Is you body more rectangle shaped than hourglass, and would you like add more shape with your clothes?

In this article I show you how to dress the rectangle body shape and give you lots of ideas on how to create more shape with your clothes.

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
  • Your bottom tends to be flat
  • This is one of the easier body types for dressing.

Rectangle is my most dominant body shape (with pear shape being my secondary).

Still not sure about your own shape? Find out how to determine your body shape

Why you’re in good company

Many models tend to have this body shape or the inverted triangle shape.

A lot of clothes will usually suit you and fit you well, although some of the taller women may have trouble finding clothes that fit properly.

Dressing the rectangle body can still be a challenge

Still, many rectangles will find dressing a bit more of a challenge as they are likely to get extra weight around their tummies as they age (usually after menopause).

Discover how to hide your tummy with fabulous clothes.

As a rectangle, you will want to create more curves and a pleasing 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.

Above is one of my favorite outfits. You can see that the wide leg pants add shape to my body and create a flattering silhouette.

Here’s a similar sleeveless floral top, wide leg pants and earrings.

Asymmetric styles are great for the rectangle body type. Check some of the best asymmetric clothes here.

Sylvia in white jeans and a floral top | 40plusstyle.com

Similar tops here and here and wide jeans

What not to wear?

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

Two main strategies

There are two main strategies for dressing your body if you have a rectangle shape.

1. The first is to forget about adding curves and to play up your long, lean lines

You could do this by wearing a shift dress with a long cardigan over the top, for example.

Dayle in a duster jacket | 40plusstyle.com

Dayle @artfulcitystyle above (read her style interview here) shows how you can create a flattering column effect by wearing one color, and then adding a long cardigan or duster coat in a different color.

Get her look with this similar jumpsuit, kimono, shoes (another option here) and earrings.

2. Another option for the rectangle body type: Create some curves

The second option is to actually create some curves.

You can do this through the clothes you wear and the details they have on them.

For example, you could wear a boat neck top with a pair of wide legged pants and a belt. That way, you will look like you go out, in and out again like an hourglass.

Mel wears an all-blue outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Mel @bagandaberet above (read her style interview here) shows how you could add curves with a cap sleeve t-shirt and wide leg pants.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants and pumps.

Which garments are good for a rectangle body shape?

Now, onto which specific clothes, shoes and accessories will be good for you if you have a rectangle body shape.

Tops for the rectangle body shape

  • Use strong blocks of color to help define your body. For more tips take a look at how to color block.
  • As for most body types, be sure to wear a good bra to define what bust you have. Also take a look at how to dress if you have a small bust.
  • Wear tops and jackets that emphasize the waist.
  • You can use some shoulder padding (don’t overdo it though)
  • Medium to high necklines usually work well, especially if you have a 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 show off your back and shoulders.
  • Accessorize with belts around the waist. Heavy belts can be really good if you’re also long-waisted
  • If you have no waist at all, then a belt is best avoided
  • 3/4 sleeves usually work really well for a rectangle
  • Blouses can look really good if they are tucked in
Tops for the rectangle shape body | 40plusstyle.com

Max Mara Leisure Glassa Cotton Button-Up ShirtDIARRABLU Aida Wrap BlouseMango Asymmetric Satin Blousebeachlunchlounge French Terry Side Tie T-Shirt

Sylvia in a white top and print pants | 40plusstyle.com

Similar top, pants, bootie sandals, necklace, earrings and sunglasses

How to dress the rectangle body shape: tie waist top, flared jeans and ballet flats | 40plusstyle.com

DIARRABLU Aida Wrap BlousePAIGE Genevieve High Waist Flare JeansMassimo Dutti Leather Toe Cap Ballet FlatsANINE BING Emma ToteCOS Oval Hoop Earrings

Sweaters and cardigans for the rectangle figure

No matter what your body shape, you will still need a cozy sweater for cool evenings.

You’re lucky in that you can choose any shape of sweater – you can either choose fitted to add more shape or a looser style. Stripes or a sporty style will play up your athletic figure, while a wrap style will add curves.

Sweaters and cardigans for the rectangular body | 40plusstyle.com

COS Knitted Silk Half-Zip Polo Shirt& Other Stories Slouchy Ribbed Mock Neck JumperCOS V-Neck Merino Wool Cardigan& Other Stories Wrap Cardigan

Jamie in a sweater and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) chooses a wide neck sweater with her jeans.

Steal her look with this similar sweater (another option here), jeans, booties and earrings.

JACKETS for a rectangle body shape

Choose a coat with a good waist or that is belted at the waist. Any jacket tailored around the waist will look great.

You are lucky as you can wear pretty much any coat. You can choose to create a waist with tailoring or a belt. Or you can opt for a jacket like a moto or denim jacket to layer over your outfits, or choose to forgo your waist with an open coat.

Coats and jackets for the rectangular body | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Shawl Collar Structured BlazerKaren Millen Leather Pocket Detail Belted Biker JacketMax Mara Leisure Iacopo Belted Stretch Cotton Blend Jersey JacketMango Flowy Lapel Trench

Suzie wears a linen suit | 40plusstyle.com

Suzie @suzie.richetti above chooses a tie waist jacket and wide leg pants.

Get her look with this similar blazer, tee, wide pants, pumps, necklace and earrings.

