Quick Answer
If you are a man with a Triangle body shape and your seasonal colour palette is True/Cool Summer, you should wear structured jackets with broader shoulders in muted, cool colours like steel blue (#4682B4), rose pink (#E8ADAA), and blue-grey (#6699CC). Your garments should emphasise your upper body to balance your wider hips, always in cool, muted tones from your True Summer palette. Simultaneously, avoid narrow-shouldered jackets and bright, warm colours like oranges, golden yellows, and earthy browns that clash with your natural colouring.
Key Points to Remember
- Build your capsule wardrobe around cool, medium-intensity colours, avoiding bright or warm tones
- Wear structured jackets with shoulder padding to balance your proportions
- Choose vertical stripe patterns for your upper body to create visual length
- Select darker colours for your lower half to minimise attention to wider hips
Want to learn more? Continue reading the full article below ↓
As a successful man seeking to showcase confidence, trust, and social status, your styling must be personal and super specific, according to your unique body shape and your seasonal colour palette.
If you are unsure of your body shape or your exact seasonal colour palette, take our free quizzes, created by our professional image consultants:
But as you’re already here, you must have a triangle body shape and a True/Cool Summer colour palette, which presents a unique opportunity for sophisticated, balanced dressing.
However, while your combination presents specific challenges, styling you to perfection requires strategically enhancing your upper body while using the cool, muted colours from your seasonal palette to create a harmonious appearance.
In this comprehensive styling guide, you’ll learn how to balance your triangle proportions with your natural cool colouring to create flattering outfits that showcase power, trust, and social status.
Quick Styling Guide
| Category | Best Choices | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | – Structured jackets with padding – Horizontal details on upper body – Broader shoulders – Vertical stripes on tops – Tapered trousers |
– Narrow-shouldered jackets – Tight-fitting tops – Heavy patterns on trousers – Skinny jeans/trousers – Wide belts |
| Colours | – Steel blue (#4682B4) – Rose pink (#E8ADAA) – Soft plum (#8E4585) – Blue-grey (#6699CC) – Cool mint (#98D8C8) |
– Warm oranges – Golden yellows – Bright reds – Earthy browns – Olive greens |
| Styling Tips | – Enhance upper body – Create broader shoulder appearance – Use cool, muted colours – Draw eye upward – Darker tones for lower body |
– Focus on lower body – Bright pattern trousers – Warm or bright colours – Horizontal lines on lower body – Heavy texture below waist |
Triangle Body Characteristics
As a gentleman with a triangle body shape, your physique exhibits several distinctive features that require thoughtful styling.
Your hips and thighs create a broader base that extends wider than your shoulders and chest, forming a triangular silhouette when viewed from the front.
This structure means conventional garments often fit well around your lower body but appear loose or ill-fitting across your shoulders and chest.
Your naturally narrower shoulders create a less dramatic horizontal line across your upper body compared to your lower half.
This means your styling objective is to create more structure and breadth in your upper body while minimising attention to your wider lower half.
Your arms may be proportionally slimmer compared to your lower body, and you may find standard shirtsleeves are loose around your biceps.
Your waist is typically narrower than your hips, creating a smooth transition from torso to lower body.
Unlike the other five body shapes for men (inverted triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, oval, and hourglass), your primary challenge is creating balance by enhancing your upper body while de-emphasising your broader lower half.
True/Cool Summer Colours
Your True/Cool Summer palette features the summer family’s purest cool colours, characterised by their muted, gentle quality.
These colours possess a softened clarity with distinctly cool undertones, entirely free from warmth.
They create a serene, sophisticated palette that complements your natural colouring perfectly.
| Colour Category | Specific Colours | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | – Steel blue (#4682B4) – Rose pink (#E8ADAA) – Soft plum (#8E4585) – Cool mint (#98D8C8) |
Strategic accents and upper body garments |
| Neutrals | – Blue-grey (#6699CC) – Soft navy (#3A5B83) – Cool taupe (#8B8589) – Soft white (#F5F5F5) |
Foundation pieces and trousers |
| Accent Colours | – Lavender (#B79FC8) – Powder blue (#B0E0E6) – Soft fuschia (#CF71AF) – Periwinkle (#CCCCFF) |
Statement pieces and accessories |
Your ideal clothing, footwear, and accessories colours should have these distinctive characteristics:
– Softened, muted quality that appears slightly greyed
– Medium intensity without appearing overly bright
– Cool undertones without any hint of warmth
– Gentle, serene appearance that creates harmony
– Sufficient sophistication to convey authority
This muted, cool palette allows you to create refined impressions while harmonising perfectly with your natural colouring.
