Rectangular Body Type
Attributes
- Figure appears to be the same width at the shoulders waist and hips
- Weight is evenly distributed creating a very linear silhouette
- The waist is usually larger making it the same width as the shoulders and hips
General Stylist Tips
The illusion of curves and a waistline achieved through clothing will offset a very linear body and can be accomplished by…
- Creating volume at the shoulders with loose tops such as caftans or various short sleeve styles including the puff sleeves that are in fashion
- Flares, gathers and pleats are design details that will draw attention down and out, away from the middle
- Belts are your new best friend, especially those with fabulous buckles which will create the illusion of a nipped in waistline
Stylist Tips for Fall/Winter
- Dresses
- Styles that emphasize the waist either through structure or belting such as Michael Kors beautiful style.
- Strategic draping and folds (think origami) at the midline will draw the eye in creating the illusion of a waistline.
- A belted dress with a loose cut and short hemline often found in tunic shapes will emphasize your waist and flow easily over your shoulders.
- Drapey shoulder dresses (think Kimono) will create the illusion that your shoulders are wider than your waist.
- The trapeze dress trend continues which is great for you because this easy style flows over your midsection and flares out creating a feminine look.
- Blouses
- Neckline embellishment whether it's rhinestones, sequins or ruffles will act to draw the eye upward
- Puff, balloon, kimono...these are all sleeve styles you should become familiar with. Basically, they are slight variations on a voluminous sleeve and will make your shoulders appear wider than your midline.
- Trapeze styles will look great on this shape
- Tie neck tops are so on trend. A more conservative approach is a slouchy blouse featuring a loose tie at the neckline. For a night out a halter style with a bow is fun and flirty.
- Pants
- This season's hot wide leg menswear inspired trousers create volume where it's needed.
- The sailor style pants are a great look for you as the front button detailing will draw attention outward at the hips
- Pants with pleats are a little more voluminous and lead the eye downward.
- Skirts
- Voluminous silhouettes including bubble, a-line and circle will flatter this shape.
- A peplum waisted skirt is the newest silhouette and will easily balance your figure, creating the illusion of a wider hip area.
- This season's newest style, the bell skirt, works great for you. Choose one with a bit of structured volume to lead the eye outward.