I was doing some personal shopping for a client this weekend who was looking for a few new dresses for the spring season. After three kids, her body had changed dramatically and her smaller bust and fuller hips had given way to a broader upper body and narrower hips and thighs.

She was shocked to learn that her body type had a name - the inverted triangle shape. You have this shape if you are top heavy in appearance, with broad shoulders and a medium to fuller bust. You also tend to be narrower at the waist and your hips, thighs and lower legs are smaller than your upper torso.

Still clinging to the idea of what her body used to be, my client was completely clueless as to how to dress this inverted triangle figure and had resorted to wearing large, billowy clothes to hide her body. She was even more shocked when we started putting her in pieces that were fitted, sexy and accentuated her curves – all outfits she said she never would have picked out herself.



Embracing our bodies is important for dressing them properly. True, there are things we all would like to change about our bodies, but the biggest mistake a woman can make is using ill-fitting clothes to hide her figure instead of wearing styles that add proportion and accentuate the assets of her shape. So, for my client and those of you who share her figure, here are a few tips to help you find that perfect dress this spring and summer seasons.

With a full-figured inverted triangle shape, you want to stick to V-necklines to elongate the face and neck area. Steer clear of halter tops, strapless numbers and boat neck tops. The aim is to slenderize the upper portion of the body and de-emphasize the broadness of the back. V or U-necklines are great when combined with a three quarter sleeve because the attention is drawn away from the broad shoulder.


Wearing a body shaper such as Spanx helps to smooth out the midsection so that dresses, especially jersey dresses flow effortlessly on the body. You’ll want to choose a dress that is fitted at the bust and waist and flares away from the body at the bottom to balance out your narrow lower half. Full circle skirts and pleats are also your friends and help to balance out your figure. Show off your legs. Stick with dresses that stop at the knee or just below to draw attention to your shapely lower legs – especially if you’re shorter. If you’re wearing a two-toned dress ensure that the lighter color is at the bottom to draw the eye down and de-emphasize the larger upper torso.

Work with what you’ve got. If you’re completely lost as to how to dress for your figure, follow the buddy system and carry along a friend who will give you honest opinions – or treat yourself to a professional personal shopper. Dress the body you have and feel feminine and sexy this spring season!

Tyrina Neely Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com. Visit www.primadonasales.com