Choosing the right necklines is important to flatter a plus size body, and it is especially critical when you are a short plus size woman. The right necklines can elongate your body frame and make you appear taller and leaner, while the wrong ones do exactly the opposite. Before we get into each neckline, let’s first do a deep dive to fully understand your body ‘s unique features.
Traits
- Short frame – Your height is no more than 5’4, which can also mean that you’ve got short legs.
- Heavier figure – As a plus-size girl, you carry more weight all throughout your body so you may look wider and visually heavier.
- Fuller bust size – It’s not unusual for some plus size girls to have a smaller bust line but it’s more common for short plus size body shapes to have big breasts due to the extra weight they carry.
- Wider hips and big thighs – Your lower body may look very prominent and at times, this can make you look bottom-heavy.
- Midsection bulge – You carry weight in your stomach which causes a muffin top and lack of waist definition.
- Curvy and shapely buttocks – Due to the excess weight you carry in your lower body, this also results in a curvier rear.
- Big arms and chubby legs – Because of your heavier-looking limbs, this can potentially make you look stubbier as well.
Celebrity examples
Below are examples of celebrities with short plus-size body shapes.
- Ashley Graham
- Lizzo
- Danielle Brooks
- Gabourey Sidibe
- Tess Holliday
Below are the best clothes for short plus-size shapes.
Below are the best outfits for short plus-size shapes.
V-Neck
Oh yes, the forever classic V-neck is something I always feel like I should put on top of this list and it’s because of a number of good reasons! When you’re short like me (I’m 5’2), you’d want a neckline that will keep you elongated and this gets even more beneficial when you’re a plus size girlie too.
I always say how the V-neckline is universally flattering and for short plus size women, its elongating factor is one of the key reasons why it can be your best bet. Its V shape is what exactly draws the vertical line in your silhouette that points the gaze downward, giving the illusion of a longer and leaner body.
Also, this is a type of open neckline which means that it exposes more of your decolletage, therefore creating the perception of an elongated neck. This can contribute to a more modelesque appearance, which counteracts the visual effects of your shorter and heavier stature.
Scoop
Another flattering neckline for plus-size women who are also more on the shorter side is the scoop neckline. This features a U-shaped dip which gently scoops down between your collarbones and this creates more space that showcases your upper half.
Because of your short height and the fact that you carry a bit more weight in your body, you’d like this openness in your upper half because this will create the illusion of a slimmer and leaner body. As this gracefully exposes your collarbones and part of your upper chest, it effectively draws the eyes upward to give the impression of added height.
Not only that but also the rounded shape of the scoop neckline complements the curves of your plus size figure by accentuating the decolletage without being overly revealing. This visual balance is crucial for achieving a look that is both proportionate and comfortable.
Sweetheart
If you’re looking for a neckline that’s pretty and very feminine, look no further than the classy sweetheart neckline. It’s called “sweetheart” because of how this neckline shape resembles the top shape of the heart in which it elegantly frames your decolletage, particularly your cleavage.
So basically, what makes the Sweetheart neckline particularly flattering for short, plus-size frames is its ability to enhance your top body’s proportions. It elongates the neck and draws the eye upwards because of how catchy its heart shape is, contributing to the illusion of added height for your petite frame.
The Sweetheart neckline is also very versatile as it looks amazing in both casual and formal fashion pieces. Some also come in a lower cut if you feel like bringing the focal point to one of your best assets, which is your fuller bust line.
Asymmetrical Necklines
Asymmetrical necklines come in different cuts and styles but they basically all share the same asymmetry wherein a diagonal line is drawn across the neckline. They steer away from the usual horizontal necklines and they also create a sense of openness in the upper half to ensure that your frame is beautifully balanced and elongated.
The diagonal or slanting lines these asymmetrical necklines create across the upper half of your body help divert the gaze away from the horizontal lines that make your frame look wider and stubbier. This vertical emphasis contributes to the illusion of additional height, so you’ll look more proportionate and lean.
They also give your figure a sense of movement and flow. This elongating effect effectively helps to keep a pleasing visual ratio, making the torso look slimmer and more extended.
Square
This is a neckline style that’s usually overlooked because of its minimalist vibe. But its simplicity is what exactly makes it more appealing and the way it frames the decolletage is actually superbly helpful for short plus size women.
The Square neckline creates a clean and structured silhouette that neatly frames your collarbones and upper half area. The squared-off shape also accentuates your shoulders, providing a leaner visual balance to your overall frame.
Since this is also a type of open neckline, it helps maintain the elongating vertical line in your silhouette continuously and uninterrupted. This visual effect instantly gives you a slimmer and taller appearance.
Off-the-Shoulder
Many petite women who are also plus-size tend to get intimidated by off-the-shoulder tops and dresses and that’s totally understandable. But remember, the off-the-shoulder neckline is also a type of open neckline, which means that it can also give you a more elongated and leaner silhouette in an instant!
The off-the-shoulder neckline design, just like the other open necklines I previously mentioned, also helps lead the focus to the shoulders and collarbone for a more elongated appearance.
The visual effect that the off-the-shoulder neckline has is another way to give you a slimmer and taller appearance. Moreover, exposing your shoulders provides a subtle and tasteful way to flaunt some skin, adding a touch of allure without being overly revealing.
Halter
It’s quite common for plus-size women to have a full bust size and the halter neckline is a great choice in terms of providing superior support for your breasts. As this neckline features a strap that goes around the back of your neck, it can help give your bust a lift to give you a more defined and accentuated look.
In addition to this style benefit, halter necklines also feature a V-shaped look that creates a vertical emphasis to keep your frame elongated. It’s also a great style that often highlights the upper half, allowing you to fully showcase your shoulders and neckline.
This balance can be visually appealing because it also detracts from any concerns about the bulges you may have in the lower body, making it a great choice for short plus-size body shapes.
Queen Anne
You may not hear about the Queen Anne design as often as the V-neck or Scoop neck, but I assure you that this regal neckline design offers the same flattering effect on petite ladies who are also more on the heavier side. You’ll mostly see this neckline in more formal types of clothing and it’s characterized by a high, softly curved design that gracefully frames the collarbone and neck, often with a slight dip in the center.
The Queen Anne neckline effectively draws attention towards your decolletage, therefore creating a gorgeous visual illusion of an elongated neck and a more slender upper body. This subtle but very effective visual elongation contributes to a more balanced and proportionate look as it also helps counteract the challenges that can come with a shorter and heavier figure.
In addition to this, the gentle curve of the neckline (which also somewhat resembles the Sweetheart neckline) gives your ensemble a touch of sophistication and modesty, creating a refined aesthetic that suits various occasions, especially formal ones. While it’s commonly seen in formal clothes, this neckline is also versatile enough to be incorporated into both casual and formal attire, making it a versatile choice for a variety of events.
Deep V-Neck
If the classic V-neck is too “basic” for you, then there are always other ways to spice things up for your outfit! The deep V-neck pretty much shares the exact same visual style benefits of the traditional V-neckline, with the only difference being its deeper cut.
The Deep V-neckline is more suitable for short plus-size girls who are looking into bringing more sole focus to their bust. This is ideal if you personally feel like your fuller bust size and shapely breasts are one of your figure’s best assets!
As this neckline dives deeper, it also creates a stronger vertical line that narrows your frame, resulting in a slimmer silhouette.
