If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your shoulders are broader than your hips, you might have what’s known as an inverted triangle body shape. This guide is designed specifically for you.
Whether you’re a woman over 50 or simply want to flatter your silhouette, learning how to dress an inverted triangle body shape can transform how you feel in your clothes and in your skin.
The inverted triangle is the opposite of the pear shape. Women with this figure often have a strong, athletic look: broad shoulders, a defined bust, and narrower hips, creating a silhouette that’s wider at the top and tapers down
Although this body type might not know how to balance their proportions, there are ways for them to make their best features stand out and feel good in every outfit.
If you want to look great, don’t hide your shoulders. Instead, learn how to make them look good with the rest of your body.
Once you understand how to balance your look, dressing your body becomes empowering and fun.
What Is an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?
The inverted triangle body shape is defined by broad shoulders or a wide upper torso that tapers down to narrow hips and a slimmer lower body. The goal in styling this figure is to create the illusion of an hourglass silhouette by adding volume to the hips and minimizing the appearance of width up top.
The inverted triangle body shape is characterized by:
- Broad Shoulders: Your shoulders are the widest part of your frame, often appearing straight, squared, and strong.
- Varied Bust Size: The bust can range from small to quite full.
- Minimal Waist Definition: There’s typically little to no noticeable curve at the waist.
- Narrow Hips: Your hips are considerably narrower than your shoulders, often appearing straight or flat.
- Flatter Rear: The bottom tends to be less curvy.
- Great Legs: A common highlight of this body shape is often long, slender, and shapely legs.
- Athletic Appearance: Overall, this body type often projects a sporty and athletic physique.
If your shoulders are the widest part of your body, and you tend to wear a size larger on top than on the bottom, you’re likely an inverted triangle. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Naomi Campbell share this powerful and striking silhouette.
This body type benefits from visual tricks like color-blocking, strategic layering, and thoughtful garment selection. Wear dark, structured tops that make your shoulders look slimmer and lighter and flared bottoms that make your hips look curvier.
How to Dress for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape
1. Balance Your Proportions
For a balanced silhouette, you should make your upper half smaller and your lower half bigger. This can be achieved through:
- Dark colors on top: Black, navy, and deep hues slim the upper body.
- Light or bright colors on the bottom: Whites, pastels, or bold patterns give the illusion of volume around the hips and thighs.
2. Choose the Right Necklines
Some necklines help soften your shoulders and draw the eye downward:
- Tops with V-necks are great for you. They make the body look longer and narrower at the shoulders.
- You can also break up the horizontal line of broad shoulders with asymmetric and halter necks.
- Stay away from styles with boat necks and off-shoulder tops that make you look wider.
3. Choose Flowy or Voluminous Bottoms
Your lower body is the area to highlight. Styles that add movement and shape are perfect:
- A-line skirts, peplum styles, and skirts with ruffles or pleats are ideal.
- Wide-leg or boyfriend jeans balance the upper body. Look for jeans with side pockets, details at the hips, or flared hems.
- Pants with structure like darts, belts, or pleats help create curves and fullness where you want it.
4. Layering Is Key
Use layering techniques to your advantage:
- Longline jackets or dusters that hit at the hip make you look taller and draw attention to your lower body.
- Do not wear blazers that are too boxy and stop at the waist. They can make your body look square.
- If you wear a jacket with shaping around the waist or details at the hem, it will make your upper body look softer and your lower body look better.
5. Create the Illusion of Curves
Although women with inverted triangle bodies don’t have very defined hips and buttocks,
- Peplum tops add volume to your hips and fake a curvier figure.
- Empire waist dresses draw attention to the area just under the bust and sculpt the lower half.
- Belts can be used to cinch in the waist and give more hourglass definition.
Best Style Goals for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape
The goal when dressing an inverted triangle body shape is to:
- Soften the shoulders
- Add volume to the lower body
- Draw attention downward
- Create balance between top and bottom
We want to achieve a more hourglass-like shape by using clothing to visually enhance the lower half while minimizing the broadness of the upper half.
Tops That Flatter an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
V-Necks and Scoop Necks
These necklines create a vertical line that breaks up the width of your shoulders, drawing the eye downward. A deep V-neck is especially flattering, as it elongates the upper body and adds a touch of elegance.
Wrap Tops and Cross-Front Styles
Wrap-style tops create a soft definition at the waist and break up the width of the shoulders. They offer a feminine silhouette without adding bulk to the top.
Avoid Structured Shoulders and Puff Sleeves
Shoulder pads, puffed sleeves, and boat necks only exaggerate shoulder width. Stay away from horizontal lines at the top, as they broaden your frame further.
