BODY SHAPE SERIES: STYLING TIPS FOR THE INVERTED TRIANGLE
You carry most of your volume on top (broad chest and/or wide shoulders).
Your bust can range from small to big
You have little to no waist definition.
Your hips look straight and flat compared to your broad shoulders.
Your bottom is rather flat.
Great legs often come with this body shape.
Your body follows the shape of a “V”, and your shoulders may be straight, squared, or athletic-looking. There are three common indicators to easily know if this is you:
You go to the store and buy a top that is bigger than your bottoms.
You do not get a gap in the back when you buy pants. This gap is usually an indicator of a rather well-defined waist.
If your pants fit you comfortably at the waist, they're usually too big in the rear, hips, and legs.
DO’s
Balance your broader shoulders, chest, and back with the narrower lower body by adding curves to the hips and bottom.
Create the illusion of a more defined waist and de-emphasize the upper body.
DON’Ts
Wear clothes that create more volume on the shoulders and broaden your neckline.
Wear too-skinny and tight trousers as well as narrowing hemlines that visually reduce the lower body.
Must-Try Tops & Jackets
The objective is to downplay your broader shoulders and chest by avoiding heavy detailing like buttons, puff sleeves, prints, and thin straps that will only accentuate your broad shoulders. A crew neckline, mock turtleneck, or full turtleneck should be avoided. Those are going to make your upper body look much bigger. Instead, opt for:
Slim and long necklines such as V-necks or narrow scoop necks, that reduce the width of the upper body visually.
Tank tops with wide, thicker straps.
Peplum tops.
Dark-colored, plain tops.
Straight-cut and slim-fitting jumpers with a fine gauge, since heavy knitwear tends to add volume to the top.
Straight-cut jackets or styles with waist definition that flare out at the waist with little or no shoulder pads.
If the sleeve is short, opt for tight-fitted, tapered sleeves to avoid adding weight to your shoulders. For long sleeves, the opposite is true: to add volume around your hips, opt for soft sleeves that flare- such as raglans, kimonos, or dolman sleeves.
Must-Try Dresses & Skirts
Straight lines, shift dresses and A-line styles are great since they add volume to the hips. Pay attention to the right neckline, patterns, and pleats too.
Details on the lower part of the dress, such as patterns and pleats, and lighter colors, will draw the eye downwards and away from the shoulders.
Skirts should balance out the shoulders and add volume to the hips. Any type of skirt style that flares from the hips and/or adds visual width to the hips is best.
Must-Try Bottoms
Fit: Usually, with this body type, the butt is very flat and pants are hard to fit. Your trousers should visually widen your hips to balance your broad shoulders. Wide-leg pants are great for adding volume to your bottom part, as well as flared pants that visually lengthen your legs. If you want to wear more slim-fitted trousers, opt for straight and cigarette-style trousers - they balance out your silhouette better than skinny fits.
If you have very narrow hips and a flat bottom, try adjustable trouser button extenders. These will allow you to size down, while still maintaining a comfortable fit in the waist area.
Fabric: Prefer more structured fabrics, that won’t cling to your body.
Colors: Bright and light pants, as well as embellishments, patterns, and prints draw attention to your lower body.
Waist height: High-waist.
Details: If you have a flat bottom, details on pockets or pocket flaps on the back pockets provide more curves.
