How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Are you overwhelmed with wardrobe choices, wondering what to wear and how to flatter your figure? Unfortunately, it can be hard to dress for certain body types because everyone is so unique. 

Do you have broad shoulders, a small waist, and smaller hips? If so, then you most likely have an inverted triangle body shape. It can make it challenging to dress fashionably without accentuating your top-heavy features or making yourself appear too bulky.

For many years as a fashion stylist, I have developed key tips on dressing in an inverted triangle body shape. With the right approach, you can create an outfit that truly flatters your figure and helps to create balance. 

So if you're looking to upgrade your fashion game while embracing all that beautiful zone of yours, keep reading! 

What Is the Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

Women with an inverted triangle frame have a strong, athletic look due to their broad shoulder line, creating a V shape and narrower waist and hips. Depending on the individual, this difference between the shoulders and lower body may be slight or dramatic. 

Additionally, there may not always be many definitions of waist size; nonetheless, your bust measurements do not necessarily need to exceed those of your hips for you to take on this figure type! 

Characteristics of the Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by the following: 

· Athletic-looking silhouette

· Broad shoulders, wider than your hips 

· A narrow waistline or not much waist definition 

· Narrow hips that look smaller than shoulders

· Slim arms and legs 

· Flat or small bottom

· A large bust or chest area 

These key characteristics are essential when learning how to dress this body shape. 

Now that you know more about the inverted triangle body shape and its defining characteristics, let's move on to tips for styling this figure type. 

Tips for Dressing an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If you are an inverted triangle body type owner, clothing with details like pleats and ruffles is your best bet. These pieces flatter your figure by giving the illusion of added curves in both your bust and lower half. 

To ensure that every outfit looks its best on you, here are a few style rules to follow:

· Create the illusion of an hourglass figure by wearing clothes with eye-catching embellishments around your waist!

· To soften your shoulders, avoid clothing that is too tight or has a straight fit. Instead, go for pieces with drapey and flowy designs that offer more relaxation around the shoulder area.

· When putting your outfit together, be mindful of the color balance. For example, if you have an inverted triangle body shape that is wider on top and smaller at the bottom, opt for light bottoms or ones with patterns to create a pleasing contrast against a darker-colored top. 

· Diversify your wardrobe with garments that have increased fullness along the hips. Introducing body volume below the waistline will help harmonize and proportionately balance your physique.

· Steer clear of wide necklines that will accentuate your shoulders' horizontal silhouette.

· For a more balanced silhouette, don't wear bottoms that cling to your hips or are too skinny. Doing this will draw attention away from the top of your body and make you look less top-heavy.

· When selecting printed or intricate garments, strive for simplicity. You want to emphasize your waist area, so make sure to leave only a few design aspects that will draw attention away from it. 

· Finally, accessorizing is a great way to create an eye-catching look that flatters your figure. Opt for scarves and statement necklaces that draw attention to your bust line while lightening the shoulders. 

By considering these tips, you'll be able to show off your inverted triangle body shape in style! 

Building a Wardrobe for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Constructing a wardrobe for an inverted triangle body type requires one to draw attention towards their lower half and work on evening out their shoulder-to-waist ratio while creating some curvature in the midsection. 

Let's start with the basics:

V-Neck, Scoop, or Asymmetrical Neckline

When creating a stylish wardrobe for an inverted triangle figure, it is essential to select the perfect neckline. The ideal choice should soften any strong horizontal lines formed by your bust and shoulders.

The best neckline for an inverted triangle body type is a V-neck. This style will elongate the torso, visually reduce your shoulder width, and draw attention to your bust area in the most flattering way possible! 

Other suitable options are scoop and asymmetrical necks that give the same effect as a V-neck without being too revealing. 

What to Avoid?

To look your best, avoid any necklines that expand the shoulder line. Examples of this include boat necks, Sabrina styles, cowls, squares, and bateau, as well as off-the-shoulder designs. These will only make your shoulders appear broader and give you a top-heavy look. 

Slightly Loose Tops and Shirts

If you've got an inverted triangle body type, it is essential to remember critical details when selecting tops and shirts. 

Focus on the hem for a polished, put-together look. Look for pieces that hit right above or around the hip area. It will create a more balanced silhouette and draw attention away from your shoulders to your midsection. 

Another great tip is to select tops with a slight blouson or peplum effect around the waistline, as this will help create a fuller-looking midsection. 

Finally, look for slightly loose tops with fabric at the back and sides that move with your body. 

What to Avoid?

Tops that are overly tight and hug your body will only enhance the width of your shoulders and make you look top-heavy. Instead, choose lightweight and flowy fabrics to create a sleek and modern look. Try to steer clear of chunky knits, stiff fabric tops, cropped shirt lengths, or boxy cuts.

Slim Sleeves

If you have an inverted triangle shape, it's essential to rock-fitted slim sleeves when they are shorter in length. You need to ensure those broad shoulders don't become the star of your outfit; let your hips take center stage. Therefore, nix any puff sleeves or shoulder embellishments for a more flattering look!

For a more balanced look, try long sleeves that create an elongated effect and enhance the shape of your arms. Opt for crepe and chiffon for more movement, and layer with long cardigans or jackets to create an interesting silhouette. 

Finally, accessorize with statement sleeves and cuffs that draw attention to your wrists. 

What to Avoid?

Stay away from overly loose or billowy sleeves that will only create a larger shoulder line and take the focus away from your waist. Likewise, try to steer clear of off-the-shoulder styles and avoid any bulky fabrics that will add width to your shoulders. 

A-Line and Fit-and-Flare Dresses

Women with inverted triangle body types often experience difficulty creating the ideal proportions in their outfits, but don't fret! A few specially designed dresses can help you feel your best.

The most flattering dresses will be those with a defined waistline and fitted around the top. Anything from A-line to fit-and-flare styles will create an hourglass silhouette. 

Look for details such as ruching and pleats to help accentuate your waistline and downplay your shoulders. Empire-waist dresses are also great for inverted triangle body shapes, as the style elongates the torso and creates fullness in the bust area.

What to Avoid? 

Avoid dresses with statement design details around your shoulders, such as thick straps or wide sleeves. Additionally, avoid voluminous skirts and full-length gowns that can make your shoulders appear broader. Instead, stick to dresses that hit right below or above the knee for a more flattering silhouette. 

Loose Bottoms

The lower half of your wardrobe should allow you to express yourself and show off! Boost the volume around those hips to give your silhouette alluring curves.

Try to look for trousers, skirts, and shorts with pleating, ruching, or a wide waistband. A flared-leg pant or a skirt with an A-line shape will help create the illusion of curves and make your proportions feel balanced.

Don't shy away from statement colors, prints, or light-colored denim to help draw attention to your lower half. Darker tones usually stretch out and slim down the figure – however, due to your slender hips, we would like to avoid this look.

What to Avoid? 

Say no to any bottoms that are too tight, as they will only draw attention away from your waist. Additionally, steer clear of pencil skirts or styles that don't have a defined waistline. These will not enhance your figure and will instead create an unflattering silhouette. 

The key to dressing an inverted triangle body shape is to enhance and draw attention to your lower half while creating balance by keeping your upper body simpler. Choose fabrics and cuts that will flatter your figure and give you the confidence to feel amazing! 

Bottom Line

When dressing an inverted triangle body shape, accentuate your lower half with volume and silhouettes that enhance your curves. Avoid styles that draw attention to the upper portion of your body, such as shoulder embellishments or bulky fabrics. 

With some clever styling tricks and a few key wardrobe pieces, you'll be able to create beautiful proportions and look stunning. Now you can confidently dress for your body type and feel fabulous!