How to dress with an inverted triangle body shape

You might find it tough to feel good if the top part of your body is bigger than the rest. No need to worry though: here you’ll learn how to dress with an inverted triangle body shape. We’ll explore what it is, the ideal closet and what accessories complement this body shape.

What is an inverted triangle body shape?

It’s also known as a V, apple or strawberry body shape.

It’s the “opposite” of the triangle body shape (it’s inverted…). The top part of the body is more important, with broad shoulders, more musculous arms and a more generous torso. The sides and the waist are tighter, and the legs are thin and well-shaped (most of the time).

People with this body shape tend to accumulate more fat on the top part of their body, especially on the arms, the top part of the back, and the belly. It’s tougher for them to have saddlebags, and usually they present a high barycentre.

How to dress with an inverted triangle body shape: the ideal closet

What we want to do here is to emphasise the top part of the body without creating imbalances with the lower one. As said before, this figure tends to present a high barycentre, but in case yours is low, you can give these dressing tips a tweak to achieve the closet that works for you.

Jackets and coats

The best jackets and coats for dressing an inverted triangle body shape are one-breasted, long and with one button. Ones that have a more simple design work as well. If you want something a bit more detailed, you may want to try a peplum jacket. This will create a waist point and make your torso look longer as well. Since your shoulders are already broad, avoid ones with shoulder padding.

Tops

Here, opt for blouses in soft and flowing fabrics, to wear tucked out of your bottoms. You can also try a wrap blouse, which will emphasise your figure too. It also depends on what you want to rebalance. If it’s your shoulders, opt for wide sleeves (kimono-type) or basically anything that softens their line a bit. If you want to rebalance your chest, try V-necks.

If you are a jumper lover, choose ones with thin yet warm fabrics, like cashmere and combed wool. Avoid any detailing of any kind because that can be overwhelming on your silhouette.

In general, when it comes to your tops avoid large prints and big details like large pockets. It’s simply not necessary. If you like wearing high necks, consider pairing them with a long necklace instead. Also, wear darker colours with matte fabrics. For example, choose a grey shirt paired with a white pair of trousers.

Bottoms

You are literally spoiled for choice here. Unless your barycentre is low, the general rule is to go medium or low waist. You can wear any length and any style you like, leggings included. Here you can wear light colours and/or big and bold prints.

Dresses

You may like to start working with wrap dresses, and anything with criss-cross necklines in general. Shirt dresses work well, and straight dresses are a win too. Eventually pair these with a thin belt tied below the real waist point, or just cut the belt out altogether.

Accessories

Belts

As said before, these should be thin and the same colour as your top. If you don’t like them , you can cut them out altogether.

Socks

You can wear pretty much anything here: long, short, neutral or coloured, solid or printed…it’s up to you.

Shoes

You can carry flat shoes really well: mocassins and ballet shoes, for example. You can also wear sandals with long buckles (like gladiator sandals) and ankle boots too. To create a focal point on your shoes, try to wear them in a variety of colours and prints.

Bags

Try to wear them straight and not across your torso. This way you can verticalise your torso. Handbags and clutches work well too, just bear in mind to keep things in proportion.