Etcetera

Our How to Dress Your Body Type is a series designed to help break down the basic guidelines for dressing all body types. To get started, use this mathematical equation to figure what you are; you may be surprised!

Today, we continue with How to Dress an Inverted Triangle Body Shape.  

It’s Important to Note: Bone structure tends to dictate body type rather than weight and height. Of course, we need to consider all these factors when we get dressed, so these guidelines are just that, guidelines.

In our conversations here, I hope that we start to change this narrative that one body shape is somehow superior. Women’s bodies are a marvel, and we should celebrate them in every shape and size. And no matter our shape and size we all have features to celebrate and ones we’re not so crazy about. 

Think of it like this: 

Body Type is your bone structure. 

Fit/Size is your proportion; you may be “regular,” petite, tall, or plus. 

Weight fluctuates for most of us, so it’s very possible to straddle between two body types if you tend to gain weight in one specific area. 

The Inverted Triangle 

There are a few things to remember about the Inverted Triangle 

Your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips, and your hips tend to be narrow.

Below, I rounded-up four images of famous women with an inverted triangle body type to give you a visual. I included different heights and sizes to show the diversity in the category. 

Famous Inverted Triangle Body Types

First up, the delightful Jennifer Garner, who is tall at 5’8. I picked this look specifically because she’s creating a shape by wearing a pleated front pair of shorts. This adds volume to her narrow waist and hips, balancing out her shoulders. 

Next, Renee Zellweger always does a fabulous job showing off her gorgeous shoulders. When you dress, focus more on what you love about your body and less on what you’d like to change. As a result, you’ll find you feel more empowered and confident. 

If you fall into the category of an inverted triangle, asymmetrically cut tops, like her one-shoulder dress, or off-the-shoulder looks, are excellent for you as they will both highlight and minimize your shoulders. 

Next, Jill Scott is a fantastic example because often, inverted triangles are also full busted. I love that she highlights her curves in a way that brings balance to her look. She does this here with a v-neckline. AND it still shows off her gorgeous legs. 

If a fitted dress feels intimidating, you can create a similar look with a swing or caftan-like dress that stops at your knee.  

Finally, Charlene, Princess of Monaco, is a tall, athletic, inverted triangle. Of all the examples, her shape is the most pronounced. The look featured above is not your typical royal look, but it does show a more realistic separates-based outfit. 

The line of her blazer pulls in her waist, the length helps create volume, and her trousers are a full leg, again balancing out her shoulders. 

Best Tips for Dressing Inverted Triangle Body Types

Focus on bringing attention to your waist, volume to your hips, and balancing your shoulders and bust. 

What should you avoid? 

Skip embellished or strong shoulders. Shoulder pads are a no-no because you don’t need them. Also, avoid skinny pants.

Best Tops for Inverted Triangle Body Types 

Off the shoulder or one-shoulder, v-necks, scoop necks. Peplums will help you create a hip. 

Try jackets that are waist-length or cropped. If your coat is long, consider one with a belt to bring attention to your waist. 

Best Bottoms for Inverted Triangle Body Types 

Focus on straight, wide, or bootleg bottoms. Avoid super skinny bottoms.

You can quickly wear more trendy pants, with pleat or tie-waist details. 

Best Dresses for Inverted Triangle Body Types 

A wrap, fit-and-flare, a-line, or straight skirt with a complimentary top similar to those mentioned above are all perfect options. A swing style or caftan-inspired cut that hits at the knee will also look fantastic. 

Remember, these are guidelines. I can’t reinforce this enough. Everyone’s body type is unique. Use these recommendations as a starting point in dressing well, knowing that you’ll have to make adjustments for your individual needs. 

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and this post is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here. 

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Sometimes, an outfit that looks simple actually requires more effort than you would think, especially warm weather looks because you are using fewer core pieces. 

Today for Pinterest in Real Life, I’m using an image I’ve seen on many of our readers boards. You may have similar pieces hanging in your closet, but before you pull them together, today is a lesson in FIT. 

