Having an inverted triangle body shape doesn’t have to mean compromising on your fashion choices. The key to stylish dressing for this body type is to achieve balance and proportion. Read on to find out how to make the most of your silhouette with easy and fashionable tips for balancing any inverted triangle body shape.
1. Dress for Success: Fashion Tips for Inverted Triangle Body Types
Having an inverted triangle body type can seem like a challenge when it comes to finding the right clothing pieces. With broad shoulders, narrow hips and a defined waist, the shapes and textures you choose can make or break an outfit. Here are some tips to help you flatter your body shape and create a stylish, balanced silhouette:
Highlight the waist
The waist is one of the key areas to focus on when dressing for an inverted triangle shape. Styles like corset belts, belted blazers or dresses cinched in the middle will help to visually separate the shoulders from the hips, and create an overall hourglass shape. Ruffled and pleated tops in contrasting colours can also draw the eye up and down, emphasizing the waist.
Play with proportions
Try pairing billowing tops with skinny jeans to draw attention away from the broad shoulders and create a more balanced silhouette. A floaty blouse with wide, exaggerated sleeves looks great with tapered trousers – the flared shape of the top will help to visually minimize the shoulders and give you a more proportioned overall look.
Camo with colour
Although solids tend to be the most flattering option for inverted triangle shapes, you can also opt for prints. Choose ones that create the illusion of movement and help to camouflage the shoulders, for example:
- Geometric Prints – opt for bold and bright styles that draw the eye away from the waist and draw attention to the hips.
- Abstract Prints – large botanical, floral or abstract prints work especially well.
- Vertical Stripes – these help to break up the body and lengthen it.
Fabrics and textures
Contrasting fabrics will help to draw the eye away from the shoulder region and lend a more balanced look to the outfit. Choose light, silky fabrics for the top, and heavier, structured ones for the bottom – think chunky knit sweaters with a floaty maxi skirt or tailored pants combined with a lace blouse. Texture and layers add interest and help to streamline the figure.
2. Perfectly Balanced Proportions: Making the Most of Your Inverted Triangle Figure
Inverted triangle-shaped figures tend to look best when the balance is created through clothing. With a larger upper body and narrower hips, inverted triangle body types often find it difficult to dress in proportion. However, these fashionistas can make the most of their shape if they follow these tips:
- Choose shoulder details: To make the lower body look wider in comparison to the upper, choose garments with detail on the shoulder. Ruffle or off-the-shoulder necklines, embellished shoulder pads, and strong shoulder lines all flatter the inverted triangle shape.
- Fit is key: It is important for inverted triangle figures to wear clothes that fit. Too tight clothing can easily accentuate an already-awkwardly proportioned figure, while too loose clothing can make you look bigger than you are. Find the right fit and strike a balance.
- Wear high-waisted silhouettes: High-waisted bottoms look particularly flattering on inverted triangle-shaped figures. This will create the illusion of curves and make your lower half look much fuller.
- A-line skirts and dresses: If you are comfortable with them, opt for A-line skirts and dresses. They create a wonderful hourglass illusion and are figure flattering.
- Wide-leg pants: Wide-leg pants are also a great option for inverse triangle figures. They will visually take away from the broad upper body, and will slim the figure.
There are numerous ways to look stylish and chic when you have an inverted triangle body type. Try experimenting with these garments to find the styles that suit you best!
When styling inverted triangle figures, always remember to apply the basics of proportion—the right balance of colours, fabrics, proportions, and sizes. Even the most daring fashion choices will look great when proportion is taken into account.
When wearing form-fitting pieces, go for fabric that is kind to your body type. Opt for slightly stretchy denim and jersey fabrics that will show off your curves instead of bulk them up. Also, try to favour natural fabrics over synthetic ones.
Creating a balanced look is key when dressing an inverted triangle figure. The right fashion choices can make a difference and show off your best assets.
3. The Key to Style: Accentuating Your Assets for a Flattering Silhouette
Every body shape is unique, so there is no one size fits all when it comes to dress style. Knowing how to choose items that accentuate your best features is the key to unlocking the perfect silhouette. Here are some tips for achieving a flattering effect.
- Choose clothing with subtle details and figure-hugging accessories. Opt for dresses with ruching, pleats, and bold print that make the waist area look slender and long. Details like zippers, pockets, slits, and seams can all help to refine your figure. Accessorize with a thin belt or other items that fit you perfectly for added emphasis.
- Let colors and patterns draw attention away from problem areas. Bold or dark colors are best to divert attention away from your problem areas, while lighter colors and more subtle patterns can highlight your assets. Prints like vertical stripes can give the illusion of a longer, sleeker shape.
- Give yourself an hourglass shape with strategically placed scarves or shrugs. Wrap an oversized scarf loosely around your shoulders and waist and the ends will drape down your sides, drawing the eye toward the middle of your body and accentuating it. Finish the look off with a wide belt to further define your waistline.
The goal of dressing for a flattering silhouette is to make you look and feel your best. To achieve this, focus on the areas you want to draw attention to, and use colors, fabrics, accessories, and details to your advantage. Compensate for problem areas by choosing items that will highlight assets and draw the eye away from them.
When selecting garments, look for items that fit your body well and make you feel comfortable. Learn to recognize and embrace the areas you want to show off, and then create a style that allows your best features to shine through. This way, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.
4. Time to Shine: Fashion Tips to Help You Show Off Your Dynamic Shape
Experiment with Patterns
That hourglass figure of yours is the envy of many, so make sure your wardrobe includes items that are able to show it off in all its glory. Experiment with patterns — bold geometric shapes play on the contrast between your curves. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with stripes. Wide striped pants will always be a classic, while vertical stripes on your dresses will nudge the eye up and down, creating an attractive slimming effect.
Play with Proportion
Your natural shape also gives you a wonderful opportunity to experiment with proportion. Go for nipped-in waists or cinched numbers for length and volume. This look plays up your silhouette and, when paired with some heeled sandals, transforms into glorious showstopping elegance.
Try Pops of Color
Bring your hourglass shape up a notch with a splash of bright colors! Colored jeans, a mix of textures and eye-catching accessories are great for making one dazzling outfit. You can also show off your style savvy by sporting a color combination that expertly embodies proportion.
Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing is an excellent way to transform your style and subtly display those curves. A 50s swing dress, for instance, is great for showing off a waistline. Plus, if you look around in thrift stores, you’ll find plenty of vintage-inspired pieces that give you a unique look.
Reach for the Stars
Having an hourglass figure opens up myriad opportunities for you to shine, so make sure you don’t pass up the chance to reach for the stars. A pair of statement shoes, a mesmerizing piece of jewelry, or an outerwear that stands out — these are all items that can help you create your own distinct look. Who could resist turning heads with that?
Identifying body shape and dressing according to it is a simple way to create the most visually pleasing look. Embrace the inverted triangle body shape with careful consideration of proportion and confidence in knowing that you look just right. Controlling your proportions can be a fun and easy way to curate a wardrobe that highlights your features while keeping balance in style and appearance.
