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Welcome to your ultimate guide on dressing for your rectangle body shape! In this post, you’ll find both functional and style-focused advice designed to enhance your natural beauty and your confidence through your fashion choices. Like with any body shape, understanding how to create visual interest in your look and define your silhouette are two of the best ways to elevate your looks while also keeping your own personal flair and character. This guide is packed with clothing recommendations, rectangle body shape outfits, and fashion insights that cater to your unique figure! From flared skirts to belted coats and much more, you’ll learn how these pieces can work in your favor and transform your wardrobe. Let’s get started!
What is a Rectangle Body Shape?
Also known as a straight or athletic shape, a rectangle body shape is defined by a straight silhouette, where the shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width.
These features result in a beautiful, balanced figure that can be flattered and enhanced by tons of different styles and fashion tips. The right fashion choices can be great for creating the appearance of curves, highlighting all the right places, and allowing you to feel confident in every outfit.
How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape
For those with a rectangle body shape, the goal is to add curves to your already balanced shape, creating a more defined waistline.
Here’s exactly how to achieve that ideal balance and highlight your best features in a way that feels great:
1. Create More Balance and Proportion Through Layers
In general, layers are a great way to add depth and interest to your upper body, as well as create the illusion of curves.
Style Tip: Don’t go for boxy cut pieces or shapeless garments, but rather structured ones that add that dimension while still creating a more defined shape!
2. Experiment With Pockets, Details, and Ruffles at the Bust or Hips
Adding details like pockets, ruffles, or embellishments can help draw attention to your bust or hips, enhancing the look of curves.
Style Tip: Look for tops and dresses with embellishments or pockets at the bust to add volume. Similarly, skirts with ruffles or pockets can help enhance your hip line.
3. Embrace Flared Skirts
Flared skirts are one of the pieces that are perfect for adding volume to your lower body, balancing your proportions, and creating the illusion of a curvier silhouette.
Style Tip: Pair flared skirts with fitted tops to emphasize your waist and create a balanced look. High-waisted flared skirts can also be great for elongating your legs.
Comfortable, classic, and versatile, this maxi skirt features ruffle detailing at the hem and a subtle, flared silhouette that brings volume to your look. From the beach to your errands and much more, this piece is a great addition to your wardrobe that goes beyond the summer months!
4. Try Skirts and Dresses with Ruching and Pleating
Ruching and pleating add texture and volume, which can help create curves and a more defined waistline.
Style Tip: Choose skirts and dresses that feature ruching at the waist or pleating around the hips. These details can enhance your natural waist and add dimension to your outfit.
We all know a little black dress is a wardrobe staple year-round; if you’ve been looking for your perfect style, this ruched piece might just be your match. Made from a thick, super soft cotton-blend fabric, this tank dress features ruching at the side for a flattering gathering effect at the midsection. By hugging your figure, this dress enhances the look of your waist while still keeping everything smooth as well.
Gorgeous pleating detail makes this timeless skirt stand out. With a 60s style drop waist detail, this skirt features the perfect amount of flair and structure to your outfit, all while defining your waist and making for a classic, elegant look.
tank | skirt | sandals | clutch | earrings
5. Consider One Shoulder & Halter Tops
One-shoulder and halter tops draw attention to your shoulders and create a more dynamic upper body silhouette.
Style Tip: Go for tops with interesting necklines to draw the eyes upwards. Pair with high-waisted jeans or skirts to balance your look!
Made from stretchy, lightweight, soft fabric, this body-skimming top is a great piece for those looking to bring more definition and shape to their silhouette. Able to be worn both totally off the shoulders or as a one-shoulder top, this versatile piece also features ruching on the sides for an even more flattering look – and is available in 3 neutral shades!
6. Belted Coats, Dresses, and Jackets are a Good Idea
Belts are your best friend when it comes to defining your waist and creating curves – and is a great tip that works year-round, regardless of weather. Belted coats, dresses, and jackets can all cinch your waist and add shape to your silhouette.
Style Tip: Choose pieces with built-in belts or add a belt to your favorite dress or coat. This simple addition can transform a straight silhouette into one with a little more shape and curves!
Sleek and chic, this white dress works to both define and elongate your figure through its features. Seam detailing creates beautiful, uninterrupted lines in your silhouette, while the removable belt seamlessly defines your waist and brings shape and balance to your figure. Easy to style for an elegant, comfortable look, this dress is a perfect warm-weather pick!
dress | sandals | tote | bracelet | earrings
For a less traditional but equally as flattering cinch waist effect, this poplin trench coat is the way to go. Perfect for the transition into the colder months of the year, this coat makes for the ideal lightweight layer, featuring double laps and a drawstring closure at the waist for shape and definition.
