How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Shape

How to dress an inverted triangle body shape

An inverted triangle body shape has shoulders or bust wider than the hips. To balance it, keep the top half simple, with V necks, raglan or soft sleeves and darker colors, and add volume, color and detail below the waist with wide-leg trousers, A-line or pleated skirts and patterned bottoms.

Updated 2026-11-09

Written and maintained by the Style BFF editorial team · Editorial standards

Tops that work

Deep V and scoop necklines that narrow the shoulder line.
Raglan, dolman or soft, unstructured sleeves.
Plain or darker colors on top.
Halter necks, which draw the eye inward.

Bottoms that work

Wide-leg, flared and cargo trousers.
A-line, pleated and full skirts.
Light colors, prints and detail below the waist.
Hip pockets and texture.

Dresses

Fit-and-flare and drop-waist dresses with a full skirt. Keep the top of the dress simple and let the skirt carry the volume.

What to keep simple

Shoulder pads, puff sleeves, boat necks and big collars add width where you already have it. Wear them when you want a strong shoulder look on purpose.

Easy outfit formulas

Dark V-neck knit, light wide-leg trousers, chunky shoes.
Plain fitted tee tucked into a printed pleated midi skirt.
Halter top with flared jeans.

Related guides

What else should you know?

Should an inverted triangle avoid blazers?

No. Pick soft-shouldered or unstructured blazers and wear them open.

Which skirts suit an inverted triangle?

A-line, pleated, tiered and full skirts add balance at the hips.