The second in my body profiles, this week I’m going to tackle the Rectangle body shape.
As usual, I want to caveat this post, by saying that this is not about fighting your body shape, nor aspiring to a body perfect ideal (especially as there isn’t one). It’s about understanding your individual shape and proportions so that you can dress in the most confident way possible. Once you understand your body shape, you know where to add detail and volume, and where to keep details to a minimum, in order to make the most of your body.
So, let’s turn to definitions. We say you’re a rectangle if your waist is less than 25% smaller than your shoulder and bust, and your shoulder, bust and hip measurements are within 5% of each other. In other words, a Rectangular body is fairly straight up and down, with square shoulders.
Keep the waist clear
Dress, £33.60, Oasis
When there is no defined waist, there is often a temptation to fake it using belts and paperbag style waistlines, but this can have the opposite effect. Instead, keep the waist clear to elongate the area. Look for empire or princess line dresses that fit below the bust and then flare naturally out into a subtle A-line.
Fluidity is key
Jeans, £240, Citizens of Humanity, Harvey Nichols
Often in styling, it’s a case of opposites attract. For example, when shopping for glasses, if you have a round face squarer styles will suit you, and vice versa. It’s the same here. Squarer body shapes such as the rectangle (and the column), need more softness and fluidity in clothing. Fabrics that are fluid, such as silk, Tencel, or viscose, or are bias cut, are going to drape softly over square bodies and be more flattering than stiff ones, such as canvas, or thick denim. This doesn’t mean jeans are out; instead, look for boyfriend styles that tend to hang loosely from the hips and will be better than a stiff, straight leg style on your frame.
Never a square
Skirt, £99, Anine Bing, theoutnet.com
Avoid any square details that will mirror your body shape. For example, big square pockets, and shirts tucked straight into your bottom half will accentuate the squareness of your body. Instead, consider asymmetrical hemlines on tops and skirts that will help break up the squareness, thereby creating a more fluid line. Look also for tailored jackets (ones that nip in at the waist rather than belted styles) ending at the hip or even mid-thigh rather than your waist to create more soft lines.
Volume
Collared blouser, £49.99, Mango, mango.com
If you’re looking to create more curves, an easy cheat is to add volume or detailing in the areas you want to enhance: in this case your bust, shoulders or hips. A statement collar or puff sleeve will build out the shoulder, while a flared skirt, peplum waist or combat trousers will add volume on your bottom half. The Duchess of Cambridge - a classic rectangle - has (mostly) mastered the peplum, and it’s fair to say that a good peplum doesn’t come cheap. Alexander McQueen has this wonderful peplum cardigan and consistently does the most flattering styles. For my more petite clients, my go-to is Roland Mouret.
I hope this is helpful, but if you have any questions, do drop me a line in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help. Styling is often not intuitive, despite what we’re led to believe!
And if there are any problems you’d like to see me tackle in upcoming posts, do let me know.
Prue x