Today we’re diving into the world of dressing for the inverted triangle body shape. If you’ve got gorgeous broad shoulders and a narrower waist and hips, this one’s for you! 

I’m excited to share my top tips and tricks for making the most of your stunning figure.

What Is Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

First things first, let’s define what we mean by “inverted triangle body shape”. This athletic and striking figure is characterized by:

• Shoulders that are noticeably broader than the hips
• A less defined waistline
• Hips that are straight and narrower than the shoulders
• A proportionally smaller bottom compared to the upper body

If this sounds like you, congrats girl – you’ve got an inverted triangle shape! Think of celebs like Angelina Jolie, Renee Zellweger and Naomi Campbell. They all rock this gorgeous body type.

How to Tell That You Have an Inverted Triangle Body

Still not 100% sure if you fall into the inverted triangle category? Here are a few tell-tale signs:

• Your shoulders are the broadest part of your body
• Your shoulder measurement is more than 5% bigger than your hip measurement
• You tend to gain weight in your upper body first
• You have a straight, athletic build rather than an hourglass shape
• Clothing that fits your shoulders is often too big at the hips

If you’re nodding along, then welcome to the inverted triangle club! Let’s talk about how to dress to make the most of your fab figure.

Traits of the Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Us inverted triangles are blessed with some serious assets. Here are a few of the standout features you can play up:

• Strong, statuesque shoulders that give a powerful silhouette
• Toned, shapely arms thanks to your athletic build
• Slender, defined legs that go on for days
• A streamlined torso that looks great in fitted styles

With a figure this stunning, the key is to create balance and play up your best features. A few small tweaks to your wardrobe is all it takes to make your inverted triangle shape shine!

What to Avoid for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Before we get into what to wear, let’s cover a few things to steer clear of. These fashion don’ts can throw your proportions off balance:

• Tops with bulk or embellishment on the shoulders
• High necklines that make your shoulders look broader
• Skinny jeans and pants that emphasize a straight hip line
• Shapeless, oversized styles that drown your figure
• Cropped jackets that widen your shoulder line

The goal is to downplay your shoulders and add some curve and volume to your lower half. Bypass anything that works against that mission and you’ll be golden.

How To Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Now for the good stuff – what DOES look amazing on your inverted triangle shape? Here are my top tips:

• Emphasize your waist to balance your shoulders and hips
• Look for tops and dresses that flare out over your hips
• Opt for V-necks, scoop necks and sweethearts to elongate your upper body
• Choose bottoms with volume and details to add curves
• Experiment with bright colors and prints on your lower half
• Keep your shoulders simple and streamlined

The key is creating the illusion of an hourglass by adding volume at the hips and defining your middle. With a few figure-flattering pieces, your inverted triangle will be unstoppable!

How to Style the Inverted Triangle Shape

Still not sure how to put this advice into practice? Here are a few no-fail outfit formulas to try:

• A-line dress + statement earrings + heeled sandals
• Peplum top + wide-leg trousers + pointed toe pumps
• Wrap blouse + printed midi skirt + ankle boots
• Belted sheath dress + colorful cardigan + ballet flats
• Fitted V-neck tee + flared jeans + wedge espadrilles

The goal is to keep your shoulders streamlined, nip in your waist, and add a little volume and interest to your lower half. Mix and match these elements and you’ll nail it every time.

Best Tops for the Inverted Triangle Body Type

Let’s talk specifics, starting with tops. Look for styles that balance your shoulders and float away from the hip. Some of my faves:

• Wrap tops that cinch your waist and drape over your hips
• Peplum tops that flare out to create curves
• V-necks that elongate your upper body
• Dolman and batwing sleeves that soften your shoulder line
• Tops with waist definition like ties, ruching or elastic

Avoid shoulder details, boat necks and boxy cuts. Anything that highlights your shoulders or hides your waist is a no-go. Stick with these flattering silhouettes and you’ll be good to go!

Picking the Right Neckline for Inverted Triangle Body Types

Necklines are key for balancing an inverted triangle shape. The goal is to downplay your shoulders and create a longer line. Some of the most flattering options:

• V-necks that elongate your neck and torso
• Scoop and sweetheart necklines that show a little skin
• Asymmetric necklines that soften your shoulder line
• Halters and high collars that create a vertical line

Stay away from wide boat necks, off-the-shoulder styles and strapless silhouettes. Anything that cuts straight across your shoulders will make them look wider. Stick with these vertical and diagonal lines instead.

Ideal Blazers for the Inverted Triangle Type

Blazers and jackets are a great way to balance your inverted triangle figure – if you choose the right one! Here’s what to look for:

• Single-breasted styles that don’t add bulk to your shoulders
• Cuts that nip in at the waist and flare out over the hip
• Styles that hit at mid-hip or lower to elongate your torso
• Lapels that are narrow to medium width
• Minimal shoulder details and pads

Avoid double-breasted, boxy and cropped silhouettes. Anything that hides your waist or adds volume on top will throw you off balance. A tailored, slightly flared jacket is your BFF.

Choosing the Most Flattering Shirts

Button-down shirts can be tricky for inverted triangles. The key is to find styles that fit your shoulders without being baggy at the waist. Here’s what to look for:

• Stretch or darted styles that hug your curves
• Slim cuts that follow your shape without adding bulk
• Vertical stripes or seaming that create a long, lean line
• Straight or slightly flared hems that float over your hips
• Shorter lengths that hit at mid-hip

Stay away from oversized boyfriend cuts, boxy silhouettes and super-fitted styles. Anything that hides your shape or clings too much will throw you off balance. A tailored, slightly shaped shirt is the way to go.

