What exactly does it mean to have a rectangle body shape?
If you have a rectangle body shape, then it means that your silhouette is fairly straight up and down. You’re similar to an hourglass but without the killer waist.
Representing 46% of women, this body shape is a common body type for women who age, have given birth (when skin around the waist stretches) or have gained weight.
Here are characteristics typical of a rectangular body shape:
● Your bust and hips are approximately at the same width
● You have little or no waist definition
● Many rectangles have a flat bottom lacking in curve
● If you gain weight, typically the pounds would distribute evenly throughout your body frame
Here are my top 3 of EVERYTHING to wear to flatter and complement your body shape
Tops
- Peplum tops are great for a rectangle as the horizontal seam across your midriff contrasting with the lower flare automatically creates a waist
- Tops with a drawstring across your middle can work well to create a waist for you
- Belted tops
These are a fantastic way to create a waist. They will also hide any lumps and bumps that you may want to conceal
Dresses
- Skater style and belted dresses
- Fit and flare
- A-line dresses: one that is fitted at the hips and gradually widens towards the hem, giving the impression of the shape of a capital letter ‘a’. These are a great workwear option for rectangles who want a combination of comfort and style!
Jumpsuits
- Strapless jumpsuits which have a Bardot style top are great, especially if the bottom half is wide legged or boot cut. This creates balance and makes your waist appear narrow
- Wrap jumpsuits are also a fabulous way to accentuate your waist
- Belted jumpsuits work really well
Jackets and Coats
- Tailored jackets that cinch in your waist, worn buttoned up, will really create curves for you
- Belted jackets; these could be wrap styles, waterfall or a blazer
- Trench coats and macs
Trousers
- Skinny (worn with a top tucked in)
- Slim / straight
- Wide leg trousers; combine with a ruffle sleeve or a top with frills
Leggings and Jeggings
- If leggings and jeggings are a staple item in your wardrobe, as they can be with women who struggle to find the perfect trousers, always ensure your top nips in at the waist
- A great combination is to wear a shirtdress, with a tie, over leggings. Add long boots or cute trainers
- A more structured jegging can be an asset to a rectangle’s wardrobe as they give the illusion of a jean and can be worn with dressier footwear and tunics
Shorts
- Shorts with prints or patterns make a statement and add excitement to an outfit
- When selecting shorts, think about creating an hourglass shape. Keep in mind your top
when selecting the style. If you go for wide leg shorts with pockets, add a top with volume to balance your top and bottom half
- Combine fitted shorts with a fitted top to equalise the width of the bottom half
- For shorts with a horizontal print, Aztec prints or geometric patterns, combine these with a Bardot top for example
Skirts
- Full circle and pleated skirts
- Pencil skirts (remember to wear a top with equal width to maintain balance)
- A-line skirts (these have to be fairly voluminous to look good on you)
Accessories
- Statement necklaces help to draw the eye to your upper body
- Add interest and volume to your top half with scarves with horizontal patterns
- Statement tassel earrings to draw the eyes away from your waist
Belts
- Waist cinching belts are a great option to wear over baggier items you may already have
- Wearing a thinner belt with a dangling chain or fringing can work to add length to your body
- A colour block belt can make a thick waist look half as wide
Bags
- Clutches should be worn tucked under the arm to add width to your top half and draw the eye away from the waist
- Crossover bags not only suit your body shape, but they are a fabulous shopping assistant, leaving you hands free!
- Long shoulder straps enable the bag to sit at the hips and bottom, away from the midriff
Footwear
- Bright floral or patterned footwear drives attention away from your undefined waist
- Nude shoes, round-toe court shoes (like the ones below), will lengthen your legs
- Trainers are a good comfort option, great for women on the go: trainers like these are especially good for rectangles
Swimwear
- Ruching on swimming costumes is great for nipping in your waist. These styles will also hide any lumps and bumps that you are conscious of
- A colour-block swim dress is a great tool for a rectangle to visually create a waist and cover up if you feel slightly self-conscious
- All-in-ones that pinch in at the waist or have the visual effect of doing so
Famous Rectangle-Shaped Women
If you really want to get the full body shape bible full of information for each and every item of clothing and how to wear it for a rectangle, then the Rules For Rectangles Style Bible is for you.
And don't forget for any further information of help with making those all important clothing choices, use the Style HUB Facebook group to share your outfits, potential purchases and feel good photos.
With Love,
Joy x