Dressing an inverted triangle shape with a tummy can be difficult. Some days, nothing fits quite right. Tops feel tight across your chest or shoulders, pants are either digging into your belly or sliding down your hips, and dresses that make you look like a box.

Sound familiar? Yeah, me too.

You’ve probably tried to follow all kinds of fashion tips before, only to end up more confused. The truth is, your shape is unique; you’ve got strong shoulders, a narrower lower half, and a midsection that might not be as flat as it used to be (thanks kids, hormones, life). And that’s totally okay.

You don’t need to change your body. You just need clothes that work with it, not against it.

This post is a detailed guide on what you can wear to flatter your unique figure, plus outfit ideas that will always work for you.

So What Exactly Is the Inverted Triangle with a Tummy?

Here’s what most of us with this body shape tend to have:

• Broad shoulders or a bigger upper body
• Slim hips and legs
• A soft or round tummy (especially after kids or hormonal changes)
• Little waist definition
• Not much curve between your waist and hips
• Flat bum or narrow backside

Basically, you carry more up top and in the middle, and less down below.

The goal? To balance your shape by softening the top, giving the tummy some breathing room, and adding a little shape to the bottom half. Here’s how.

Style Guide: What to Wear (and What to Skip)

We’re going category by category: tops, jeans, dresses, the whole lot.

Tops

Wear This:

1. Wrap or drapey tops – they give shape without clinging to your belly.
2. V-necks or scoop necks – these break up a wider chest and help your neckline look longer.
3. Longer tops with movement – like ones with side slits or slight flares so they don’t hug the tummy.

Skip This:

1. High neck tops (like crewnecks or turtlenecks) – they just make your shoulders look broader.
2. Cropped or clingy tops – they highlight your midsection in the worst way.
3. Shoulder pads or puffy sleeves – they add width right where you already have it.

Cardigans

Wear This:

1. Open-front cardigans that hit below the hip – they lengthen your torso.
2. Thin, beltable knits – a gentle tie at the waist can help give the illusion of curves.
3. Dark colored cardigans – they help hide the tummy without looking bulky.

Skip This:

1. Thick, chunky knits – they’ll just make your top half feel heavier.
2. Cropped cardigans – they usually land at the wrong spot and cut off your shape.
3. Ones with built-in shoulder structure – again, no need to widen the shoulders.

Jeans

Wear This:

1. High-waisted or mid-rise relaxed jeans in sturdy material – they smooth your belly and stay up. Avoid cotton blends as they will give way to your tummy and show the buldge
2. Bootcut or straight-leg styles – these help balance out your shape.
3. Dark wash with clean lines – no extra bulk, just elongation.

Skip This:

1. Super skinny jeans – they make your legs look even smaller compared to your top.
2. Low-rise anything – not tummy-friendly at all.
3. Jeans with loud thigh details – distressing or rips can throw the balance off.

Pants

Wear This:

1. Wide-leg or flowy pants – add some volume to the bottom half.
2. Flat-front or elasticated styles with a smoothing waistband – these are magic for the belly.
3. Soft, structured fabrics – like crepe or ponte that hold shape but aren’t stiff.

Skip This:

1. Super tight or clingy trousers – uncomfortable and unflattering.
2. Pants that taper hard at the ankle – they make your top look even bigger.
3. Shiny fabrics – they highlight every lump and bump.

Skirts

Wear This:

1. A-line skirts – they add gentle volume and create a waist.
2. Wrap Skirts – they flow nicely without clinging to your middle.
3. Skirts with side zips or flat fronts – no extra bulk on the tummy.

Skip This:

1. Body-hugging pencil skirts because they can highlight the tummy and feel restrictive.
2. Mini skirts: these can throw off the balance and can feel too top-heavy, unless paired with a V neck loose or swing top.
3. Pleats that start right at the waistband will add just too much bulk where you don’t want it.

Dresses

Wear This:

1. Wrap dresses are perfect they’re basically made for this body shape.
2. Fit-and-flare dresses are also greate to create a balanced lower half, also they cinch just enough and give you movement.
3. Empire waist styles because they sit above your tummy and skim everything else. Be sure to go for lose fit otherwise it may this emphasize your tummy.

Skip This:

1. Bodycon dresses : skip them unless you’ve layered something clever over it, they tend to show everything.
2. High necks because, again, you don’t want to add more volume to the top.

Outerwear

Wear This:

1. Trench coats with a belt because they give structure without looking stiff.
2. Coats with long lines or vertical seams because they elongate your whole body.

Skip This:

1. Chunky puffers – unless you’re in a snowstorm, skip ‘em.
2. Double-breasted or heavily structured jackets – too much up top.
3. Short cropped coats – they cut you off and can make you look wider.

5 Outfit Formulas You’ll Actually Want to Wear

1. Tailored but Flattering

Soft blazer (no padding) + V-neck tank + High-waist wide-leg trousers + Pointed loafers
You’ll look polished without feeling boxed in or restricted.

2. Add a Pop of Color

Wrap-style top (in a neutral) + Bold-colored midi skirt + Strappy sandals
This outfit draws the eye down and brightens your whole vibe.

3. Dressed Up but Still Comfy

Fit-and-flare knit dress + Lightweight long cardigan + Cute flats or ankle boots
With this outfit, you’re dressed up, but you can still breathe, eat, and move around with ease.

4. Polished but Easy

Printed blouse (with a soft neckline) + Pull-on straight leg pants + Ballet flats
This one is effortless and perfect for work, errands, or brunch.

5. Casual but Put-Together

Soft tee (tucked at the front) + Stretch straight-leg jeans + Open cardigan + Sneakers

This is for when you want a no-fuss look that hides the tummy, balances the frame, and feels pulled together.

Inverted triangle with tummy- final recap

You just need to understand your shape and what helps you feel good in your clothes. If you’ve got broad shoulders, slim hips, and a bit of a tummy, this guide is for you.

Let the clothes do the hard work. You deserve to feel confident every single day.

For other inverted triangle styling tips, read this.