Body Shape CalculatorRectangle body shape outfits create a waist, because the bust, waist and hips of a rectangle figure are close in size. The best rectangle outfits add curves at the bust and hips or draw a line at the waist with belts, peplums and wrap cuts.
A rectangle body shape has bust and hips within 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) and a waist less than 9 inches (22.9 cm) smaller than the bust. Rectangle outfits work when they build shape that the straight outline does not show. Measure your shape first if you are not sure you have a rectangle figure.
What Is the Main Rule for Rectangle Outfits?
The main rule for rectangle outfits is to create a waist. Belts, seams and contrast at the waist break the straight line, and volume at the bust and hips makes the waist look narrower by comparison.
What Tops Suit a Rectangle Body Shape?
Tops for a rectangle body shape add curve or structure.
- Peplum tops: peplums flare below the waist and add hip curve.
- Wrap tops: wrap tops cross at the waist and draw a diagonal line.
- Ruffled or textured tops: ruffles and texture at the bust add volume.
- Tucked blouses: tucking a blouse marks the waist.
What Bottoms Suit a Rectangle Body Shape?
Bottoms for a rectangle body shape add shape at the hips.
- Flared and wide-leg jeans: flared legs add width below the hips.
- Paperbag trousers: gathered waistbands create a waist.
- Pleated and A-line skirts: pleats and flares add hip volume.
What Dresses Suit a Rectangle Body Shape?
Dresses for a rectangle body shape have a waist seam or a belt. Belted shirt dresses, wrap dresses, fit-and-flare dresses and dresses with cut-outs at the sides create a waist.
What Outerwear Suits a Rectangle Body Shape?
Outerwear for a rectangle body shape is belted or peplum-cut. Belted trench coats, peplum jackets and wrap coats add a waist to layered outfits.
What Should a Rectangle Wear for Different Occasions?
For different occasions, a rectangle wears waist-creating pieces.
- Work: a peplum blouse, a belted blazer and wide-leg trousers.
- Casual: a tucked tee, flared jeans and a belted cardigan.
- Date night: a wrap dress or a dress with a defined waist seam.
- Formal: a fit-and-flare gown with a belted waist.
What Should a Rectangle Body Shape Avoid?
A rectangle body shape avoids clothing that stays straight from top to bottom. Shift dresses without a belt, boxy tops worn untucked and straight-cut coats keep the outline straight.
What Is a Rectangle Capsule Wardrobe?
A rectangle capsule wardrobe is 10 pieces that combine into waist-creating outfits.
- Peplum top
- Wrap blouse
- Flared jeans
- Paperbag trousers
- Pleated skirt
- Belted shirt dress
- Fit-and-flare dress
- Belted trench coat
- Peplum jacket
- Medium-width belt
Why Don't Clothes Fit a Rectangle Figure?
Clothes with built-in waist shaping often hang loose on a rectangle figure, because they assume a smaller waist than bust and hips. Straight-cut pieces fit a rectangle figure, and a belt adds the shape afterwards.