When used in choosing garments for your triangle frame, these colours create sophisticated, balanced outfits that enhance your upper body while maintaining a cohesive appearance.
Your Wardrobe Essentials
Base Layers
Your base layers form the foundation of every outfit and require specific attention to enhance your proportions.
Select fitted undershirts in soft white (#F5F5F5) or powder blue (#B0E0E6), ensuring they fit snugly across your torso to create a smooth foundation.
The fabric should contain 3-5% elastane to provide structure while maintaining comfort.
For thermal layers, choose medium-weight merino wool in blue-grey (#6699CC) or cool taupe (#8B8589), which provides warmth without adding bulk to your lower body.
Each base layer should feature minimal detailing, reserving visual interest for outer layers that enhance your upper body.
Shirts and Tops
The design and proportions of your shirts play a crucial role in balancing your frame.
Your dress shirts require semi-spread collars measuring 7-8cm in height to create width across your upper chest and neck.
Shoulder seams should extend slightly beyond your natural shoulder line to create the appearance of broader shoulders.
Allow 5-8cm of ease around the chest for comfort while maintaining a tailored appearance through the waist.
Opt for shirts with subtle vertical stripes or patterns to create visual length in your upper body.
Steel blue (#4682B4) and soft white (#F5F5F5) serve as your foundation colours, complemented by lavender (#B79FC8) and rose pink (#E8ADAA) for variation.
Focus visual interest above the waist, using collar details, pocket squares, and structured shoulders to draw attention upward.
Trousers
Your trousers must minimise attention to your wider lower half while maintaining proportion.
The leg opening should measure 18-20cm to create a tapered appearance that slims your lower half.
A mid-rise cut, sitting 2-3cm below your natural waist, will provide the most flattering line. The cut should taper gradually from hip to ankle, with minimal detailing on pockets.
For formal occasions, choose soft navy (#3A5B83) and blue-grey (#6699CC) to minimise attention to your lower body.
For casual wear, cool taupe (#8B8589) and darker versions of your palette colours work well to create a streamlined appearance.
Jackets and Outerwear
Your outerwear is critical in creating balanced proportions by enhancing your upper body.
Each jacket requires structured shoulders with moderate padding to broaden your shoulder line.
Choose single-breasted closures with notch lapels measuring 8-9cm to create width across your chest.
The jacket length should end just below your hip bone, creating a clean line that minimises attention to your wider hips.
Sleeve heads should feature light gathering to add structure to your arms.
Select soft navy (#3A5B83) for business occasions, steel blue (#4682B4) for versatile pieces, and rose pink (#E8ADAA) for statement casual wear.
Each piece should create structure in your upper body while flowing smoothly to create an elegant silhouette.
Footwear
Your footwear should provide structure while drawing minimal attention to your lower half.
Each shoe should feature a moderate profile with minimal ornamentation. For formal occasions, select soft navy (#3A5B83) or steel blue (#4682B4) Oxford shoes in polished leather.
Your casual rotation should include cool taupe (#8B8589) suede loafers and soft white (#F5F5F5) leather trainers, each providing refinement without drawing excess attention to your lower body.
Accessories
Your accessories must enhance your upper body while maintaining harmony with your colouring.
Belts
Formal belts require a 3-3.5cm width with minimal buckles in soft navy (#3A5B83) or cool taupe (#8B8589) leather.
Keep belts understated to avoid drawing attention to the transition between your upper and lower body.
Watches
Your watch should have a 38-40mm case diameter in silver or white gold and blue or grey dials.
It should provide sophistication without overwhelming your wrist, and the bracelet or strap design should complement your outfit’s colour palette.
Neckwear
Neckwear demands particular attention, with ties measuring 7.5-8cm in width to balance your proportions.
Select steel blue (#4682B4), periwinkle (#CCCCFF), and soft plum (#8E4585) for impact, with subtle patterns that create vertical movement.
Pocket Squares
Pocket squares in lavender (#B79FC8) or rose pink (#E8ADAA) complete your formal ensembles while drawing attention to your upper body.
Fold them to create height and structure, enhancing your jacket’s impact.
Your Ideal Outfits – 3 Ideas for Each Season
3 Spring Outfit Ideas
Casual Outfit Idea
For spring weekends, begin with cool taupe chinos (#8B8589) cut with a slight taper to streamline your lower half.
A powder blue polo shirt (#B0E0E6) with structured shoulders creates width across your upper body, while its collar adds dimension near your face.
Layer with a steel blue lightweight knit (#4682B4) draped over your shoulders to broaden your upper body visually.
