Welcome back to the What To Wear series which helps you figure out the styles and silhouettes that will flatter you best based on your body type.
Generally speaking, there are five different body shapes of women. But it’s important to note that most of us don’t fall neatly into one type. Often we are a combination which means it’s useful to know the different styling strategies for each shape to figure out what works for you. (If you need to know which shape you are, click here to get my free style guide Dress Better For Your Body which will help you figure it out.)
Triangle Body Shape
You have a triangle body shape if your lower body is wider than your upper body. When you gain weight, it tends to go to your hips, butt or thighs. And you may be self conscious about these parts, and want to cover them up.
Style Goals
For a triangle body shape, think about adding interest to your upper body with fashion details like ruffles, puffed sleeves, statement necklaces, scarves and hats.
You’ll also want to draw attention to your waist and elongate your legs so look for silhouettes that match your triangle frame like A-line skirts or dresses.
And lastly, because your waist may be really small in comparison to your hips, you may have a tough time finding a good fit in pants. If this is the case, buy your pants to fit your hips and thighs and then have a tailor take in the waist. If you have a really tough time finding pants that you like, consider wearing mostly skirts and dresses. I know a lot of women with a triangle body shape who live in skirts and dresses because they flatter them best.
What To Wear
- Breast pockets and embellishments on your blouses
- Big lapels on your jackets
- Horizontal stripes on your tops
- Bright colors and patterns on your tops
- Shoulder pads and puffed sleeves
- Bold accessories on your upper body
- Bootleg, flared and wide leg pants
- Jackets and tops that end above or below your hips
- Belts to show off your small waist
- High rise pants
- A-line skirts and dresses
What Not To Wear
- Low rise pants
- Big pattens on your bottom
- Embellishments or pocket details on your bottom
- Cargo pants
**These are just guidelines. Your ultimate style goal is to wear things that make you happy and feel confident. Your personality is the most important aspect to satisfy when styling yourself so make sure you love what you wear.
In the video, I share more styling tips to dress the triangle body shape so you can see what will flatter this body type best.
One of the first things I do with my clients is show them how to dress better for their body types. We look at what they’re currently wearing, and I show them how to make improvements so their clothes compliment them best. Then we go on to find the perfect fit between their personal preferences and their “right-now” body shapes to set the framework for a flattering style that they love AND that makes them look amazing.
If you want my eyes on your style, join my free private facebook group, Closet Shopping Collective. I share my top tips from my 20+ year fashion styling career so you look more polished and feel more pulled together in your clothes. Click here to join the group.
Not a triangle? Perhaps you’ll relate more to the inverted triangle body shape. Or the rectangle body shape. Or the circle or apple shaped body, Or the hourglass body shape.
Any tips for creating a flatter abdomen?
Pilates?
I’ll need to find a youtube video on that……the classes in my neighborhood are a fortune.
Try this one!
https://elyshalenkin.com/holistic-fitness-strong-core/
My problem is that my body is definitely pear shaped with a slim torso above waist, a defined waist but not a flat belly, really broad hips, a big-big butt and heavy legs. But I have a HUGE bust (H-cup) on my slim torso. So some of the rules of dressing does not work for me. I have a GIGANT problem finding tops. I am 5’7 with a loooong torso, so I use wrap dresses as tops to define my Waits and combine them with wide pants or maxi skirts.
Between the measurement of the slimmest part of my torso and the widest parts of my hips/butt there is a huge difference of almost 20 inches. If I did not have my bust to balance it, I would look really strange. 😂
How do I dress that kind of body?
Pleeeease help me! ❤️
wow…Elysha…thanks for the video for core abs…..how do I save it on my computer?
I’m not sure you can save to your computer. But you can bookmark so you have easy access to return to it whenever you want!
Hi Asa, It sounds like you are doing all the right things with what you’re wearing (wrap tops and wide leg pants)! I would also suggest to always make sure your tops are open around the chest. And if you are up for wearing a bold necklaces, this could be great when placed just below the collar bone as this will draw the eye up. I’m sure you’re already aware that a good bra is key. Also details around the shoulder could be good for you. Have you ever considered that you’re an hourglass shape? From your description it seems this could be the case. I have a style guide for the hourglass coming up on the blog in a few weeks. (Next is rectangle, then circle then it’s hourglass.) Thanks for commenting, and keep doing what you’re doing! You’re on the right track!! xx
Thank you Elysha! I have always known I was pear-shaped and usually dress the ways you recommend. I also know my colors (“spring”). I just need the courage to purge the things that don’t work because I rarely need business clothes/suits, but want to look sharp and professional everwhere. I do equine-assisted executive coaching, so simple, functional things that work at a barn in a sandy arena with horses but also are professional is my goal. I also need pockets! I find boots, high-waisted pants-(cargo pants if they are cut right are helpful because I actually use the cargo pockets for horse treats and my phone), and denim shirts or polos work best. I often start with a blazer or jacket over a simple professional T shirt then remove the jacket as I work with the horses. At 61 YOA my legs and skin are less attractive, and I have more pudge than I used to and struggle to accept that and let go the the clothes that are too young, revealing, or small. I want to look youthful and hip, but simple, elegant, and classy-and also have the ability to be a little sexy when I go out with my husband :).