The Ultimate Guide to Styling the Rectangle Body Shape
Struggling to add curves or define your waist with a rectangle body shape? You're not alone. This common challenge can make dressing feel like a bit of a puzzle. With your shoulders, waist, and hips all lining up, figuring out how to create dimension and shape can be tricky. But there's good news: this guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you navigate these waters, making styling your rectangle body shape easier and more fun.
What is the Rectangle Body Shape?
At its essence, the rectangle body shape is defined by uniformity. The width of your shoulders, waist, and hips are pretty much the same, creating a straight-up-and-down look that's sleek and poised. Unlike the hourglass, pear, or apple shapes, which boast more pronounced curves, the rectangle silhouette is more subtle and linear.
Key Characteristics:
Wider Waist: The most defining feature of an apple body shape is a wider waistline compared to the hips and bust. The waist is usually the widest part of the body in this shape.
Fuller Bust: Individuals with an apple body shape often have a fuller bust, which is one of the more pronounced features of their silhouette.
Narrower Hips: The hips tend to be narrower, with less curve from the waist to the hip compared to pear or hourglass shapes.
Broader Shoulders: Apple body shapes can have broader or more rounded shoulders, contributing to a more top-heavy appearance.
Slimmer Legs and Thighs: One of the strengths of the apple body shape is often slimmer legs and thighs, which can be highlighted as an asset in various outfit choices.
Common Styling Goals:
Creating the Illusion of Curves: You might want to add a bit of oomph to your silhouette by creating curves where they aren't naturally pronounced. This can be done through clever styling tricks and the right choice of clothing.
Defining the Waist: Another common goal for those with a rectangle body shape is to define the waist. Even if your waist isn't super defined naturally, there are loads of ways to create the illusion of a waist, giving your overall look more shape and dimension.
Is It Synonymous with an Athletic Body Shape?
It's common to hear the rectangle body shape referred to as an "athletic" build. This is because both share a similar straight-lined silhouette with less definition between the waist and hips. However, it's crucial to remember that "athletic" can also imply the body's physical condition, not just its shape. So while many with athletic physiques might have a rectangle body shape, the term "rectangle" is more about the shape itself, not necessarily the fitness level or muscle tone.
Learn More About The Athletic Body Shape
Start with The Bodyshape Manual (if you've got it): Get the 101 on your Athletic figure and all its glory.
How to dress the Athletic body shape
12 Of The Best Jeans For The Athletic Figure
Body Shape Solutions: The Definitive Guide To Styling The Athletic Body Shape
Key Wardrobe Essentials
Building a versatile and flattering wardrobe for the rectangle body shape revolves around selecting pieces that enhance and complement your natural silhouette. Here are some must-have items that should find a place in your closet:
Structured Blazers
A well-tailored blazer can work wonders for the rectangle body shape. It adds definition to your shoulders and can be cinched at the waist with a belt to create a more defined waistline.
Belted Dresses and Tops
Items that come with a belt or allow for one to be added easily are great for drawing attention to your waist and breaking up the straight line of your silhouette. Wrap dresses and tie-waist tops are particularly effective.
High-Waisted Pants and Skirts
These pieces emphasize the smallest part of your torso, creating the illusion of a nipped-in waist. They also elongate your legs, adding to the overall flattering effect.
Peplum Tops
The flared hem of peplum tops adds volume to your hips, creating a curvier appearance. This is especially helpful for rectangle body shapes looking to add some dimension to their lower half.
Paneled or Piped Clothing
Pieces with vertical panels or piping can create the illusion of curves by adding visual interest and depth to your outfits.
Jeans & Trousers For The Rectangle Figure
Finding the perfect pair of jeans or trousers can be a game-changer for anyone with a rectangle body shape. Addressing common fit issues and choosing styles that flatter your silhouette can transform your look.
Solutions for Common Fit Issues:
Jeans Slipping Down: If you find your jeans tend to slip down, it might be due to a lack of definition at the waist. Opting for jeans with a higher rise and a bit of stretch in the waistband can provide a snugger fit that stays in place.
Bagginess Around the Crotch: This issue often arises from wearing styles that are too loose or long for your frame. Choosing jeans or trousers that are the right length and fit can eliminate this problem. Look for styles labeled as "petite" if you're shorter, as they're designed with a shorter rise.
Recommended Styles:
Push-Up Jeans
Designed to lift and shape the rear, push-up jeans can add curves to a rectangle silhouette, creating a more defined figure from behind.
High-Waisted Styles
High-waisted jeans and trousers are ideal for the rectangle body shape as they emphasize the waist and elongate the legs, creating an illusion of curves.
Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg styles can balance the straight lines of a rectangle body shape by adding volume and movement to the lower half of your body. They're especially flattering when they start at the narrowest part of your waist.