How to Wear Wide Leg White Pants

Palazzo Pants, $119| Chambray Shirt, $158| Woven Clutch, $58 | Necklace, $18 | Cuff Bracelet, $23 | Suede Bow Block Heel Sandals, $138 

This time of year, a white bottom becomes a workhorse for me because it quickly brings a freshness to any outfit. Currently, white pants specifically are a challenge to find. There are more options than lean super casual, like a linen drawstring bottom than a more formal trouser.

For this look, you want the latter.

I did find these palazzo-style pants from Talbots. They are a linen blend with a lovely drape that will mimic the look of our inspiration image. If you want something similar but less full, these traditional Newport pants, also from Talbots, are an excellent alternative and on sale for under $60. 

Talbots has an incredible range of sizes, they run full but fit well once you nail down your size. 

The most important element of this entire outfit are the pants. They have to be (1) wide legged and (2) altered to fit you body perfectly. We have to get the length right to achieve this sort of effortless chic vibe. So have them tailored to cover your shoe and slightly break at the top of your foot. This creates a long clean line, making your legs look a mile long and gives you some height. 

Then, a lightweight chambray shirt. I love button-down shirts by Rails. They are pricey, but if you have the budget, well worth it. The drape is perfect, and they are deliciously soft and wash well. I picked this one up at Nordstrom; they run true to size. 

Alternatively, if you picked up this Tencel high-low shirt from Banana Republic (now an extra 50% off), you can use it here too. 

No matter what shirt you use, roll the sleeves and tuck it in, so it blouses. 

Our model is carrying a black oversized envelope clutch in the photo, which isn’t my favorite. I recommend swapping it for a beige or light tan clutch, like this best-selling woven bag from Aqua (under $60 at Bloomingdales). It’s been on our reader favorites lists for a month now. 

Next, let’s talk about shoes because these will make or break the look. You need a block heel with this outfit for a few reasons. 

First, with the length of the pants, you need a heel to get an elegant drape. And, because the pants are wide, a block heel will help balance the width of the pant leg. The amount of fabric will drown out any other kind of shoe. 

For this look, I went with these adorable Ann Taylor sandals. The color is gorgeous, and they are versatile enough to wear with anything from pants to dresses. 

Lightweight jewelry is the final layer. I grabbed this inexpensive double-layer necklace at Urban Outfitters for under $20. It layered under collars nicely and priced so you can try a look without committing to it. 

Be sure to keep your eye out for 

Then, this bracelet is only $22 at Nordstrom Rack, and it is gorgeous. So easy to throw on to get a layered looked.

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Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here. 

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

These Pinterest in Real Life Posts are so fun! 

Today’s inspiration picture is a classic combination of a white button down and a pair of khakis with an elegant, cool-girl twist.  It’s a great example of how paying attention to details and some fun accessories makes all the difference in elevating a look. 

That said, today’s model is way cooler than me. I imagine she’s the kind of woman who would make a trash bag chic, so let’s break down the look for the rest of us, who may not be able to pull all these elements off with easy to find alternatives. 

Pinterest in Real Life: Classic Style with a Twist

Ankle Chinos, $90 | Poplin Shirt, $22 | Espadrille Sandals, $3o | Bucket Bag, $35 | Silk Bandana, $30 | Link Collar Necklace, $65 

First, the button-down seems easy enough, but I’m going to assume that the inspiration piece is sheerer than our readers would prefer, so I’m using the popular and affordable poplin shirt from Amazon many of us own. Alternatively, you could wear something like this linen-blend high-low shirt from Banana Republic. This will create the blouse-ness in the inspiration picture, but you’ll need to wear a neutral-to-you cami underneath. 

Roll your sleeves and either full or half tuck your shirt into a pair of tan bottoms. 

In theory, I like the bottoms in the inspiration picture and if you can pull off high-waisted pants with pleats – go for it. They create a fun and fresh silhouette. But in reality, they are hard to wear. If you carry weight in your mid-section, they will only accentuate it. Any time I’ve tried the style, I look dorky. 

So, instead, keep it simple with a classic pair of tan or khaki bottoms. The pants above are by Ralph Lauren, available at Bloomingdale’s up to size 18. Or you can wear these girlfriend chinos from J.Crew Factory, on our April bestseller list, available in all sizes. 

