The Body Shape Series – Triangles

By Brian Maynor

With musician Art Garfunkel in town today playing at the Columbia Museum of Art, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about triangles.  That little musical instrument we’ve all played at one time or another is also a body shape.

Just like the instrument, Triangle body shapes get wider from top to bottom.  The main characteristics are narrow, sloping shoulders with a small chest; a defined waist that is wider than your shoulders, and hips that are the widest part of your body.  Contrary to popular belief, you can have a moderately flat stomach and still be a triangle.

Just like the Rectangle, if you are a Triangle you want to build out your upper body, just with a little more exaggeration.  Here are two ensembles that are trendy and perfectly planned to keep your body looking balanced:

 

1. The tops.  Having narrow sloped shoulders and a small chest, if you are a Triangle you can never over-emphasize your upper body.  Embellishments, shoulder pads, wide V-necks; collars and boat-necks are construction points that all work to your advantage because they help broaden and flatten out your shoulders.

• This blouse is great for a Triangle.   The collar adds weight and height, while the structured shoulders create a straight line.  The panels act as a cap sleeve, extending past your natural shoulder, before dropping to fill out that area.  The buttons let you open up the shirt as much as you want to create a wide ‘V’ neckline.  Only having buttons halfway down the shirt makes it perfect for tucking or half-tucking.
• Oxford shirts are preferable for men who are Triangles because of the attached sleeve and seaming details, but you can pull off some polos.  While a solid colored will only enhance your sloped shoulders and small chest, this one actually helps you. Starting with the color, since you want to emphasize your upper body this vivid color works well.  Secondly, the block stripe running across the entire shirt and sleeves is perfect for elongating that line, while the wide black stripe defines your chest.  Initially you may be leery of horizontal stripes on your stomach, but these are fine.  Since they are thin they will work as camouflage, breaking up the space.

 

2. The bottoms.  With your hips being the widest part of a Triangle, your bottoms should be all about balancing and camouflaging.  Straight legs; flat fronts; slanted pockets and solid colors are always good choices.

• One unexpected choice for women are gaucho pants.  Don’t cringe.  These are not the yoga pants with folded waistband from a few years ago you worn with stacked foam flip-flops.  Today’s gaucho pants are more refined, structured and flattering.  What makes these great for triangles is the high waist and hallmark wide leg that falls just below the knee.  A high waist will emphasize the fact you have one and the wide legs fill out everything below your hips while still showing some leg.  The key to styling these pants are tucking your tops and wearing a heel.
• For the guys keep it classic, literally.  ‘Classic cut’, or relaxed fit pants are your best option because you need that little extra room and keep the colors limited to shades of khaki; grey; blue and black.  Colored chinos are one trend you should let pass.

 

3. The Accessories.  Just like the rest of your options, think top-heavy.  Large earrings and necklaces are great as well as pocket spares, scarves and lapel pins.  Use your bag to add a pop of color as well.  Dark, heavy bags will just add weight where you don’t need it.

 

Triangles sometimes get a bad wrap, and feel excluded from trends, but that doesn’t have to be the case.  You can stay stylish, modern and in-tune with a few simple ‘rules’.

Don’t miss your chance to see a music legend.  Call the CMA today if you want tickets for An Intimate Evening with Art Garfunkel.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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