It doesn’t have to be difficult to feel seen and styled for your heart-shaped body (also known as an inverted triangle shape). Our experienced stylists give you their best tips for heart-shaped body fashion to balance proportions, highlight assets, and boost confidence. Let’s get started!
P.S. New to body shape styling? Take a look at our guide to finding the best fit for your body type to get an overview, then dive back in here!
What is a heart-shaped body?
A heart-shaped body—also known as an inverted triangle—is characterized by shoulders that are wider than the hips. This shape often has a fuller upper body that gradually tapers toward the waist and hips, creating a striking, sculptural silhouette.
If you’ve ever noticed that your tops fit more snugly at the shoulders while your bottoms are slightly looser, you may have a heart shape. And that’s something to be excited about! From a flattering neckline to a fitted dress, this shape offers you so many opportunities to play with style and highlight your favorite features.
At Stitch Fix, we believe that your body isn’t something that needs to be “corrected”—it’s something you should dress with confidence. Let’s figure out how to do that together.
Best Tops for a Heart-Shaped Body
When choosing clothing for a heart-shaped figure, it is important to select garments that make the shoulders appear slimmer and emphasize the waist. Our stylists recommend tops that create vertical lines and styles that add volume around the hips to achieve a balanced silhouette. “V-neck and wrap-style tops are ideal for the heart shape—they create a flattering line and draw attention to your defined waist,” says stylist Erin.
Other recommendations:
- T-neck tops
- Styles with belts
- Wing sleeves
- Peplum silhouettes or curved hems
For outfit inspiration, pair a V-neck blouse with high-waisted wide-leg pants—a combination that draws the eye downward and elegantly accentuates your waist.
The best pants for a heart-shaped figure
“Pants with structure or volume create balance and emphasize your waist,” says stylist Dania. Choose styles that add a little softness or swing to your hips and legs.
Look for:
- A-line skirts or paperbag shorts (a high-waisted style with a gathered, ruffled waistband)
- High-waisted pants or jeans
- Wide-leg or straight-leg pants
- Front pleats, tie belts, or cargo-style details
A simple everyday outfit: Try a wrap top tucked into wide-leg pants and pair it with sandals or sneakers. This will effortlessly flatter your figure from head to toe.
Best Dresses for a Heart or Inverted Triangle Body Shape\
Dresses are a good choice for this figure. The key is to balance the upper and lower body, emphasize the waist, and soften the shoulder line. Stylist Dania says, “Choose styles that draw the eye downward and add volume with the skirt or hem.”
Look for:
- Fit-and-flare or A-line silhouettes
- Wrap dresses that emphasize the waist
- V-necklines or scoop necklines
“We love wrap dresses for heart shapes. They beautifully balance the figure and are easy to wear for any occasion,” adds Erin. A well-fitting dress is a style shortcut for heart-shaped bodies, especially if it flares from the waist and features thoughtful neckline details (such as V-necks or scoop necks).
Wearing Color + Patterns with an Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Colors allow you to add your own personal touch to your outfits. Remember: have fun with patterns and colors, but think carefully about where you place eye-catching details.
If you have a heart-shaped figure, you should generally draw attention to the area below the waist or use clever styling tricks to break up your upper body. “Express your style personality in the lower half!” advises stylist Erin. “Stripes, checks, geometric patterns, animal prints, asymmetrical designs in the lower half—anything goes.”
Styling strategies:
- Use darker or solid colors on top and bright colors or prints on the bottom.
- Try vertical stripes or center seams on tops to elongate the silhouette.
- Add patterned pants or skirts to balance your figure.
- Wear open jackets or long cardigans over them to create clean lines.
Don’t like color blocking? No problem. Try a printed midi dress with a V-neck—it adds movement and length in one simple piece.
Clothes That Flatter Heart-Shaped Bodies: Overall Fit
A good fit always makes all the difference. Since the heart shape often has more volume at the top, you should opt for fitted silhouettes that emphasize your waist and fall loosely in the lower half.
Look out for:
- Structured garments that emphasize the waist.
- Layers that add length (e.g., long jackets).
- Wide waistbands or tie belts.
- Fabrics with drape (not voluminous).
If you have a favorite top that fits your bust but looks boxy, wear a belt with it or tuck it into a fuller skirt to instantly create a beautiful silhouette. And remember: the real secret to a heart-shaped body type is self-confidence. Your clothes are only ever there to support you.
Find the right styles that suit your body shape
Are you excited to work with your own personal stylist who will help you find the right clothes for your body type—and much more? Take our style test, order a Fix package, and let your stylist do the work. They will select just the right clothes for you, saving you time (and a trip to the mall). Keep what you like and send the rest back—or keep 5 or more items and get 20% off your entire order. Shipping and returns are always free—no subscription required. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
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