The accessories are essential in recreating this look. Open up your collar and layer in a delicate necklace. I’m using the Parker Link Necklace by Gorjana (available in either silver or gold). 

I found this adorable bucket bag by Sole Society on sale for only $35 (I added it to the cart immediately). Then I looked for a simple silk bandana-style scarf to tie to the bag. Consider this if you are looking for a fresh way to wear a scarf. This one is on sale for only $15 for the next two days at Banana.

Finally, let’s talk about the shoes. The models are sky-high, a fun look if you want to add some height and can walk in them. More practically, these espadrille sandals by Born are made for comfort while creating a similar look for only $30. 

Shop this Post 

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here. 

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

My husband and I have been working from home for over a decade, our sanity saved by regular business travel. Before 2020, we had a lovely rhythm.

Both of us were home enough to coach softball teams and volunteer at school, but our frequent business dinners and need for pants with zippers helped us feel balanced and productive.

I was always grateful that while I didn’t have a traditional commute, when I did travel, it was to the airport.

No matter how many miles a logged in a year, no matter how redundant and exhausting it started to feel, there was always a sense of adventure to it, and there was often the added bonus of flying in early to see a friend for dinner. 

Those were the days. 

Now, we’re together ALL THE TIME. 

Don’t get me wrong, working-from-home has incredible benefits. Hopefully, as the world opens back up, employers will offer more remote options. As a modern family, it does make trying to balance “it all” more manageable.

Frankly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

But boy, are we ready for someone to have to go somewhere.

7 Home Office Essentials

Pre-COVID, we turned our old, unused, detached garage into a bright office space. The idea being I would finally have a creative space to work.

Of course, once the world shut down, it quickly turned into a flex space, serving as two full-time offices, a gym, a classroom, and a training lane for our daughter’s pitching practice.

It was chaos.

After realizing I was the only one NOT using my office, I finally reclaimed it. The kids, thankfully, have been back to school since September, and I kicked the pitching practice out after discovering a dozen dents in the new walls.

I can’t do anything about my husband, but fingers crossed he goes on the road again soon 🙂

Recently, I set my desk up just how I want it. It’s not fancy, it’s not “Instagram-Worthy”, but it’s practical and functional.  So I thought I would share the items that have made me feel more efficient. These can easily work in any area of your home, helping you feel just a little more professional. 

Starting with my absolute favorite … 

Standing Desk Converter

Standing Desk Converter, $91.96 

I searched for a standing desk for almost a year but didn’t want to spend too much. Then I came across this under $100 option from Amazon and immediately ordered it. There is a ton of research about the benefits of standing instead of sitting all day.

I can tell you I notice a difference in my productivity, especially if I stand after lunch. You get a second wind.
This specific model is lightweight, requires ZERO assembly, and can be used on your desk, dining room table, or kitchen island. I HIGHLY recommend it.

It has all FIVE star reviews on Amazon. 

Blue Light Glasses

Glasses, $95 

Before my recent admittance into the progressive glasses club, I wore blue light glasses during the day because I can be on the computer and my phone an unhealthy amount of time. Warby Parker makes chic frames that you can buy with our without a prescription so that you can get them with a blue-light filtering lens only.

Yeti Rambler

YETI Rambler, $23 

I talk about this mug all the time. You see it frequently in my Instagram feed because I am never without it. Coffee fuels my mornings and this perfect mug keeps it warm for hours, so I’m not getting up and down to reheat it. 

Water Bottle, $21 

And since I drink too much coffee during the day, I fill this water bottle up first thing in the morning and keep it on my desk. Because I only have a few chunks of time to work during the day, the less I’m in and out of the kitchen the better. 

Ring Light

Ring Light, $34 

One of my first pandemic purchases (aside from hand sanitizer and toilet paper) was this inexpensive ring light. Maybe you’re still forced to participate in Zoom with your camera on, or you’re in a business like me where you do different social media videos. No matter, this little guy is super helpful in making us look awake and alert when we’re not.

