How to: Dress for your body type

Hello and welcome back to the body type style series. Before we proceed, we need to do some general housekeeping.

Firstly, the body types exist on a spectrum, and it is more likely than not you will fall between two categories.

Secondly, the tips presented here are merely a style guide. You are free to wear whatever you want, but keep in mind it’s not what you wear it’s how you wear it.

Now let’s get started with our body type in focus. Inverted Triangle.

Note: To find your body type, you’ll need the following measurements: shoulders, bust, waist and hips. Find out how to take these measurements here (insert the link to the previous article).

The Inverted Triangle Body Type

You are an Inverted triangle if your shoulders or bust ÷ hips = ≥ 1.05

Characteristics of the body type

➔ Shoulders/bust are wider than hips
➔ Like apple but with a slight definition in the waist ➔ Broad/sharp shoulders
➔ Athletic-type physique
➔ The bust can range from small to large
➔ May have a small or flat bottom
➔ Toned or shapely legs

What clothes to avoid

The main feature of this body type is the shoulders or bust. So, your main style focus would be to balance this out or flaunt this asset in the most aesthetically pleasing way.

➔ Pencil skirts: this skirt accentuates your narrow hips, which is fine if that’s what you’re going for. However, it will also emphasise your broad shoulders and could make you look disproportionate. To create balance, opt for pencil skirts with hip details or embellishments to balance out the silhouette.

➔ Tops/dresses with heavy neck or shoulder detailing: again, garments like this will draw attention to your shoulders. You can opt for minimal detailing or detailed necklines/shoulders that flatter your shoulders such as V-necks, asymmetrical, scoop and halter necklines.

➔ Structured jackets: this could be tricky as you’re likely to pull off structured jackets effortlessly. However, you don’t want to come off looking like Johnny Bravo in a coat, so you need to add volume to your bottom half and define the waist. A way to do this is to wear a high-waist full-bodied skirt or wide-leg pants/shorts.

Wardrobe must-haves

➔ Wrap dresses: this is a choice pick for your wardrobe as most wrap dresses are designed to define the waist while creating volume in the bottom half. The best wrap dresses for the inverted triangle silhouette are those made from soft flowy fabric.

➔ Full-bodied & layered skirts/dresses: these types of clothing will flatter your frame well because they will define the waist and balance out the unevenness between your shoulders and hips.

➔ Wide leg/ flared bottom trousers & shorts: these will create the same effect of proportion as the full-bodied skirt. Choose bright colours when wearing these as they will help draw attention away from the shoulders.

➔ Tops/dresses with asymmetrical necklines: asymmetrical necklines add a playful and soft quality to your broad shoulders. These necklines are very flattering for your silhouette because they tone down the sharpness of your shoulders and create a balanced silhouette.

Key style tips
➔ Add volume on the bottom half: A-line skirts/dresses, wide-leg pants: because of your broad

shoulders, you’ll want to add volume to your bottom half, to balance out your frame.

➔ Show off your legs and/or shoulders: you can choose to do one or both. For example, you can pair an off-shoulder top with wide-leg trousers or a spaghetti strap top with a full-bodied mini skirt.

➔ Try adding a third layer: throwing on another layer such as a longline or max jacket, can help with creating a well-proportioned silhouette.

Remember: there’s nothing wrong with your body, you just have a little more to love at the top– Rasheena Liberté

That’s all for the inverted triangle, what did you think of these style tips? Do you know anyone with this figure? Still don’t know what body type you are. Don’t worry there’s more to come. Next time we’ll look at the rectangle body type. Till then you can look at our other body type articles here.

See you soon 😊

Boma