How to dress for your body shape: Inverted Triangle

The Inverted Triangle is characterized by shoulders that are broader than the waist and hip. Sometimes called an “athletic” or “swimmer’s” body, the Inverted Triangle has the benefit of slender lower body, but you can sometimes find it tricky to know what to wear to balance your figure.

It may seem contradictory, but keeping your neckline open can help balance out an Inverted Triangle. V neck and scoop necklines work well, and you look great in halter and strapless designs, but you want to avoid a wide neckline like a boatneck. A Sheath or Shift silhouette is great for you, and the right kind of A-line silhouette can also help bring balance to your shape. The key to successfully wearing an A-line is that the waist has to be cinched and there has to be dramatic fullness at the hip line. Knits like Ponte that have structure can work, but avoid flowy or draped fabrics on the lower half of your body if you’re an Inverted Triangle. Structured fabric is your friend!

Want to know to dress for your Inverted Triangle shape?

Circumference of bust is larger than hips; small waist, thin thighs.

It may seem contradictory but wearing halter and strapless dresses can help balance out an inverted triangle. V and scoop necklines are good but you want to avoid a wide boat neckline drawing the eye to wide shoulders. Sheath and empire waist is great and don’t hide those slender legs; consider your height but showing off your legs is a must. The right kind of A-line silhouette can help bring balance to your shape. The waist has to be cinched and then dramatic fullness at the hip line. The one A-line silhouette that is not good for an inverted triangle is when the dress fabric has a lot of drape (like jersey or charmeuse). Knits like Ponte that have structure can work, but something more flowy like Matte Jersey will fall straight from the bust and have nowhere to land and your hips and waist are lost. Choose more structured fabrics!

Silhouettes: Sheath & Empire Waist (the right kind of A-line)

Neckline Shapes: Scoop & V-neck

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