Choose Darker Colors on Top
Wearing dark colors on top and lighter shades on the bottom helps visually minimize the shoulders and emphasize the hips.
Bottoms That Balance the Inverted Triangle
Wide-Leg Pants and Palazzo Trousers
You should always go for wide-leg pants. They add volume to your lower half and create the illusion of a more proportional silhouette. Choose fabrics that drape beautifully without clinging
A-Line and Flared Skirts
These skirt styles add curves to your hips, balancing out your upper body. A flared midi skirt with a fitted top creates a beautiful feminine shape for the inverted triangle body type.
Bold Prints and Light Colors
Feel free to experiment with bright colors, bold patterns, and horizontal lines on your lower half. These tricks naturally draw attention downward and add dimension to your hips.
Dresses That Flatter an Inverted Triangle
Fit and Flare Dresses
This silhouette is ideal for inverted triangle body shapes. A fitted bodice that flows into a flared skirt balances your frame beautifully.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses enhance your waist and add curve to your hips. Look for soft, fluid fabrics that skim your body without clinging to the upper half.
Peplum Dresses
The added detail around the waist and hips gives the illusion of a more balanced figure and provides that desired hourglass effect.
Avoid Halter Necks and Strapless Styles
These styles draw attention to the shoulders and make the top half appear even broader.
Jackets and Outerwear for Inverted Triangle Shapes
Tailored Jackets With Defined Waist
Choose jackets that cinch at the waist and flare slightly at the hips. Belted jackets and trench coats are ideal.
Avoid Shoulder Epaulettes
Avoid extra detailing on the shoulders, such as epaulettes, embellishments, or cap sleeves, which will accentuate shoulder width.
Cropped Jackets
A cropped jacket that ends at the waist or above the hips draws the eyes downward and adds proportion to your outfit.
Accessories That Work for Inverted Triangle Shapes
Long Necklaces and Drop Earrings
These accessories pull the focus downward, away from the shoulders, and create vertical lines that slim the top half.
Belts
Use belts to highlight your waist and create curves. A bold belt can serve as the focal point of your outfit and enhance your proportions.
Statement Shoes and Bold Bags
Draw attention to your legs and lower half by wearing eye-catching shoes or carrying a colorful handbag. This balances out your look perfectly.
Swimwear Tips for Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Bottom-Heavy Bikinis
Choose bikini bottoms with ruffles, side ties, or bright prints to add volume to the hips. Go for high-cut legs to show off your toned lower body.
Supportive Yet Simple Bikini Tops
Choose simple, supportive tops without embellishments. A halter top with a wide band or a plunge neckline can work if the cut is soft and not too angular.
One-Piece Swimsuits With Side Panels
These create curves at the waist and help balance your top and bottom halves. Color-blocking or darker panels on top also work well.
Evening Wear for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape
When dressing up, go for gowns with flowy skirts and asymmetric necklines that minimize shoulder width.
Off-shoulder styles with sleeves that drape downwards can work, as long as they don’t add volume on top. Focus on silhouettes that emphasize the waist and float over the hips.
Everyday Styling Tips for Inverted Triangle Figures
- Always balance volume; if your top is fitted, go for flared pants or skirts.
- Avoid horizontal stripes on top; they widen the appearance of your shoulders.
- Keep the top simple and minimal, and go bold with your bottom half.
- Skip skinny jeans with tight tops, as this emphasizes the disproportion.
- Don’t shy away from experimenting with textures, colors, and prints on your lower body.
- Stick to clean, streamlined shapes on top to reduce bulk.
- Avoid boxy tops or anything that adds bulk to the shoulders (e.g., shoulder pads, ruffles around the neckline).
Celebrities With Inverted Triangle Body Shape for Style Inspiration
Look at how Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore, and Cameron Diaz dress. They focus on soft, flowing lines on top and often wear voluminous bottoms that balance their strong upper bodies.
These women consistently use style to create symmetry and visual appeal, enhancing their natural shape.
Final Thoughts
Your inverted triangle body shape is strong, elegant, and athletic. With the right styling choices, you can highlight your favorite features and create a more balanced look that flatters your figure beautifully.
You don’t have to hide what you don’t like about your body when you dress for it. Instead, you should focus on enhancing what you love and being proud of your personal style.
Try out different layering techniques and shapes, and most of all, have fun with your clothes. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows.
So next time you’re out shopping or picking an outfit from your closet, remember: dark on top, light on bottom, and always choose pieces that add harmony to your beautiful shape.
