The inverted triangle body shape is known for having broad shoulders and a smaller hip-to-shoulder ratio.
When it comes to styling, your goal is to balance the silhouette. Soften the shoulders. Add volume below the waist. Create curves where they’re lacking.
This guide shows you exactly how to create that balance with ease, confidence, and style.
First—Let’s Confirm: Are You an Inverted Triangle?
You’re likely an inverted triangle if:
- Your shoulders are broader than your hips (by at least a few inches).
- Your bust is average to full—sometimes you struggle to button tops without pulling.
- Your waistline isn’t super defined.
- Your hips and thighs are slimmer compared to your top.
- You often wear a larger size on top than you do on the bottom.
- Strapless or halter tops make you look wider instead of sexy.
Popular celebrities with this body type include Serena Williams, Angelina Jolie, or Naomi Campbell. You can never miss their powerful builds with wide shoulders and narrow hips.
The Golden Rules for styling an inverted triangle
An inverted triangle body can sometimes lean towards an hourglass (when the waist is slim and defined), an apple shape (when the mid section is full), or even a rectangle (when the waist has no definition). Regardless, when it comes to styling your inverted triangle, there are some golden rules to obey.
1. Downplay the top.
You need to avoid extra bulk near the shoulders. You’re already strong up top, so you don’t need extra bulk up there. Avoid big shoulder pads, boxy tops or big embellishments.
2. Play up the bottom.
Your main goal is to balance the top by building out the bottom. You need wide-leg pants, flared skirts, cargo details or bold patterns on your lower half.
3. Define the waist.
By defining your waist, you can totally fake that hourglass. Use belts, wrap cuts, or high-rise styles. The right shape wear can also do the trick for you. Definitely read this article for tips on how to dress your small hips and minimise broad shoulders using shapewear.
4. Keep the Eye Moving Down
We want to keep the gaze from the shoulders, so use necklines, accessories, and colors to bring focus from shoulders to hips.
What you should wear or avoid as an inverted triangle.
Tops for the inverted triangle body
When it comes to tops it’s not too difficult to dress right. Your top half is your strongest feature—so it doesn’t need to shout. The best top styles for you are therefore:
- V-necks & scoop necks: These create vertical lines. They visually lengthen the upper body and break up shoulder width.
- Wrap tops: These will cinch the waist and soften the bust. Bonus: they look great for work or weekend.
- Raglan sleeves or dolman cuts: Raglan sleeves de-emphasize the shoulder width. The slanted seams draw attention away from broad shoulders.
- Soft, drapey fabrics: Soft fabrics like modal, jersey, or lightweight knits are perfect for you. These fabrics fall gently and flatter without adding bulk.
- Dark colors or matte textures: to draw eyes away from the shoulder, go for dark, matte textures – Slimming, subtle, and elegant.
Styles of tops or blouses to Avoid:
- Boat necks or off-shoulder tops. These widen your shoulders even more.
- High necklines without any shape—no turtlenecks unless layered with structure.
- Puffy sleeves, cap sleeves, or shoulder ruffles.
- Shiny, stiff fabrics like satin or taffeta on top.
Best Bottoms for the inverted triangle body shape
This is where inverted triangles shine. You can wear styles that add volume and dimension that others avoid. The most flattering styles for you are:
- Wide-leg trousers: these trousers add bulk at the hip and visually balance out the top.
- A-line skirts: Feminine and classic. Perfect for casual days or office looks.
- Tiered, pleated, or ruffle skirts: These add interest and volume right where you want it.
- Jeans with back pockets, distressing, or embellishments: They round out the hips and create the shape you need
- Printed or colored bottoms: Yes, go for the bold print pants or that bright midi skirt.
Styles to Avoid:
- Super skinny jeans or leggings without a longer top—this only exaggerates shoulder width.
- Plain bottoms in dark, flat colors unless paired with bold shoes or accessories to add balance.
