How to Dress a Rectangle-Shaped Body

How to Dress a Rectangle-Shaped Body

Learn how to dress a rectangle body type with stunning outfits and accessories to help you look and feel your best.
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How to Dress a Rectangle Body Type: Here’s What to Know…

Blog Summary:  Rectangle body shapes have straighter silhouettes with less waist definition, but the right styles can enhance curves and boost confidence. Here’s how to create balance, shape, and dimension:

  • Define the Waist: Use belted dresses, high-waisted bottoms, and ruched fabrics.
  • Add Volume Up Top: Try puffed sleeves, ruffled necklines, and structured layers.
  • Balance the Bottom Half: A-line skirts, flared pants, and hip embellishments add fullness.
  • Play with Prints & Textures: Use horizontal stripes, bold patterns, and mixed textures.
  • Layer Creatively: Long vests, cropped jackets, and tucked-in tops build shape.
  • Go-To Styles:
      • Dresses: Fit-and-flare, empire waist, bodycon with shaping seams
      • Bottoms: A-line skirts, high-waisted trousers, flared jeans with pocket details
      • Tops: Peplum, wrap, over-the-shoulder, puffed sleeves

A rectangle body shape is often described as athletic or straight. It's characterized by a more or less straight line running down from the shoulders to the hips, with a waist that's not as defined as some other body types. Some women with a rectangle body type find it challenging to find clothing that best accentuates their unique features.  

In this blog post, we'll explore the styles, cuts, and tricks that create the illusion of curves, define your waist, and ultimately boost your confidence as a woman with a rectangle body shape. Get ready to discover a whole new world of fashion possibilities! 

Tips for Dressing a Rectangle Body Shape

As you’ll soon see, fashion for a rectangle body shape is all about building dimension and creating the illusion of curves. Here are some popular styling tips to start:

Define the Waist

Cinch in the middle to break up the straight lines and really enhance your waist. You can find plenty of rectangle body shape outfits, such as:

  • Belted Dresses and Tops: Wrap dresses, peplum tops, and belted styles bring focus to the waistline.
  • High-Waisted Bottoms: These visually shorten the torso and elongate the legs while giving the appearance of a smaller waist.

  • Ruched or Draped Fabrics: These create soft folds and movement around the midsection, subtly adding shape.

Add Volume to the Upper Body

Draw the eye upward and add interest. These styling tips can help you create a balanced silhouette that isn’t too boxy:

  • Structured Shoulders & Puff Sleeves: Blazers or tops with shoulder padding or volume add definition and create the illusion of broader shoulders.
  • Ruffled or Embellished Necklines: Details like frills, off-the-shoulder cuts, or statement collars can give the illusion of a fuller bust.
  • Layering with Scarves or Jackets: Adding layers adds depth and dimension to a straighter silhouette.

Balance Proportions on Your Lower Body

Don’t forget about your lower half! Outfits for a rectangle body shape should help add curves from head to toe, like:

  • A-Line Skirts & Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These pieces flare out from the waist, mimicking a curvier hip line.  
  • Pleats and Ruffles on Skirts: These details can add fullness and movement.

Play with Prints and Textures

Prints and textures can also be used to trick the eye and draw attention to your waist and hips. Try to strategically use:

  • Horizontal Stripes & Bold Prints: These patterns can widen and round out the appearance of your frame.
  • Mix Textures: Pairing soft knits with structured denim or leather can emphasize different areas of the body.

Layering to Create Curves

Want to further accentuate your curves? Use your accessories to create more shape and depth to bring your outfits to the next level:

  • Longline Vests & Dusters: These help elongate while also adding flow and shape.
  • Tucked-In Tops & Cropped Jackets: These tricks emphasize the waist and bring balance to the body.

Top Styles for Rectangle Body Shapes

With these styling tips in mind, it’s time to think about what type of rectangle body shape clothes you should be adding to your wardrobe. Here’s a quick list to help you shop for your body shape:

Dresses

  • Fit-and-Flare: These cinch at the waist and flare out at the hips, creating a more curvaceous look.
  • Bodycon with Strategic Seaming: Side panels or contouring seams can enhance the illusion of curves.
  • Empire Waist: These start just below the bust, drawing attention upward and giving flow and volume to the lower half.  

Bottoms

  • A-Line Skirts: Flatter the waist and add subtle volume to the hips.
  • Bootcut and Flared Jeans: These add shape to the legs and balance a straighter upper body.  
  • High-Waisted Pants: Define the waist and elongate the legs, particularly with tapered or slightly wide legs.
  • Jeans with Back Pocket Details: Flap pockets, embroidery, or buttons can add a little more volume to your backside.  

Tops

  • Peplum Tops: These are a rectangle body shape’s best friend. They create a more hourglass-like shape by adding volume right where it’s needed.
  • Wrap Tops: Wrap tops naturally cinch at the waist and provide a V-neckline, which helps break up the straight torso and emphasize curves.
  • Ruffled or Puffed Sleeve Tops: Adding volume around the shoulders balances the upper half and visually broadens it, giving the illusion of a smaller waist in contrast.
  • Off-the-Shoulder and Boat Neck Tops: These styles widen the appearance of the shoulders, helping to balance proportions and create a curvier frame.  

Now that you know how to dress a rectangle body type, it’s time to elevate your closet! Shop women’s clothing from Anthony’s today and find the styles that make you look and feel your best.

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