How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape?

Today, we’re diving into the world of rectangle body shapes and how to dress them to perfection.

As a personal stylist, I’ve worked with countless women of all shapes and sizes, and I’m here to share my top tips and tricks for making the most of your fabulous figure.

What Is Rectangle Body Shape?

First things first, let’s define what we mean by a “rectangle body shape.” This body type is characterized by a straight silhouette with minimal curves.

Your shoulders, waist, and hips tend to have similar measurements, creating a balanced, athletic look. Rectangle body shapes are often tall and lean, with a waist that’s not super defined.

How to Tell That You Have a Rectangular Body Shape?

Not sure if you’re a rectangle? Here’s a quick checklist to help you figure it out:

Your shoulders and hips are about the same width
You have a straight shoulder line and ribcage
Your waist is only slightly smaller than your bust and hips (less than 25% difference)
You have a lean, athletic build with minimal curves
Your weight tends to distribute evenly throughout your body

If most of these traits sound like you, congrats! You’re likely a rectangle body shape.

Traits of the Rectangle Body Shape

Now that we’ve established what a rectangle body shape is, let’s dive into some of the key characteristics:

Balanced proportions with shoulders and hips of similar width
Straight silhouette with minimal waist definition
Petite bust and butt
Lean, athletic look
H-shape or column-like figure

While some might see the lack of curves as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to play with different styles and create your own definition.

What to Avoid for the Rectangle Body Shape?

Before we get into what to wear, let’s talk about what to avoid. Rectangle body shapes should steer clear of:

Shapeless, oversized pieces that hide your figure
Boxy, unstructured styles that make you look more rectangular
Cropped tops that can make your waist look wider
Bold, bright colors or prints around the midsection

These styles tend to work against your natural shape, making you look more boxy and undefined. But don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing options that will flatter your figure!

How To Dress Rectangle Body Shape?

The key to dressing a rectangle body shape is creating the illusion of curves and definition. Here are some of my top tips:

Emphasize your waist with belts, nipped-in styles, and high-waisted bottoms
Add volume to your upper and lower body with ruffles, pleats, and flared silhouettes
Choose structured pieces that skim your figure without clinging
Play with bold colors and prints on your upper and lower half, keeping the midsection more neutral
Experiment with layers to add dimension and interest to your look

By strategically adding curves and definition, you can create a more feminine silhouette that flatters your natural shape.

How to Style the Rectangle Shape?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into some specific styling tips for rectangle body shapes.

Best Tops for the Rectangle Body Type

When it comes to tops, look for styles that add volume and interest to your upper half. Some great options include:

Off-the-shoulder tops that highlight your collarbone and create a feminine neckline
Peplum tops that nip in at the waist and flare out over the hips
Wrap tops that create a flattering V-neckline and define the waist
Ruffled or embellished tops that add volume to the bust area

Avoid boxy, shapeless tops that hide your figure. Instead, opt for styles that skim your body and create definition.

Picking the Right Neckline for Rectangle Body Types

The right neckline can make a huge difference in how a top flatters your figure. For rectangle body shapes, I recommend:

V-necks that elongate the neck and draw the eye down, creating the illusion of curves
Scoop necks that showcase your collarbone and add a feminine touch
Sweetheart necklines that create curves at the bust line
Boat necks that broaden the shoulders and balance out the hips

Avoid high necklines that can make you look more boxy, and steer clear of turtlenecks that can shorten your neck.

Ideal Blazers for the Rectangle Type

Blazers are a great way to add structure and definition to your look. For rectangle body shapes, I suggest:

Fitted blazers that nip in at the waist and flare out slightly at the hips
Single-button blazers that create a deep V-neckline and elongate the torso
Cropped blazers that hit at the waist and create a more defined silhouette
Belted blazers that cinch in at the waist and create an hourglass shape

Avoid boxy, oversized blazers that hide your figure and make you look more rectangular.

Choosing the Flattering Shirts

Button-down shirts are a classic staple that can work well for rectangle body shapes. Look for:

Fitted shirts that slim your body without clinging
Shirts with darting or shaping at the waist to create definition
Shirts with embellished or ruffled fronts to add volume to the bust
Shirts with a slightly flared hem to balance out the hips

Avoid shirts that are too loose or boxy, as they can make you look shapeless.