7. Amplify Your Bust With Chunky Turtleneck Sweaters and Bold Necklaces
If you want to amplify your bust, chunky turtleneck sweaters and bold necklaces are two great choices. They add volume to your upper body and draw attention to your neckline.
Style Tip: Pair your favorite chunky sweater with high-waisted pants or skirts to balance your lower half. Bold necklaces can add a touch of glamour and interest to your look as well!
This chunky turtleneck sweater keeps you looking cool and feeling warm through the chillier seasons. Made from soft, stretchy material, this sweater features beautiful texture and a cropped length that makes it perfect for pairing with the high-waisted bottoms of your choice. Make sure to balance its more relaxed fit with a piece that enhances the narrowest part of your waist for a balanced final look.
Make a statement with this wide, sculptural brass chocker that draws the eyes upwards and brings tons of visual interest (and edge!) to your outfit.
8. Experiment With Corset Tops
Corset tops are designed to enhance your bust line and create a more defined waist. Their structure silhouette can be an effective and flattering way to add curves and shape to your silhouette!
Style Tip: Wear corset tops under blazers or fitted button-down shirts for a stylish and structured look. Pair with high-rise jeans or a flared skirt to complete the outfit.
This lightweight, super soft satin piece gives you the shape and structure of a traditional corset without the constricting factor. Seam detailing featured throughout the piece helps with the shaping aspect of this top, and a sweetheart neckline enhances the bust region as well! For the final touches, adjustable straps allow you to achieve your perfect fit, while its cropped length pairs well with high-waisted skirts or tailored trousers.
9. Add Volume With Tulip Coats and Skirts
Tulip coats and skirts add volume to the hips, creating a balanced and curvier look. The unique cut of these pieces is perfect for enhancing a straight body shape.
Style Tip: Choose tulip skirts and coats in bold colors or patterns to add visual interest. Pair with fitted tops to keep the focus on your lower body.
Featuring the classic tulip silhouette, this style seamlessly and elegantly brings shape to your silhouette – from the waist to its hemline. Made in Italy from premium materials, this designer piece is particularly well-made to last and impress.
10. Add Structure With Double-Breasted Coats
Double-breasted coats are great for adding structure and definition to your upper body. Perfect for the colder months of the year, these coats are great for allowing you to cinch in at the waist while also keeping you warm and stylish.
Style Tip: Opt for double-breasted coats with a tailored fit to enhance your waistline. Pair with straight-leg jeans or wide-leg pants for a balanced look that works for various different occasions.
Perfect for keeping you warm without compromising on style, this coat adds structure to your look both through the shoulders and waist details. Featuring a long length, front pockets, and button detailing at the sleeves, this coat can keep you looking amazing and feeling warm all season long.
11. Enhance Your Silhouette With Peplum Tops
Opting for the right cuts and designs can dramatically enhance your figure, particularly when dressing with your body shape in mind (which is always something good to keep in mind!).
Certain styles and specific clothing pieces can help to add both variety and more of your individual style to your wardrobe while emphasizing your best features at the same time.
Classic and trendy, peplum tops are great for creating more of an hourglass figure by adding volume to your hip region and defining your waist.
Style Tip: Different types of peplum tops are better for enhancing different body types. When it comes to the rectangular body shape, a classic peplum top that cinches in at the waist is a great option!
Blending trendy and classic design, this peplum vest is a great choice for those with a rectangular body shape. Effortlessly bringing great shape and visual interest to your look, this piece adds structure and volume to your silhouette while also working to enhance your natural waist. Featuring a v-neckline and a split peplum, this piece pairs perfectly with the high-waisted skirt of your choice!
vest | jeans | bag | shoes | sunglasses | earrings
12. Add Femininity With Sweetheart Necklines
Sweetheart necklines are perfect for adding femininity to your look and enhancing your bust area. This style can create the illusion of curves and add a touch of elegance to your outfit!
Style Tip: Choose dresses and tops with sweetheart necklines to draw attention to your bust. Pair with high-waisted jeans or skirts to create a more balanced look.
Combining a sweetheart neckline, a tiered ruffled skirt, and an a-line structure, this dress is perfect for those with an athletic figure as it flatters and brings volume to the silhouette. Featuring a satin-like finish and beautiful embroidered flowers throughout, this subtle yet detailed dress prioritized both style and a flattering fit at once.
