How To Dress An Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Strong Shoulders

With Narrow Hips

Here you will find the inverted triangle body shape explained, along with your style guide on how to dress an inverted triangle body shape.

If you have an inverted triangle body type, you have slender hips, a straight waist, athletic shoulders, and lean legs and arms. Your bust can be small or shapely. Your shoulders will be wider than your hips. 

For this body type, like our beautiful model Grace, it’s beneficial to show off your lovely legs and add volume to the bottom half of your body to balance your shoulders This guide will give you the best tips for how to dress an inverted triangle body shape. 

DRESSES FOR An inverted triangle BODY SHAPE

Dresses That Flatter

Shift dresses and A-line/fit and flare styles help create balance between shoulders and hips. Patterns, pleats, and lighter colors on the lower part of the dress will draw the eye downwards and away from the shoulders. If you opt for nipped or belted dresses, you will add definition to your waist.

tops FOR AN INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE

Shoulders on Show!

model wearing a yellow asymmetric one shoulder top and white pants
model wearing a cream gathered waist top with a v-neck and peplum

When selecting a top, it’s important to focus on the sleeves and neckline. You’ll want to avoid widening your shoulders. Deeper necklines, such as V-necks and sweetheart necklines, divert attention from your shoulders. Wider sleeves, like dolman or drop shoulder styles, will also soften your shoulder line. Meanwhile, a cutout sleeve, like a halterneck, acts as a frame for your shoulders, drawing the eye in and making your shoulder line appear narrower while still showing them off. This is one of my favourite looks for you.

model wearing a white slim fit top with round neck, sleeveless and red trim
jeans FOR  AN INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE

Denim Styles

model wearing dark coloured bootcut jeans and beige shirt
model wearing blue flared cropped jeans and grey t-shirt

There are so many different styles of jeans that look awesome on you. You can wear any style that adds volume to the bottom half of your body. This includes baggier styles, boyfriend, bootcut, styles with side pockets, and pleats. If you want to wear a skinnier style, look for either a cigarette or straight-leg style, as these create balance with your shoulders. 

model wearing dark boyfriend jeans with a white shirt tucked in on one side, tucked out on the other side
skirts FOR AN INVERTED TRIANGLE BODY SHAPE

Your Skirt Finds

model wearing blue gathered skirt and blue top cropped at the waist

The same principles apply to skirts. Look for styles that add volume to the bottom half of your body, such as tulip, fit-and-flare, pleated, bias-cut, and ruffled or layered styles, which complement your shape.

model wearing rust coloured bias cut midi skirt in satin
jackets for an inverted triangle body shape

Styles That Flow

model wearing a collarless white one button jacket with black pinstripes
model wearing a beige waterfall jacket, white top and white pants

Jackets for an inverted shape should focus on styles that de-emphasize shoulders. Jackets with nipped-in waists, flared peplum styles, straighter styles that fall at or below the hip line, and waterfall styles all assist in flattering your body beautifully. A single-breasted style works better than a double-breasted style because a double-breasted style could add volume to the top of your body. 

model wearing a grey jacket with a small collar and tie-waist

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

An inverted triangle body shape means your shoulders are wider than your hips. You typically have a straight waist, slim hips, lean legs and arms, and an athletic build. Your bust can be small or shapely. Think of it like a V shape from the shoulders down.

The goal is balance. You want to draw the eye downward and add volume to the lower half of your body. This makes your shoulders and hips look more proportionate. Choose styles that add fullness at the hips and thighs, soften the shoulder line, and define the waist where possible.

The best dresses for an inverted triangle figure are ones that create balance between your shoulders and hips. Good choices include:

  • Shift dresses: A relaxed fit that skims over the shoulders and adds gentle volume below.
  • A-line and fit and flare styles: They flare from the waist down, adding fullness where you need it.
  • Dresses with patterns or pleats on the lower half: This draws the eye downward.
  • Belted or nipped-in waist styles: These add waist definition and break up the shoulder line.

Focus on the neckline and the sleeves. You want to soften and de-emphasise your shoulder width. Good options include:

  • V-neck and sweetheart necklines: They draw the eye inward and downward, away from the shoulders.
  • Dolman or drop-shoulder sleeves: These styles flow from the shoulder rather than sitting on it, which softens the line.
  • Halterneck styles: A halterneck frames the shoulders and makes them appear narrower while still showing them off. This is a great option.

 

You have a lot of options here. Anything that adds volume to the lower half works in your favour. Great choices include:

  • Bootcut jeans: The flare at the hem balances your shoulder width.
  • Wide-leg and flared jeans: More volume through the leg creates a better balance with your shoulders.
  • Boyfriend jeans: A relaxed fit adds width through the hip and thigh area.
  • Styles with side pockets or pleats: These add subtle volume at the hip.

If you prefer a slimmer fit, a straight-leg or cigarette style works well. These still create a balanced line without being too tight.

The same principle applies to skirts as it does to jeans: add volume below. Look for:

  • Pleated skirts: The pleats add fullness through the hip and thigh.
  • Tulip and fit and flare styles: These are especially flattering as they create a defined waist and flare out below.
  • Bias-cut skirts: The cut follows the body and flares gently at the hem.
  • Ruffled or layered skirts: These add texture and volume at the lower half.

All of these styles help balance your shoulder width by creating a fuller silhouette below the waist.

Look for jacket styles that soften the shoulder line and add shape below. Good options include:

  • Nipped-in waist jackets: They pull focus to the waist rather than the shoulders.
  • Peplum styles: The flare at the hem adds volume to the hip area.
  • Waterfall jackets: The draped front softens the shoulder line beautifully.
  • Single-breasted styles: These are a better choice than double-breasted, which can add unwanted bulk to the upper body.
  • Styles that fall at or below the hip line: These lengthen the torso and draw the eye downward.

Balance is everything. Add volume below, soften above. When you dress your lower half with fuller styles and choose tops that don’t widen the shoulder line, your whole silhouette looks balanced and proportionate. You have great legs and a lean frame. Use that to your advantage.

Discover Your Perfect Fit: Your Body Shape Magazine

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless fashion options? Wondering what styles truly flatter your unique figure? Look no further! Our body shape magazine is your ultimate guide to dressing with confidence.

  • We’ll help you: 
    Learn how to choose clothes that accentuate your assets and minimise areas you’re less confident about.
  • Explore the latest trends: Stay on top of fashion and learn how to adapt them to your body type.
  • Build a wardrobe that makes you feel great: With our style advice and tips, you’ll gain the confidence to dress to impress, no matter your body shape!
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