How to dress the rectangle body shape

Clothes from the new collections availabe at Stylebop From left to right Sophie Theallet and Jerome C. Rousseau shoes – Missoni M dress and Vanessa Bruno shoes – Andersen & Lauth jacket and Iro pants.

This is the third of our series on how to dress for your body shape. This time we will have a look at the rectangle body shape, also called the banana or ruler.

As a reminder you have a rectangle body shape when:

• You have no defined waist
• The hips tend to have a similar width as the shoulders
• You do not have a lot of curves
• Your bust tends to be small or average

This is one of the easier body types for dressing. Many models tend to have this body shape. Many clothes will usually suit you and fit you well, although some of the taller rectangles may have trouble finding clothes that fit properly. However, many rectangles will get extra weight around their tummies as they age (usually after menopause) which will make dressing a bit more of a challenge.

With your clothes you will mostly want to create more curves and a great silhouette. You can do this by defining the waist and creating curves on the bottom or top. On the other hand, you can also get away with a straight look and surrender the waist line altogether, which is a look that I’m quite fond of.

What not to wear?

• Avoid shapeless clothes
• If you want to add curves then avoid straight dresses, but you can also opt for the waistless look!

Which garments are good for a rectangle body shape?

Top

• Use strong blocks of color to help define your body
• As for most body types, be sure to wear a good bra to define what bust you have
• Wear tops and jackets that emphasize the waist
• Choose a coat with a good waist or that is belted at the waist
• Any jacket tailored around the wist will look great
• You can use some shoulder padding (don’t overdo it though)
• Medium to high necklines usually work well, especially if you have s small bust and long neck
• If you like to create the illusion of bigger breasts, choose tops with pockets, rushes, pleating and other front details
• Halter necks will also give the appearance of a bigger bust and shows off your back
• Accessorize with belts around the waist. Heavy belts can be really good if you’re also long waisted
• Blouses can look really good if they are tucked in

From left to right Topshop blazer with Mac C pants – Monsoon jacket with chloe trousers – Vivienne Westwood jacket and Mother the Drama jeans.

Buttom

• A-line skirts work really well for this shape
• You can also go the other way and wear a tight skirt or pants to highlight the curves that you DO have
• You can wear almost any shape trousers but slightly flared trousers will look great on you as it will add more shape to your body
• A knee length pencil skirt that tapers in at the side will also add some curves and look good
• If you like the waistless look you can opt for straight skirts and shirt dresses

Please note that the guidelines above are for general guidance only. Everyone is different and you certainly don’t have to stick to the above guidelines to dress well. If you like to show of your fabulous style, upload it to the style forum!

P.S.:  If you want to find out about your own body type and find the right types of clothes for you, try out My Private Stylist and get your own personal recommendations.