Best Dresses for the Rectangle Type

Dresses are a great way to create a feminine silhouette for rectangle body shapes. Some of my favorite styles include:

Wrap dresses that define the waist and create curves at the bust and hips
A-line dresses that flare out from the waist and create movement
Sheath dresses with ruching or draping at the waist to create definition
Fit-and-flare dresses that hug the bodice and flare out at the skirt

Avoid shapeless shift dresses or styles with no waist definition, as they can make you look boxy.

Picking Your Ideal T-Shirt

T-shirts are a casual staple that can work well for rectangle body shapes. Look for:

Fitted t-shirts that slim your body without clinging
V-neck or scoop neck styles that elongate the neck and create curves
T-shirts with ruching or gathering at the sides to create waist definition
Cropped styles that hit at the waist and pair well with high-waisted bottoms

Avoid oversized, boxy t-shirts that hide your figure and make you look shapeless.

What Bottoms Work Best for the Rectangle Type?

When it comes to bottoms, rectangle body shapes have lots of options. Some of my favorites include:

High-waisted pants and skirts that define the waist and create curves
Wide-leg pants that balance out the hips and create a long, lean line
Pencil skirts that hug the hips and create a feminine silhouette
A-line skirts that flare out from the waist and create movement

Avoid low-rise styles that can make your waist look wider, and steer clear of baggy, shapeless bottoms.

Best Shorts for the Rectangle Body Type

Shorts are a summer staple that can work well for rectangle body shapes. Look for:

High-waisted shorts that define the waist and elongate the legs
Flowy shorts with a bit of volume to balance out the hips
Tailored shorts with a slightly flared leg to create curves
Belted shorts that cinch in at the waist and create definition

Avoid tight, clingy shorts that can make your legs look shapeless, and steer clear of low-rise styles.

Tips on Finding Your Best Skirt

Skirts are a great way to create a feminine silhouette for rectangle body shapes. Some tips for finding your perfect skirt:

Look for high-waisted styles that define the waist and create curves
Opt for A-line or flared styles that balance out the hips and create movement
Try pencil skirts with ruching or draping at the waist for added definition
Experiment with asymmetrical hemlines that create visual interest and elongate the legs

Avoid straight, shapeless skirts that hide your figure and make you look boxy.

How to Choose the Most Flattering Jeans

Jeans are a wardrobe essential that can work well for rectangle body shapes. Here are some tips for finding your perfect pair:

Look for high-waisted styles that define the waist and create curves
Opt for straight or slightly flared leg styles that balance out the hips
Try skinny jeans with a bit of stretch to hug your curves without clinging
Experiment with different washes and distressing for added visual interest

Avoid low-rise styles that can make your waist look wider, and steer clear of baggy, shapeless jeans.

FAQs

Can rectangle body shapes wear crop tops?

Absolutely! Just pair them with high-waisted bottoms to define your waist and create curves.

Are there any prints or patterns that work well for rectangle body shapes?

Yes! Try prints and patterns on your upper and lower half to add visual interest and create curves. Just keep the midsection more neutral.

Can rectangle body shapes wear skinny jeans?

Definitely! Just look for high-waisted styles with a bit of stretch to hug your curves without clinging.

What should rectangle body shapes avoid wearing?

Avoid shapeless, boxy styles that hide your figure and make you look more rectangular. Steer clear of low-rise bottoms and high necklines that can shorten your neck.

Conclusion

Dressing a rectangle body shape is all about creating curves and definition in all the right places. By emphasizing your waist, adding volume to your upper and lower half, and choosing structured pieces that skim your figure, you can create a feminine, flattering silhouette that celebrates your unique shape.

Remember, fashion is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and silhouettes until you find what works best for you. And above all, wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful, because that’s what truly matters.

I hope these tips have been helpful, my fellow rectangle-shaped fashionistas! If you have any other questions or want more personalized style advice, feel free to reach out. Until next time, keep rocking those fabulous figures and stay stylish!