What are the keys to creating flattering outfits for the V shape body (otherwise known as the inverted triangle or cone shape)?
The V shape has broader shoulders than the waist or hips. If you want all the details grab your Body Shape Bible here.
You most likely have an undefined waist (your rib cage and back may feel large too) and slimmer thighs and hips.
So when putting outfits together, you want to think about these key points:
1. Don’t Add Horizontals Above Your Waist, Do Add them Below Your Waist
If you have a more defined waist you can belt it, but don’t add horizontals above your waist if you don’t want to make your upper body appear even broader.
Avoid puffed sleeves, kimono and batwing sleeves – any kind of sleeves that add extra volume to your torso.
Be careful of details around the shoulders such as epaulettes or even yokes on shirts and jackets.
Your best necklines are narrower, crew necks, halternecks, narrower V necks, avoiding boat necks, and any wide V shapes or large collars.
2. Use Vertical Lines to Elongate Your Torso
Look for long vertical details in garments that will slim your torso, adding a long line open cardigan or jacket is an easy flattering option for you.
If you have a curved tummy, curved hems that are higher at the side and dip down at the front are always flattering options.
Keep necklines more open if you have a larger bust, otherwise, you will look even more unbalanced.
3. Make Your Bottoms Interesting
Draw attention up to your lower body with interest and detail. You can use colours, patterns, texture and accessories to do this.
With these simple guidelines in mind, you can play in your wardrobe and create stylish and flattering outfits.
- A tiered skirt (patterns are great) with a soft V wrap top and wedge sandals. If you want to mix prints, make the print on your bottom the standout one with the one on your top more discreet (lots of pattern mixing tips here if you want to give it a go). Alternatively, wear a darker plain top and a patterned or lighter skirt to create visual balance.
- Flared dresses are great, pair with sneakers for casual and a pump or wedge when you want to look more glam. A denim jacket is always a great way to dress down a dress or skirt, make sure it doesn’t have additional shoulder details like epaulettes.
- Halternecks are always flattering as they draw the eye inwards away from your shoulder. Pair with a flared or textured skirt or a pair of jeans.
- Wide leg trousers work to balance your shoulders, as do raglan sleeve tops, particularly when the sleeve is a darker colour than the rest of the top. Don’t shy away from pockets, cargo style pants and distressing on jeans.
- Flared and bootcut jeans and trousers also work fantastically on your shape. You can go for patterned options and why not pair with a long thigh-length blazer, cardigan or jacket?
Remember, you are more than just your body shape
Body shape is just one small part of what you need to know to decide what to wear. You also need to consider body proportions and body variations and you can then create your own figure flattery guidelines.
Discover Your Shape
Not sure of your body shape? Take my free body shape calculator quiz – instructions and quiz here. If you’d like my professional opinion on your shape, you can get it as part of my 7 Steps to Style System – which walks you through everything you need to know about flattering your figure, your colouring and understanding how to express your personality through your clothes and outfits as well. It’s the full image program that will assist you in defining your style so that you can build a wardrobe full of clothes that you love to wear.
Further V Body Shape Reading
Body Shape Bible: Understanding How to Dress V Shape Bodies
Don’t Waste Your Money – V Shape
Using the Principle of Volume to Flatter Your Body Shape
How Your Body Shape May Change with Age and Weight Gain or Loss