The Tops & Blouses For The Rectangle Figure
For those with a rectangle body shape, the tops you choose can dramatically influence the overall look of your outfit. Understanding how different styles interact with your shape can help you select pieces that enhance your silhouette.
Impact of Different Top Styles:
Shoulder Emphasis: Tops that add volume or detail to the shoulders, such as puff sleeves or structured shoulder pads, can visually broaden your shoulder line, making your waist appear narrower in contrast.
Torso Length Considerations: If you have a longer torso, you can balance your proportions by opting for tops that create horizontal lines, like crop tops or belts at the waist. Conversely, for a shorter torso, longer, flowing tops can elongate your frame.
Styles to Avoid:
Overly Baggy Tops: While comfort is key, tops that are too loose can hide your shape and contribute to a boxy appearance. Aim for a balance between fitted and flowing.
Long, Uninterrupted Tunics: Without any definition, long tunics can further elongate your rectangle shape, making it appear more linear. If you go long, consider adding a belt or choose a tunic with a structured waist.
Selecting Tops for Visual Interest:
Texture and Patterns: Look for tops with interesting textures, patterns, or embellishments to add depth and focus to your outfit without overwhelming your frame. A lace panel, ruching, or a bold print can draw the eye and add interest.
Layering: Experiment with layering pieces, like a vest over a long-sleeve shirt, to create dimension and depth in your look.
Best Dress Styles For The Athletic Figure
Wrap Dresses
These are a staple for the rectangle shape. The wrap style cinches at the waist, naturally creating more definition. The V-neckline and the way the fabric drapes can also add some soft curves to your silhouette.
A-Line Silhouettes
A-line dresses are great for adding some shape. They gently flare out from the waist or hip, creating the illusion of wider hips and adding some volume to the lower half of your body without being overwhelming.
Belted Dresses
Any dress that comes with a belt or allows for one can help create a more defined waistline. The belt accentuates the narrowest part of your torso, bringing shape to straighter figures.
The Best Evening Gowns For Rectangle Body Shape
Empire Waistlines
Gowns with an empire waist can draw the eye up and emphasize the bust, which can be flattering for those with a rectangle body shape. They also flow away from the body, avoiding clinginess around the waist and hips.
Structured Bodices
Gowns with a bit of structure in the bodice can define your upper half, creating some separation between the bust and the waist. Look for styles with boning or seaming that provide shape.
Strategic Draping
Gowns that feature draping, especially around the waist or hip area, can add volume where needed. Choose styles where the fabric gathers or drapes in a way that suggests curves.
Advice on Avoiding Overly Voluminous Looks:
Be Wary of Excess Fabric: Too much volume, especially around the waist or hips, can overwhelm your frame and potentially give an unwanted appearance. Opt for dresses that add volume strategically, like in the skirt, rather than all over.
Choose the Right Length: Floor-length gowns can be beautiful, but make sure they're tailored to your height to avoid looking swamped in fabric. Midi or knee-length dresses can be a safer bet for adding shape without excess material.
Skirts for the Rectangle Body Shape
Choosing the right skirt can play a significant role in flattering the rectangle body shape. The waist height and style of the skirt can make a big difference in creating a balanced and harmonious look.
Best Waist Heights:
High Waists: High-waisted skirts are particularly flattering for rectangle shapes as they help to define the waist, creating a more pronounced waistline. They also have the added benefit of elongating the legs, which enhances the overall silhouette.
Medium Waists: Medium-waisted skirts can also work well, especially if they come with features like belts or waistbands that can define the midsection. The key is to ensure they sit at a point on your waist that feels most natural and flattering for your body.
Low Waists: Low-waisted skirts tend to work less favorably for rectangle shapes as they can elongate the torso and minimize the waist, contributing to a more straight-lined appearance. They are generally best avoided unless you're intentionally aiming for a very relaxed, elongated torso look.
Skirt Styles for a Balanced Look:
A classic choice, A-line skirts gently flare out from the waist or hips, providing volume to the lower body and helping to create the illusion of curves, which can balance out the straight lines of a rectangle body shape.
Pleated or Gathered Skirts
Skirts with pleats or gathers can add fullness to the hip area, introducing shape and movement to your silhouette. Opt for softer fabrics that provide a gentle flow rather than stiff materials that might add bulk.
Wrap Skirts
Much like wrap dresses, wrap skirts offer adjustability and often have a tie at the waist that can help to cinch in and define the waistline. The asymmetrical hemline can also add an interesting visual element, creating movement and depth.
Pencil Skirts with a Slit
While pencil skirts are naturally form-fitting, those with a slit can offer a bit of flare at the hem, providing a slight contrast to the straight lines of the rectangle shape and adding a touch of femininity.
