Inverted Triangle Body Shape? Don't do this if you want to look stylish!
Discover 15 common styling mistakes to avoid if you have an Inverted Triangle body shape. Learn how to balance your wider shoulders with your narrower hips for a flattering silhouette.

If you have an Inverted Triangle body shape, your shoulders are broader than your hips. The goal is to balance your silhouette by downplaying your upper body and adding volume to your lower half. However, there are several common fashion mistakes that can accentuate the imbalance rather than create harmony. Here are 15 things you should avoid to bring out the best in your figure and achieve a more proportional look.
1. Don’t Wear Shoulder Pads or Structured Shoulders
Why: Since your shoulders are already broad, adding more structure or volume to them will make your upper body look even wider.
What to do instead: Choose tops with softer, less defined shoulders to avoid drawing extra attention to this area.
2. Avoid Halter-Neck Tops
Why: Halter tops pull attention toward the shoulders and neckline, which can make your upper body look wider.
What to do instead: Opt for V-neck or scoop-neck tops to create a vertical line and elongate your torso.
3. Don’t Wear Off-the-Shoulder or Boat Necklines
Why: These necklines draw the eye horizontally across your shoulders, making them appear even broader.
What to do instead: Stick to necklines that direct attention downwards, like sweetheart or deep V-necks, which soften your upper body.
4. Avoid Tops with Too Much Detailing
Why: Ruffles, embellishments, or patterns around your shoulders will emphasize your upper body, which you want to minimize.
What to do instead: Keep your tops simple and focus on adding detail to your lower half, such as skirts with ruffles or patterned pants.
5. Don’t Wear Clingy or Tight-Fitting Tops
Why: Tight tops hug your upper body and accentuate your broad shoulders and chest.
What to do instead: Choose tops with a relaxed fit that skim your figure without clinging to your upper body.
6. Avoid Cropped Jackets That End at the Waist
Why: Short jackets can cut your body in half, drawing attention to the upper part of your figure and making your shoulders seem wider.
What to do instead: Opt for jackets that are longer and create a more balanced silhouette, ideally ending below your hips.
7. Don’t Skip Adding Volume to Your Lower Body
Why: If your lower half is too simple or streamlined, your shoulders will stand out more.
What to do instead: Go for A-line skirts, wide-leg pants, or anything that adds subtle volume to your hips and legs to balance out your figure.
8. Avoid Skinny Jeans
Why: Tight jeans narrow your lower half, which makes your upper body look even wider in comparison.
What to do instead: Try straight-leg, bootcut, or flared pants to add volume and balance to your silhouette.
9. Don’t Wear Strapless Tops
Why: Strapless tops put all the focus on your shoulders and chest, which you want to downplay.
What to do instead: Opt for tops with sleeves or those that draw attention downward, such as wrap tops or blouses with waist detailing.
10. Avoid Horizontal Stripes Across Your Upper Body
Why: Horizontal stripes will make your shoulders and upper body appear even wider than they are.
What to do instead: Go for vertical or diagonal stripes that elongate and slim your frame.
11. Don’t Wear Stiff, Boxy Fabrics on Top
Why: Stiff fabrics can make your upper body look larger and more rigid.
What to do instead: Choose softer, flowy fabrics that drape naturally over your shoulders without adding extra bulk.
12. Avoid Heavy Patterns on Your Upper Body
Why: Patterns on your top half will highlight your broader shoulders and chest.
What to do instead: Use patterns and prints on your lower half to draw attention to your hips and legs.
13. Don’t Forget to Accentuate Your Waist
Why: Without waist definition, your torso can look boxy and make your figure appear unbalanced.
What to do instead: Look for belted dresses, wrap tops, or tailored blouses that draw attention to your waist, helping create an hourglass effect.
14. Avoid Boxy or Loose-Fitting Dresses
Why: Dresses with no shape or structure can make your shoulders dominate your silhouette.
What to do instead: Go for dresses with an A-line or flared skirt to balance your broader shoulders with your lower body.
15. Don’t Wear High-Neck Tops
Why: High-neck tops shorten your torso and make your shoulders seem broader.
What to do instead: Stick to lower necklines that elongate your frame and balance your proportions.
By avoiding these common styling mistakes, you can achieve a more balanced, flattering look that highlights your figure’s natural proportions. The key to dressing an Inverted Triangle body shape is all about creating balance—downplaying the upper body while enhancing the lower half. With these tips, you’ll be able to create stylish, proportionate outfits that bring out the best in your shape!