Complete with soft white leather trainers (#F5F5F5) and a braided belt in cool taupe. A silver watch with a blue dial adds sophisticated detail without overwhelming your spring palette.
Business Outfit Idea
Your spring business attire centres on a soft navy suit (#3A5B83) with structured shoulders and tapered trousers.
The steel blue dress shirt (#4682B4) beneath creates a harmonious palette while a lavender silk tie (#B79FC8) adds controlled colour near your face.
Navy leather Oxford shoes provide subtle grounding, while a rose pink pocket square adds a touch of controlled contrast.
A silver watch with a grey dial completes this authoritative yet seasonally appropriate ensemble.
Formal Outfit Idea
Spring formal occasions call for a blue-grey dinner jacket (#6699CC) with structured shoulders and soft navy formal trousers (#3A5B83).
The soft white formal shirt (#F5F5F5) creates a crisp foundation, while a steel blue silk bow tie maintains elegant harmony.
Patent leather Oxfords in navy ground the outfit with formal propriety.
Silver and mother-of-pearl cufflinks add luminosity that complements your summer palette without overwhelming it.
3 Summer Outfit Ideas
Casual Outfit Idea
Summer weekends require cool taupe linen trousers (#8B8589) with a tapered leg to streamline your lower half.
A powder blue linen shirt (#B0E0E6) with rolled sleeves creates structure at your shoulders while providing seasonal comfort.
Navy suede loafers ground the outfit while maintaining your palette’s harmony.
Silver aviator sunglasses and a woven belt in blue-grey complete this refined summer casual look.
Business Outfit Idea
Summer business calls for a blue-grey tropical wool suit (#6699CC) with structured shoulders and minimal lining for comfort.
A soft white cotton-poplin shirt provides crisp professionalism, paired with a periwinkle silk tie for controlled colour.
Navy leather loafers and a matching belt ground the ensemble without drawing attention downward.
A silver mesh watch and lavender pocket square complete your summer business aesthetic with subtle sophistication.
Formal Outfit Idea
Formal summer occasions warrant a dinner suit in soft navy (#3A5B83), featuring structured shoulders and tapered trousers.
The formal shirt in soft white adds crisp elegance, accompanied by a steel blue silk bow tie.
Mother-of-pearl and silver studs contribute luminous detail, while patent leather shoes in navy maintain formal propriety.
A white pocket square with blue edging adds the final touch of refined summer elegance.
3 Autumn Outfit Ideas
Casual Outfit Idea
Your autumn weekend attire features tapered jeans in a dark wash, their streamlined cut minimising attention to your lower half.
A cool mint merino crew neck (#98D8C8) with structured shoulders adds width to your upper body, layered beneath a blue-grey wool blazer (#6699CC) with light shoulder padding.
Navy suede Chelsea boots create subtle grounding, paired with a matching belt.
A silver chronograph watch with a navy dial adds technical sophistication.
Business Outfit Idea
Autumn business demands a flannel suit in soft navy (#3A5B83), its texture adding seasonal depth while the structured shoulders enhance your upper body.
The steel blue shirt maintains palette harmony, while a soft plum silk tie (#8E4585) introduces controlled colour.
Navy Oxford shoes and a matching leather belt ground the ensemble with appropriate formality.
A silver watch with blue dial and a lavender pocket square complete this authoritative autumn appearance.
Formal Outfit Idea
Evening functions require a velvet dinner jacket in steel blue (#4682B4) with structured shoulders. Its texture adds depth while enhancing your upper body.
Soft navy formal trousers create elegant contrast, while the soft white formal shirt provides a crisp foundation.
A navy silk bow tie and patent leather Oxfords maintain formal propriety.
Silver and mother-of-pearl dress sets complete this refined evening ensemble.
3 Winter Outfit Ideas
Casual Outfit Idea
Winter weekends begin with flannel trousers in cool taupe (#8B8589), their weight providing seasonal warmth with a tapered leg.
A soft plum cashmere turtleneck (#8E4585) creates structured width across your shoulders and chest.
Navy leather boots provide substantial grounding, paired with a matching belt.
A silver watch with a grey dial and blue-grey wool scarf complete this sophisticated winter casual look.
Business Outfit Idea
Winter business centres on a flannel suit in blue-grey (#6699CC), its structured shoulders and heavier fabric creating formidable presence.
A soft white twill shirt provides crisp contrast, paired with a steel blue silk tie for harmony.
Navy Oxford shoes and a matching belt ground the outfit with formal authority.
A silver watch with blue dial and rose pink pocket square add precise detail and controlled colour.
