The goal for dressing an inverted triangle body shape is to balance broad shoulders with a narrower waist and hips. Key characteristics include wide shoulders, often a larger bust, and slimmer hips. To create balance, minimize attention on the upper body by choosing narrow necklines, simple sleeves, and tailored tops. Add volume to the lower body with A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and flared shorts.
Apple | Hourglass | Inverted Triangle | Pear | Rectangle
Inverted Triangle Body Shape: How to Dress
When it comes to dressing your body shape, it's important to focus on enhancing your proportions. Each body shape comes with its own set of guidelines that can help you emphasize your strengths and minimize areas you might want to downplay. The goal is to create a balanced silhouette.
For the inverted triangle body shape, the key is to soften the broad shoulders and create the appearance of more volume on the lower half. This guide will help you choose styles that achieve this balance.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by broad shoulders and/or a larger bust, with a narrower waist and hips. To create a more proportionate look, you want to minimize attention on your upper body while enhancing your lower half.
- Shoulders: Broad
- Bust: Varies
- Waist: Narrow
- Hips: Narrow
Key Styling Goals:
- Minimize your broad shoulders and upper body.
- Add volume and interest to your lower body to create balance.
Necklines
Choosing the right neckline can make a huge difference in balancing your proportions. As an inverted triangle, the aim is to soften the shoulder line.
Do's:
Opt for deep and narrow necklines, such as V-necks or scoop necks, to create vertical lines that elongate the torso and downplay the shoulders.
Sleeves
The right sleeves can help to detract attention from your shoulders.
Do's:
Choose sleeves that avoid adding width to the shoulders, such as raglan sleeves or sleeves with minimal detailing.
Short Sleeves
Long Sleeves
Jackets
Jackets can enhance your figure when chosen with care. Avoid shoulder padding or exaggerated shoulders.
Do's:
Opt for fitted jackets that define the waist and flare slightly at the hips.
Coats
Coats should follow similar guidelines as jackets. Look for ones that create curves around the hips and avoid bulk on the upper half.
Do's:
Choose A-line coats that flare at the bottom to balance your silhouette.
Shirts
The goal with shirts is to avoid adding volume to the shoulders while emphasizing the waist.
Do's:
Pick fitted, tailored shirts that draw attention away from the shoulders.
Knitwear
When it comes to knitwear, softer and more fluid fabrics work best.
Dresses
Dresses for the inverted triangle shape should aim to balance the top and bottom by creating volume at the hips and softening the shoulders.
Do's:
Opt for A-line dresses or those with defined waistlines and fuller skirts.
Skirts
Skirts can add the necessary volume to the lower half, which helps balance the broader shoulders.
Do's:
Go for flared skirts or ones with pleats to create curves around the hips.
Trousers
Trousers should add volume to the hips while keeping the waist defined.
Do's:
Opt for wide-leg or bootcut styles to add curves to your lower half.
Shorts
Shorts can also be used to create more volume on the lower half.
Do's:
Choose shorts that flare out or have pleats to give more volume to your hips.
Jumpsuits & Playsuits
Jumpsuits and playsuits can be a great option for balancing the shoulders and hips, as long as they are well-fitted at the waist.
Do's:
Go for styles that flare from the waist down to create balance.
Conclusion:
For the inverted triangle body shape:
- Focus on adding volume to your lower body to balance broad shoulders.
- Opt for necklines that draw attention away from the shoulders.
- Avoid clothing that exaggerates your upper body or adds width to your shoulders.
- Balance your silhouette with A-line skirts, wide-leg trousers, and flared shorts.
Other shapes: Apple | Hourglass | Inverted Triangle | Pear | Rectangle