Plus Style 101

Dress for Your Body Type: Plus Size Triangle

The plus-size Triangle body type, otherwise widely known as the pear shape body type, is characterized by hips that are wider than the waist and shoulders. Your body type also sports an enviably small waistline.

 

Your Triangle Body Type Objective

To visually widen your shoulders, emphasize your already small waistline, and de-emphasize your hips.

The best Triangle body type styles...

• Visually widen your shoulders while minimizing your hips
• Emphasize your small waistline
• Make you look taller and slimmer overall

The following rules apply to all plus-sized Triangle body shapes, but there are special considerations if you're petite or very tall. If any of those apply to you, start by reading your general body type dressing rules below before clicking through for additional considerations for your height.

So make sure you...

Create Volume At Your Shoulders and Emphasize Your Waist with These Styles

Plus-size tops and jackets that...

• Feature details on the shoulder or breastline, such as epaulets or pockets
• Have wide or deep necklines or that sit off the shoulder to visually widen your shoulders
• Are light or bright in color, patterned, or feature horizontal details to draw the eye to your upper half
• Create volume at the arm and shoulder, such as puffed sleeves or small shoulder pads
• Have a high waistline or a waist that cinches in
• Have details at the bust area to create volume on your top half
• Use clever seaming to create curved shape

Best plus size Triangle body type tops -- keywords: puffed, fluttered, or fluted sleeves; small shoulder pads; v-necks, wide scoopnecks, boatnecks, or sweetheart necklines; military jackets; epaulets; breast pockets; jackets with wide lapels; empire and corset waists; rouching at the bust; princess and vertical seams; tailored dress shirts.

De-emphasize Your Hips with These Styles

Wear plus-size pants with....

• Straight or bootcut fit that balanced out your wider hips with a slight flare
• A mid-rise hitting just above the hips
• Dark washes or colors to make your lower half recede into the background

Best plus size Triangle body type pants -- keywords: straight-cut or boot cut; mid-rise; dark wash, uniform wash; dark colored.

Wear plus-size dresses and skirts that...

• Flare over your hips
• Gently skim your hips and float out to your knees
• Feature princess seams that create one long vertical line down your body
• Are dark in colour

Best plus size Triangle body type skirts -- keywords: flared; a-line; fluted hem; pencil skirts; princess seams; full gored skirts; godet skirts; wrap skirts; black, brown, navy, dark.

Appear Taller and Slimmer Overall with These Styles

Look for shoes that...

• Feature pointy toes to visually lengthen your silhoutte
• Peep-toe shoes to draw the eye to the furthest point of your body
• Heels that instantly add height to your frame

Best plus size Triangle body type shoes -- keywords: pointy-toe; peep-toe; cut-away arches; slingbacks; heels.

Wear accessories that...

• Are full in size so they don't appear to be dwarfed by your plus size frame (think large beaded necklaces, large pendant necklaces, or long earrings
• Create volume on your upper half, such as hobo bags

Best plus size Triangle body type accessories -- keywords: large bead necklaces & pendant necklaces; chandeilier earrings; hobo bags; saddlebags.

Now that you know the absolute best way to dress your plus size Triangle body type, find out what styles to avoid at all costs. Say no to these plus size 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