Formal Outfit Idea
Winter formal occasions demand a velvet dinner jacket in soft navy (#3A5B83) with structured shoulders, its rich texture enhancing your upper body.
Steel blue formal trousers maintain elegant harmony, while the soft white formal shirt provides crisp foundation.
A navy silk bow tie and patent leather Oxfords ensure formal propriety.
Silver and mother-of-pearl dress sets complete this refined winter evening ensemble.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Seasonal Colour Pitfalls
Your True/Cool Summer palette demands consistently cool, muted tones in every colour choice.
The most frequent error occurs when selecting warm-toned navy suits and blazers rather than the soft navy (#3A5B83) your palette requires.
These warm undertones clash with your natural colouring and create a disharmonious appearance.
The second critical error involves choosing bright versions of your palette colours. Your palette requires muted, slightly greyed tones to maintain harmony.
Bright colours create harsh contrast against your naturally soft colouring, disrupting your ensemble’s sophistication.
Selecting warm neutrals presents another common mistake. Your palette requires cool neutrals like blue-grey and cool taupe.
Replace any warm browns with cool taupe (#8B8589), swap golden neutrals for silver or blue-grey (#6699CC), and eliminate warm creams in favour of soft white (#F5F5F5).
Body Shape Mistakes
Your triangle frame demands precise garment selection.
The fundamental error lies in choosing shirts and jackets without sufficient shoulder structure.
Your proportions require enhancement at the shoulder line to balance your wider lower half.
Select garments with moderate shoulder padding and structured details that broaden your upper body.
Trouser selection presents another critical consideration. Wide-leg or loose trousers draw attention to your already prominent lower half.
Choose tapered legs that maintain a clean line from hip to ankle, creating crucial balance with your upper body.
The temptation to wear tight-fitting tops to emphasise a slimmer upper body creates another common mistake.
Snug fits actually highlight the disproportion between your upper and lower body.
Maintain structured, properly fitted garments that add visual breadth through shoulder detail rather than restricting the torso.
Combined Challenges
The interaction between your body shape and seasonal colours creates specific challenges.
Wearing muted colours exclusively in your lower body fails to minimise your broader proportions.
To create balance, use darker shades from your palette for trousers and lighter, more visible tones for your upper body.
Pattern selection requires particular attention. Horizontal patterns on your lower body emphasise width, while vertical patterns on your upper body can make your shoulders appear narrower.
Reverse this approach, using vertical patterns above the waist and solid colours below.
Layering presents another common pitfall. Insufficient layering on your upper body misses opportunities to create structure and breadth.
Create sophistication through strategic layering that adds dimension to your shoulders and chest.
Formal Wear Errors
Evening wear demands particular attention to shape and colour. The classic black dinner jacket immediately contradicts your seasonal palette.
Select soft navy or blue-grey dinner jackets that honour your natural colouring while maintaining formality.
Insufficient shoulder structure creates another frequent mistake, failing to balance your proportions in formal settings.
Select jackets with moderate shoulder padding and peak lapels that create breadth across your chest and shoulders.
Formal accessories require equal consideration. Warm-toned metals create a harsh contrast against your seasonal palette.
Choose silver or white gold accessories that harmonise with your cool colouring for sophisticated formal appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I adapt my wardrobe for professional environments that expect traditional dark suits?
Select suits in soft navy rather than black, focusing on structured shoulders and tapered trousers to balance your proportions.
Add personality through True Summer accessories, keeping them refined and proportional. Your steel blue shirts and soft plum ties create an appropriate impact while honouring your seasonal palette.
What modifications should I request from my tailor?
Instruct your tailor to add moderate shoulder padding to jackets, adjust trousers for a tapered line, and ensure jacket waists are slightly suppressed to create a more masculine V-shape to your upper body.
Jacket lengths should end just below the hip bone to minimise attention to your wider lower half. These adjustments create balance while enhancing your natural physique.
How do I incorporate trends while maintaining my style principles?
Evaluate trends through your combined requirements. Adopt those that enhance your upper body and align with your cool, muted palette.
Incorporate trending colours only when they match your seasonal swatches, and select trending cuts only when they maintain your proportional balance or enhance your upper body structure.
Which accessories provide the most impact for my combination?
Focus on accessories that draw attention to your upper body. Sophisticated ties in steel blue or soft plum, pocket squares in rose pink or lavender, and silver watches create crucial focal points.
Select cool, muted colours for these items, avoiding patterns that compete with your natural colouring while ensuring they draw attention upward to balance your proportions.
Style Like A True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!