The Best Clothes for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

If you have an inverted triangle body shape—meaning your shoulders are broader than your hips—styling is all about creating balance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dressing this shape, from the silhouettes that flatter to the common pitfalls to avoid. As your go-to source for all things style, the Rank & Style team is here to help you find pieces you’ll love, highlight the brands that get it right, and show you how to adapt today’s top trends to suit your shape. Because no look is off-limits—it's all about wearing it your way.

What Is an Inverted Triangle Body Shape?

If your shoulders are noticeably broader than your hips—and your lower half looks slimmer compared to your upper half—there’s a good chance you have an inverted triangle body shape.

Wondering how to determine your body shape without breaking out a measuring tape? Just do a quick visual check in the mirror. If your shoulders are the most prominent part of your frame and your hips are narrower in comparison, you’re likely rocking this athletic, angular silhouette. Once you know your shape, it becomes so much easier to shop for pieces that create balance and highlight your best features.

How To Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Styling an inverted triangle figure can be surprisingly fun once you know a few key tricks. The main goal? Creating balance between your broader upper half and narrower lower half. While it may take a little more intention than other body shapes, the payoff is worth it—and we’ve got the tips to prove it.

Don't shop without these pointers:

• Create Balance With Proportions:
  Embrace volume on the lower half while streamlining the upper half. Think flared pants and A-line skirts paired with simple, streamlined tops.
• Choose the Right Fabrics and Cuts:
  We love flowing fabrics that drape over the shoulders to soften square, broad shoulders. Avoid stiff or overly structured pieces that can exaggerate your upper frame.
• Necklines Matter:
  Go for V-necks, scoop necks, and U-necks that draw the eye downward and elongate your torso. These shapes help visually slim your upper half and soften your shoulder line.
• Focus on the Right Pants and Skirts:
  Wide-leg, bootcut, flared pants, and A-line skirts are your secret weapons. They add subtle volume where you want it most—at the hips—for a more balanced silhouette.
• Layer Smartly:
  Long jackets and open-front cardigans are your friends because they create vertical lines that break up shoulder width and lengthen the body.
• Go Feminine:
  Counterbalance the strength of your shoulders with pleated, ruffled, or A-line skirt silhouettes. These cuts work beautifully to add softness and shape to your lower half.

Things to Avoid

When dressing an inverted triangle body shape, it’s all about smart styling—not drawing more attention to your broadest point. Certain silhouettes and cuts can throw off your proportions, so it’s best to steer clear of those pieces.

Here's our no-go list for fashion for an inverted triangle body shape:

• High Necklines:
  Styles like turtlenecks and boat necks create a solid horizontal line that emphasizes shoulder width—exactly what you don’t want.
• Structured Jackets and Shoulder Pads:
  Anything with extra padding or a boxy fit adds unnecessary bulk.
• Skinny Jeans and Tapered Pants:
  These ultra-fitted bottoms can make your lower half look even smaller in contrast to your upper body, throwing off your proportions.
• Boxy or Oversized Tops:
  Oversized silhouettes may feel like they’re hiding your shoulders, but they often add visual weight and create a tent-like effect.
• Shoulder Details and Embellishments:
  Ruffles, puffed sleeves, and shoulder embellishments might seem fun, but they only draw the eye upward—making your shoulders appear broader.

The Best Clothing Styles for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

Dressing an inverted triangle body shape is all about creating harmony between your strong upper half and slimmer lower half. Below, we’re breaking it down by clothing category to help you choose the most flattering pieces for your figure.

Tops

The goal? Draw the eye downward and soften the shoulders. V-neck, scoop neck, wrap, and peplum tops do exactly that by creating vertical lines that visually elongate and slim the upper body. Opt for soft, drapey fabrics—think silk or modal—that fall gracefully without adding bulk.

Short, fitted sleeves are your friends, while puff sleeves and shoulder embellishments are best left on the rack. Also steer clear of high necklines, boat necks, and stiff, structured materials that emphasize width.

Bottoms

When it comes to bottoms, it’s all about balance. Wide-leg, bootcut, straight-leg, and flared pants help add volume where you need it—at the hips and thighs. A-line skirts also work wonders by flaring out subtly to create the illusion of curves.

Look for denim with a little stretch and skirts made from soft fabrics that drape nicely. High-waisted styles are especially flattering, helping to define your waist. Skip skinny jeans, tapered pants, and low-rise cuts—they tend to exaggerate the contrast between your upper and lower body.

Dresses

Fit-and-flare, A-line, wrap, and peplum dresses are your best bets. These silhouettes highlight the waist and add movement to your lower half for a balanced look. Choose dresses made from soft, flowy fabrics that don’t cling to your shape.

Neckline matters here, too—V-necks and scoop necks are ideal. Avoid strapless styles, boxy cuts, or anything with a straight-across neckline that adds width up top.

Accessories

Accessories are your secret weapon for finishing off an outfit with balance. A well-placed waist belt adds definition and a subtle hourglass effect. Long pendant necklaces help connect the upper and lower halves of your body, creating visual length.

Want to draw the eye down? Bold shoes or boots can work like magic. Flowing scarves also help add soft movement around the neck and shoulders. On the flip side, skip chunky necklaces that sit high on the collarbone or shoulder bags that add extra volume up top.

You’ve got the know-how—now it’s time to dress the part. From dreamy dresses to effortlessly cool denim looks, here are the outfit formulas we’re loving for inverted triangle bodies.