Elizabeth Kosich Styling

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Triangle Shapes

Every body is beautiful, including triangle shapes. The trick with any body shape is to know how to accentuate, balance and camouflage it to create the most flattering silhouette, which in a triangle shape’s case is balancing the body’s upper half to its lower half. Adding volume above the waist simulates a balanced hourglass shape, but it’s important to not go overboard. Here are a few styling hacks to get you started:

  1. Wide necklines
    A wide neckline creates a horizon line that pushes the eyes out, giving the shoulders the appearance of more width. Try a wide-shouldered v-neck or boatneck t-shirt and watch how adding volume at the shoulders makes the waist look smaller and hips appear more balanced. One of the most ideal tops for pear shapes is a classic Breton tee with a boatneck and horizontal stripes, though make sure the stripes match your own color contrast so as to not overpower.

  2. Statement sleeves
    A stylized sleeve like Juliette or puffy-style balances a triangle-shaped figure beautifully. It adds a touch of volume above the waist to balance hip width, plus makes the waist appear smaller. For the fashion forward, try a shoulder pad for a more dramatic, high-design style statement that’s also fresh and on trend.

  3. Bold tops
    Bright and bold colors add weight visually, making them a great wardrobe strategy for wide hips. Shop tops, tees and turtlenecks in your best and most bold accent colors, then pair with bottoms in your darkest dark neutrals. Wear tops tucked at the waist to create a strong color break that emphasizes the waist for extra balancing.

  4. Accentuate the waist
    Emphasizing the waist distracts away from other areas, which is a great tool for triangle-shaped figures. For a statement look, cinch the waist with a corset belt, sash or obi and make sure it’s in a dark color for a slimming effect. Also try a three-quarter length sleeve which forces the eye to rest at the waist, drawing more attention to it.

  5. Asymmetrical lines
    Diagonal lines are magic tricks every woman should learn how to use. They push the eye in various directions which both distracts and elongates, resulting in a flattering effect. Try a handkerchief-hemmed skirt or dress, preferably with wide straps, statement shoulders or a sweetheart neckline to make the shoulder appear wider. Or, opt for diagonal slit pant or skirt pockets to cut the horizontal line of wide hips.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.