The Ultimate Fashion Guide for a Rectangle Trunk Shape

Finding the best wearing apparel for your body shape has never been easier.

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Personal fashion is, well, personal. And since each of our bodies are unique, embracing our shapes and highlighting the avails we love most begins with finding wearing apparel that fit our frames properly. That's why it helps to know what your general body shape is, and the styles that'll help you look your best. So for all the rectangular women out there (also commonly referred to every bit an athletic trunk blazon), consider this your ultimate manner guide for dressing a rectangle body shape.

What is a rectangle body shape?

Rectangular, athletic, or straight—withal yous refer to this trunk type, it's generally adamant past your measurements. Here are some characteristics that often apply to help you determine if you autumn under this category:

• Your shoulders, bust, and hip measurements are fairly uniform.

• Your waist is more than straight than curvy.

• Your trunk shape resembles that of Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, or Kate Middleton.

Not sure if this description fits you? Watch our body measurements video and take hold of a measuring tape to find out which body shape you fall under. We likewise have manner tips for alpine torso types, plus sizes, and petite figures.

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iii tips to clothes for your body type

Before we bound into the specifics of how to dress a rectangle-shaped body, there are a few universal tips we'd similar to share. These are important to remember regardless of what shape or size you are, because they're designed to assist anyone create a proportioned frame.

1. Rest it out

Torso shape is almost entirely based on your os structure—non your weight. Use your outfit to balance your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips.

2. Draw the center

Utilise lines to focus the eye where you desire it to go. They can assist you create curves, lengthen, or emphasize your favorite parts of your body.

three. Think about color

Your middle is as well fatigued to patterns and low-cal, brilliant colors more so than solid blackness or navy. Keep this in listen when choosing separates.

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What to wear if you have a rectangle-shaped body

Now that nosotros've established a baseline, let'southward go specific. Here are the best tops, jackets, pants, dresses, and accessories to complement a rectangle-shaped frame.

Best tops for rectangle body shapes

1 of the biggest perks of having a rectangular body shape is that you get to cull which assets you want to play up. If y'all're looking to create the appearance of curves, you'll want tops that accentuate your top half and give shape to your waist.

i. Scoop-neck
An open neckline is a great way to draw the attention upward and the puff sleeves on this top assistance keep information technology there.

2. V-cervix
Whether yous go with a deep 5 or something a little more than shallow, this neckline is platonic for highlighting your collarbone.

3. Sweetheart
Shaped similar the top of a heart, this neckline is scalloped to create curves, and the peplum bodice accentuates the waist.

4. Detailed collar
A split up mock-neck paired with raglan sleeves pulls the eye up by adding volume to your upper trunk.

Best jeans for rectangle body shapes

The key to creating a proportional expect is to brand certain your jeans complement the silhouette of your blouse or T-shirt. If you're going voluminous on top, residual information technology out with something fitted on bottom, and vice versa.

High-waisted jeans

i. High-waisted
Especially in darker washes, high-rise jeans (or mid-rise for a shorter body) will brand your legs look a mile long.

Wide-leg jeans

2. Broad-leg
This roomy silhouette fills out your hips, thighs, and derrière.

Slim-straight jeans

3. Slim-directly
An culling to super-skinny jeans, which only exaggerate a rectangular frame.

Best pants for rectangle torso shapes

Keep proportion in mind to create curves where you desire them. This is a fun category for rectangle shapes since they can pull off most statement styles.

Pleated pants

1. Pleated
Add book to your lower half with flowy, glamorous pleating.

Printed pants

2. Printed
Any motif will add together depth and texture to your straight silhouette.

Flared pants

3. Flared
The leg opening creates curves and looks neat with classic pumps.

Straight pants

4. Direct
More forgiving than skinny jeans merely as as chic, straight or slim legs add together a modern touch to any look.

Best dresses for rectangle body shapes

The hardest part virtually picking a dress for a rectangle body shape? Narrowing down the options. Almost every blazon of apparel will complement your frame, so it really is just about deciding which styles are your favorites.

Fit-and-flare pants

1. Fit-and-flare
The fitted waist defines your midsection, while the roomier skirt adds a little flounce to each step.

Belted pants

2. Belted
A flowy dress assorted with a belt is a bang-up mode to cinch the waist and create an hourglass silhouette.

Ruched pants

3. Ruched
Between the flutter sleeves, swingy skirt, and ruched detailing, this clothes instantly creates an hourglass shape.

Puff selves

4. Puff sleeves
Dramatic, ruched sleeves add interesting texture and contrast to the fragile, airy shape of the dress.

All-time jackets for rectangle body shapes

More than only for keeping warm, your top layer can do a lot to add dimension to your frame. It's one of our favorite ways to complete an outfit.

1. Trench
A staple for rainy days, a trench coat is a classic topper that pairs well with simply about any outfit. Habiliment it open or necktie the belt for more shape.

