Inverted Triangle Body Shape Style Guide
The inverted triangle body shape features broader shoulders and bust compared to narrower hips. Often seen in athletic builds, this shape showcases a powerful upper body. The key to styling is creating balance by adding visual weight to the lower half while softening the shoulder line.
Not sure if you're an inverted triangle? Take our quizInverted Triangle Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Shoulders and/or bust wider than hips
- Narrow hips and flat bottom
- May have an athletic build
- Well-defined upper body
- Often have lean, toned legs
Celebrity Inverted Triangle Shapes
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How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Add volume to your lower half with full skirts and wide-leg pants
Choose darker colors on top and lighter below
Avoid shoulder pads and structured shoulders
V-necks and scoop necks soften the shoulder line
Printed or detailed bottoms draw the eye downward
Best Clothes for Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Best Tops
- V-neck tops
- Scoop necks
- Raglan sleeves
- Halter tops
- Soft draping fabrics
Best Bottoms
- Full skirts
- Wide-leg pants
- Palazzo pants
- Printed pants
- Flared jeans
Best Dresses
- A-line dresses
- Fit-and-flare
- Drop waist dresses
- Full-skirt dresses
- Wrap dresses
Best Outerwear
- Waterfall jackets
- Long cardigans
- Collarless coats
- Soft structured blazers
- Drapey wraps
What Inverted Triangle Shapes Should Avoid
- Shoulder pads or puffed sleeves
- Boat necks and straight necklines
- Double-breasted jackets
- Strapless tops without balancing bottom volume
- Skinny jeans worn alone without volume on top
Inverted Triangle Body Shape FAQ
What is an inverted triangle body shape?
An inverted triangle body shape (also called V-shape) features broader shoulders and bust compared to narrower hips. Often seen in athletic builds, this shape showcases a powerful upper body with lean, toned legs.
What clothes look best on an inverted triangle body shape?
Inverted triangle shapes look best in V-neck tops, A-line dresses, wide-leg pants, full skirts, and soft draping fabrics. The goal is adding volume to the lower half while softening the shoulder line to create balance.
What should inverted triangle body shapes avoid wearing?
Inverted triangle shapes should avoid shoulder pads, puffed sleeves, boat necks, straight necklines, double-breasted jackets, and strapless tops without balancing bottom volume.
How can I balance broad shoulders?
Balance broad shoulders by adding volume to your lower half with full skirts and wide-leg pants. Choose darker colors on top and lighter below, opt for V-necks and scoop necks to soften the shoulder line, and wear printed or detailed bottoms to draw the eye downward.
About This Guide
Classification Basis
Inverted triangle body shape (also called V-shape) classification is part of the five-category system used in fashion styling, characterized by broader shoulders and bust relative to hips.
Prevalence
According to body shape research, the inverted triangle is less common and often associated with athletic builds. Exact prevalence varies by population studied.
Limitations
Styling recommendations are general guidance based on proportional balance principles. Individual preferences and comfort should always take priority.
External Reference: Wikipedia - Female body shape
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