The way I've been doing my 2D sprites these days: I make the full outline first to get the proportions right, then I color it and add details, then I shade it (this is kinda actually part of the coloring and detail, but meh), and then I do any final touches I need to. That's the basic workflow I go with anyway.
You are pretty much making the sprite in parts. The problem is that you might end up getting proportions wrong, and then it's more difficult or time consuming to fix it, which is why I do a full outline first. That might help? But I'm certainly no expert on sprites; I just know what works for me.
I know it's not much, but I figured I might as well give my 1 and 1/2 cents anyway.
I do think the thighs are a little wide though, which has kinda screwed up the top, leaving no room for the arms, and it will make him seem stubby. If you thin it up a little, it should help, but I really think you should try to outline the complete form and you'll find it helps tremendously (hopefully).