13. Elongate With V-Neck Tops
These classic and timeless tops are excellent for elongating your neck and drawing attention to your bust. This style is yet another great way of creating a more balanced upper body.
Style Tip: Opt for V-neck tops in solid colors or subtle patterns to keep the focus on your neckline. Pair with flared or wide-leg pants to add volume to your lower body.
There’s nothing quite like a good-quality closet staple for both casual looks and more put-together outfits. Especially for those who prefer a more regular fit rather than tight-fitting pieces, this t-shirt makes for the perfect elevated basic. Its v-neckline draws the eyes upwards, while its hip level length makes it ideal for tucking into your skirt or pants for some relaxed structure and shape.
14. Embrace Puff Sleeves
Puff sleeves add volume to your upper body, helping to create a balanced silhouette. This style is great for enhancing your shoulder region and bringing more shape.
Style Tip: Choose tops with puff sleeves in bright colors or patterns to draw attention to your upper body. Pair with straight-leg or high-waisted jeans for a balanced look.
This is yet another amazing option for those who lean more toward relaxed fits but still want to bring some more volume and shape to the silhouette. Available in a few different colors and a beautiful summery pattern, this puff sleeve top pairs perfectly with your go-to denim shorts or straight-leg jeans for a foolproof look.
15. Flatter Your Lower Half With Wide-Leg Jeans
Different tops aren’t the only way to bring visual interest and shape to your silhouette and outfit! Wide-leg styles are some of the best jeans for an athletic build, perfect for bringing volume to your lower body and creating a curvier look in a seamless, low-effort way. This style can also help balance broader shoulders.
Style Tip: Choose high-rise wide-leg jeans to elongate your silhouette and encourage the appearance of long legs, as well as define your waist. Pair with fitted tops to keep the focus on your lower body.
With comfort stretch and a high-rise fit, these wide leg jeans add just the right amount of volume to your silhouette without overwhelming your frame. Premium denim offers plenty of support while also keeping you comfortable from the first wear; pair this with your favorite top or simple t-shirt for an easy, comfortable, and flattering outfit.
top | jeans | shoes | bag | earrings
16. Experiment With Flare Jeans
If you like more figure-hugging denim but also want to incorporate pieces that are more flattering to your body type, flare jeans are the way to go. This style adds volume to your lower body, further balancing your proportions and making for a curvier silhouette.
Style Tip: Trade in your low-rise jeans and go for mid to high-rise flare jeans for support and the look of elongated legs. Pair with something like a peplum top or a fitted blouse to create a balanced overall look.
This 70s-inspired denim style does a great job of elongating your legs while also enhancing your natural figure. Featuring a mid-rise fit, this style is perfect for those who are looking for good support and a differentiated silhouette that still works to flatter your shape!
17. Streamline With Straight Jeans
Straight jeans offer a streamlined look that is great for many different body types for its classic and all-around flattering fit. They add subtle, slight volume to your lower body without overwhelming your frame.
If you tend to love styles like skinny jeans, straight jeans might be a good transition piece when it comes to finding new styles that work for your shape and closet!
Style Tip: Once again, look for high-waisted straight jeans, as they will do a great job of defining your waistline and lengthening your legs. Combine these jeans with a tucked-in blouse to accentuate your waist.
As classic as it gets! This pair of straight jeans is the perfect closet essential when it comes to denim; pairing perfectly with corset tops, peplum tops, and much more, this style keeps a sleek and clean silhouette that effortlessly balances out the other pieces in your look.
Swimwear Solutions
Choosing the right swimwear can dramatically enhance your figure and boost your confidence at the beach or pool. Here’s how to select swimwear that flatters your rectangular body shape and keeps you stylish:
Triangle Bikini
A truly classic style when it comes to swimwear, triangle bikinis add volume to your bust area in an organic way.
Style Tip: If you have a smaller chest and want to enhance the appearance of your bust, look for triangle bikinis that feature padding or details. Pair with high-waisted bikini bottoms for waist definition and added volume to your hips.
Available in 6 different neutral and bold colors, this triangle bikini top is ideal for pairing with the bottoms of your choice while enhancing your bust region and flattering your natural figure!
Related: The Best Bikini Tops for Small Busts that Inspire Confidence
bikini top | skirt | sandals | hat | clutch
Cut-Out One Piece
If you prefer a one-piece bathing suit, a cut-out style is perfect for all the things you’re looking for: adding visual interest and creating the illusion of curves. Details like strategic cut-outs can enhance your waist and add dimension to your silhouette.
