Photos: Fall 2011 Fashion Trends for an Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The trend: Maxi skirts and dresses

Runway: Derek Lam

You’ve worked hard for that tapered waist and those strong shoulders–and this goddess-worthy gown makes all that time spent sweating on the elliptical trainer worth it. The gathering at the waist and long, flowing style are an Inverted Triangle gal’s BFFs.

Your way: Summer flowers keep blooming right into fall with this garden-inspired dress. The tie at the waist helps slim an Inverted Triangle shape, and we love that this dress is breezy enough to wear while the weather is still warm, but can be paired with boots and a big knit cardi when then the thermostat drops.

Tucker Monmarte maxi dress, $419, piperlime.com

Your way: This long skirt comes in olive and black—we suggest you snap both up while you can. With its simple, subtle A-line silhouette, this style not only flatters your inverted triangle body, but it also works for day or night, dressy or casual, work or play.

Gap knit maxi skirt, $39.95, gap.com

Your way: You want to show off that tapered waist of yours and this is the dress to make it happen. The drawstring waistband is uber-flattering and the straight fall of the dress highlights your slim hips and thighs.

Old Navy maxi dress, $44.94, oldnavy.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: The simple lines in these wide-leg pants and the three-quarter sleeve jacket show you mean business when it comes to your job and your style.

Boulevard sateen wide-leg pants, $69, talbots.com

Grace Fit Boulevard sateen jacket, $149, talbots.com

Your way: Black is anything but basic when it comes to this suit. It has just the right amount of slouch to give you a whole lot of swag. The leather trim on the blazer’s lapel and cuffs as well as on the pant’s waistband give it a tough, cool girl vibe. We predict you’ll be wearing this suit long after 5 p.m.

Elizabeth and James Ashford blazer, $665, and Margot trousers, $365, nordstrom.com

Your way: You’ll look powerful and pretty in wide-leg black slacks and a classic blazer that has a ruffled surprise in back.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Adoree ruffle-back blazer, $238, and Carrie flare slacks, $138, lordandtaylor.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: Welcome to the jungle! Whimsy can work wonders when you pair figure-flattering pieces in fun, different prints. These pieces share similar colors and the silhouettes are just right for your body type.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jungle silk blouse, $278, and Running Impala silk skirt, $428, nordstrom.com

Your way: Playing with big and small versions of a similar print is a fairly safe bet when it comes to matching patterns. This Missoni-inspired halter looks perfectly suited under a like-minded long cardigan. Tuck the shirt in and belt the jeans to show off your trim waist.

Worthington cardigan, $24.99, and top, $19.99, JCPenney

Your way: This bold, striped cardigan is sure to become a staple in your fall wardrobe, as the shades of black, white and gray mean it will go with pretty much anything. We like it thrown over a printed tunic and worn with a printed scarf, as it is here, but think how cute it would also look with just about everything in your closet. One rule: Keep it skinny on bottom–leggings, jeggings, super-skinny jeans or pencil skirts.

Free People fringe wrap cardigan, $188, freepeople.com