If you ever dress up and feel “top-heavy,” your pants probably need more shape. Try wide-leg or cargo jeans instead of skinny ones. You’ll see instant balance.
Best dresses for the inverted triangle body
Dresses are quite tricky to style but doable. They tend to either flatter or fight your natural shape. Some dresses will fit your hips but not your bust. Others may fit your waist but not your shoulders. You just need the kind that works with your frame.
- Wrap dresses: Always a win. They define the waist and skim the hips.
- Fit-and-flare: A fitted bodice with a flared skirt balances proportions.
- Empire waist dresses: Start the flare just under the bust—great for softening the upper body and adding volume below.
- Color-blocked dresses: Look for darker shades up top and lighter or patterned bottoms.
A good tip for casual dresses is to throw a cardigan in a contrasting color on your shoulder to break it up.
Styles to Avoid:
- Strapless or halter dresses that highlight the upper body.
- Boxy shift dresses—no shape, no balance.
- Anything too tight all over—accentuates the imbalance.
Best Outerwear for the inverted triangle body
This is where inverted triangles often go wrong. A stiff blazer can make you look square. A cropped coat can chop your proportions. The best outer wear styles for you are:
- Wrap coats or belted trenches: Pull in the waist and flare at the hip.
- Long, open-front cardigans or dusters: These elongate and soften the silhouette.
- Single-breasted coats with minimal shoulder detail.
Read more on coats for the inverted triangle body shape here.
Styles to Avoid:
- Cropped jackets that hit above the waist.
- Shoulder-heavy coats with pads, epaulets, or embellishments.
- Double-breasted coats—they add bulk where you don’t need it.
Accessories
You can use accessories such as necklaces and scarves to balance and enhance your overall look
- Long necklaces or pendant chains: if you love your jewellery, these long necklaces draw the eye down, but remember to keep it simple and not too chunky so it creates vertical movement.
- Belts at the waist: Wide or medium belts help define your shape and break up proportions.
- Chunky shoes or boots: Balance out the top by grounding your lower half.
- Structured bags worn lower on the body (hip or crossbody)—adds visual weight downward.
Don’t:
- Giant statement earrings—they draw the eye up and out.
- Tiny shoes or dainty flats if your outfit is top-heavy.
Hair and Makeup (Yep, That Matters Too)
The way you style your hair can emphasize or de-emphasize your shoulders.
- Soft, side-swept hairstyles: can be so beautiful as they help soften broad shoulders.
- Curls or volume around the jawline: this will help balance out the shoulder span.
- Bold lips > dramatic eyes. You want the focus downward, not upward.
Quick Inverted Triangle Outfit Recipes to Try
- Everyday Chic:
Wrap top + wide-leg trousers + belt + pointed flats
- Weekend Casual:
Graphic tee + pleated midi skirt + sneakers + crossbody bag
- Work Look:
V-neck blouse + high-rise pants + structured bag + heels
In cold weather, throwing on a long coat will work perfectly for the inverted triangle body.
- Night Out:
One-shoulder top + wide legged jeans + heels
Cold Weather:
Turtleneck (partly tucked in) + flared pants + boots/heels
Wrap up
The inverted triangle shape is magnetic. You carry confidence naturally.
But it takes smart styling to create harmony.
You don’t need to hide your shoulders—you just need to frame them right.
Use this guide as your go-to map. Whether you’re dressing for work, play, or a fancy event, your shape deserves thoughtful styling—not frustration.
The Cheat Sheet
✅ Do More Of:
- Deep V necklines
- Wrap and belted styles
- Bold bottoms
- Skirts with shape
- Wide-leg pants
- Long outerwear
❌ Avoid:
- Boat necks
- Shoulder embellishments
- Shiny tops
- Super skinny jeans with tight tops
- Cropped jackets
- Shift dresses with no waist
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check our other popular posts for styling your inverted triangle body for winter, fall, the best coats, shoes, parties, jeans and everyday styling.