Style Tip: Choose one-piece swimsuits with cut-outs at the waist or bust to create a more defined silhouette. Look for styles with bold patterns or colors to draw attention to your best features.
Made from thick, double-lined fabric, this swimsuit offers good support while also working to enhance your figure and bring shape through its thoughtful design. Its one-shoulder detail, along with the midsection cutout, elongates the silhouette while also bringing attention to the waist for an overall flattering fit.
Tailoring Your Look: Petite, Tall, and Plus Size Considerations
Other factors such as your height and your size are also essential to take into consideration when looking for the perfect pieces for your rectangular body!
At the end of the day, it’s important to pick styles and pieces that are truly made to accommodate you and your shape in the best way, making for the best results and most comfortable looks.
Whether you are petite, tall, or plus size, there are many versatile options out there for you to choose from. Here are some extra tips on how to embrace your beautiful, unique shape with styles that know exactly how to flatter.
Petite Rectangle
For petite individuals with a straight body type, the goal is to elongate the body while creating curves and defining the waist.
Style Tips
Opt for Monochrome Outfits: Dressing in a single color creates an uninterrupted vertical line, making you appear taller. Monochrome looks – especially those with neutral, classic colors – add sophistication and simplicity to your outfit.
Of course, the world is your oyster when it comes to color choices! Don’t be afraid to go for brighter, bolder colors that match the season, your mood, or your personal style.
High-Waisted Pants and Skirts: While this tip is also great for those who aren’t petite, it becomes even more important for those who are. As we know, high-waisted styles help to visually elongate your legs and create the illusion of a higher waist. This also helps to define your waistline and add curves to your silhouette.
Choose Proportional Prints: Smaller prints are ideal for petite frames as they don’t overwhelm your figure. Avoid large prints that can shorten your silhouette.
Incorporate Vertical, Elegant Lines: Monochrome looks aren’t the only way to create an elongating effect through your clothing choices. Utilize vertical stripes or seam details to lengthen your body and create a more streamlined silhouette.
Brand Recommendations: Banana Republic and Madewell
Tall Rectangle
For those who are tall, you can experiment with longer and bolder pieces to highlight your height and balance your proportions at the same time.
Style Tips
Layer Longer Pieces: Long jackets, cardigans, and vests are great for adding layers and depth to your looks, enhancing your natural silhouette. Make sure to opt for more structured pieces that can highlight the narrowest part of your waist rather than hiding it.
Play with Bold Patterns: Large prints and bold designs can add interest and balance to your look. Mixing patterns and colors can also enhance your height and draw attention away from your shoulders.
Don’t be afraid to mix different lengths and volumes throughout your outfit. Pair fitted tops with wide-leg pants or flared skirts to add dimension and more balance.
Define with Wide Belts: Use wide belts to define your waist and break up a long torso, adding structure and shape to your look.
Brand Recommendations: Banana Republic and Madewell
Plus Size Rectangle
When it comes to a plus-size silhouette in a rectangle body shape, it’s all about highlighting your curves and choosing pieces that blend your style with comfort.
Style Tips
Opt for Structured Fabrics: Structured materials can help define your curves without clinging too tightly. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are all great options for a comfortable and flattering fit.
Implement Ruching & Gathering: If you like this detail, ruching around the midsection can smooth and define your waist, creating a more balanced and curvaceous silhouette.
V-Necks and Wrap Styles: Both of these are excellent choices for elongating both your neck and torso, as well as for drawing attention to the bust region.
Brand Recommendations: Madewell and Nordstrom
By tailoring your clothing choices to your specific needs, you can make sure that you are selecting the pieces that will allow you to look your best, as well as feel the most comfortable and confident in your skin!
Embrace Your Rectangle Body Shape Outfits With Confidence
Congratulations on reaching the end of this guide on how to best dress your beautiful figure! There are so many different nuances of dressing your rectangle body type, including finding pieces that feature sophistication, comfort, and – of course! – a super flattering fit.
Finding the right clothes to flatter your shape can take time, patience, and the willingness to experiment with new styles you might not otherwise go for.
With these tips and recommendations, you’re one step closer to curating a wardrobe that perfectly reflects your style and enhances all of your best features at the same time.
At the end of the day, dressing well is about understanding your body, enhancing your natural shape, and expressing yourself confidently with the style solutions that work for you!
Whether you’re gearing up for a formal event or planning a casual day out with your family on the weekend, these tips will help you find exactly what you are looking for to look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Want more outfit ideas to help you feel your best? Up Next: How to Flatter Your Body With These Slimming Outfits
