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THE BODY BRIEF: DRESSING THE RECTANGLE

A picture of four sexy female butts over white background

shapeDressing for your body type correctly is one of the most important parts of curating your style and projecting your desired image or style persona into the world. Never underestimate the value of knowing yourself and your body thoroughly. This kind of in-depth knowledge about yourself can prove to be extremely useful when dressing up for the life you want to have.

Today in The Body Brief we are focusing on the rectangle body shape also known as that “H,” column, or banana. If you belong in this body shape category, you possess the following key characteristics:

  • You have little to no waist definition
  • Your hips tend to be a similar width as your full bust
  • You have straight hips and may have a flat or small bottom.

It’s a common misconception to think that all rectangular body types have overtly boyish figures. Some women with rectangle body shapes don’t appear athletic on account of softer shoulders. The important thing to remember for this body type is that the absence of a prominent waist is what needs to be paid the most attention to. It’s all about creating the illusion of a defined waist.

Embrace your body, rectangle body types are relatively easy to dress. Once you master your problem area (the waist), you’ll be well on your way to being a fully-fledged style maven.

The main aims when dressing the rectangular body shape are:

  • Draw attention upwards
  • Create the illusion of a waist.
  • Add dimension to your shape.

Draw attention above the bustline

Never underestimate the power of an accessory or high placed statement style element to give your overall appearance high impact. It’s a great way to integrate trends into your look as well as ensure that the attention is above your bust line. 

EyesUpSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Master your upper body

  • Never underestimate the impact of a good bra to hold your girls up and lengthen your torso and remember to adjust the straps to maintain the effect after each wash. 
  • Add flattering curves to your shape by experimenting with clothing shapes and fabric textures. For example, a top with volume tucked into a slim skirt or pants will work wonders in creating some curvy illusion as will wide pants with a fitted top.
  • Garments in soft fabrics will add softness and femininity to your straight shape.
  • Structured garments in stiffer fabrics will also look fabulous if they have waist definition.
  • Curvy embellishments and shapes such as lace, ruffles, shawl lapels, wrap dresses and tops will look wonderful one you. 
  • Jackets with defined shoulders will assist in help define your waist.
  • Whittle your waist by wearing tapered or slim sleeves.
  • Avoid sleeves or design lines which end at or near your waist as the strong horizontal line will visually add width to your torso.
  • If you are full busted show more skin with medium to low necklines.

Curvier

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Whittle your waist

This is the most important body part/area for you to get right. The goal is to create a silhouette with a subtle hint of a waist or alternatively, to bypass the waist with a waistless floaty garment. 

When it comes to your waist the key is to keep it understated and bulk free. Gently waist shaped garments are best at giving you the illusion of a waist but straight shifts and tops will work too. 

  • Belts are not your Enemy

    Belts are great for creating a waist when you know the right width and styles to choose. In addition, dark belts are best at creating the illusion of a waist.If you have short waist, avoid all small belts that will draw undue attention to it.If you have a long torso, you can use all manner of belts and belt buckles exposed under an open jacket is also a great way for you to gain waist detail.Never belt your waist belt tightly; it just creates a look that is unnatural and unflattering to any type of shape. 

WaistSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Have fun with your lower body

  • Because of your straight hips you can wear almost any style of pant. Those with pleats are especially attractive on you.
  • When it comes to skirts, you can have fun with shape from A-lines to contoured skirts with a strong structure. These pieces will all look fabulous on you.

Lower BodySource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4

Follow your muse

Finally, If you find yourself lacking style inspiration you can look to celebrities which share a body type. Here are some celebrities to look to for rectangle body shape style inspiration:

  1. Cameron Diaz
  2. Nicole Kidman
  3. Hilary Duff
  4. Queen Latifah
  5. Gwyneth Paltrow
  6. Natalie Portman

Celebs

Important: This information is only pertains to the rectangular body shape. Your body has many other characteristics that also need to be taken into account and can alter some of the recommendations. Prêtàstyler is the perfect tool for finding your perfect garments and making you look fabulous from top to toe.

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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


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