Best Dresses for the Inverted Triangle Type

Dresses are a great way to create an hourglass illusion on your inverted triangle figure. Look for styles that define your waist and add volume to your lower half, like:

• Wrap dresses that cinch your middle and drape over your hips
• Fit-and-flare dresses that hug your waist and flare out into an A-line skirt
• Belted sheath dresses that create curves with vertical seaming
• Bias-cut and draped styles that skim over your figure
• Dresses with full or tulip skirts that add volume at the hips

Avoid styles with bulk or embellishment on the shoulders, empire waists that hide your middle, and straight column silhouettes. Anything that widens your top half or hides your waist will work against you. Stick with these waist-defining, hip-enhancing styles instead.

Picking Your Ideal T-Shirt

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, but they can be tricky for inverted triangles. The key is to find styles that fit your shoulders without being baggy at the waist. Here’s what to look for:

• Slim or tailored cuts that skim your curves
• V-necks that elongate your upper body
• Shorter lengths that hit at mid-hip
• Soft, drapey fabrics that don’t add bulk
• Vertical details like buttons or zippers

Avoid boxy, oversized and cropped styles that hide your shape. Anything that adds volume to your shoulders or cuts you off at the waist will throw your proportions off. A fitted, slightly shaped tee is your go-to.

What Bottoms Work Best for the Inverted Triangle Type?

Now let’s talk about pants, skirts and shorts. The goal is to add volume and interest to your lower half to balance your shoulders. Here are some flattering options:

• Wide-leg and flared pants that create curves at the hip
• A-line and full skirts that float away from your body
• Shorts with volume and details like pleats, pockets or cuffs
• High-waisted styles that define your middle and elongate your legs
• Prints, bright colors and textures that draw the eye downward

Stay away from skinny jeans, pencil skirts and tight shorts. Anything that hugs your straight hips will emphasize your lack of curves. Stick with these voluminous, eye-catching styles instead.

Best Shorts for the Inverted Triangle Body Type

Shorts can be a challenge for inverted triangles, but there are plenty of flattering options out there. Look for styles with a little volume and interest, like:

• Pleated or cuffed shorts that create width at the hips
• Flowy, drapey fabrics that soften your silhouette
• Prints and bright colors that draw the eye downward
• Longer lengths that balance your proportions
• High-waisted styles that define your middle

Avoid tight, fitted and super-short styles that hug your straight hips. Anything that emphasizes your lack of curves will throw you off balance. Opt for these loose, flowy styles instead.

Tips on Finding Your Best Skirt

Skirts are a great way to add volume and shape to your lower half. Look for styles that flare out from the hip to balance your shoulders, like:

• A-line skirts that create an hourglass silhouette
• Full, pleated styles that add width at the hip
• Bias-cut and draped skirts that skim over your curves
• Prints and textures that add visual interest
• Knee-length or longer hems that elongate your legs

Stay away from tight pencil skirts and straight, narrow silhouettes. Anything that hugs your hips will emphasize your straight shape. Choose these voluminous, flared styles instead.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe essential, but finding the right pair can be tricky for inverted triangles. Look for styles that balance your proportions and add curves, like:

• Flared or bootcut jeans that create width at the hem
• High-waisted styles that define your middle and elongate your legs
• Stretch denim that hugs your curves without adding bulk
• Darker washes and vertical seaming that create a long, lean line
• Pocket details that add interest to your rear view

Avoid skinny jeans and low-rise styles that emphasize your straight hips. Anything that hugs your lower half will throw off your proportions. Stick with these balanced, curve-enhancing styles instead.

FAQs

Can I wear skinny jeans if I have an inverted triangle body type?

Skinny jeans can be tough for inverted triangles, as they tend to emphasize a straight hip line. If you love the look of skinnies, try pairing them with a voluminous top that balances your proportions. A flowy blouse or oversized sweater can help create the illusion of curves.

What swimsuits look best on an inverted triangle shape?

Look for swimsuits with details that add volume to your lower half, like ruffles, skirts or tie-side bottoms. Avoid bandeau tops and boy shorts that emphasize your straight shape. A halter top with a flared skirt bottom is a great option for creating curves.

How can I minimize my broad shoulders?

To downplay your shoulders, avoid tops with bulk or embellishment in that area. Stick with simple, streamlined styles like V-necks and scoop necks. You can also try softening your shoulder line with off-the-shoulder styles or dolman sleeves.

What should I wear to work if I have an inverted triangle body type?

For the office, look for tailored pieces that define your waist and add volume to your lower half. A belted sheath dress, a peplum blazer with wide-leg trousers, or a wrap blouse with an A-line skirt are all great options. Stick with simple, streamlined tops and add interest with your bottoms and accessories.

Conclusion

Dressing an inverted triangle body shape is all about creating balance and playing up your best features. By emphasizing your waist, adding volume to your lower half, and keeping your shoulders streamlined, you can create a stunning hourglass silhouette.

Remember to choose tops that float away from your hips, bottoms with plenty of volume and visual interest, and necklines that elongate your upper body. Steer clear of anything that adds bulk to your shoulders or hides your waist, and you’ll be golden.

With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re ready to rock your inverted triangle shape with confidence. Embrace your gorgeous figure and have fun experimenting with fashion. You’ve got this, gorgeous!