Are you tired of struggling to find the perfect dress that flatters your shape? Look no further! As an inverted triangle body shape, the struggle of finding dresses that hug all the right places and flatter your broad shoulders is real. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, nearly 30% of women have an inverted triangle body shape, characterized by broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a well-defined waist. But fear not, because in this article, we’ll explore the best dresses specifically tailored for your body type. From A-line to wrap dresses, get ready to rock your inverted triangle figure with confidence. So let’s dive in and discover your new go-to dresses!
For an inverted triangle body shape, where the shoulders and bust are broader than the hips, the goal is to balance out the proportions by drawing attention downwards and creating the illusion of a more defined waistline. Inverted triangles should aim to create the illusion of curves on your lower body, which will balance out your shape. Here are the best dresses for broad shoulders.
Best Dresses for Broad Shoulders
A-Line Dresses
These dresses flare out from the waist or hips, creating a balanced silhouette. . The A-line silhouette gently skims over the upper body and flares out from the waist or just below the bust, creating the illusion of a more proportionate figure. This visually minimizes the broadness of the shoulders, making them appear more in line with the hips.
Many A-line dresses cinch in at the waist or have a defined waistline. Look for A-line dresses that cinch at the waist to define your shape further This accentuation of the waist helps to create more definition and draws attention away from the wide shoulders, thus balancing out the overall silhouette.
The gradual flare of the A-line skirt softens the line of the shoulders, creating a more feminine and balanced look. It’s a subtle way to de-emphasize the upper body while still allowing for a graceful silhouette. A-line dresses often elongate the body, especially if they have vertical seams or details. This elongation effect can help to create the illusion of a longer, leaner frame, which complements the inverted triangle body shape, and has a slimming effect.
Fit-and-Flare Dresses
Similar to A-line dresses, fit-and-flare dresses are fitted at the waist and then flare out towards the hem. They accentuate the waist while adding volume to the lower half of the body. Fit and flare dresses typically have a fitted bodice that hugs the waist and then flare out from the waistline or slightly below it.
This creates a balanced silhouette by adding volume to the lower half of the body, which can help offset the broader shoulders.The fitted bodice of a fit and flare dress often cinches at the waist, which helps to highlight the narrowest part of the body. This creates an hourglass-like shape, drawing attention away from the shoulders and towards the waistline.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are universally flattering and work well for inverted triangle shapes by defining the waist and drawing attention away from the shoulders. Many wrap dresses feature a V-neckline, which is particularly flattering for those with broader shoulders. The V-neckline draws the eye downward, elongating the neck and torso, and creating a more balanced look by visually minimizing the width of the shoulders.
While a wrap dress may still showcase the shoulders, the diagonal lines of the wrap design can help to soften the appearance of broad shoulders. The draping fabric and gentle folds create a more fluid and feminine silhouette. This style of dress is great for creating the illusion of hourglass figures.
Shift Dresses
Shift dresses often feature shorter hemlines, which can draw attention to the legs rather than the shoulders. This can help to shift the focus away from the broader upper body and create a more proportional look. Shift dresses typically have minimal detailing around the shoulders and upper body, which can help to avoid drawing attention to this area. This simplicity allows the dress to create a clean, streamlined silhouette that flatters the inverted triangle body shape.
While shift dresses may not accentuate the waistline as much as other styles, they can still be flattering for those with an inverted triangle body shape by creating a balanced silhouette and minimizing focus on the shoulders. Pairing a shift dress with accessories like belts or statement jewelry can also help to define the waist and enhance the overall look.
Maxi Dresses
Long, flowing maxi dresses can create a streamlined look and draw attention away from the upper body. Opt for maxi dresses with V-neck or scoop necklines. These necklines draw the eye downward, elongating the torso and minimizing the appearance of broad shoulders.Look for maxi dresses that cinch at the waist or have a defined waistline. This helps create the illusion of an hourglass figure by emphasizing the waist and balancing out the proportions.
Choose maxi dresses with a flowy skirt that gently skims over the hips and thighs. A skirt with movement adds volume to the lower body, creating a more balanced silhouette. Steer clear of maxi dresses with excessive volume or embellishments on the upper body, as these can add bulk and further emphasize broad shoulders. Opt for designs that keep the upper body streamlined and balanced.
Other Details That Work for Dressing Broad Shoulders
Finding the right neckline
Avoid wide necklines like a square neckline, off-shoulder and bateau that only make you look top-heavy.
V-Neck Dresses: Dresses with V-necklines draw the eye downwards and create the illusion of a longer torso, helping to balance out broader shoulders.
Sleeves
Flared Sleeves or Bell Sleeves: Dresses with sleeves that flare out can add volume to the lower half of the body, balancing out broader shoulders. Voluminous sleeves of this type are a great option.
Steer clear of dresses with raglan sleeves or a dolman sleeve, as they will broaden the appearance of your shoulder width.
A three-quarter length sleeve that hits at the thinnest part of your arm will also help to make your top half appear smaller.
Dresses with Detailing at the Waist or Hips
Look for dresses with embellishments, belts, or detailing at the waist or hips to create the appearance of curves and define the waistline
Dresses with pleats on bottom: Pleats can add more volume to the bottom half of your body and balance a broad shoulder line.
Soften the Shoulder Line
With a broader shoulder, you want to soften this part of your silhouette. Soft, draping fabrics, narrower necklines, and solid colors to keep your upper half uncluttered will help draw the eye down.
Use Lines
Use vertical lines to draw the eye up and down. Vertical lines can appear in seams on a dress, or in patterns in the fabric, like vertical stripes.
Choose dresses with wide straps instead of spaghetti straps. Thin straps with make your shoulder look bulkier. Strapless dresses are also a no for you.
Opt for a color block style that places darker colours on the top half and a lighter colour on the bottom.
Don’t place horizontal stripes or horizontal lines at the shoulder area. Use these details on the bottom half of a dress to create balance.
The next time you try on a dress that doesn’t work for you, remember- it’s the dress, not you! With these tips you can find the best dress styles for your inverted triangle body.