How To Dress A Rectangle Body Shape - The Well Dressed Life

Understanding your unique body type is a key step in creating a style and wardrobe you love.

So over the next five days we’re going to highlight each one, and breaking down the best tips and recommendations for each body type, starting with The Rectangle.

You might also hear a rectangle referred to as “straight.”

Rectangle Body Shape Formula

A rectangle shape is defined by your shoulders and hips measuring about the same and a waistline with little to no definition.

There is an actual equation you can use to see where you fall.

Measure your waist and your shoulders or bust and plug those numbers in the formula below:

Rectangle Formula: Waist ÷ Shoulders or Bust = ≥ .75

If the number you get is ≥ .75, your waist is less than 25% smaller than your shoulders or bust, then you fall into the rectangle category.

You are considered a rectangle body shape when your shoulders and hips are proportionate, with little definition in the waist.

How to Dress a Rectangle Body Shape

NOTE: Bone structure dictates body type rather than weight and height. Of course, we consider all of these factors when we get dressed, so these guidelines are just that, guidelines.

Think of it like this:

Body Type is your bone structure, your body composition.

Fit/Size is your proportion; you may be “regular,” petite, tall, or plus.

Weight is a factor that tends to fluctuate for many of us.

It’s helpful to read about all the different body types because the more you understand balance and proportion, the easier it will be to get dressed.

Also, you can absolutely fall into two body types; you’ll want to learn about both so you can start to find your way between them.

For example, I’m a rectangle, but when I have some extra weight, I benefit from understanding how to dress a pair shape too.

The Challenges of a Rectangle Body Shape

The main challenge a rectangle faces when getting dressed is her subtle waist.

Some “experts” will tell you a rectangle lack curves, but I disagree.

Many rectangles, myself included, have curves.

Our challenge is highlighting them in a balanced way which usually comes back to defining our waistline.

Below, I rounded up four images of celebrities with rectangle body shapes to give you a visual.

I included different heights and sizes to show how diverse each body type can be.

Famous Rectangle Body Types

Let’s start with Kate Hudson.

She is about 5’6 and the most “typical” of the rectangles with her thin and athletic build. In this picture, her exaggerated and daring v-neckline pulls the eye toward her waist, creating the illusion of a smaller waist.

Of course, you don’t need to go so low.

In real life a tradition v-neck line gives the same effect.

Next, Reese Witherspoon is a true petite at 5’1. In this outfit, she’s wearing a peplum top with long skinny jeans, creating both a cinched waist and a curve at the hip.

The stunning Queen Latifah is my favorite example because she is tall, 5’10, and considered “plus-size.”

Interestingly, people often assume that you must be an hourglass if you are curvy, but she is an excellent example of a curvy rectangle.

You’ll notice the perfect placement of her blazer button with a strong shoulder. This combination creates a beautiful shape, elongates her neck, and shows off her stature.

Anne Hathaway is also on the tall end of the spectrum at 5’8.

I love this unexpected look because it shows the variety of styles a rectangle can wear, especially pieces with asymmetrical detail, texture, and pattern.

Of course, her height helps her pull off all this at once, but you can mimic the general theories she’s combining.

For example, the skirt and blouse create contrast, and her waistband sits at the smallest part. She’s also wearing a top with an embellished v-neck, a go-to trick for rectangles.

Finally, her pointed shoes give an elegant, long finish to the line of her body.