Great fall outfits to Balance and Flatter Your inverted triangle shape
When it comes to dressing for fall, finding outfits that not only keep you warm but also highlight your best features can be a game-changer. If you have an inverted triangle body shape, also known as a “V-shape,” you’re likely familiar with the common characteristics of this silhouette: broader shoulders, a wider upper body, and narrower hips.
So, how do you balance out this naturally athletic frame and create outfits that flatter your figure? In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes the inverted triangle body shape unique, and I’ll share some of my favorite fall outfit ideas that will have you feeling confident and stylish all season long!
What is the Inverted Triangle Body Shape?
The inverted triangle shape is typically recognized by:
- Broader shoulders or a wider upper back
- Narrower hips and a more streamlined lower half
- A tendency to have a straight waist without a lot of definition
- Often, the bust may be more prominent, although this isn’t always the case
This shape is all about proportion. The goal is to balance the wider upper body by adding volume or interest to the lower body, creating the illusion of an hourglass shape. Fortunately, fall fashion—with its layers, cozy textures, and structured pieces—offers plenty of opportunities to do just that!
A-Line Skirts and streamlined Sweaters
A cozy streamlined sweater paired with an A-line skirt is the perfect fall uniform. The A-line skirt adds volume to your lower half, balancing your upper body. Stick with neutral or solid-colored tops and go for skirts with bold prints or patterns to draw attention downward. Style Tip: Tuck the front of the sweater slightly into the skirt to define your waist, and pair it with ankle boots.
Quarter zip sweater and Jeans
Soft sweaters with a quarter zip are your best friend! They add just the right amount of volume to your upper body. Pair them with a loose fitting jeans to keep your lower body balanced without drama below the waist.
Peplum Tops with High-Waisted Jeans
Peplum tops are great because they flare out at the waist, adding volume to your lower half while creating the illusion of an hourglass shape. Pair them with high-waisted jeans for a flattering, balanced look.
Long Cardigans with Skinny Jeans
A long cardigan creates vertical lines that help elongate your figure and balance your broader shoulders. Pairing it with skinny jeans keeps the lower half streamlined but still balanced, especially if you choose a cardigan with some volume or pattern.
Blazers with wide leg Trousers or bodysuit
A blazer that cinches in your waist will add definition and create a more proportional look. Flared trousers at the bottom add volume to your lower body and complement the structured top half.
Solid Tops
Keep your tops simple and neutral while playing with textures and prints for your bottoms. Plain trousers, Plaid trousers, corduroy skirts, or patterned pants all draw attention downward, adding volume where you want it most.
Layered Look with a Flowy Dress
Go for a flowy, A-line or empire-waist dress. The key here is to make sure your dress is flared out at the bottom to give some waist definition without adding bulk to your upper half. Pair with knee-high boots and a long belted jacket jacket to add some dimension to the lower half of your body.
Avoid High-Necklines and Shoulder-Padded Jackets
High necklines like turtlenecks and boat necks, especially with shoulder pads or puffed sleeves, can make your shoulders look even broader. Instead, go for V-necks, quarter zip sweaters or scoop necks that elongate your neckline and soften the shoulders.
Avoid Fitted Pencil Dresses
While fitted dresses can be stylish, they emphasize a narrower lower half in the inverted triangle body shape, which can create more contrast with your broader upper body. Go for dresses that flare out or have more volume to balance your shape.
Avoid Boxy cropped Jackets
Avoid boxy or cropped jackets as an inverted triangle. These add too much volume to your upper body and can create an imbalanced look. Instead choose long line jackets or blazers that hit below your hip.
Key takeaways
Key Characteristics of an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
- Wide shoulders: Your shoulders are the broadest point of your body, and your aim is to draw less attention to them and create balance with the lower half.
- Straight waist: You may not have as much waist definition, so it’s helpful to create the illusion of curves through strategic outfit choices.
- Narrow hips and thighs: Since your hips are smaller in proportion to your upper body, adding volume to this area can help balance your silhouette.
- Athletic build: Many people with this body shape have an athletic or angular look, so softening your outfit with more flowy or draped fabrics can add balance.
