Welcome back to the What To Wear series which helps you figure out which styles and silhouettes will flatter you best based on your body type.
Generally speaking, there are five different body shapes of women. But it’s important to note that most of us don’t fall neatly into one type. Often we are a combination which means it’s useful to know the different styling strategies for each shape to figure out what works for you. (If you need to know which shape you are, click here to grab my free style guide Dress Better For Your Body which will help you figure it out.) Remember that since most of us aren’t exclusively one shape, understanding the guidelines for each shape will be hugely valuable for you.
Rectangle Body Shape
You have a rectangle body shape if your upper body is about the same size as your lower body, and you have no real waist definition. Your limbs tend to be slim and when you gain weight, it often goes to your middle. Your biggest complaint may be that you lack femininity to your shape since you don’t have the curves often associated with the female body.
Style Goals
For a rectangle body shape, you could go in two directions. You may want to wear fitted clothing to create curvature. Or accentuate your straight lines by wearing looser silhouettes that flow easily along your body. Many models have a rectangle body shape because pretty much every style works for this type.
What To Wear
- V-necks, mandarin collars, halter tops
- Button down shirts
- Dropped shoulder tops that are fitted at the waist
- Tops with ruffles, ruching and pocket details
- Short jackets like motorcycle jackets & bombers
- Belted jackets
- Shift dresses
- Track pants
- Cigarette pants
- A-line skirts with a high waist
What Not To Wear
Rectangles, there’s nothing you can’t wear! Play with asymmetrical styles to counterbalance your shape.
**These are just guidelines. Your ultimate style goal is to wear things that make you happy and feel confident. Your personality is the most important aspect to satisfy when styling yourself so make sure you love what you wear.
In the video, I share stylist tips to dress the rectangle body shape and show you what to wear that will flatter this body shape best.
One of the first things I do with my clients is show them how to dress better for their body types. We look at what they’re currently wearing, and I show them how to make improvements so their clothes compliment them best. Then we go on to find the perfect fit between their personal preferences and their “right-now” body shapes to set the framework for a flattering style that they love AND that makes them look amazing.
If you want my eyes on your style, join my free private facebook group, Closet Shopping Collective. I share my top tips from my 20+ year fashion styling career so you look more polished and feel more pulled together in your clothes. Click here to join the group.
Not a rectangle? Perhaps you’ll relate more to the inverted triangle body shape or triangle body shape, or circle or apple shaped body. Or hourglass body shape.
Hi! I’m just learning that I’m a rectangle shape, which is great! It’s a starting point. I have never been into fashion or anything really! The problem that I have is that I’m busty and have a little more in my mid-section. So with some of the items list in the article to wear don’t really look good on my body and if I size up to have it fit in the bust then it’s super big at my waist. I have read that you can be 2 body shapes. I don’t know if I fall into that category. If I do how do combine them, this is my struggle. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Sarah