How To Dress Your Body Shape {Lean Rectangle}

What is my body type?

A rectangle figure is defined as going straight up and down, with bust, waist, and hip measurements about the same.  Shoulders are neither too wide nor too narrow.  You want to create curves at the bust and hips, while narrowing the waist.

• Aim to clearly define where the bust, waist, and hips start and stop.  For example, pockets on your chest, princess seaming starting at your armhole, gathering around your empire waist to your hip line, wide waistbands, horizontal lines across the hips or waist, buttons and embellishments highlighting one area, etc.
• Look for garments with seaming to create contouring and heavier fabrics to add curves.  For example, knits fabrics add weight and princess seaming gives structure to your body.
• Experiment with prints, textures, and unique detailing that emphasize your bust, shoulders, and hips.  Tops with detailing on the chest and shoulders or pants with pockets or wide waistbands, for example.
• Necklines that are round, v-neck, u-shaped, high, or scoop neck are all flattering.
• A shirt dress with breast pockets or a wrap dress that is high waisted will enhance your derriere.
• Garments that have darts that start at the top and get smaller as they go down towards the waist will broaden your top half and cinch your waist.
• Wear a belt with dresses or tops to create a narrow waistline, making your bust and hips appear curvier.
• Jackets and tops with tie belts, rather than buttons will make you appear curvier.  If these jackets and tops have princess seaming it will also create curves.  Make sure the seaming curves out from the arm-hole versus down from the shoulder to enhance your bust. A snug, fitted jacket with large collars adds visual interest that is really flattering on your body shape.  If the hem if the jacket or top has a peplum it will give volume to your hips.
• Boot cut and wide legged trousers that sit at the hip are flattering, adding volume to the bottom half of your body.  If you are short, wear jeans that have high pockets to elongate your legs.  Show off your legs with skinny jeans and knee high boots.  You can wear straight legged trousers as well, but pair it with something that broadens the hip area, like an embellished belt, wide waistband, or pockets and buttons on the front.
• Heels will enhance curviness.
• For a put together look, wear a tailored thigh or knee length jacket with a top and bottom in similar colors.  Pair a gray trench with navy slacks and navy & white blouse, for example.  The tailored trench gives your body structure and curves, while the coordinated colors give a streamlined and sophisticated look.
• Add curves to your chest with lighter-toned tops.
• Look for yoke gathered skirts which have visual interest but also give your body curves.

Cameron Diaz is a rectangle shape.  Cameron’s dress narrows her waist with a cinched  waistline, adds curves to her bust with a scarf and to her hips with a with a pleated dress and heavier weighted fabric.   Her look is streamlined because she keeps the same colors- red and white.

Other body types are here.