Daily Planner

Daily Planner, $11 

I love this daily planner pad, specifically designed to help you map out your day. Of course, I use Google Calendar, and I have a proper paper planner, but I use this the most to help break down the specific tasks I need to do each day to reach my goals.

Bluetooth Headphones

Bluetooth Headphones, $300 

I cannot wear AirPods. They don’t stay in and hurt my ears at the same time. Anyone else?

So I use my Bose Headphones all day long to listen to music and podcasts and to drown out my husband’s non-stop conference calls. I originally purchased these to wear on flights and, like all things Bose, have been worth every penny.

Tell me, what’s the one thing you can’t live without while working from home? 

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Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here. 

Get on The INSIDER Waitlist for Spring/Summer 2021

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

I’m never one to think I’m doing a good job, with anything, so it’s unprecedented for me to say that, right now, I’m killing it as a mama. 

When the world turned on its head last March, and we started to realize we were in this for the long haul, my husband and I committed to making sure our girls lives remained as normal as possible. And by and large, we have done it. They are in school, they see their friends, they play sports, most important they are safe and happy kids.

Where I’m failing, quiet miserably is taking care of myself. 

Which is an odd feeling because, Pre-COVID, I was in a good routine. I hit the gym several times a week, planned a few  girls weekends, and made time for date nights and quiet time. Not all the time, just enough to help me feel like I was replenishing my soul a bit. 

But pandemic parenting has taken its toll, (did you ever think your house could be so loud??) and I’m feeling the strain in more ways than one. 

My stamina is at an all time low, I have a hard time focusing, and I feel overwhelmed and bored at the same time. 

So I decided, if I’m going to keep my promise to my family and get us to the finish line of this big mess in one piece, I have to pull it together and get out of this rut. 

Today, I’m sharing a few of the things that are starting to help me feel like my old self. I’m not 100% there (not even close) but I feel like I’m taking the right steps to put myself back together. 

We’re so close to this being over, that when life goes back to normal, I want to be able to jump right in, head first, feeling my best. 

How I’m (Trying) to Get Out of my 2020 Rut

A lot of what I’m focusing on is health and fitness related, but I want to be really clear that the most important thing for me is perspective. 

This year hasn’t been without its challenges for my family, but by and large, in the scope of this pandemic, we have been fortunate. The way I look at it is, I have no excuse not to get it together. 

When times get tough, or I feel my anxiety and depression start to to rise, my gratitude practice as been the single biggest factor in helping me navigate out of it.

And I know how much better I feel when I put into practice a few simple activities, like regular exercise, drinking lots of water, and using food as fuel. 

It been my experience that you can’t make physical changes unless you take care of your emotional health too. 

Getting Back on Track

Journaling

Journal, $9

This journal is both cheeky and helpful. It’s filled with prompt to help you think about what you can let go of. Below are two that I love: 

What extra efforts do you make to feel virtuous? Are they worth it? 

What could you stop trying to fix and just enjoy? 

Right? Think about that. 

I like it so much I ordered a handful to send as a Valentine to girlfriends. 

* Don’t buy if you’re offended by cussing. 😉

Hydrate

Water Bottle, $22 

A few months ago I featured the gallon size of this water bottle. I used it religiously, until my 2 year old broke it. When I went to replace it I accidentally ordered this 64 oz version, which turned out to be a happy mistake. It’s a lot more manageable. 

Fill it up in the morning and leave it on your kitchen counter.  Yes you’ll have to pee every hour, but you’ll get the benefits of proper hydration almost immediately. 

Productivity 

Daily Planner, $11 

There isn’t a calendar/planner/organizing app I haven’t tried. Where I struggle is keeping on track during the day. I discovered these day planning tear sheets on Caitlin Covington’s Instagram and ordered them right away. I keep it on a clipboard and jot down what I need to do each day – so easy and uncomplicated. 

Workout Gear Upgrade

There is nothing more motivating than new work out gear. The next few items are from Old Navy. They are cute, well made and affordable because this girl just can’t get behind a $500 workout outfit. 

