Inverted triangle body shape outfits and styling tips

The inverted triangle body shape is known for its broad shoulders, which can make you look quite athletic. Curvier body shapes such as the apple body shape, however, often have a large bust, which can make you look very feminine. The inverted triangle body shape has similarities with the rounder apple body shape, as both have slender legs and often a large bust. However, unlike women with an apple body shape, women who have an inverted triangle body shape should not put extra emphasis on their shoulders. By wearing the right clothes, you can balance out your look in no time at all and show off your assets to their best advantage. Find out which tops, trousers and dresses are most flattering for women with the inverted triangle body shape.

The best fabrics, cuts and colours for an inverted triangle body shape

Women who have an inverted triangle body shape will typically have broad shoulders combined with narrow hips and slender legs. This body shape does not have a very visible waist and the hips are rather narrow, which is why the shape resembles an inverted triangle or V and this is where this term derives from.

Since women with this body shape have a somewhat wider upper body in comparison to their relatively narrow hips and slender legs, it's best to wear a smaller size when it comes to trousers. Their body shape is therefore slightly asymmetrical, which is the opposite of a pear body shape. To get a more balanced look, you can follow some of our helpful styling tips listed below:

• Subtle tops in more muted colours draw attention away from your broad shoulders.

• Trousers and skirts can be bright, colourful or patterned to visually balance out your body shape.

• Slightly cut out tops stretch the upper body as they will make your neckline appear longer.

• Peplums and flounces around the hip area will create a visual balance to the shoulder area.

• Jackets, coats and cardigans that are A-line or worn open are ideal for an apple body shape.

• Lightweight fabrics such as jersey, silk, light cotton or linen are close-fitting around the upper body and they will give you a light and casual look.

The upper body is the main focus on women with an inverted triangle body shape, therefore, you should make sure that your tops do not make your shoulders appear even broader. Shoulder pads or puffy sleeves that add volume to the torso are not a good choice. Ruffles, flounces or patterns that really stand out on shirts and blouses also emphasise this area and should therefore be avoided. Asymmetrical cuts or one-shoulder tops, however, are a great choice because they draw attention to the unusual cut and thus distract the attention away from your shoulders.

By wearing the right top, you can conceal your broad shoulders in no time at all. A deep V-neckline makes the upper body look slimmer, as it has a stretching effect. Vertical lines or the button placket on a long shirt blouse generally will make you look slimmer. However, off-the-shoulder necklines will draw more attention to your broad shoulders, which is why they are rather unflattering for women with an inverted triangle body shape. Tops with a very high neck (such as turtlenecks) can make you appear a bit rounder.

Fashion experts have different opinions about women with an inverted triangle body shape wearing slim and wide-leg trousers. If you wear a pair of skinny or slim jeans, this will accentuate your slim legs. However, other types of trousers such as flared palazzo trousers or culottes will balance out your look.

Both options have their advantages, but it’s a good idea to try them both out to see which one you prefer. You can decide which parts of your body you would like to conceal and which parts of your body you would like to emphasise. However, in most cases, trousers with a normal or low waist fit women with an inverted triangle body better than high-waisted trousers because they stretch your upper body.

To get a more balanced look, you can wear different shaped skirts. Voluminous skirts are particularly advantageous for women who have an inverted triangle body shape, as they balance the width of the shoulders and hips. Tulip skirts, for example, are cut more flaringly at the hips and then taper more narrowly towards the bottom, whereas balloon skirts help to create a puffy look by gathering at the hem. Circle skirts are also great for not looking top-heavy.

You can make yourself appear taller by finding a neckline suited to your body shape. The slight V-neckline on shirt dresses or wrap dresses immediately stretches your upper body, whilst a close-fitting dress will show off your curves. The bodice can also draw the attention away from your shoulders with bright colours or quirky patterns. The best patterns to go for are floral, paisley, stripes and dots.

The length of the dress plays an important role when it comes to choosing the perfect dress for an inverted triangle body shape. For example, knee-length dresses will show off your slender legs. Long dresses with a leg slit are a little more extravagant, as this not only makes the dress look particularly stylish, but it will also show off your legs.

Inverted triangle body shape do’s & don’ts

Do’s

• Bright, colourful and quirky patterns on trousers and skirts will draw attention to your slender legs.

• Peplum skirts and dresses will make you look more balanced.

• Knee length or long slit dresses will show off your slender legs.

• Vertical stripes and a refined neckline have a stretching effect on your upper body.

Don’ts

• Short or tight-fitting tops emphasise the curves around your stomach, which will make your upper body appear shorter.

• Tops with shoulder pads, puffed sleeves or motifs around the shoulders will show off your broad shoulders.

• Wide necklines or off-the-shoulder styles aren’t very flattering as they will show off your broad shoulders.

• Trousers and skirts with a very high waistband will make your upper body look quite round.

Conclusion: outfit tips for an inverted triangle body shape

Women who have an inverted triangle body shape will have broad shoulders and slimmer hips. However, they can show off their slim legs and décolleté. By choosing the right outfits, you can show off your best assets. Women with an inverted triangle body shape may not always be satisfied with their broad shoulders and slightly rounded stomach, but by wearing the right clothes, you can conceal these areas and make yourself look slimmer. You can create a curvy feminine look with a slight V-neck, wrap dress or slim fit trousers, which will take the attention off your broad shoulders.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:

Cover photo: primiaou – stock.adobe.com
1. image in the text: iStock.com/Eva-Katalin
All other images in the text: C&A