How to Dress for an Inverted Triangle Body Type with Wide Shoulders and Long Legs

May 8

4 min read

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Are you navigating the world of fashion with an athletic, inverted triangle body type? With wider shoulders and stunning legs, you have a unique silhouette that can be beautifully enhanced with the right style choices. This guide is intended to help you understand the best ways to dress for your shape, emphasizing your best features while keeping everything balanced.

illustration of inverted triangle body shape. — The Inverted Triangle Bodyshape: Your shoulder or bust measurements exceed your hip measurement by more than 5 percent.

Understanding the Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The inverted triangle body type is characterized by broader shoulders that taper down to narrower hips. This silhouette often features long arms and legs, creating an elongated look that can be stylishly showcased. The aim of dressing for this body type is to create balance, drawing attention to your legs while keeping the upper body looking streamlined.

halterneck top for inverted triangle body shape — Coordinated set featuring a crop top and flared trousers. The top's cut draws the eye from the shoulders to the center of the body, while the matching ensemble creates a lengthening, streamlined silhouette. From Missoni, seen at Mytheresa.com

Emphasising Your Legs

One of your most striking attributes is your legs. To highlight this feature, opt for clothing that accentuates them, such as tailored trousers, metallic finishes, or patterns. Narrow cuts that hug your legs can create a flattering outline, while short skirts and dresses bring attention to your toned calves.

miniskirt to emphasise legs, ideal for inverted triangle body shape — This houndstooth wool-blend miniskirt, styled with its matching top, highlights your legs with effortless sophistication and bold, modern edge. From Miu Miu, seen at mytheresa.com

For a fresh approach, consider styles that have high slits or unique hemline cuts to add some flair to your outfit while showcasing those great legs.

Keeping Your Torso Simple

While your legs deserve the spotlight, your torso should maintain simplicity and monochrome tones. This approach helps to elongate your overall figure and ensure that your look is cohesive. Opt for V-necklines and sleek blazers without shoulder pads to avoid adding extra volume to your shoulders. Puffy sleeves and submarine necklines can draw the eye upward, which you want to avoid.

solid pink blazer with subtle shoulder pads, ideal for inverted triangle body shape — A straight-cut, solid pink blazer from Dorothee Schumacher, featuring a V-neckline and subtle shoulder pads that create a lengthening effect on the torso. Wear it as part of a matching set or combine it with any coordinating pants or skirt. Featured on globus.ch

Flattering Blouses and Blazers

When selecting blouses and blazers, the fit is key. Ensure that the seam of the arm sits about one finger's width past your shoulder bone. This small detail can make all the difference in achieving a balanced silhouette. Avoid overly embellished tops and opt for clean lines that allow your natural shape to shine.

white blazer from hugo boss — A versatile white blazer from Hugo Boss, styled with a matching white blouse—perfect for pairing with virtually any pants. Seen at Globus.ch

Styling Bottoms

When it comes to pants and skirts, feel free to get creative! Patterns and metallic fabrics are fantastic options that can add personality to your outfit. Narrow cuts work exceptionally well to highlight your slender legs, while the right skirt length can enhance your overall aesthetic.

set the focus on your legs with metallic pants, ideal for inverted triangle figure — Turn heads and highlight your legs with bold patterns, metallic fabrics, or other eye-catching details—like these eye-catching metallic trousers, perfect for showcasing your style and confidence.

Shorter hemlines can also offer the perfect opportunity to showcase those beautiful legs, making your outfit both chic and stylish.

The Right Dress Features

Dresses can be a stunning option for your figure, but they should be carefully selected. For optimum effect, choose dresses with wide straps or sleeves that don’t overwhelm your frame. Be cautious of corsages or embellishments that sit over the bust, as these can add unnecessary volume to the upper body. Instead, look for designs that feature corsages ending just below the bust, creating the illusion of a smaller waist and maintaining your balanced silhouette.

lavender dress from patou with halter neckline, flattering for inverted triangle — This elegant midi dress from Patou radiates effortless sophistication, featuring a chic halter neckline, a flattering wrap-style bodice, and a voluminous, gathered silhouette. Spotted on mytheresa.com .

With dresses, your choice of fabric and cut can make a world of difference. Flowy fabrics that don't cling too tightly can allow for movement while keeping a sleek profile.

Accessorizing with Personality

Your choice of accessories can also play a significant role in completing your look. Crazy, flashy shoes can be an excellent way to inject fun and personality into your outfit. Chunky heels, platform shoes, and ankle boots work well to ground the silhouette, while bold colors or embellishments draw attention downward. Strappy sandals with ankle details and pointed-toe styles can also elongate the legs while adding interest. Avoid overly delicate or minimal shoes, as they may emphasize the with of your shoulders.

Sating slingback pumps with vibrant hue, ideal for inverted triangle body shape — The Begum 95 satin slingback pumps, with their vibrant hue, add a striking pop of color to your look while helping to visually balance your silhouette. From Amina Muaddi, spotted on mytheresa.com .

Conclusion

Dressing an inverted triangle body type doesn't have to be challenging. By emphasizing your stunning legs and keeping the upper body simple and streamlined, you can create a balanced and beautiful look that showcases your unique silhouette. Don’t shy away from experimenting with colors, patterns, and styles that make you feel confident. Remember, the key lies in understanding your shape and opting for pieces that flatter your features.

With these style tips in mind, you can confidently step out knowing that your outfit is tailored to highlight your best assets. Happy styling!