Rectangle Shape
- A common female body shape
- A columnar, boxy silhouette that comes from similar circumference of the bust, waist and hips.
- Hips tend to be square and often the arms and legs are proportionally slender
- A flat bottom is also common
- A rectangular woman will often appear shorter and heavier than she really is.
- Many women find they become rectangular with age. The thickening of the mid-torso is most commonly a result of the vertebrae compressing and creating less torso length and less space to distribute any fat.
- The aim is to add definition to the shape by visually elongating body and defining the shoulders (if you are overweight) or defining the waist (if your are slender).
DO’s
- Slight shaping of garments
- A classic round-neck jumper gives elegant shape
- Angular jackets that point to your waist
- Shoulder-line emphasis
- Dresses that wrap or flow through the waistline, feminine chiffon softens your shape
- High waisted dresses (like a wrap dress) will add definition to your shape.
- Jackets that fasten with a tie belt or sash to create a waist.
- A three-quarter length coat that is belted (like a trench-coat), make sure you tie the jacket either at the front or the back. Hip pockets on the jacket add a bit of curve.
- A coat that is cut in an empire line that comes in at the waist.
- Straight and semi-fitted jackets and dresses
- Straight to slightly flared flat fronted pants
- High placed focal points
- The gentle flare of an A-line skirts is all you need to add shape to your waist.
- Slightly flared pants that add shape to your waist
- Accessories that focus the attention to the centre and the top part of your body.
- Fitted Vest with a shirt, blouse or t-shirt underneath to carve into the body.
- Shape wear that shapes the waist.
DON’Ts
- Clingy Fabrics that accentuate the rectangle shape
- Fitted silhouettes that accentuate the rectangle shape
- Baggy pants
- Big loose tops
- Narrow skirts
- Cropped tops
- Dropped waist
- Formless three-quarter length jackets
- Boxy jackets
- Double breasted coats
- Mini-skirts
- Trousers in a stiff fabric
Famous Rectangles
Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Cattrall, Nicole Kidman, Jane Fonda, Elle McPherson, Cameron Diaz
Blog written by Angela Barbagallo, Fashion Stylist
Style Angel Corporation Pty Ltd
1 Bracken Close Engadine NSW 2233 Australia
Ph 02 9520 9940 Fax 02 9520 9018 Mob 0407 032 531
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©Style Angel Corporation 2009
Hi there, i loved your article. Would you wear belts only if you’re slender if you have a rectangle shape? Is it because they would draw attention to the fact that your waist is thicker? When would you advise to wear belts if you are rectange. I know some stylists would say to wear straight up and down clothes but I am not sure which one is more beneficial? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Lynda, yes I think any shape can wear a belt if you don’t like the real straight up and down look. Often a patterned dress works well to add some shaping to the body shape. Work the proportions of the shape to the size of the belt. ie Medium proportions matched with medium size belt. There are softer belts and firmer belts, all of those things can be taken into account. Most importantly wear what you love!