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How to style a Rectangle / Athletic body type
The rectangle body shape is characterized by equal bust, waist and hip measurements. The lack of curves makes the body appear like a column or a rectangle.
Characteristics:
· Straight shoulder line and ribcage
· Bust and hips are approximately the same width
· Small to average midriff
· Very little to no waist definition
· Straight hips and bottom
· Lack of curves throughout the body frame
· Weight gains typically distribute evenly throughout the body
The idea here is to create the illusion of curves:
- Defining the waist is the easiest and quickest way to break up the rectangle
- Pull in the waist with belts or nipped garments
- Wear darker colors around your waist area - such as a dark belt
- Avoid clothes that end at the waist or embellish it
- Don't tuck tops into trousers or skirts
Necklines:
To create some curves, round necklines - such as scoop or jewel necklines, are excellent choices
Lower, wider necklines - such as wide V, slash, scoop or sweetheart necklines, visually lengthen the shoulder and bust area
Embellishments around the décolletage such as big collars, lace trims and ruffles can also help direct the attention upwards and create additional volume
Avoid square and straight necklines (such as Sabrina) that will add squareness to your body frame
Sleeves:
Opt for sleeve styles that are embellished, such as rolled-up or cuffed sleeves, as these will draw attention.
To create volume, sleeves should be loose and wide - like flared, princess, puff or flutter sleeves.
Dresses:
A great dress for a rectangle body is balanced on top and bottom whilst pulling in the waist.
One thing to look out for in dresses is a high waist definition.
Empire line dresses, princess seam dresses, and wrap dresses are great choices for the rectangle body.
A belt is a must-have and can change the shape of any dress (even shapeless ones).
A shift dress will sit nicely on a rectangle body with a small bust and flat bottom.
Trousers & Jeans:
Choose trousers with hip, thigh or leg details such as whiskering, pockets, pleats or turn-ups to create even further interest on your lower body.
Opt for low- to mid-rise trousers with wide waistbands. High-rise trousers end right at the waist, emphasising it - avoid these.
Jeans for the rectangle body should have embellishments around the hip and bottom area to add curves to the silhouette.
Look for back pockets to add fullness to your bottom. Whiskering at the hips will add the illusion of curvier hips.
The best jeans style is a bootcut. Because it flares slightly at the bottom, it will add the right amount of volume and curve to your lower half whilst at the same time softening the squarish body frame.
Skirts:
Skirts are an ideal way to add volume to the lower body. Some ways to achieve this is through flared hemlines and details -
such as ruffles, ruching, gathering or pleats. Bright and light colours also help create volume, as do prints.
Detailed skirts are ideal - such as box pleat, bubble, panelled, layered, full circle and trumpet skirts
DO’s:
Create the illusion of curves:
Peplum tops & dresses: Peplum styles create the appearance of a more defined waist and add shape to your hips.
Belted waists: Use belts to define your waist and break up your torso. You can try wide or skinny belts, depending on your preference.
A-line skirts & dresses: These silhouettes help add volume to the lower body, balancing the straightness of the top half and creating the illusion of curves.
Ruffles & gathers: Ruffled details around the bust or hips can add texture and dimension to your figure, creating more feminine curves.
Highlight your waist :
Fit & Flare styles: These dresses or tops that fit close to the body and flare out at the waist can create an hourglass effect
High waisted bottoms: High waisted pants, skirts or shorts help elongate the legs & define the waist, giving your body more shape
Focus on structure:
Tailored, structured pieces: Structured blazers, jackets, or tops can help add definition and shape to your body.
Layering: Layering with fitted or slightly flared jackets and cardigans can create shape and add interest to your outfit.
Add dimension through patterns and textures:
Vertical stripes: These can create the illusion of height and elongate your frame.
Bold prints or patterns: Experiment with prints, but try to place them strategically around your waist or hips to add curves.
Emphasize your legs:
Skinny or straight-leg pants: Highlight your legs by choosing fitted pants or jeans that define your natural leg shape.
Short skirts or dresses: Show off your legs with shorter skirts or dresses that add femininity and balance out your proportions.
DON’Ts:
Avoid boxy, shapeless silhouettes:
Oversized or loose-fitting clothing:
Baggy or oversized tops and dresses can hide your natural shape, making you look even more straight up and down.
Avoid too much bulk around the waist, which can make you appear more rectangular.
Steer clear of shapeless tunics:
Tunics without shape: While tunics can be comfortable, they tend to hide the waist and don’t create any curves. Opt for more defined styles or add a belt to accentuate the waist.
Avoid low-rise pants:
Low-rise styles: Low-rise pants tend to drop below the natural waistline, making your waist and hips appear less defined. Stick to mid-rise or high-waisted pants to create shape.
Avoid very straight-leg or flat-front pants:
Flat or extremely straight-leg pants: These can make your body appear more straight and lack shape. Instead, opt for pants with a slight flare, bootcut, or other styles that add balance to your lower half.
Avoid long, straight-line dresses:
Straight or column-style dresses:
Dresses that fall straight down from the shoulder tend to exaggerate a rectangular frame.
Opt for dresses with more shape or structure, such as A-line, fit-and-flare, or dresses with waist-cinching details.
Additional Tips:
· Add volume: Use tops with puff sleeves, pleats, or embellishments around the bust or hips to add dimension and balance your body.
· Tops with gathering or ruching: These can help create more curves by gathering fabric around the waist, bust, or hips.
· Statement accessories: Accessories like scarves, jewelry, or handbags placed at the right spot (such as near the waist or neckline) can draw attention to specific areas, enhancing the overall silhouette.
Style recommendations for rectangle body type from Just B by Bhavna Chhabria
https://justb.co.in/p/printed-viscose-maxi-dress-with-frill-xs
https://justb.co.in/p/purple-viscose-tie-dye-frill-dress-xs
https://justb.co.in/p/red-ogee-printed-chinnon-dress-xs
https://justb.co.in/p/burgundy-printed-georgette-short-dress-xs
Remember these are just tips to make you feel empowered in your fashion choices, wear what makes you feel comfortable & confident.