6 Tips To Dress For An Inverted Triangle

Upon popular request, this week we are delving into how to dress for an inverted triangle body shape.

For many of you reading this blog, you will already be aware that you are an inverted triangle, particularly those who have worked with a Style With Cindy stylist.

For those of you who are unsure, an inverted triangle is defined by being noticeably wider in the shoulders than your hips.

We’re not talking about being as broad as an Olympic swimmer however you will find that most of your weight will be held in your upper body and you will be slimmer through the waist and hips.

In my styling profession, I have actually found it to be the most common body shape and the easiest to dress!  What makes it so is that if you just followed one style rule – keep your top half simple – it will serve you well.

6-Step Style Guide To Help You Dress For Your Shape

So now it’s over to our 6-step style guide to help you dress for your shape. As always, I ask you to keep in mind that one inverted triangle can be completely different to another depending on your personal body features:

• Your shoulders are broad, so don’t add bulk to them.
• Avoid boxy jackets and batwing sleeves at all costs – they will only make you look more top-heavy.

• Open up your chest area! You can soften the area by wearing shirts and tops made from light fabrics and opt for a collarless look, considering a scoop, V or crew neck instead (bust size will need to be considered here).

• Bring pattern and print to your waist and lower half and opt for solid colours on top. This will balance out your frame.

• The feminine-inspired ladies will love that this shape allows for dresses and skirts that kick out from your hips – again – depending on your features.  Consider peplum styles, A-line skirts or voluminous maxi skirts.

• For women who like to wear trousers, avoid skinny jeans (Unless tucked into knee high boots) and tapered, fitted pants as they will unbalance your silhouette as inverted triangles generally have slender legs. You can instead enjoy this season’s harem and lounge pants and wide leg trousers, but if you must go tight fitted, opt only for a straight leg cut.

I would also like to offer a final note on accessories, as you know by now they can complete an outfit right? If not, head over here.

So when it comes to jewelry, an inverted triangle shape should avoid bulky, heavy necklaces that sit directly on the neckline or bust and aim for statement pieces or longer pendants to sit in the neck area and you can use draping scarves to help break up your upper body as well as to elongate your body.

When it comes to shoes, you have full reign whereby bold, heavy heeled wedges and embellished shoes will again bring the attention to your lower half and work to balance out your silhouette.

Finally, a word of warning that while there is a lot of talk to “de-bulk” your shoulder area there is also the opportunity to showcase them, particularly in Summer. So by working the other style rules, you may be able to wear a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, a low v or perhaps a singlet with wide shoulder straps tucked into a waisted skirt.

Still not sure? Head over to your full length mirror and have a fashion play.

I hope some of these tips and referencing photos will provide you with some valuable style guides to your shape or perhaps work as a refresher to some of you who may have forgotten.

For those of you looking for a body shape muse, check out the looks of Demi Moore and Renee Zellweger who are famous for their inverted triangle body shapes.

Now it’s over to you. What’s your biggest challenge when dressing if you think this shape is you?

Love Cindy xx