This is the start of a brand new series on the blog where we explore the five main body shapes. In turn, we pick out the most common features and then give you our best styling tips to help you feel your most confident self. Whether you know your shape or you’ve no idea, perhaps you’ve had a change in weight and have no clue how to style your new body. Today’s turn is for the rectangles. Keep reading for our best rectangle body shape outfits.
What are the characteristics of a rectangle body shape?
You might be wondering what exactly is a rectangle body shape. Whilst you might not fit every stereotypical characteristic, you’ll fit most as a whole. Below are considered to be typical features of a rectangle body shape:
- Straight line shoulders
- Bust, waist and hips are a similar width
- Very little waist definition
- General lack of curves up and down
- Tend to be tall and slim
- Have been described as having a ‘boyish’ figure
You should thank your lucky stars because most clothes have been designed to fit your body. You’ll be able to tell from the model if you think an item will fit you or not.
You might find that you don’t fit every single characteristic but you’re thereabouts. If not, why not check out our other body shape outfit guides for hourglass, pear, triangle and oval figures?
How to style a rectangle body shape
Whilst you can get away with wearing just about everything, there are some styling tips you should know about for dressing your rectangle figure.
Accentuate your waist
Belts and drawstrings will become your new best friend! You have to create the illusion of a waistline by creating the shape with your clothing. The easiest way to do this is with a belt, whether it’s on a pair of high-waisted jeans, chinos or a skirt. A higher waist will cinch you in and naturally create curves. A classic leather belt in brown or tan will never go out of style either.
When it comes to outerwear, many of our jacket styles come with internal drawstrings or external straps to allow you to pull the waist in. Just simply buttoning up a blazer will create a slimmer waistline! For casual days, our Danby shooting smock features an external drawstring waist and the Askwith short riding jacket has elastic running through the waist. If you prefer a more traditional country jacket, the Wrelton tweed jacket features rear waist tabs for a more defined look and the Milly wax jacket features a high waisted belt for a cinched in look.
Elongate your neck and shoulder line
On your top half, look out for V-neck and scoop neck tops to elongate your top half. Show off your lines by a lower cut of top. Our short sleeved V-neck blouses are a feminine take on this styling tip. Additionally, look for tops with shoulder detailing, such as flutter sleeves or embellishments. Many who have a larger bust don’t enjoy wearing these styles of tops but because you want to make yourself look curvier, these details make your shoulders appear slightly longer, making your waist look smaller and therefore creating more curves to your outfit.
Another option is to go sleeveless. It’s not always suitable for all seasons but especially in summer, you should embrace it! Whether it’s a floaty camisole, a polo shirt or a country button-up shirt, there are so many options to show off your shoulders.
Create more curves on your body
Investing in shapewear is one of the easiest ways to do this. From push-up bras and bodysuits to slip dresses and shaping shorts, all of these underneath your clothes will give the illusion of a less rectangular shape. Again, choose which suits your body shape best and be sure to get measured by a specialist if necessary. Just try not to buy items that are uncomfortable. We’re proof that an outfit should be practical, cosy and trendy but definitely not restrictive!
Wear well-fitted clothing
By avoiding oversized clothes, you automatically show off your streamlined shape. Boxy fits emphasise your rectangle shape as being straight up and down whereas well-fitted items allow you to show off your favourite body parts. Don’t confuse fitted with tight though as you still want to be comfortable and be able to move!
A fitted country checked shirt is a necessity for every country lady but especially for those with a rectangle shape. We’d recommend a full button-up shirt for your figure and you can find just about every colour under the sun in our collection! Lots of our customers start with one and soon end up having a whole selection of their own. Whether you prefer a chunky gingham pattern or a more subtle thin checked print, you can even roll up the sleeves for a casual day out. Many shirts feature a contrasting lining too for some extra cool girl points!
Get yourself a pair of well-fitting skinny jeans
This is a styling trick for most country ladies but especially if you have a rectangular body type. A pair of dark wash skinny jeans will become the base for many outfits and they go with just about any top half item, from basic T-shirts and sweatshirts to chunky knitwear and checked shirts. Ours are made from a stretchy material so they never feel too snug and the mid-waist fit is very flattering. Create more of a shape by adding a bright coloured polo belt through the loops.
Experiment with patterns and colours
Because of your well-proportioned shape, you can get away with trying lots of patterns and colours if you choose to. The general rule of thumb is to go colourful on either the top half or the bottom half and then choose a more neutral item on the other. For example, dark wash jeans look great with any patterned or brightly coloured top. Alternatively, you could pair a white or black top with a bright pair of chinos or a skirt.
An exception to this rule is a tweed skirt. Our collection of tweed skirts are all in classic, muted country colours but then we recommend finding a shirt that matches the colourful thread running through the tweed. By picking out one colour of thread, you pull the outfit together for a classic but feminine country lady look. A tweed skirt is a great fitted piece to dress up and down for a variety of occasions too!
It’s not difficult to find rectangle body shape outfits but there are some styling hacks to getting the right fit for whatever occasion it might be. By sticking to a few staples and outfit formulas, you can mix and match your country wardrobe to find the perfect outfit for your body type.
