Inverted Triangle Body Shape: Unlocking Your Style Potential

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Have you ever wondered why certain clothes — even the trendiest pieces — don’t flatter you? 

The reason is simple: it’s likely because you aren’t dressing for your body shape. 

If you have a beautiful inverted triangle body shape, then there are several pointers to remember when dressing yourself up to ensure your outfits flatter your figure and highlight your best features!

And that’s exactly what we’re here to discuss.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics and specifics of styling an inverted triangle body shape and the best outfits for this gorgeous shape.

Fast Facts

• The inverted triangle body shape features broad shoulders with narrow hips and an undefined waist, requiring a balance between the upper and lower body in outfits.

• Styling objectives for this body shape include softening broad shoulders and adding visual width to the bottom half of the body. 

• Choose V-neck and halter necklines, belted jackets, A-line dresses, and flared bottoms to create a balanced silhouette.

• Steer clear of padded shoulders, boxy cuts, and skinny jeans that can accentuate the top-heavy nature of the inverted triangle shape.

What Is an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

An inverted triangle body shape is typically characterized by broad shoulders and a broad bust, a small, less defined waist, and narrow hips. 

True to its name, this body shape tends to be top-heavy, distinguished by the broadness of the upper body. 

This is why individuals with this body shape look effortlessly bold, confident, and athletic!

How To Tell if You Have an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If you aren’t sure whether you have an inverted triangle, see if you have these characteristics:

• Your shoulders look square.
• Your shoulders and back are broad.
• Your buttocks are small or flat.
• Your hips are narrower than your waist.
• Your waist is narrower than your shoulders.
• You have slim legs.

Do you think your figure meets most — or all — of these criteria? Well, you may just have an inverted triangle body shape!

Basic Styling Goals and Tips for an Inverted Triangle-Shaped Body

Now that you’ve determined your body shape, you may be wondering how to make the right styling choices for it. 

Well, the main objective is to create a harmonious balance between the broader top half and the narrower lower half of your body by doing the following:

• Deemphasize and soften the shoulders. 
• Add visual weight to the hips. 
• Enhance waist definition and create the illusion of curves.
• Achieve a silhouette that draws the eye vertically.

These are the general styling goals you’ll want to work toward.

To achieve them, you can follow these tips:

1. Opt for Relaxed Styles Around the Shoulders

Tops and dresses that are fitted but slightly flowy around the shoulder area can help soften the appearance of your strong, broad shoulder line. This prevents a boxy look. 

Anything too tight, straight, or restrictive should be avoided since it can unnecessarily define your broad shoulders.

2. Use Colors for a More Proportionate Figure

You should carefully plan the colors of your outfits. 

Since your upper body is broader than the lower half, wearing neutral- and dark-colored tops or blouses can help narrow your shoulders and back.

Meanwhile, wearing bright, vividly colored bottoms will widen the waist and hips, which helps balance out your broad shoulders.

3. Use Midsection Detailing

After creating harmony and symmetry between your upper and lower body, the next thing you have to do is create waist definition and the illusion of curves.

You can achieve this by wearing belts, waist jewelry, or other midsection details that cinch your waist, making it look more defined. 

4. Focus Your Patterns on the Lower Half of the Body

Clothes with patterns effectively add width. The larger the prints, the more emphasized the area of your body is.

So it’s a good idea to go for plain or solid-colored tops and go all out with the prints and patterns of your bottoms.

For example, pairing a fitted deep green top with paisley-patterned culottes in multiple colors is perfect for a casual boho look or a concert outfit! 

Ready to put the guidelines above into practice and tailor them to your unique style preferences and preferred fashion aesthetic? We’re here to help!

We’ve provided a guide to the most flattering styles for your body shape below to help you make the right choices. 

Necklines for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape 

The best necklines for an inverted triangle body shape are those that help soften the outline of your shoulders. 

You should also opt for necklines that have a lengthening or slimming effect to offset your strong horizontal shoulder line. 

Wide necklines don’t play well with an inverted triangle body shape since they can unnecessarily emphasize the shoulders or make them look too square.

Sleeves for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape 

There’s a particular rule to follow when choosing sleeves for an inverted triangle body shape: short sleeves have to be fitted or tapered, and long sleeves have to be open. 

Fitted short sleeves don’t add extra width to your shoulders, while long sleeves that are open help add volume to your hips.

For sleeveless tops, straps should also be broad to balance the width of your shoulders. 

Tops and Blouses for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The tops and blouses suitable for an inverted triangle body shape should do the following:

• Reach and flare out slightly at your hips to balance out the shoulders
• Fit well to define your waist 
• Have no elaborate shoulder, neck, or bust details to help downplay the broadness of the upper body
• Come in dark colors to help make your shoulders appear narrower

When you follow these requirements, you can avoid that top-heavy look. 

You should also avoid knitwear and fabrics that are too thick and bulky to avoid adding additional volume to the top half of your body.

Quick Tip

Remember: there’s no need to hide away your prominent shoulders; these are among your best features! And you can definitely highlight them by wearing off-shoulder tops or tube tops.

