size up as I just wear them open.

Pic 3 is a longer line (hits at mid thigh) throwing out all the rules and is even worn with flats! I do think straight shoulder women can wear this style particularly well! I have yet to try this with a dress but think it'd work over a knee-length or slightly shorter sheath.

Not shown I have a black suit jacket from Banana Republic. I had to size way up in that one (not sure what is going on with BR sizing these days) but it fits like a dream. I do love BR suiting.

As you can see the theme is that I had to size up! The petite still gives me the vertical proportions I need, but for the shoulders/chest/belly I need to size up. I do not like any pulling across the back, and I like to be able to cross my arms comfortably.

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elpgal

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I have ordered the AT one Carla recommended.

Kathie: that looks like a great option for over dresses! Thanks for the reminder to try MMLaFleur.

Shiny: thank you so much for the tutorial and photos. I run hot so wearing it closed is not an option but agree about the freedom of movement. You wear the the long jacket very well. I would love a long navy/orange plaid jacket.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Jcrew Going Out jacket? I’m on my phone so can’t do Finds. I’m constantly on the lookout for sweater knit jackets, ponte jackets, etc., and have found most at AT, Loft, Talbots, JJill, Chico’s, or Target. I’ve heard good things about the MM LaFleur stuff.

elpgal

Veteran

Laura,thanks for the recommendation. I ordered it.