Recently, I found myself helping a friend find a new outfit for an event she was attending. She has what is known as an inverted-triangle body shape. This means she is larger on top and small on the bottom. What she sought help for was finding an outfit that created balance for her shape. If you are having trouble creating balance for this shape these tips may help.
Where Does Your Broadness Come From?
First take into consideration why you are wider or appear wider up top than the bottom. Do you have broad shoulders or are your breasts large, giving you the appearance of having an inverted-triangular frame? The way you balance your shape depends heavily on why you have this body shape.
Tips for Balancing Broad Shoulders
If you have broad shoulders with a narrow lower half you need to choose garments that minimize your shoulder span.
- Shoulder pads are a no-no.
- Leave a shoulder bare – this asymmetrical look helps to minimize the broadness of the shoulders.
- Wear an empire-waist shirt or dress – these fit close above the bust flow into an A-line silhouette just under the bust that adds fullness to your lower half.
- V-necklines – help draw attention away from your broad shoulders and down towards the bust area.
Tips for Balancing a Large Bust
If your bust is giving you the appearance of an inverted-triangle shape, then chances are you may have not have broad shoulders at all. You may also have waist definition and a curve at the hip but your large bust hides these assets.
- Empire-waist top or dress – balances out your lower half plus allows you to show off your ample bosom.
- Flared shirt or dress – the flare will fall softly away from the sides of your bust into an A-line shape to help disguise a narrow hip and lack of waist definition.
- Wear a minimizing bra – can reduce the appearance of your bust by a cup size or more.
Create Waist Definition and an Outward Curve at the Hip
I have mentioned the term “waist definition” earlier. What I mean by this is an inward curve is present at the waist that leads to an outward curve at the hip. Most inverted-triangle shapes I’ve seen lack waist definition and a curve at the hip. Creating the illusion of these defining curves is another way to help balance this body shape.
- Wear a blouson shirt or dress – the gathering around the waist of these garments give the appearance of a smaller waist and a curve at the upper hip.
- Wear a wide belt or corset belt – these work well with dresses and slim fitting tunics. When worn in a contrasting, darker color such belts create the illusion of a smaller waist and curvier hips.
- Wear relaxed-fit and wide-leg pants – relaxed-fit pants are roomier in the hip and thighs. The extra room around the hips can give the appearance of curves. Wide-leg pants add stylish volume that balances a wide upper torso.
Things to Consider When Shopping Fashion Trends
- If the trend is a slim pant or legging balance it with an empire-waist top or blouson top with a long hem. T Tahari Tiani Knit Top
- If the trend is a form-fitting dress, look for styles featuring colorblocking around the waist or a dark top/light bottom combination. Also, wear a belt that cinches the waist a bit to add definition. Calvin Klein Dress, Sleeveless Scoop Neck Solid Printed
- When choosing a trendy form-fitting top, pair it with a flared or A-line skirt, relaxed-fit pant or wide-leg pant. The Marissa Wide Leg Pant
- When it comes to color, wear darker colors up top or at the waist to make them appear smaller. Wear lighter or brighter shades at your lower half or around the hip to add width. Worthington Volume Top and High Waist Skirt
These tips will help balance out an inverted triangle shape. Remember creating balance does not mean you have to sacrifice wearing a fashion trend. When you wear trends, create balance for your shape. Always make fashion work for you.
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