All you have to do is avoid throwing your silhouette out of proportion by pairing these tops with bottoms that will widen your hips and cinch your waist.

Outerwear for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Jackets 

Jackets are great for layering, but they shouldn’t be too bulky or excessively accessorized. 

Typically, the best jackets for an inverted triangle-shaped body are those with lengths that go beyond the waist. 

The lapels should also be broad so they can balance out the shoulders. 

If the jacket is structured with a defined waist or comes with a belt, it helps create curves around your waist. 

Anything that is padded or adorned around the shoulders, puffy, embellished, or cropped isn’t the best pick. These exaggerate your shoulders or make your torso appear shorter.

Coats

The key here is to look for long, dark-colored coats that have minimal features on the upper body. You should also opt for collars to downplay the broadness of your shoulders.

If the coat nips around the waist, this can add curves to your silhouette. 

You should generally avoid coats with excessive features, large collars, or double-breasted styles, as these add bulk to your torso and shoulders.

Dresses for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Casual and Semiformal Dresses 

As you can probably already guess, the best dresses for an inverted triangle body shape accentuate the waist and add volume to the hips. 

You should go for dresses with a cinched waist or a loose, flowy form.

Just make sure you avoid anything too tight since it can highlight the narrowness of your waist and hips. 

Remember, the goal is always to add volume to the hips to balance out your broad shoulders.

Evening Gowns

Looking to get dressed to the nines for an event? Go ahead and flaunt your figure! 

Just remember that the best gowns for an inverted triangle body shape are those that flare out or balloon at the bottom. 

These features widen the lower part of your body to balance out your broad shoulders.

They should also come with thick straps and necklines that won’t make the shoulders look too square or wide.

Puffy sleeves and tight-fitting gowns should also be avoided because they widen the shoulders and accentuate the narrow hips.

Bottoms for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Jeans

In finding the perfect pair of jeans, someone with an inverted triangle body shape should consider several factors, like color, patterns, structure, and details. 

Don’t use dark-colored and tight-fitting jeans since they tend to slim out your waist, hips, and legs. Instead, opt for bright, flashy colors. 

Large prints, pockets, and details around the hips can also help balance out your silhouette.

As for the structure, ensure they’re wide or free-flowing. 

Trousers

Choosing your trousers is the same as picking out your jeans. Just remember that they should add volume to your hips!

Any pair of trousers that are flowy or add proportions to your hips is what your figure needs. For the most part, they may come pleated or gathered too. 

In general, dark colors, like black, navy, and charcoal, should be avoided. You should also avoid skinny trousers and all other styles that accentuate your narrow hips.

Skirts 

When it comes to skirts, choose roomy and voluminous ones to compensate for your narrow hips. They can be flowy, layered, and loose-fitting.

If they come with patterns or prints, all the better! To add visual weight, hip embellishments, pockets, and other eye-popping details are acceptable.

Plus, skirts should generally be in lighter colors to avoid slimming down the hips further.

So any skirt that’s the opposite (tight or dark in color) shouldn’t be a part of your wardrobe!

Shorts 

Shorts are wardrobe essentials too, especially if you want to wear something for the summer. 

Like all the other bottoms we’ve discussed, the ideal shorts should also add width to your hips to keep your figure from exhibiting a tapered lower body frame. 

Anything brightly colored, loose, baggy, and printed will do the trick!

Steer clear of small, tight, and dark shorts because they can further slim down your already slim hips and exaggerate your broad shoulders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Celebrities Have an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

While social media platforms like Instagram may be filled with women who have hourglass figures, you may not realize that there are plenty of stunners out there who proudly show off this unique body shape!

Here are a few celebrities with an inverted triangle body shape:

• Lucy Liu
• Demi Moore
• Abbie Cornish
• Angelina Jolie
• Cindy Crawford
• Elizabeth Hurley
• Naomi Campbell
• Renee Zellweger
• Victoria Beckham
• Federica Pellegrini
• Michelle Rodriguez
• Catherine Zeta-Jones

What Are Some Styling Tips for Males With an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

If you have this body shape and want your clothes to match this silhouette, invest in fit, lightweight polos, shirts, knits, sweaters, and cardigans. 

The goal is to accentuate your natural form without adding bulk. 

As for the bottom clothing, we recommend straight-cut or tapered jeans or trousers. They further emphasize the tapering framework, making you look even more strapping. 

Be Confident in Your Figure!

Like all the other body shapes, the inverted triangle body shape is beautiful. But you need to choose the right clothes to create harmony in all its proportions.

The main point to remember here is to avoid exaggerating the width of your shoulders and add more weight around your hips using vivid colors, patterns, and embellishments.

Fortunately, certain clothing pieces readily provide the volume you need on your lower frame thanks to their flaring or roomy structure, so it’s ideal to have them ready in your closet.

Once you have all the wardrobe staples we’ve discussed, you’ll no longer have to worry about wearing the wrong clothes!

Want To Get More Styling Guides?

Check out these articles:

• Light Spring Color Palette: Makeup, Hair, and Fashion Guide
• Rectangle Body Shape: A Comprehensive Styling Guide
• The Ingenue Essence: A Comprehensive Styling Guide