How to dress the rectangle body shape

Is you body more rectangle shaped and would you like add more shape with your chothes?

In this article I show you how to dress the rectangle body shape and give you lots of ideas on how to create more shape with your clothes.

You have a rectangle body shape when:

• You have no defined waist
• The hips tend to have a similar width as the shoulders
• You do not have a lot of curves
• Your bust tends to be small or average
• Your bottom tends to be flat
• This is one of the easier body types for dressing.

Still not sure? Find out how to determine your body

Many models tend to have this body shape or the inverted triangle shape. A lot of clothes will usually suit you and fit you well, although some of the taller women may have trouble finding clothes that fit properly. Still, many rectangles will find dressing a bit more of a challenge as they are likely to get extra weight around their tummies as they age (usually after menopause).

As a rectangle, you will want to create more curves and a pleasing silhouette. You can do this by defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top.

On the other hand, you can also get away with a straight look and surrender the waist line altogether, which is a look that I’m quite fond of.

What not to wear?

• Avoid shapeless clothes
• If you want to add curves then avoid straight dresses, but you can also opt for the waistless look!

Which garments are good for a rectangle body shape?

Top

• Use strong blocks of color to help define your body
• As for most body types, be sure to wear a good bra to define what bust you have
• Wear tops and jackets that emphasize the waist
• You can use some shoulder padding (don’t overdo it though)
• Medium to high necklines usually work well, especially if you have s small bust and long neck
• If you like to create the illusion of bigger breasts, choose tops with pockets, rushes, pleating and other front details
• Halter necks will also give the appearance of a bigger bust and shows off your back
• Accessorize with belts around the waist. Heavy belts can be really good if you’re also long waisted
• If you have no waist at all, then a belt is best avoided
• 3/4 sleeves usually work really well for a rectangle
• Blouses can look really good if they are tucked in

Navy Silk Blouse – Charmeuse Top – Button Front Silk Shirt

Dobby Classic Shirt – Halter Neck Date Top – Stripe Slub High/Low Tee

Coats for a rectangle body shape

• Choose a coat with a good waist or that is belted at the waist
• Any jacket tailored around the waist will look great
• You are lucky as you can wear pretty much any coat. You can choose to create a waist with tailoring or a belt. Or you can opt for a jacket like a moto or denim jacket to layer over your outfits.

One-Button Blazer – Combo Trench Coat – Leather Jacket – Denim Jacket

Bottoms

• A-line skirts work really well for this shape
• You can also go the other way and wear a tight skirt or pants to highlight the curves that you DO have
• You can wear almost any shape trousers but slightly flared trousers will look great on you as it will add more shape to your body. Low to mid waisted pants are usually best.
• A knee-length pencil skirt that tapers in at the side will also add some curves and look good
• If you like the waistless look, you can opt for straight skirts and shirt dresses
• For shoes, opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerinas and pumps.

Pants

High Waist Raw Hem Crop – Skinny Pants – Kick Flare Jeans – Bootcut Jeans

Skirts for the rectangle body shape

Pleat Back Skirt – Pencil Skirt – Jersey Skirt – Linen Blend Skirt

Dresses for rectangle body shape

• Shift dresses and empire line dresses work well, but I also like to break the rule with dropped waist dresses!
• You can create a waist with a belt.
• Or you can skim over your waist completely, disguising the fact your waist isn’t much slimmer than your bust and hips.
• As well as dresses, jumpsuits will look great on you. Try a halterneck style to show off your shoulders.
• You can wear shorter shirt dresses over jeans or skinny pants.

High/Low Shift Dress – Asymmetrical Lace Dress – Fit & Flare Dress – High/Low Shift Dress

Asymmetrical Button Front Dress – Utility Shirtdress – Floral Print Ruched Dress – Asymmetrical Lace Dress

Shoes to go with your rectangle body shape outfits

Of course, you have a huge amount of freedom when it comes to your shoe choices.

It really depends on where you want to draw attention. If you want to add a pop of color, you could choose bright shoes.

You are also likely to be able to wear shoes with an ankle strap if you have slimmer ankles and calves as you don’t need to worry about visually cutting a line across your legs.

Cutout Slide Sandal – Pointy Toe Pump – White Mule – Silver Slingback Pump – Red Leather Slide Sandal

Perforated Sandal – Silver Leather Sneaker – Tory Buckle Slide Sandal – Red Suede Leather Bootie – Silver T-Strap Sandal

Accessories

Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the accessories you team with your outfits.

You can opt for classic styles or add some femininity with your bag choices and colors.

You can also choose feminine jewelry to contrast with what may be an athletic figure, or you can go for modern, geometric pieces.

Small Elektra Crossbody Bag – Gray Suede Clutch – Teal Foldover Suede Clutch – Beaded Box Clutch

Snakeskin Bowler Bag  – Leather Midi Tote – Black Suede Patchwork Satchel – Shell Pink Leather Tote

Logo Charm Drop Earrings – Flower Earrings – Metal & Crystal Drop Earrings – Resin Hoop Earrings – Ribbon Earrings

Rectangle is my most dominant body shape (with pear shape being my secondary).

Asymmetric styles are great for the rectangle body type. Check some of the best asymmetric clothes here.

 

Please note that the guidelines above are for general guidance only. Everyone is different and you certainly don’t have to stick to the above guidelines to dress well.

Outfits for the rectangle body type using the pieces above

How do you dress your rectangle shape? Let us know!

P.S.: To find out more about your unique style and what would suit your body type and personality I highly recommend our style club! 

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Want more ideas, check out the video and other inspiration collages below

40+Style stylist Ruth gives tips on how to dress the rectangle body shape.

Some older examples of outfits for the rectangle body type