Leggings

Built-In Sculpt Leggings, $38 

We’ve talked a lot about leggings here over the past few weeks. Remember there is a difference between the leggings you wear in an outfit and the ones you work out in. I LOVE these built-in sculpt leggings from Old Navy (a big thank you to my friend Sarah for recommending them!). 

They come in a ton of colors and all sizes for under $40. Sold. 

Sports Bra

Sports Bra, $19 

I’ve never been one to wear coordinating workout gear. Instead, I’ve stuck with all black or grey pieces to mix and match. But one afternoon, while shopping with my 11-year-old, she convinced me otherwise. So I let her pick out a few fun, colorful “sets” for me. 

I wear a 36 C traditional bra and comfortably wear this in a medium. 

Tons of color and print options in a wide range of sizes. 

Fleece Zip

Fleece Zip Hoodie, $40 

I love this cozy fleece zip hoodie. I can throw it on before and after a workout, I’ve worn it with jeans, it will look cute over shorts in the summer. Sometimes a few fresh pieces are all you need to get your motivation back. 

Available in regular, petite and tall sizes up to an XXL in cream and black. 

10,000 Steps 

Fitbit Charge, $132

I dug out my Fitbit and started tracking my steps again. For the past year I’ve pretty much stayed in my neighborhood, and now with the snow there are even less places to go. My Fitbit basically guilts me into walking around the block a few more times until I feel the fireworks on my wrist.  Whatever works. 

Sculpt Society 

The Sculpt Society 

In the Pre-COVID world I loved my group fitness classes. From cycling to strength training, if it had a killer 90’s hip-hop playlist, I was there. All that obviously came to halt this time last year. I’ve searched everywhere for something to recreate the bouncy, peppy cardio I’m missing. The kind that makes you feel joyful when you’re done. 

I’ve only recently discovered The Sculpt Society, by Megan Roup and I LOVE IT!!! It’s easier than Tracey Anderson but still a challenge. She’s a delight, super motivating and accessible.  Highly recommend if you’re looking for something to do at home while we wait for spring. 

Food as Fuel

Body Love Every Day, $56 

I’m a huge fan of Kelly LeVeque. Here signature Fab Four Smoothies have been a game changer for me, and really started my journey to better health. I enjoy her straight forward approach to food, how she clear explains why something is good or bad for you, and her use of science. 

Her second book, Body Love Every Day will walk you through a 21 day reset and generally help motivate you to make small yet impactful choices ever day. 

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here. 

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

Hi Friends,

We all experienced 2020 in different ways, but it’s safe to say it’s been a long and arduous year for everyone.

If you’re feeling tired and worn out, I’m right there with you. I have about a million things to do for work, but I’m hitting the breaks this week, so I can pull Christmas together for my family and give myself a chance to enjoy it too.

Fourteen years ago, I started my journey as an entrepreneur. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I did know I wanted to balance my career with motherhood.

There were so many years when that balance was way off. For the longest time, my time leaned more toward work than my kids, and I hated it.

Yet, somehow, amidst all the chaos of the past ten months, I feel like I might have gotten it right. And I realize I don’t need to strive for balance as much as I need flexibility.

It was messy. I hit the pillow hard every night. There were plenty of nights I fell asleep wearing the same thing I woke up in. But I was able to be the mother I always wanted to be.

We might focus on frivolous topics here, but it’s been through those very conversations that we’ve created a community of supportive women, which has been a shining light in a year filled with stress and sadness.

It’s crazy to think that so much of my joy this year came from a group of women I never met in person. But it did, and I’m so grateful for it and to you. 

I wish you and your families the happiest of holidays. I hope this time, however spent, sets the table for a peaceful, health-filled 2021. And I pray that the New Year brings about the healing, change, and normalcy we are all craving. 

With lots of love, 

Meg

P.S. For the rest of the month, we’ll feature our best, popular posts of 2020 along with share some behind the scenes content on Instagram. I’ll be back with fresh, daily content on Monday, January 4th. 

And don’t forget, our 2021 Wardrobe Challenge Starts on Friday, January 8th!

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers. 

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail. 

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please  follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.