How to dress the rectangle body shape: blazer, button-down shirt, shorts and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Shawl Collar Structured BlazerMax Mara Leisure Glassa Cotton Button-Up ShirtCOS Tailored Linen-Blend Bermuda ShortsMassimo Dutti Leather Flat Slider SandalsANINE BING Emma ToteKarine Sultan Beaded Medallion Pendant Necklace

There’s more inspiration in this article on how to choose a coat.

Pants and jeans for the rectangle shape

You can wear a tight skirt or pants to highlight the curves that you DO have or you can choose a looser style.

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. Low to mid waisted pants are usually best. Stripes will look good on you as they mirror your figure.

Pants and jeans for the rectangle shape body | 40plusstyle.com

PAIGE Genevieve High Waist Flare JeansNYDJ Sheri Side Slit Slim Ankle JeansCOS Striped Satin PantsCOS Tailored Linen-Blend Bermuda Shorts

Judith in a blazer and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Judith @stylecrone above (read her style interview here) shows off slim ankles with her leopard print shoes. You can see that the pockets on her blazer create curves at her hips.

Get her look with this similar blazer, jeans, pumps. necklace and head wrap.

Dresses, skirts and jumpsuits for the rectangle body shape

Again, you’re very lucky to have a wide choice of dresses and skirts which will look fabulous on your rectangle shape.

  • Shift dresses and empire line dresses work well, but I also like to break the rule with dropped waist dresses!
  • You can create a waist with a belt.
  • Or you can skim over your waist completely, disguising the fact your waist isn’t much slimmer than your bust and hips.
  • As well as dresses, jumpsuits will look great on you. Try a halterneck style to show off your shoulders.
  • You can wear shorter shirt dresses over jeans or skinny pants.
  • A-line skirts also work really well for this shape.
  • 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.
Dresses, skirt and jumpsuit for rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Bow Wrap DressMassimo Dutti Topstitching Linen DressMango Abstract Printed JumpsuitDKNY Logo Waistband Midi Skirt

Sylvia in a red dress | 40plusstyle.com

Similar red dresses here, here and here.

How to dress the rectangle body shape: tie waist dress and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Topstitching Linen DressMassimo Dutti Tumbled Leather TrainersMichael Kors Jet Set Small Shoulder BagCOS Oval Hoop Earrings

Take a look at how to wear tunics or short dresses over pants for further inspiration.

Shoes to go with your rectangle body shape outfits

Of course, you have a huge amount of freedom when it comes to your shoe choices.

It really depends on where you want to draw attention. If you want to add a pop of color, you could choose bright shoes.

You are also likely to be able to wear shoes with an ankle strap if you have slimmer ankles and calves as you don’t need to worry about visually cutting a line across your legs.

Shoes to wear for the rectangular body | 40plusstyle.com

Massimo Dutti Leather Flat Slider SandalsMassimo Dutti Leather Toe Cap Ballet FlatsMassimo Dutti Leather High Heel MulesMassimo Dutti Tumbled Leather Trainers

Printed wrap dress and Fly London wedge sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Similar dresses from H&M, SheIn Billabong and VintageClothing and sandals from Fly London.

Above is a dress I like because of the asymmetrical elements and the unusual print.

Accessories

Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the accessories you team with your outfits

You can opt for classic styles or add some femininity with your bag choices and colors.

You can also choose feminine jewelry to contrast with what may be an athletic figure, or you can go for modern, geometric pieces like the ones I used in the photo above.

Accessories to wear for the rectangular body | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Emma ToteANINE BING Mini Colette BagMichael Kors Jet Set Small Shoulder BagKarine Sultan Beaded Medallion Pendant NecklaceCOS Oval Hoop EarringsDead Davidson Sol Statement Gemstone Drop Earrings

Accessories for the rectangular shaped body | 40plusstyle.com

Similar top, skirt, sandals, tote, hat, sunglasses and necklace

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.

How to dress the rectangle body shape: printed wide leg jumpsuit and heeled mules | 40plusstyle.com

Mango Abstract Printed JumpsuitMassimo Dutti Leather High Heel MulesANINE BING Mini Colette BagDead Davidson Sol Statement Gemstone Drop Earrings

Outfits For The Rectangle Body Type Using The Pieces Above

Below is a complete capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape from many of the items we featured above.

You can see you could switch the clothes around to get many different looks. For example, you could wear the white blazer over the green dress, the tie waist top with any of the pants, or you could wear the green cardigan as a cover-up for the print jumpsuit.

A capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com

shop the items above here:

Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

More Inspiration For The Rectangle Shape

While the capsule below is past season, all the looks are timeless so they should still provide you with ideas for your next outfits.

A capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com
A capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com

While the capsule above is suited to transitional weather, if you are looking for warmer options for the rectangle, you may find inspiration in the choices below. These items are no available online, but you can use them as inspiration and shop in your own closet.

A capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com

Want More Ideas, Check Out The Video And Other Inspiration Collages Below

Ruth gives tips on how to dress the rectangle body shape.https://www.youtube.com/embed/j-b6wRN8axA?feature=oembed

P.S.: To find out more about your unique style and what would suit your body type and personality I highly recommend our style course.

How do you dress your rectangle shape? Let us know!

Continue reading:

  1. How To Determine Your Body Shape
  2. How To Dress When You Are Tall And Where To Buy The Best Clothes For Tall Women
  3. How To Dress The Apple Body Shape

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A style guide and capsule wardrobe for the rectangle body shape | 40plusstyle.com

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