By now you already know that women’s bodies come in different shapes and sizes and Prêtàstyler is here for you throughout your style journey. We want you to embrace the natural shape
of your body.

This week it’s time to address the Inverted Triangle Body Shape.

Also called ‘V’, goblet, lollipop, you possess the Inverted Triangle Body Shape if you fall into the following categories:

• You are larger above the waist than below
• You have a large bust
• Little to no waist definition
• You are top heavy and may have have broad shoulders with narrow hips and legs

If you possess the Inverted Triangle Body Shape, these should be your main aims for dressing for your body type:

You should strive to:

• Minimize your upper body
• Create the illusion of a waist
• Soften the appearance of your upper body, specifically your shoulders
• Accentuate your lower body 
• Celebrate your shape by wearing shaped garments over those that are straight

If you love your ladies (and so you should), and want to have them front and center go ahead by wearing curved necklines and bustline embellishments..  

Your upper body

Since this is the heaviest and most prominent part of your body, it is vital for you to master it. Mastering how to dress for your upper body entails many factors, which you can choose at your own liking. Some tips may work better for your lifestyle or your personal style preferences while others may not. The key to unlocking the mastery of the Inverted Triangle Body Shape lie in your mastery of how to show off your upper body in the right way, or balance it with the lightness of your lower body. Here are some tips:

• Eye catching earrings i.e. chandeliers are a great way of attracting attention away from your bust, as well as softening the appearance of your broad shoulders. 
• Never underestimate the impact of a good bra. The appearance of a well-supported bust line is already enough to make your look seem more polished. It will also make your torso look longer and it will hold up your shoulders straighter. Remember to adjust the straps to maintain the effect after each wash. 
• Keep your upper body streamlined and free of excessive detail and fuss that creates volume. In this instance, less is truly more. 
• Stick to tops in medium to dark solid colors and prints in muted colors or low contrast, these pieces will ensure that your upper half is not further emphasized. 
• Vertical detailing is an excellent way to create balance with your lower body – look for the details like buttons, seams, pintucks etc. when shopping for tops. 
• Show skin with medium to low necklines. Remember to always keep it classy, of course. 
• Strap should be medium to wide. Spaghetti straps can look too insignificant to hold up a large bust. Thin straps will also serve to make your broad shoulders look even broader, and create an unflattering look. 
• Necklines that narrow and elongate are best such as V-neck, deep U scoops and split necklines.
• Button front and wrap tops with bust darts are excellent to add flattering shape and minimize volume. 
• Garments in soft fabrics will sit over your curves best. 
• Jackets with defined shoulders but not those that extend pass your shoulder line help define your waist.
• Skip lapels whenever possible. Lapels style creates a much cleaner and slimming line for you.
• Wear jackets and cardigans open whenever possible. This will make the appearance of your athletic and strong upper half appear more delicate and gentle. 
• Avoid sleeves that end at the fullest point of your bust. [link to large bust post] ¾ sleeves sit at your sweet spot.

Your waist

To give yourself the most flattering and feminine silhouette, it’s always a good idea to put the focus into your waist, or rather to create the illusion of one. Waist shaping or waist cinching garments or pieces give you a more covetable small waist and hourglass shape, and it also serves to be the balancing counterpoint between the upper and lower half of your body.

• Nipped jackets, tops and sweaters will give the illusion of a waist and curvy hips.
• Dresses that highlight the waist are ideal e.g. ruching, side tie, waist panel etc.
• Belts are great so long as you are not also short waisted
• Dark belts create a more defined waist than those that are light or bright, which might create the appearance of a wider waist
• Wide pants with fitted tops also make your waist appear shapelier. 
• Pants and skirts with no prominent waistbands
• Just below the waist to hipster waists – no high waist styles.

Your lower body

Inverted Triangle Body Shapes are lucky enough to commonly have slender legs. Take advantage of your shapely and beautiful gams by showing them off to the fullest. This is the area of your body where you can really get creative and freely dress it up as you wish.

• Have fun with your lower body. Look for details, design lines and shapes that will add curve and/or width to your hips and thighs such as peplums, horizontal stripes, sheen and shine to tiers and pleats.
• Boot-cut and flare pants, since these pieces will balance your strong shoulders 
• Straight, A line, gathered, tulip and trumpet
• A word on A-line skirts: Do not go too wide if you are short, as wide silhouette A-line skirts will make you look shorter.

Celebrities who share your shape

As always, it’s always helpful to look to the stars for some sartorial guidance when it comes to dressing up for your body type. This is also a quick and easy way to garner some inspiration for your next look.

Jill Scott, Heidi Montag, Susan Sarandon and Christina Hendricks

For more information on how to dress a large bust see my feature: Marvelous Mammaries

Important: This information is only pertains to the triangular horizontal body shape. Your body has many other characteristics that also need to be taken into account and can alter some of the recommendations. Prêtàstyler is the perfect tool for finding your perfect garments and making you look fabulous from top to toe.

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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author