Inverted triangle body shape · Outfits
Inverted Triangle Body Shape Outfits
The best inverted triangle body shape outfits keep the top half simple and put the volume, colour and detail below the waist. That balances broad shoulders with slimmer hips and shows off the legs. Here are 15 complete outfit ideas for women, covering casual days, work, nights out, summer and winter, plus tips for petite and plus size figures.
The inverted triangle outfit formula
The female inverted triangle body shape has broad shoulders and a bust that are clearly wider than the hips. The best outfits for inverted triangle body shape do the opposite of a pear: they quieten the top and build up the bottom. All the inverted triangle shape body outfits below use three rules:
Not sure you’re an inverted triangle? Check your measurements on the inverted triangle body shape guide, which also explains how to dress it piece by piece.
Casual outfits for inverted triangle body shape
For everyday wear, pair a plain, dark top with wide, light or printed bottoms.
V-neck tee + light wide-leg jeans
- Black V-neck T-shirt, tucked
- Light-wash wide-leg jeans
- White trainers
Dark and plain on top, light and wide below: the classic balance.
Plain tank + printed midi skirt
- Simple navy tank top
- Bright printed A-line midi skirt
- Flat sandals
All the colour and pattern sits below the waist.
Soft knit + flared jeans
- Grey V-neck knit, no shoulder detail
- Mid-wash flared jeans
- Ankle boots
The flare at the hem mirrors the width of your shoulders.
Office outfits for an inverted triangle body shape
Skip stiff, padded suit jackets. Soft blazers, wrap dresses and pleated skirts give a polished look without widening the shoulders.
Soft blazer + wide-leg trousers
- Unstructured navy blazer, worn open
- Cream V-neck shell
- Light grey wide-leg trousers
No shoulder pads, and the open front breaks up the width on top.
Wrap dress with a full skirt
- Wrap dress, V-neckline
- Full A-line skirt to the knee
- Block heels
The V narrows the shoulders and the skirt adds volume at the hips.
V-neck blouse + pleated skirt
- Plain V-neck blouse, tucked in
- Pleated midi skirt
- Belt, loafers
Pleats add movement and width below a simple top.
Date night and club outfits
Halter necks and V-necks with full skirts or wide legs make the most flattering going-out inverted triangle body shape outfits.
Halter top + full midi skirt
- Black halter-neck top
- Red full midi skirt
- Strappy heels
Halter straps cut in towards the neck, so the shoulders look narrower.
Fit-and-flare dress
- V-neck fit-and-flare dress
- Belt or seam at the waist
- Heels, statement earrings
Fitted on top, then flares out to balance the shoulders.
Wide-leg jumpsuit
- Black V-neck jumpsuit
- Wide, flowing legs
- Platform heels
The wide legs give the lower half the same width as the top.
Summer outfits for inverted triangle body shape
Thin straps, simple tanks and bright, wide bottoms keep summer outfits balanced and cool.
Tank + printed wide-leg trousers
- Plain white tank
- Printed or bright wide-leg trousers
- Slide sandals
Light on top, bold and wide below.
V-neck A-line sundress
- Sundress with a V-neck and thin straps
- A-line skirt above the knee
- Espadrilles
Simple straps keep the top light; the skirt carries the volume.
Tee + patterned A-line shorts
- Navy V-neck tee
- Patterned A-line shorts
- Trainers
A-line shorts add width at the hips in hot weather.
Inverted triangle body shape winter outfits
Choose fine knits over chunky ones on top, and coats that flare at the hem rather than at the shoulders.
V-neck sweater + pleated midi
- Fine-knit navy V-neck sweater
- Camel pleated midi skirt
- Knee-high boots
A thin knit keeps the top slim; the pleats add shape below.
Swing coat + wide-leg trousers
- A-line or swing coat with soft shoulders
- Cream wide-leg trousers
- Ankle boots
The coat flares out at the hem instead of at the shoulders.
Dark knit + light bootcut jeans
- Black V-neck jumper
- Light-wash bootcut jeans
- Heeled boots
Dark on top and light below makes the hips look fuller.
Petite and plus size inverted triangle body shape outfits
Petite inverted triangle
- Choose high-rise wide-leg or flared trousers to lengthen the legs.
- Keep skirts at the knee, with a gentle A-line rather than a very full shape.
- Wear cropped, soft jackets that end at the waist.
Plus size inverted triangle
- Wrap tops and dresses with a deep V make the upper body look longer and narrower.
- Pick drapey fabrics on top and structured ones, like denim or twill, below.
- Longline open cardigans create a vertical line through the middle.
Looking for men’s styles? See the V shape body guide and inverted triangle body shape in men. For other shapes, see how to dress for your body type and the hourglass, pear, apple and rectangle outfit guides.
Frequently asked questions
What not to wear for an inverted triangle body shape?
Avoid anything that adds width or detail at the shoulders: shoulder pads, puff and cap sleeves, boat and wide square necklines, epaulettes and bold horizontal stripes on top. Also skip skinny or tapered trousers and pencil skirts in plain dark colours, which make the hips look even narrower next to the shoulders.
What kind of pants look good on an inverted triangle body?
Wide-leg, flared, bootcut, palazzo and pleated trousers look best, because they add width at the hips and legs to balance the shoulders. Lighter colours, prints and details like hip pockets help too. Cargo and paperbag-waist styles also work, while skinny and tapered pants are the least balancing.