6 dresses delivered. 6 dresses returned ☹ Why does everything look so crap on me?! Help!

[Rumcocktailextrarum]

Hi,

Honestly, I'm feeling really quite low about this now. I seem to have a really awkward shape for dressing and nothing seems to flatter me!

I'm 5ft 8", size 10, high waist, curvy hips, but little bum and thighs and quite broad shoulders- better know as, the inverted triangle and quite frankly, for clothes, it sucks.

I have good legs and a decent figure, but there are only a handful of items that look good on me.

I ordered a load of dresses from Dorothy Perkins, which were actually quite firmly in my comfort zone - I.e, fit and flare/skater, no shoulder pads or puff ball sleeves etc, but they ALL looked shit on me Already packed up, ready to return.

My wardrobe is so dull. Please help! I need everything really. Trousers, casual and going out, skirts, dresses, jackets etc.

Would massively appreciate some of your suggestions! I'm 37 btw, but a youngish one...I think. I would say I look more early 30's, but then maybe dressing for your age is a think of the past anyway 🤷‍♀️

TIA

Go to a department store and try a load of stuff on with a personal shopper and get an unbiased opinion / try things you might not otherwise have considered. I think we look at ourselves so critically that we sometimes dismiss things that to others look great

I rarely wear dresses and have much more success with skirts and tops. When you think about it, dresses make the assumption that the wearer is a very standard and evenly proportioned shape.

I agree that you should go and try on about 30 dresses in one day, from a range of different brands, including ones you would not usually try. Take pictures of yourself in each, and you will quickly see what to look for (skirts and tops instead if you ask me!)

@VanCleefArpels, yes, I know what you mean. I had always dismissed that idea, as I actually thought I had quite a good eye myself and know what suits me, but as I've got older and fashions change, I've definitely lost confidence.

Also, I've always been a bit sceptical about using a personal shopper, as would worry they would just tell me the most expensive things looked great on me, just for their commission. Yes, I'm a little cynical

@TheYearOfSmallThings, this was why I always went for fit and flare dresses, as it evens you out a bit, but not anymore apparently Thing is with tops and skirts, I can't do the tucked in look, but having a top over the skirt can look a little frumpy and dated.

[quote Rumcocktailextrarum]@VanCleefArpels, yes, I know what you mean. I had always dismissed that idea, as I actually thought I had quite a good eye myself and know what suits me, but as I've got older and fashions change, I've definitely lost confidence.

Also, I've always been a bit sceptical about using a personal shopper, as would worry they would just tell me the most expensive things looked great on me, just for their commission. Yes, I'm a little cynical [/quote]
There’s usually no obligation to buy and you can use it for guidance on colour/shape to take forward with you

Oops *thing of the past.

I'm your shape but also a petite, so dresses are my hardest to fit, if they fit on the hips they are too tight on the bust, I can only wear a dress with a bit of stretch, I do wear lots of different skirt lengths with a shorter top, as I too don't like to tuck in.

I am exactly your shape, size and age (also a youngish 37 😂). I find skirts work much better for me than dresses but have had some success with this style.

@lindyloo57, yes to a bit of stretch.

@IvorCutler, can you recommend any autumn/winter skirts?

I think you just need to try dresses on.
I can't really wear dresses but my figure is very different to yours. I think if I was 5 ft 8 and size 10 I would be able to find a dress I liked.

Watching with interest as I think I'm the same shape. Didn't know it was an inverted triangle! I always thought I was an apple, but I do have a waist and hips - just high up.

@Rumcocktailextrarum I find anything A-line, but generally not pleated, works best for me. This is my most flattering skirt (a good few years old now) so I tend to look for similar styles.

Have a look at www.stylemehappy.co.uk/mini-shops-body-shape

For around a tenner, if you know your body shape, you will receive a mini shop, which is basically loads of items currently in the shops which suit your shape.
Even if you don't go for this she has a fb group where people talk about outfits for the various shapes and ask advice. Also on Instagram. Worth a look definitely- I've picked up loads of tips from it.

