Photos: Fall 2011 Fashion Trends for a Triangle Body Shape

The trend: Maxi dresses and skirts

Runway: Tracy Reese

Take your favorite maxi dresses and skirts from summer, pair them with cozy sweaters, and, voila! You’ve got one of fall’s biggest trends. Triangle body shapes are slim on top and fuller through the hips and thighs, so look for A-line style maxis and fitted sweaters that show off your tiny waist.

QUIZ: Are You a Triangle? Find Out Your Body Shape.

Your way: The celeb fashion stylist and reality show star Rachel Zoe has a new collection featuring, among other designs, her signature maxi dress styles. This chiffon number features smocked elastic at the waist, showing off your miniscule middle, while the A-line skirt disguises hips. The off-the-shoulder neck showcases your strong shoulders. In a word: Bananas.

Rachel Zoe peacock print maxi, $550, Nordstrom.com

Your way: This dress was made for the triangle-shaped woman: cut-out shoulders, a peek of skin at the chest and a tie-belt to show off that waist. We recommend you go to great — ahem— lengths for this dress.

Stenciled Tigers maxi dress, $398, anthropologie.com

Your way: The v-stripes on this bold black and white dress are super slimming for a triangle-shaped body. Leave the jacket off on a warm September day, but slip one for a meeting at the office or a trip to your favorite after-work bar for drinks with friends.

Chico’s striped mitered maxi dress, $129, chicos.com

The trend: Menswear

Runway: Peter Som

Borrowing from the boys never looked so beautiful. Pair slim or boot-cut slacks with a structured boyfriend-inspired jacket to pull this suit style together. Wear a cozy sweater or sport something sexy and feminine like a camisole underneath.

Your way: Triangle shapes take note: The pinstripes and flare on these Editor pants and the cropped look of the fitted blazer are perfectly suited to your body. Add a soft ruffled blouse to give the look a good dose of girliness.

Express ruched sleeve jacket, $108, and Editor pants, $69.90, express.com

Your way: The slim, close-to-the-body fit of this menswear-inspired jacket with matching flared slacks compliments a triangle-shaped figure. Add a soft, silky printed bow-tie blouse to show your feminine side.

Rachel Zoe Charlie suit jacket, $375, and pants, $275, piperlime.com

Your way: Elongate your triangle shape with a black suit in slimming pinstripes. A bit of a bootcut leg helps balance proportions and the fitted jacket flatters your petite upper half.

Tahari by ASL pinstriped pantsuit, $180, Macys.com

The trend: Mixed prints

Runway: Tory Burch

Be bold by choosing large prints, such as this plaid paired with stripes. Darker shades are flattering on every body type, but the trick is to choose similar color families when picking patterns.

Your way: Who knew stripes and plaid could go together like peanut butter and jelly? This look works thanks to similar fabrics and complimentary color tones.

Tory Burch Rieti sweater, $275, and Lula plaid skirt, $495, saksfifthavenue.com

Your way: The best way to dip your freshly pedicured toe into the print-mixing pool? Accessories. This look pairs a printed blouse with a striped scarf and cheetah shoes and hat, but the neutral pants and sweater keep it all under control.

a.n.a ruffle top, $21.99, a.n.a. cardigan, $34.99, Color Craze cloche, $22.99, and Color Craze scarf $16.99, Nine & Co. Kerah cheetah pumps $44.99, JCPenney

Your way: A tea-length skirt with some flare (and flair!) looks great on a triangle body. Toss on a polka dot blouse—another spot-on fall trend—for a little pattern clashing and a tan jacket to bring a bit of calm to the scene.

Mara Hoffman printed tea-length skirt, $328, Free People sleeveless polka dot blouse, $78, Muubaa biker jacket, $498, freepeople.com

QUIZ: Are You a Triangle? Find Out Your Body Shape.