How to Dress Up If You Have a Rectangle Body Shape

Mainstream celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Natalie Portman, Hilary Duff, Gwyneth Paltrow and Gwen Stefani have a rectangle body type and the world adores them.  The best thing about this body type that is also flaunted by most models is that you can carry off almost any kind of clothes with aplomb. The credit goes to the slim hips and svelte legs. However, with a little more awareness about the clothes that suit you, you can create the effect of a perfect hourglass or curvy shape.

If you are unsure about this body shape, check out its characteristics.

• Hips and shoulders are of the same size
• Smaller bust
• Waist is not defined
• Flat hips
• Shapely lower legs

Challenges for Dressing Up For a Rectangle Body and Overcoming Them

1. Creating a waistline

• Wear tops having diagonal lines.
• Go for clothes with a tailored waist.
• Go for a well-fitted bra and a narrow belt.

2. De-emphasizing the lack of curves

• Wear clothes with shoulder pads.
• Go for structured dresses.
• Wear hip and bottom details.
• Ditch fitted clothes, straight cuts and boxy attire.

Outfit Ideas to Make Your Wardrobe Suitable For Your Body Type

Tops

Select tops that are ruched, ruffled or have other details around the bust to give you a voluptuous look. Embellishments around the shoulders would be a pop pick. As for the length and cut, zero in on tops that skim your waist and flare or those that are nipped at the waist. V, scoop, sweetheart and off-shoulder necklines flatter your figure. Crop tops suit rectangular body types well. However, don’t choose the short ones as they highlight the boyish character of your body. Go for the little longer vintage crop tops.

If you like shirts, choose a design that has extra darts at the back. It prevents tug at the front buttons, thereby creating more upper body width. You can tuck it in for defining your waist.

Jackets and Coats

A shaped moto or denim jacket with round lapels that layers above your clothes and is hip length can be a stunner. Leave your jacket open to create a vertical color block with your top that looks slimming. Choose any type of coat that is cinched or has a belt at the waist. Avoid double-breasted ones.

Dresses

Styles that look good on you are shift, bodycon, shirt and wrap dresses. Empire waist, princess seam dresses are for you. A sheath dress that has a high neck, cap sleeves and is cinched at the waistline can be a desirable prom or evening dress. Additionally, try ones with color blocking, one shoulder and a high slit for highlighting your assets. For the warmer months, you can choose a high fastening wrap summer dress to emphasize a waist. The designs and colors can be such that they give the effect of diagonal lines.

Jumpsuits

Choose designs that add softness to your figure. They should have more fabric in the form of pleats, gathering and ruching with wider or straighter legs. Jumpsuits that are flared over the hips complement your figure.

Jeans

Skinny, low rise jeans accentuate your slender hips and legs. A pair with a curved yoke that is faded at the seat of the jeans is apt. Make your bottom look rounder with big back pockets and stitches. Select a pair that flares below the knee to create the illusion of curves. Boot cut jeans suit you.

Skirts

You can never go wrong with A-line and tulip skirts. Add curves with knee-length pencil skirts that taper at the hem. Other styles are crossover, paneled, softly pleated and tiered.

Shorts

The go-to fits are loose, bubble style and flared shorts with tie waists. Pockets, buttons and destroyed denim are perfect to draw attention to your hips. Prints, scalloped edges and pleats are other features you can look for.

Pants

Suitable cuts are straight, slim, bootleg and wide leg. They can be low to mid waisted. When in doubt, go with slightly flared pants. Keep away from baggy pants.

Swimsuits

If it’s a bikini, choose a lighter colored top with frills, ruffles and patterns. Create a more feminine look by investing in halter neck tops with thin straps and sweetheart shaped cups. Bandeau style tops focusing on your androgynous shape is a big no-no. Flatter your long legs with higher leg cuts in your solid-colored bikini bottoms. Opt for ones with side ties. Triangle bikinis are the opposite of your body shape and compliment it perfectly.

Create the illusion of curves by wearing basque-style swimsuits in bright colors that have a darker color at the waist and soft cup bras. Go one step further by flaunting cut-outs and trims on that part. Horizontal stripes should be avoided. Bathing suits with plunging necklines and frills, strings and ruffles at the hips are a safe bet. Tank-style suits or tankinis look best on you.

Style Advice for Rectangle Body Shapes of Different Builds

If you have a petite rectangle shape go for short and cute dresses with A-line cuts to make you look taller. Steer clear of oversized clothes as they may drown you in their volume.

If you are plus-sized look for options to create an illusion of a narrower waist. You can do it by wearing high waisted trousers, skater and A-line skirts and wrap dresses.

We are sure that with these tricks and tips up your sleeve, you can go strong at your fashion game. Work on your drawbacks and enhance the highlights of your figure to ensure that all eyes are on you whenever you step out. Gear up to rock your formal, casual or festive outfits by following the style advice.