The Best Jacket Styles For The Athletic Body Shape
Choosing the right outerwear is crucial for complementing the rectangle body shape, especially since coats and jackets can significantly impact your overall silhouette. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Tips for Selecting Outerwear:
Define the Waist: Look for coats and jackets with belts or cinched waists. These features can help create the illusion of a more defined waistline, which is particularly flattering for rectangle shapes. A belted trench coat, for example, can accentuate your midsection and add shape to your silhouette.
Opt for Structured Shoulders: Outerwear with structured or slightly padded shoulders can add definition to your upper body. This subtle enhancement can balance out your silhouette, especially if the coat or jacket slightly tapers at the waist.
Choose the Right Length: The length of your outerwear can greatly affect how it complements your body shape. Mid-length coats that end around the hip or thigh can be particularly flattering, as they avoid adding bulk to your lower body while still highlighting your waist.
Tailored Blazers
A well-fitted blazer that nips in at the waist can be a great addition to your wardrobe. It offers a polished look that enhances your rectangle shape without overwhelming it.
Peplum Jackets
Peplum styles naturally flare out from the waist, which can add some volume to your hips and create the appearance of curves.
Styles to Avoid:
Boxy, Oversized Coats: While oversized outerwear can be trendy, they tend to obscure the waist and add unnecessary bulk, which can make your silhouette appear more square or boxy.
Long, Shapeless Coats: Coats that lack definition and fall straight from the shoulders can further elongate your rectangle shape, making it harder to create visual interest and shape.
Accessorizing for the Rectangle Body Shape
Accessorizing and selecting the right shapewear can play pivotal roles in defining the waist and adding curves to a rectangle body shape. Here are some strategies to enhance your silhouette effectively:
Accessorizing Tips:
Belts and Waist Cinchers: A simple yet effective way to define your waist is by using belts. Whether it's a thin belt over a dress or a wider belt over a blouse, this accessory can cinch in your waist, creating a more hourglass-like figure. Waist cinchers worn under garments can also offer a similar effect.
Layered Necklaces and Scarves: Drawing attention to your upper body can help balance your silhouette. Layered necklaces or scarves, particularly those that drape near the waistline, can create vertical lines that elongate your torso and subtly hint at curves.
Statement Pieces: Accessories like bold earrings or a chunky bracelet can draw attention to your upper half, helping to balance and add interest to your outfits without overwhelming your frame.
The Best Shapewear For Hourglass Figures
These are excellent for smoothing the waistline and providing a more defined waist. They work well under form-fitting dresses or tops and skirts, offering a sleeker silhouette.
For adding subtle curves and smoothing out the torso, a shaping camisole can be very effective. They offer light compression and can be worn under almost any top or dress.
If you're looking to add more curves, consider shapewear with padding in the hip or buttock area. These can provide a curvier appearance under skirts and pants, ideal for rectangle shapes looking to add volume to their lower half.
Outfit Ideas For The Athletic Figure
Dressing for different occasions can be both exciting and daunting, especially when trying to flatter a rectangle body shape. Here are some outfit ideas tailored to various settings, with a focus on enhancing your silhouette.
Formal Events
Evening Gowns with Defined Waistlines
Look for dresses that cinch at the waist or have built-in waistbands. Fabrics that drape elegantly from the waistline can add volume to your lower half, creating a balanced look. For a touch of glamour, opt for gowns with embellishments or interesting textures on the bodice to draw the eye upward.
High-Waisted Maxi Skirts with Fitted Tops
Pairing a high-waisted, flowing maxi skirt with a fitted top can create the illusion of an hourglass figure. Add a statement belt to further emphasize your waist.
Casual Outings
High-Rise Jeans with a Tucked-In Blouse
This classic combination can define your waist and elongate your legs. Choose blouses with eye-catching details like bold prints or puff sleeves to add volume to your upper body.
A-Line Midi Skirts with Crop Tops
A-line skirts flare out from the waist, adding shape to your lower half, while crop tops can highlight your midsection, creating a more defined waistline.
Work Settings
Tailored Pantsuits with Belted Blazers
A well-fitted pantsuit can look incredibly chic and professional. Choose styles with blazers that can be cinched at the waist with a belt or have a peplum detail to add some curves.
Pencil Skirts with Peplum Tops
The fitted silhouette of a pencil skirt paired with a peplum top can create the illusion of wider hips and a narrower waist, perfect for office attire that flatters your rectangle shape.
Combining Body Shape Characteristics
For Rectangle with Inverted Triangle Traits
If you have broader shoulders, focus on adding volume to your lower half with wide-leg pants or full skirts to balance your silhouette.
For Rectangle with Apple Traits
If you carry more weight around your midsection, opt for empire waistlines or A-line dresses that skim over the waist and highlight your legs.