@IvorCutler I have that skirt from zara, I wore it the other day, but I feel its too long for me at 5ft 2, its almost a maxi length on me, so I think I will sell on ebay.

Welcome to my world.

As a fellow inverted triangle, with a high waist and long legs, i really struggle with dresses.

The best styles are: suplice, kimono wrap, certain empire lines and A-Line.

Far better to wear tops and skirts/trousers though. A hip belt is better than a waist belt (lowers the waist you see).

Jumpsuits work surprisingly well for me too as long as theyre not too tight, as they showcase the long legs and small bum.

A midi skirt with a slit often looks great.

Did you photograph yourself in the dresses rather than just looking in the mirror?

@Monolithique, I honestly do. It really is a very awkward shape to dress, regardless of size.

@AreYouRightThereSkippy, I think a lot of women wrongly put themselves in the apple category, but I believe that is where you don't really have a waist, as you say and your shoulders aren't usually broader than your hips and thighs. The apple shape is more about skimming over rounded tummies and creating some shape, whereas the inverted triangle (or strawberry...) is about balancing out.

@IvorCutler, I like the style of that.

@Tinseltrauma, thank you.

@TheBullfinch, actually I did once surprise myself with a jumpsuit. It looked quite nice, but I couldn't understand why! It went against the rules

@PlaymobilMania, I didn't photograph myself, no. Does that really make a difference? Do you mean photograph yourself in the mirror or as a selfie?

Yes, a full length selfie in a few different angles gives a whole new take on a garment or outfit (can be better, can be worse). Also you can view them outside the context of a changing room.

It's better if someone else can take it, but that's not feasible in a tiny H&M cubicle!

It gives some distance, almost as if you were looking at someone else.

@TheYearOfSmallThings, ah, ok. I guess it makes sense really.

Was going through my wardrobe earlier and the only dresses I have that suit my shape are probably a bit too short for me now, which is annoying because I actually like my legs.

Just giving this a bump in the hopes someone will come on with some recommendations

Hi OP

Fellow inverted triangle here, it's sooo hard to dress this shape isn't it .

I am 5 ft 3 inches and 38. I wear a lot of day dresses and they make me feel so much better about myself...
When I wear jeans and jumpers I feel like a barrel as I've got a post c section belly.

Ill post pictures of the type of dresses that I've got compliments for. I usually add a narrow belt to give myself a waistline, and I avoid anything high necked. Low round necked or v necked are more flattering.

@TheWelshposter

Hi OP

Fellow inverted triangle here, it's sooo hard to dress this shape isn't it .

I am 5 ft 3 inches and 38. I wear a lot of day dresses and they make me feel so much better about myself...
When I wear jeans and jumpers I feel like a barrel as I've got a post c section belly.

Ill post pictures of the type of dresses that I've got compliments for. I usually add a narrow belt to give myself a waistline, and I avoid anything high necked. Low round necked or v necked are more flattering.

I love that dress = if I was 20 years younger!

That sounded sarky - it wasn't.

I am also the inverted triangle, and it's a pain!! Honestly, I'd rather be larger in the hips , bust and bum than in the shoulders. Everything makes me look butch. Skinny jeans are out.

I love the fact that flared trousers are back in, as they are so flattering on us broad shouldered ladies, balancing us out. I also find v necks flattering. I avoid thin heels, and opt more for platform or chunky shoes, again it's about balancing out. If I do wear leggings I need Doc martens or UGG style boots at the bottom.

In the summer I wear shorts which stop mid thigh, with vest tops, or v-neck band t-shirts, and flip flops, or pumps which dip below the ankles (rocket dog have a range of them).

Dress wise I find wrap arounds with a v shape at top, stopping mid thigh, most flattering. Usually with black tights, or bare legs. Good luck!

I think I'm a similar shape to you. I find the styles you mentioned the least flattering. I've had success with Ted Baker dresses - I've often gone for size 3 over 2 so that it's never too tight around the hips/waist snd gotten a seamstress to adjust round top and bum. When 20s style dropped waist stuff is in I find that suits as it extends the body. I find skater style accentuates the short waist and adds kilos to my hips so steer clear of that