Welcome to the second article in our series ‘Our Guide to Dressing Broad Shoulders’, where we guide you in how to dress broad shoulders and narrow hips to bring out the best in your figure. Understanding your body shape is crucial in dressing well, as it helps in selecting clothing that flatters your natural silhouette.
Embracing your shoulders and hips will set the foundation for your style. Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two body types are the same. Celebrate your quirks and curves, because they make you a walking art gallery. In this article, we will focus specifically on the inverted triangle body shape, helping you to understand and appreciate your unique proportions, and pave the way for a new style that’s distinctively you!
Understanding your body shape is the first step in developing a personal style that not only flatters but also allows you to express your individuality and confidence.
Let’s start with four key ways to complement your figure:
1. Showstopping Shoulders
Instead of trying to hide your powerful shoulders, embrace them as the star of the show! Don’t be shy and wear them proudly in a halter neck top. Check out our article “Are Halter Tops Good for Broad Shoulders” for some expert insights.
2. Legs for Days (and Nights)
Whether your legs are as endless as a red carpet or snugly petite, give them a leading role. Flaunt them confidently and watch heads turn as you sashay down the street. Depending on the occasion, you can opt for skirts, dresses, or shorts!
3. Arms that Command Attention
Think of your arms as your natural accessory. You can show them off in sleeveless tops, three-quarter sleeves, or even a colorful kimono.
4. That Mysterious Waistline
A narrow, defined waist is your secret weapon. Imagine a belt as a sculptor’s tool, creating elegant curves wherever you desire. A belt will instantly create an hourglass shape, emphasizing your defined waist and creating a visual symmetry that balances those alluring shoulders with your narrow hips.
Choosing the Right Necklines and Tops for the Inverted Triangle Body Shape
A complimentary neckline is a key ingredient of your outfit, and there are so many options to enjoy. Here are some helpful ideas and tips:
A. V is for Victory
V-necklines will elongate the neck, and flatter your bust, steering the spotlight towards your upper body.
B. Boat Neck Bonanza
Boat necks gracefully hug your shoulders, creating a soft transition between your upper and lower body.
C. Sweet Scoop Neck
Scoop necklines are the sprinkles on your fashion sundae. Their gentle curves echo the contour of your collarbones, adding a touch of romance to your look!
D. Fit, Not Fight
Your top should fit just right, so avoid tops that are too loose or too tight, as this can be unflattering to your shape.
Color Magic and Pattern Play
Just as an artist manipulates colors on a canvas, you can wield colors and patterns to turn a simple outfit into a fashion masterpiece. Here are some ways to do so:
Light & Dark: Yin and Yang for Fashion To create harmony in your figure, consider using lighter shades for your lower body and darker ones for your upper half. This darkness will make your upper body look smaller, and by contrast, your lower body will look slightly longer.
Stripes: The Vertical Victory Vertical stripes have the visual trick of extending your figure and creating a sense of proportion. They synchronize your upper and lower halves, bringing an outfit together beautifully.
Patterns: Small & Mighty Patterns can be a valuable accessory to your look. It’s important to choose smaller patterns that don’t overpower your shape. Some examples include floral motifs, delicate prints, or charming polka dots that will add depth and distraction.
Bottoms that Enhance Narrow Hips
Are you looking for bottoms that enhance those heavenly curves? We’ve got your back (or rather, your hips) covered with a lineup of options to complement your fabulous frame!
1. A-Line Skirts: Twirl-Worthy Wonder
A-line skirts quickly create a feminine, balanced ensemble. They sinch your waist while gracefully flaring out around your hips. The result? A princess-like outfit that enhances your hips and turns heads.
2. Flared Pants: Groove into Glamour
Flared skirts, akin to their A-line cousins, excel in creating the illusion of fuller hips and balancing the volume on the shoulders. These skirts, especially when featuring patterns, pleats, or being part of the high-low skirt category, add more volume to the hips for a more balanced and flattering body shape.
3. Cargo Pants: Pockets of Power
These casual, yet shaping trousers add just the right amount of bulk around your hips, elevating your overall proportions. These comfy pants will flatter your shape and give your outfit a sense of adventure!
4. Flared Pants: Groove into Glamour
For those retro days, flared pants are here to groove their way into your wardrobe. These wide-legged wonders create a striking contrast between your hips and legs, giving the illusion of fuller hips and a tiny waist.
The Magic of Layering
When balancing those broad shoulders and narrow hips, layering is an effective technique for creating balanced, stylish outfits. Here are layering outfit options:
- Vests, Cardigans, Blazers: Your Proportion Potion
Vests, cardigans, and blazers will create volume around those charming hips. They balance your frame whilst adding dimension to your style. Dress them down with some boyfriend jeans, or elongate the legs with smart shorts.
- Casual Chic: Brunch Date Beauty
Heading to a laid-back brunch? Layer a flowy vest over a fitted top – the fitted top enhances your curvacious hips, while the flowy top makes your shoulders appear less wide. Pair with skinny jeans for an effortless ensemble.
- Professional Wizardry: Workplace Wonders
Creating a work outfit can be overwhelming. A great go-to is a structured blazer over a pencil skirt or tailored pants. The skirt will create enchanting curves, while the blazer’s shape will flatter your shoulders, giving you a powerful stature.
- Evening Enchantment: Dinner Delight
For a romantic evening, layer a light cardigan over a fitted dress. The cardigan will bring your shoulders in while the dress is the star of the show. Finish with some dazzling jewelry to draw the eyes to your hands and collarbones.
Footwear Matters
Your footwear isn’t just a finishing touch – it’s the foundation of your fashion fortress. Here are some shoe options to spruce up those shoulders and hips:
Heel Up Heaven: heels will add height and lengthen your silhouette. Platform Power: for a casual, yet put-together look, platform shoes add style and balance.
Ankle-Strap Attention: ankle straps are a feminine accessory for your legs and will draw the eye downwards.
Boot Bliss: knee-high boots are eye-catching, adding sexiness and volume to your lower body.
Sneaker Chic: crisp white sneakers will bring a clean, sporty vibe to any look. You can also dress them up with a sparkly gold anklet.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve come to realize that broad shoulders and narrow hips are not something to be ashamed of, but rather strengths to be showcased. When dressing this body type, beauty is revealed with just the right outfit. Remember, an outfit is more than just the clothes you wear; it’s about the confidence you wear with it.
If you’re looking for more advice on dressing for broad shoulders and a large bust, don’t miss our article on ‘How to Dress Broad Shoulders and Large Bust‘.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article today. Please feel free to check out our other articles for more expert fashion tips!
