How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Women with an inverted triangle body shape are probably already familiar with the impressive collection of names attributed to their body frame. An inverted triangle frame has often been called a strawberry shape, a V shape, or a Y shape, depending on the audience's imagination and perspective, but it is not uncommon to also hear people mentioning it as a fork or carrot shape.  

Regardless of what you call it, the inverted triangle shape is often present among the athletic elite, thus the swimmer's body shape analogy, and can also be found among supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford and Hollywood superstars such as Angelia Jolie and Demi Moore. In other words, if you have an inverted triangle body type, you're in very good company.

How do you know if you have an inverted triangle body shape?

Women with an inverted triangle frame have an athletic allure due to their broad shoulders and narrower hips and waist. The difference between your shoulders and lower body can be subtle or more dramatic. You can also notice a lack of waist definition and a strong shoulder line that creates a V shape with your body. Your bust measurements may be larger than your hips, but this is not a rule.

To make things simpler, here are a few of the most common characteristics of an inverted triangle body shape:

• broader shoulders
• small to large bust
• little to no waist definition
• narrow and flat hips
• flat bottom
• muscular legs

Don't forget about secondary body types

While the typical inverted triangle frame has strong shoulders, a small bust, narrow hips, and well-toned legs, there are many variations of this body shape, and secondary body types are always possible.

You may have an inverted triangle body shape and lean towards an apple shape if you have a larger bust, or may have a lot in common with an hourglass shape if your body doesn't lack curves. Furthermore, women who may think they have a carrot body shape may discover they also have a tendency towards a pear shape due to their wider shoulders, or even a rectangle shape if their hips enjoy a good bone structure.

This means you may have an inverted triangle body type, but you can also have a small natural waist, a fuller bottom, or a very generous bust. The clue is in the measurements: if your shoulders are wider than your hips by at least 5 percent, you can keep reading because these fashion tips are for you.

How to add balance to your inverted triangle figure

The clothes that best suit you depend on your body measurements and preferences. Just because fashion stylists claim that a certain piece of clothing looks fabulous on an inverted triangle frame, it doesn't mean it is a good fit for you. Don't ignore your own preferences and find outfits and accessories that resonate with both your body shape and personality.

That being said, some style tips can make your life easier when you are faced with the endless choice of outfits you probably already have in your wardrobe. Your body has a natural poise, and your athletic physique will help you pull off various combinations and styles.

Some women love their wide shoulders and don't feel the need to camouflage or draw attention away from them. Others may look to create the illusion of perfect balance between their upper body and lower body or draw attention to their lean legs. We believe these fashion tips are worthy of consideration if you have an inverted triangle body type:

• add volume to your lower body if you're looking for balance and curves 
• draw attention to your lower body with bold prints and light colors
• add softness to the shoulder line using soft or weighty fabrics, narrower necklines, and solid colors
• define your waist with dresses, jackets, and belted styles
• create the illusion of curves with wide-leg pants and flared skirts
• keep it minimal when it comes to the upper body and avoid shoulder embellishments
• use vertical stripes to create vertical lines
• avoid wide necklines, shoulder pads, skinny jeans, tight trousers, scarves

What to wear if you have an inverted triangle body type

First and foremost, wear what makes you feel beautiful, confident, and bold. Now, if you think you would benefit from some fashion tips, you can always count on us:

Tops

Due to your wider shoulder lines, tops will never be a problem for you. We would recommend tops that define your waist or wrap styles to create the illusion of a narrower waist. In terms of necklines, you can have fun with a V-neck or U-neck top, but you should avoid wide and low necklines. While off-shoulder or bateau styles will not compliment your figure, you will never go wrong with one-shoulder tops or asymmetric necklines that add balance to your figure. Don't hesitate to show off your lovely shoulder line with halter tops or strapless tops but avoid bright colors and bet all you have on monochromatic colors.

Jeans and pants

Your jeans should focus on adding curves to your lower body. Skinny jeans or tight pants, in general, are not a good idea because they may unbalance your figure. Opt for jeans that add volume to the bottom and hips and contribute to the illusion of narrower shoulders. Have fun with flared pants, bootleg jeans, boyfriend-style denim, and all things baggy. You can even try out balloon pants or harem pants. Back pockets, front pockets, rips, and embellishments, are all invited to the party because they draw the eye from the shoulder line and onto your lower half. When it comes to your lower body, less is less, and more is absolutely fine!

Dresses

Ah, dresses! We see dresses as magical pieces of clothing always ready to transform our look without too much effort. Women with an inverted triangle frame are usually looking to create volume in their lower bodies and balance out their wide shoulders. An A-line dress seems to have been designed especially for this mission, balancing the figure and adding curves in all the right places. You won't go wrong with flare dresses either or dresses with details on the lower part, such as patterns and pleats. Lighter colors are a safe choice for dresses, as are belted, shift, and pleated dresses. A strapless dress will always flatter your silhouette, especially if it adds volume to the hips. 

Skirts

Skirts should have the same mission as dresses: volume boost to the hips to add symmetry to your figure. If the skirt flares from the hips and adds curves to the hip and bottom area, you've made the right choice. Find skirts that define your waist, such as a tulip skirt with an accented waist or an A-line skirt. Ballerina, straight, and layered skirts are all inspired choices for the inverted triangle body type. Box pleats draw all eyes to your waist and hip area while hip embellishments and bold colors keep the attention on the lower body. In terms of lengths, the choice is up to you. Your splendid legs could do with some showing off in a mini-skirt, but you'll also look gorgeous in a long and flared skirt. If you love the idea of curves, it is best to stay away from pencil skirts.

Jackets and coats

Inverted triangle figures look fabulous in jackets and coats with straight cuts or waist definition. Waist-length and cropped jackets draw attention to the waistline and de-emphasize the shoulders. When choosing jackets or coats, keep an eye for deconstructed lines often found in nipped or belted jackets. Jackets should go beyond the hip line to add balance to the figure. Wrap coats help create the illusion of a narrow waist, while trapeze coats keep all eyes on the lower body. Pockets and embellishments are a good idea as long as they add interest to the hips. An inverted triangle figure looks best in a single-breasted jacket, but not so much in double-breasted jackets because they add too much volume to the upper body.

Ready for a closet that brings you confidence and simplifies getting dressed each day? Our stylists can help you curate a wardrobe personalized to your body shape and preferences! Check out our services to learn more about working with us, or schedule an intro call to get started today.