V-shape body: how to choose coats, lingerie, swimwear and accessories to feminise an athletic silhouette. The second instalment of our guide, devoted to the finer details and finishing touches for women with an inverted-triangle silhouette.
Shoulders wider than the hips, a narrow pelvis and a barely defined waist: these are the hallmarks of an athletic silhouette — the inverted triangle, also known as the V-shape. The main challenge for women with this body type lies in the size difference between tops and bottoms. Like Cameron Diaz, Anna Kournikova or Princess Charlene of Monaco, the goal is to "streamline" the upper body while showcasing its greatest asset: the legs.
A reminder: body shapes are about body proportions, not weight — an indicator that only really applies to the X- and O-shapes. There are six families of women's body shapes: X (the hourglass), 8, H (the rectangle), A (the pyramid), V (the inverted triangle) and O (the round).
Which coats or jackets to choose for a V-shape body?
The goal is to balance out the silhouette and avoid adding bulk to the bust: structured shapes, cocoon cuts and voluminous forms are unfortunately best avoided.
| Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|
| A-line pea coats; raglan sleeves; peplum hems without shoulder pads; coats with a classic or small collar, A-line cut, straight but not too fitted, cocoon shape, large pockets (adding volume at the bottom) | Bulky puffer jackets, bombers, trench coats; jackets and coats with large collars; fitted/cinched coats; military-style, structured, cropped jackets |
Which lingerie to choose for a V-shape body?
Lingerie needs to work with an athletic build: the aim is to feminise the bust with sophisticated, glamorous pieces.
| Item | Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bras | Fitted to the band and cup size; halter-neck styles tied behind the neck; triangle, full-cup, balconette, crossover, underwired; push-up for a V-neckline | Bandeau (widens the shoulders); horizontal lines |
| Knickers | Shorties; lace, patterns; thongs with horizontal lines | Frills or ruffles |
Which swimwear to wear for a V-shape body?
The goal is to draw attention to slim, tapered legs, and away from a toned bust.
| Go for | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Two-pieces with a triangle or push-up top tied at the neck; mismatched sets (dark plain top, light patterned bottom); bottoms with horizontal stripes, polka dots or florals; shorties, snug-fit briefs, low-waisted with ruffles; one-pieces with a plunging V-neckline and a cheeky cut | Bralette or bandeau-top styles; straight straps; bandeaus and square necklines; one-pieces that accentuate the top/bottom difference; bottoms with vertical stripes |
Which accessories to feminise a V-shape silhouette?
For shoes: heels — mid-height, chunky, platform or stiletto — to avoid emphasising an athletic look. Taller women may prefer flat, sleek shoes (ballet flats, loafers, barely-there sandals, riding boots or thigh-highs for slimmer legs), with no need to hold back on patterns and colour.
For jewellery: anything that feminises the bust — wide, stacked bracelets, statement sautoir necklaces, long necklaces, large earrings. For belts: wide styles worn on the hips, ideally jewelled belts, or a slim belt paired with flowing tunics and blouses.
