Dress for Your Body Type: Plus-Size Inverted Triangle
The Inverted Triangle body type, commonly known as the apple shape body type, is characterized by having a broader bust or shoulders than hips.
The following rules apply to all full-figured Inverted Triangle body types, but there are special considerations if you're petite or very tall. If any of those apply to you, read the general rules below before clicking through for some additional dressing guidelines at the bottom of this section.
Your Inverted Triangle Body Type Objective
To visually widen your hips to create balance with your shoulders while creating a defined waistline.
Create Volume at Your Hips
Visually widening your hips will not only create a balanced silhouette, it will also automatically make your waist appear smaller in comparison.
So go ahead and add volume to your hip area by wearing:
Plus-size pants with...
- Details at the hip, such as side or front pockets
- Volume below the knee, such as bootcut flare pants
- Straight legs or wide legs to offset volume at the shoulders
- Light colors or patterns to draw the eye to your lower half
Plus-size skirts...
- With pleats or gores sewn up to the hip
- That flare around your hips, but hug your waist
- With a full shape (full; circle) in thick fabrics (heavy cotton, poplin)
- Hemmed at the knee to reveal slim legs
Plus-size dresses with...
- A drop waist that flares out below your hips
- Hemmed ABOVE the widest part of your calves to show off their shape
Accessories such as...
- A wide hip belt
- A large handbag or tote that hits at your hip
Styles That Take Away Emphasis From Your Shoulders
Minimize your broad shoulders by dressing in:
Plus-size tops that...
- Have horizontal details at the hips
- Reveal a triangle of skin at your chest to draw the eye in from your shoulder
- Have a v-neck or u-neck (best paired with blazers and sweaters)
- Are dark in color to create a slimming effect on your top half
- Have a corset belt in a contrasting color to hold in curves and bring attention to your waist
- Have thick straps that won't be dwarfed by your shoulders
Plus-size coats and jackets...
- That flare out from the waist toward the hip (peplum)
- With three-quarter-length sleeves to reveal the slimmest portion of your arms
- That fall to the hip
- With horizontal details at the hips
- Structure and shape in a stiff fabric
Accessories such as...
- Large-dangling earrings proportional to shoulder size
- Large ornamental necklaces
Create a Defined Waist with These Styles
- Light-weight fabric that drapes (not clings) over your middle
- Princess seamed blazers where seams create a curved waist shape
- Light layers that smooth away bumps in the torso
- Bright colors worn under a sweater or jacket to draw the eye and create a vertical line down your center
- Beaded necklace draws eye up away from waist
- Cleavage -- don't be afraid to show it! If you've got it, flaunt it. =)
Appear Taller and Slimmer Overall with These Plus Sized Styles
- Wear 2" or higher heels with details and bold colors that draw attention to your slim legs and make you look taller
- Substantial pumps in keeping with the size of your frame
- Button-down tailored shirts that create a vertical line down your center
- Tops with an empire waist that hugs your bust, then gently tapers out toward your hips.
Now that you know the absolute best way to dress your plus size Inverted Triangle body type, find out what styles to avoid at all costs. Say no to these Inverted Triangle body type killers!
Taller than 5'7"? Click here for some special body type dressing guidelines.
Shorter than 5'4"? Get your additional body type rules here.