2. Duster
One thing to remember is that y'all can easily pull off bold colors. Add a popular of brightness to your wait with a flowy, open-front jacket.

3. Belted
A pillowy-soft hooded belong feels like a coating, only the attached leather belt makes it a chic outer layer.

4. Vest
Add edge to simply virtually any look with a moto-inspired leather belong. The notched lapels add together structure to your upper body, which helps depict the eye up.

Stylish accessories for rectangular body shapes

Certain, the right pieces are essential for creating a balanced silhouette, but accessories are but equally important in bringing an entire look together.

1. Rounded-toe
If you lot're concerned near appearing too rectangular, a shoe with a rounded-toe design is a flattering selection.

2. Statement earrings
They bring the focus upwardly and frame your face beautifully. It'due south our favorite way to add a dramatic touch to any outfit.

three. Waist belts
A holy grail for rectangular body shapes, this simple accessory is the fastest way to create a flattering silhouette.

4. Pointed-toe
To appear taller, booties with a pointed-toe in a neutral shade elongate the legs beautifully.

Best swimwear for a rectangle-shaped figure

You can create the wait of a curvier frame with the right pieces.

Cut-out one-piece

1. Cut-out one-piece
Mimic an hourglass shape with strategically placed cut-outs.

Triangular tops

2. Triangular tops
Unlike directly bandeau tops, these will requite you some shape.

Prints

3. Prints
Add feminine flair to create the appearance of a curvier top and lesser.

High-cut bottoms

iv. High-cutting bottoms
A full-coverage manner in a bold color or print fills out your hips.

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three outfit ideas for rectangle shapes

Now that you know what styles are most flattering on a rectangular body shape, nosotros're going to show yous how that translates into a complete outfit. Taking pieces from the categories above, we've put together iii looks so you can visualize how it all comes together.

Everyday outfit

I of the easiest ways to add curves is with a billowy shirt. We went with a micro-print blouse with a 5-neckline and puff sleeves to emphasize the volume on tiptop. To balance out the expect, we added a pair of slim denim in a dark wash and finished with a chugalug to visually create the appearance of a waistline. Smoothen the wait off with your favorite pointy-toe booties or flats to lengthen your legs.

Sophisticated workwear

Because a rectangular body shape tin can easily pull off bright colors and assuming prints, we idea it'd be fun to style an out-of-the-box work look. For a fresh accept on your office attire, choose a vibrant, printed top with statement sleeves. Anchor the blouse with a slim-fitting pair of pants in a complementary color to rest out the volume of the shirt. Then, add together an office-appropriate 3rd slice, similar a lightweight trench. Neutral-colored heels and a chic pair of earrings are the perfect accessories to bring the outfit together.

Out on the town

Remember what we said nearly dresses and a rectangular body shape? The options are nearly countless when it comes to choosing a flattering silhouette, and then the easiest style to pick a manner is to decide which assets you want to highlight. To create the advent of an hourglass silhouette, nosotros chose a fit-and-flare apparel. The puff sleeves and low neckline work to draw the middle upwardly, while the tiered brim has enough volume to balance out the silhouette. Nosotros especially dearest how the fitted bodice creates a waistline.

Want to know more than?

Nosotros're sharing answers to the often asked questions about dressing a rectangular torso shape. Click the questions beneath for more way communication.

Is there a particular silhouette that I should avoid wearing?

Luckily for our rectangular-shaped women, you can wear just about anything and look incredible in information technology. Merely know that annihilation too fitted will accentuate the straightness of your frame.

What are the best fabrics for a rectangular body shape?

Since the goal is to create the advent of curves, flowy fabrics like chiffon, cotton, satin, and silk are optimal choices for flattering your silhouette.

Is a pencil skirt flattering on a rectangular shape?

Information technology definitely is! Tailored and fitted pieces look peachy on an athletic shape, so don't shy away from trying it. Way your brim with a peplum summit or a billowy blouse tucked in.

How tin can I accentuate my waist bated from using a chugalug?

A top with a fitted bodice, mid- to high-rise bottoms, and curt jackets are all simple and effective ways to highlight your waist.

What are the all-time patterns for a rectangle body shape?

Because this silhouette tends to be proportional, the heaven'southward the limit with the prints and colors you lot can wear. Apply bright colors and assuming patterns to emphasize the parts of your figure yous'd like to highlight.

What is the all-time swimsuit for a rectangle body shape?

If yous're looking to create the advent of an hourglass effigy, bikini-manner necklines and loftier-cut hips volition get the job done. Cutout designs and solid-color suits with contrasting side panels are strategic elements that aid give your body some shape. Learn more than about finding your perfect swimwear here.

So, there yous take it. Everything you need to know about finding the most flattering fit for a rectangular silhouette. Still have specific questions or need help dressing for your trunk type? Visit the Nordstrom Blog for additional tips for styling, beauty and activewear.

Find your new favorite must-haves with personal styling.