How to Dress a Rectangle Body Type
With Minimal Curves
Or more traditionally known as the rectangle body shape, ruler, column or straight shape. This basically means that your bust and hip measurements are similar with little waist definition, just like our model Audrey.
To flatter your rectangle/straight frame, focus on emphasising your waist to create curves. While you may have a less curvy body, creating a waistline shape and choosing styles that soften your straight lines can accentuate your beautiful body in the most flattering way.
Take a look below at some of the great tips for dressing your rectangle body shape.
Flattering Dress Styles for Rectangle Body Types
Flared Styles
Many dress styles look incredible on you, from a more fitted look to a flared one! Have you ever tried an A-line or a style with a fuller skirt? They look amazing on a rectangle body because they create shape. Gathered waistlines and pleats help to create the illusion of a curvier waistline as well, making these styles perfect for you!
Discover the Best Tops for Rectangle Body Shapes
Styles that Flatter
Tops that help create shape in your body include empire-line, peplum, gathered and wrap styles. I also love a fit-and-flare top. These styles are not only flattering but also versatile, making them perfect for both casual and formal occasions. The peplum style adds a feminine touch. The wrap style creates a streamlining effect and the gathers add shape beautifully.
stylish jeans FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPEs
Denim Styles
Straight-leg and bootcut are two classic styles that look amazing on you. High waist or mid-waist work well for a straighter shape. These classic styles are timeless and do not need to be replaced yearly. Opting for these classic styles also contributes to sustainability. My favourite denim brands are 7 For All Mankind & Mavi because their denim has the perfect amount of stretch!
Top Skirts for Rectangle Body Shapes
Find Your Fit
There are a ton of great styles that suit you. Opt for a-line and flared styles; gathered or pleated waists also look wonderful on you because they soften any straight lines and help give body a bit more shape. Skirts, especially tulip styles, help enhance your curves through the hips, as do styles with a higher waist or a point of interest through the middle. Check out bias cut skirts as well as these have a flare from the knees down.
Best Jackets for Rectangle Body Shape
Waistline Wonders
Jacket styles that are cinched in at the waist are fabulous for creating shape on your frame, as are double-breasted military styles. A cropped jacket style with a higher waistline can help give you the illusion of curves. Any style of jacket that has a belt will also look great on you!
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
A rectangle body type, sometimes called a straight, ruler, or column shape, means your bust and hip measurements are roughly the same width, with little waist definition in between. Your shoulders, waist, and hips form a fairly straight line. It is one of the most versatile shapes to dress because so many styles look great on you. The goal is simply to create the illusion of curves where you want them.
The key is to create shape. You want to add the appearance of a waistline and soften the straight lines of your frame. Styles that gather, pleat, flare, or cinch at the waist all do this beautifully. Think wrap styles, peplums, A-lines, and anything with a defined waist. You are not trying to hide your shape. You are adding dimension to it.
Many dress styles work well on a rectangle frame, but these are especially flattering:
- A-line dresses: These flare from the waist down, creating the illusion of curves.
- Wrap dresses: These define the waist and add shape through the bust.
- Gathered waist styles: The gathers create the illusion of a curvier waistline.
- Pleated styles: Like gathers, pleats add shape and softness to a straight frame.
- Fit and flare styles: These are fitted through the top and flare at the skirt, which creates an hourglass effect.
All of these styles add dimension to your silhouette without being fussy or overdone.
Look for tops that create shape through the waist or add volume in the right places. Great options include:
- Empire-line tops: Fitted under the bust and then flowing outward, these add shape beautifully.
- Peplum tops: The flare at the hem creates the look of a hip curve.
- Wrap tops: These define the waist and add a feminine touch.
- Gathered styles: The texture and volume of gathers soften straight lines.
- Fit and flare tops: These give the impression of a defined waist and fuller hips.
All of these styles do the same job. They interrupt the straight line of your frame and add shape.
Classic denim styles work best for a rectangle shape. Good choices include:
- Straight-leg jeans: A timeless option that suits this shape really well.
- Bootcut jeans: The slight flare at the hem creates balance and adds shape through the lower half.
- High-waist or mid-waist styles: Both sit well on a straight frame and help define the waist area.
Look for denim with a little stretch. Brands like 7 For All Mankind and Mavi are worth trying because the stretch in the fabric helps the jeans follow your shape rather than hang straight.
You have a lot of great skirt options. Focus on styles that add fullness and shape. Good choices include:
- A-line and flared skirts: These create shape through the hip and thigh area.
- Gathered or pleated waist skirts: These add volume at the hip and soften straight lines.
- Tulip skirts: These enhance curves through the hips beautifully.
- Bias-cut skirts: These flare from the knee down and add gentle movement.
- High-waist styles: These create a defined waistline and add shape to your silhouette.
Any skirt with a point of interest through the middle, such as a bow, button detail, or gathered band, is also worth looking at.
Jackets are a great opportunity to create shape on a rectangle frame. Look for:
- Cinched-waist styles: Any jacket that nips in at the waist creates an instant curve.
- Belted jackets: A belt at the waist adds definition and shape.
- Double-breasted or military styles: These add structure and a strong, polished silhouette.
- Cropped jackets with a higher waistline: These create the illusion of curves by shortening the torso and drawing the eye to the waist.
The goal with jackets is the same as with everything else: define the waist and create shape.
Create shape wherever you can. A rectangle body type is wonderfully versatile, but it looks its best when clothing adds curves and definition. Define the waist. Choose styles that flare, gather, or pleat. Add volume where you want it. Your frame is the perfect canvas for so many different looks. The right styling simply brings that out.