The Best Swimsuits for the Rectangle Body Shape
When it comes to finding the perfect swimsuit for a rectangle body shape, the goal is to play up your natural lines while creating the illusion of more curves. This means selecting swimsuits that add dimension and flair to your figure, making your poolside moments not just fun but fabulously stylish. Here's our top picks for those with a rectangle figure:
Ruffled Details
Ruffles aren't just a flirty detail—they're a rectangle's best friend. They add volume to the chest and hips, giving the appearance of a more defined waist. Opt for a one-piece with ruffled accents along the neckline or a bikini top adorned with playful frills.
Swimsuits with a belted waist or a built-in waistband work wonders in carving out a curvier silhouette. They cinch at the smallest part of your waist, adding definition where it's most flattering. Whether it's a sleek monokini or a high-waisted bikini, the belt is your secret weapon.
Break up the uniformity of the rectangle shape with an asymmetrical one-piece. A one-shoulder style not only draws the eye up but also adds an interesting architectural element to your swimwear, making it anything but ordinary.
Color Blocking and Patterns
Embrace swimsuits with bold color blocking or dynamic patterns that visually cut the body in ways that enhance curves. Look for designs with side panels in a contrasting color or patterns that highlight the waist, such as horizontal stripes or curved lines.
Textured Fabrics
Texture is a subtle yet effective way to add interest and volume to your figure. From smocked bikinis to crochet one-pieces, textured swimsuits provide an added layer of depth, making your beach look stand out.
Overcoming Common Styling Challenges
Dressing a rectangle body shape comes with its own set of styling hurdles. From jeans that won't stay put to finding outerwear that flatters without adding bulk, here's how to navigate these common concerns:
Finding Jeans That Stay Up:
Opt for High-Waisted Styles: High-waisted jeans are less likely to slip down and can help define your waist. Look for pairs with a bit of stretch for comfort but enough structure to hold their shape.
Consider a Tailored Fit: If you often find jeans baggy in certain areas or slipping at the waist, getting them tailored to your measurements can make a significant difference.
Use Belts Strategically: A well-chosen belt can not only keep your jeans in place but also add a stylish touch to your outfit and help cinch your waist for a more defined silhouette.
Choosing Flattering Outerwear:
Look for Waist Definition: Outerwear with belts or cinched waists can emphasize your midsection and create a more hourglass-like figure. Styles like belted trench coats or fitted blazers work well.
Select the Right Length: Outerwear that ends at the hip or mid-thigh can help avoid adding bulk to your lower half. Cropped jackets can also be a good choice to highlight your waist.
Avoid Boxy Cuts: Steer clear of overly boxy or oversized jackets and coats, as they can hide your shape and make your silhouette appear more rectangular.
Selecting the Right Skirt Waistline:
High-Waisted Skirts Are Your Friend: Skirts that sit at your natural waist can help create the illusion of a narrower waist and longer legs. A-line skirts and pencil skirts with a high waist are particularly flattering.
Be Mindful of Skirt Length: Midi or knee-length skirts can be especially flattering for rectangle body shapes, as they draw attention to the legs without adding volume to the waist.
Experiment with Details: Skirts with front or side slits, ruffles, or pleats can add interest and subtly suggest curves without overwhelming your frame.
Wrapping it Up
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive journey through the world of styling for the rectangle body shape! Now's the time to celebrate your newfound knowledge—perhaps with a well-deserved treat or a little dance of joy.
By now, you should be equipped with:
Key Takeaway #1: Understanding your rectangle body shape is the cornerstone of great style. With balanced shoulders and hips and a less defined waist, your shape offers a clean slate for creative styling.
Related Post: "12 of the Best Jeans for the Athletic Figure"
Key Takeaway #2: Embracing high-waisted and tailored pieces can dramatically enhance your silhouette, adding definition and visual interest where you want it most.
Related Post: "Best Workout Clothes for Rectangle Shapes"
Key Takeaway #3: Accessories and the right outerwear are your allies in defining your waist and adding curves, transforming your look with minimal effort.
Related Post: "The Ultimate Guide to Leather Jackets"
Feeling inspired but looking for more? Dive deeper into mastering your rectangle body shape with our exclusive guide, "Are You Styling Your Body Shape Correctly?" Available for download here: Styling Correctly Guide.
And for those ready to elevate their wardrobe further, our "Athletic Body Shape Outfit Guide" is packed with curated outfits and styling tips tailored to your unique silhouette. Get your copy at Athletic Body Shape Outfit Guide and use the discount code YOURSTYLE20 for a special offer.
Your style journey is unique, and we're here to support every step. Share your thoughts, successes, and even your styling challenges in our style forum
Disclaimer: This Blogpost was originally published January 21,2021 and was updated on March 7th, 2024
