How to Dress the Triangle (Pear) Body Type

Recently I talked about how to determine your body type (click here) and the five general horizontal body shapes for women. This article will focus on the triangle body type and provide tips on how to dress this type to achieve more balanced proportions.

Remember – these are only styling tips. No matter what you wear – you need to choose clothing that makes you feel good and boosts your confidence.

Triangle Body Type

The triangle (pear) is a common body type for women. You are a triangle if your measurements show these results:

The Triangle Figure (slender)

Shoulders are narrower than hips
Larger size on bottom than top
Fuller hips, bottom and thighs
Slender upper body

The Triangle Figure (full)

Same as slender triangle but fuller around middle
Usually has shorter waist
Noticeable “saddle bags”
Bigger bottom

Style Tips

To balance out your proportions, you want to create width in your upper body to balance the lower half. Here are the simple guidelines.

Avoid clothes that…

Add bulk to the larger bottom half
Are too tight or clingy
Have horizontal detailing on the bottom half
Skinny fitting, single layered tops as they make the top half look out of proportion
Shoulder bags that rest at the hips

Below is a good look for a smart casual work outfit.

The horizontal detail on the top draws the eye upward and horizontally which gives the illusion of wider shoulders. The bottom half is not of interest, so our eyes don’t linger or focus on the bottom. The flares create a long line and our eyes read this as slimming and elongating. Also, the flares at the bottom balance out the wider hip area. The heels also are good for elongating. Skinny straps on sandals are ok to wear but don’t wear wider straps as these will add width. You want to elongate and slim your bottom half.

Here is a cocktail look.

Again, the neckline creates a long horizontal line which causes our eyes to go back and forth and widens the shoulders. The statement necklace adds detail and focuses eyes upward. The folds of the dress create vertical lines which, again, elongate the look.

Highlight What Makes You Feel Confident & Beautiful

Over the past few years, the triangle body type has been popularized by many celebrities such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian. Having a big “booty” seems to be more ideal now than it was years ago. These women are very proud of their bigger bottoms. If you love your curves and want to emphasize them, then just do the opposite and bring the spotlight to your lower body. Simple!

This is a good reminder that the “ideal” body type changes over time. It’s also a reminder that what you may perceive to be a flaw can be your biggest asset. Don’t hide it, be proud of it.

And, remember, I have provided you some styling tips – not hard fast rules. The most important tip I can give is to always wear clothes that make you feel good and that send the messages you want sent. You will be the most beautiful when you feel good on the inside and wear your clothes with confidence!