Knowing and dressing for your body type or shape is essential for having impeccable style. Once you start tailoring your wardrobe and personal style to your body type, you’ll be on your way to achieving standout style.

Embracing your body and follow its natural contour will result in more confidence as you become comfortable with how your wardrobe fits into your lifestyle and body type.

A common body type is the triangular body shape. Sometimes called pear shape, the triangle body shape is characterized by the hips being the widest and most prominent part of the body. Other distinguishing characteristics of the triangle body shape are:

• Narrow shoulders 
• Smaller upper body than lower body
• Bottom heavy body type, with larger hips and thighs than shoulders and bust

It is important to describe your body type with geometric terms – ie. triangle as opposed to pear shape; this is to keep the language body positive and inclusive.

Lastly, it is a common misconception that triangle body types are exclusively for women who are plus size. That is completely wrong. Triangle shape body types are applicable to anyone that has wider hips and thighs than the shoulder and bust area, ranging from petite to those with more pronounced curves.

Since this body shape is wider at the bottom, the main thing to remember is to draw the attention upwards and balance the hips.

Here are the main aims to keep top of mind when dressing for the triangle body shape:

Draw Attention Upwards

To create a more flattering and longer silhouette, it is best to draw the eye upward. Here are some styling tips to achieve this:

• Eye-catching accessories, great hair or makeup
  Think statement necklace, amazing braided ‘do, or a simple yet impactful red lipstick. These add-ons not only upgrade your outfit of the day but also help to make sure attention is on the upper portion of your body, specifically your beautiful face or hairstyle. 
• Interesting styling or style features (eg. great/interesting collars)
  Putting the attention closer to your face is best. Collars or shoulders with embellishments or tailoring details ensure that the eyes skim over the hip area and go straight to the key details in your look. 
• Bright or light colors and prints
  Wearing darker colors from the bottom, more striking color or lighter colors at the top helps to balance the wide hips of the triangle body shape. 
• ¾ sleeves
  The ¾ sleeves on either a dress or a top serves the triangle shape well. The sleeves conceal narrow shoulders, which are typical of this shape, and offsets wide hips perfectly.

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Add Visual Width To The Upper Body

Using clever tips and tricks, like visually striking details on top, can compensate for the wideness of the lower body and create visual symmetry. Look for the following details to even out your wide hip area:

• Texture and detailing
  Seek out texture to draw attention to your upper body as well as add more interest to your look. Textures like leather, knits, or tweed, which are trendy for fall. 
• Sheen/shine
  A little hint of glam never hurt anybody. A sparkly top with dark colored bottoms is a great choice – use this tip in the evening.
• Horizontal lines and horizontal design elements
  Since triangle shapes have a smaller upper body, horizontal lines will help accentuate it and accordingly mask your wide hip area.
• Layering
  Layering always makes one look chic. When layering your triangle body shape, opt for pieces that skim the hips. Avoid jackets or vests that end right above the hips, as this is unflattering and will only serve to emphasize your wide hip area. Bulky fabrics will just weigh you down. 
• Wear tapered or slim sleeves 
  Because wide or bell sleeves will hide your beautifully defined waist, steer clear of this sleeve silhouette and instead choose tapered and slim sleeves cut close to the body. These thin sleeves will work wonders on your figure and will put the focus on your waist instead of on your hip area. Also, tapered/slim sleeves are a classic cut that will never go out of style.

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Minimize Width Below The Waist

If there is one tip to take away, this is it: It’s all about lessening the appearance of the wide hips of triangle-shaped bodies.

• Classic, simple styles
  Reach for classic simple styles that are universally flattering. Wrap dresses, A-line styles and boot-cut jeans are some go-to pieces that work wonders on the triangle body type.
• Think vertical patterns and design features
  These design details will elongate your figure and keep the eye moving upward. Get creative! Vertical stripes are not your only option. Side piping on trousers, a thigh-high slit, or V-necklines are some examples of features you should look out for.
• Matte surfaces
  Don’t draw attention to your wide hip area by donning shiny skirts. Stick to matte fabrics.
• Smooth textures
  Smooth textures, like a cotton linen blend, are ideal. It doesn’t cling too much and the body and has an ease of flow.
• Medium-dark to dark colors
  Wearing dark colors below the waist is a no-brainer when it comes to making sure that your wide hips aren’t highlighted but rather cleverly concealed.
• Avoid tops and jackets that end at your widest point
  Tops and jackets should either end below the middle part of your hips or should end by the waist. Ending at your widest point will just draw undue attention to it. A simple solution to this is to keep the top and bottom garments in the same color or similar color depth; ie. navy pants and medium dark green sweater, white pants and pale pink top.
• Midi-length skirts and dresses work best (just above to just below the knee). You’re in luck. Midi skirts, which are super flattering to you, are so on-trend this season. It just gives your overall appearance enough balance.
• Tapered, slim, straight or boot-cut pants
  Your curves are a blessing so don’t hide them. The worst you can do is wear wide pants and a wide top; that will only end in a blockish shape.When wearing wide pants or skirts always team with a slimline top. When wearing form-fitting shapes you’ll always get the most flattering results when you create a smooth foundation with shapewear.
• Wear heels to elongate your legs
  Heels are a woman’s best friend, indeed. Elongating your legs is always a great style move and is always flattering.

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Highlight Your Waist

Triangle-shaped body types are typically gifted with a defined waistline. Highlight your waist whenever possible and leave waistless style to those without a waist.

Accessories like statement belts, and shaped garments that cinch the waist are great for showing off your natural curves.
The best position for your belts and waistline seams is from under your bust to just above your natural waistline. 

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Celebrity Style Inspiration

Sometimes it really helps to have an icon to look up to and you’re in fine company. These are just a few pear-shaped celebrities, so if you’re feeling confused or lost during your style journey, look them up and see what they are wearing.

• Kim Kardashian
• Beyoncé
• Jennifer Lopez
• Jennifer Love Hewitt
• America Ferrera
• Alicia Keys

Left to Right: Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, America Ferrera, Jennifer Love Hewitt

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

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Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author