How to dress a rectangle body shape: A comprehensive styling guide
Ever put on an outfit and felt like it just hangs on you—no curves, no definition, just… there?
If you have a rectangle body shape, you might know the struggle of trying to create shape when your waist doesn’t naturally nip in. It can feel like nothing truly flatters your figure the way you want it to.
But the good news? The right styling tricks can change everything. Once you know how to work with your natural shape, you’ll see just how easy it is to create a silhouette you love.
This guide is all about helping you embrace your rectangle body shape with confidence..
Ready to discover how to rock your rectangle body shape? Let’s get started!
What is the rectangle body shape?
The rectangle body shape, also known as the "banana" body type, is defined by balanced proportions. If you have a rectangle shape, your bust, waist, and hips are usually around the same width, meaning you don't have much curve at the waist or hips.
Think of it as having a more straight-up-and-down silhouette—no sharp curves or dramatic dips in the middle. This body type is sometimes referred to as “athletic-looking”.
If you're not sure if you fit the description, here’s a quick way to tell:
- Bust – Your bust measurement is about the same as your hips.
- Waist – Your waist is fairly straight, with minimal curve (this is the part where you may not have a super defined waistline).
- Hips – Your hips are roughly the same width as your bust, creating a more straight-up-and-down look.
What’s amazing about the rectangle body shape is that you have a blank canvas to work with when it comes to fashion.
With the right clothing and styling, you can define your waist, and highlight your natural beauty.
Styling tips for the rectangle body shape
Okay, now that you’ve got the basics on what the rectangle body shape is, let’s talk about how to style it in a way that makes you feel incredible.
Create Curves with Tailored Silhouettes
Enhance your natural shape with the right clothes. For example, peplum tops add a slight flare at the bottom, making your waist look smaller and your hips appear fuller. Belts are a simple way to bring definition to your waist—try wearing one with a dress, a blouse, or high-waisted pants for a more shaped look.
The goal is to add shape at the waist or hips so your outfit looks more flattering and well-fitted.
Emphasize Your Legs
One of the best features of a rectangle body shape? Your legs! Here’s how to make them stand out:
- Skirts and dresses: Choose styles that stop above the knee or at mid-calf. A little flare at the bottom can make your shape look more balanced.
- Tailored pants and flared jeans: High-waisted pants make your legs look longer. Flared jeans add some width at the bottom, balancing your body.
- Vertical stripes: Clothes with up-and-down stripes make your legs look even longer.
Balance Your Body Shape
Your rectangle shape is already well-balanced, but these tips will make your outfits look even better:
- Color blocking: Wearing dark colors around your waist (like black pants or a dark belt) can help define your shape. Brighter colors on top or bottom add fun and style.
- Patterns: Stripes, flowers, or bold designs can make your body look more shapely
- Layering: Adding a jacket, vest, or peplum top can create more shape and make your outfit look more put-together.
The goal here is to create balance, and using colors, patterns, and layers to highlight your best features is an easy way to give your body shape more dimension. Plus, you’ll feel amazing knowing you’ve totally got this down!
Best clothing for the rectangle body shape
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—clothes!
The key to finding the best clothing for your rectangle shape is all about creating definition and playing with proportions. No need for tight, figure-hugging outfits (unless you’re into that!), but more about adding balance and structure where you want them.
Let’s talk about the types of clothing that will complement your body shape and help you embrace your unique features with confidence!
Tops
Let’s start with tops, shall we? The goal here is to create a bit of shape in the upper body and give you that beautiful balance.
- Fitted Tops: Think fitted tees or button-ups—anything that hugs your bust and waist a bit more. It’ll help you create a more defined shape.
- Tops with Details: Look for tops that have some texture, like ruffles, drapes, or fun embellishments. These little touches add dimension and give your upper body a more curvy look.
- Peplum Blouses: Peplum blouses naturally define the waist and add a touch of flow and movement, creating a stylish and balanced look that highlights your proportions
Dresses and Jumpsuits
Next up, dresses and jumpsuits! These are such a fun way to create definitions.
- A-Line Dresses: These dresses flare out from the waist, making it look like you’ve got curves in all the right places. Plus, they’re super flattering!
- Fit-and-Flare Dresses: These are basically A-line dresses, but they really cinch at the waist and give you that nice hourglass effect.
- Belted Jumpsuits: Jumpsuits with belts help add gentle definition, bringing attention to the waist, and highlighting your natural proportions
Bottoms
Now, let’s talk bottoms, because they’re so important for balancing things out!
- Wide-Leg Pants: If you’re looking to add some volume to the lower half of your body, wide-leg pants are your best friend. They’ll elongate your legs and balance out your shape.
- Flared Jeans: Flared jeans are so flattering on rectangle shapes! They add volume around your lower body, giving you that curvier silhouette.
- A-Line Skirts: These are perfect for giving you a bit of volume in the hip area. It’s all about creating that balance between your top and bottom.
Outerwear
And finally, outerwear. We can't forget this! The right jacket or blazer can totally change your game.
- Tailored Jackets: A fitted jacket that cinches at the waist is everything! It’ll give you more of that hourglass look while also adding structure to your outfit.
- Trench Coats: A trench with a belt at the waist? Yes, please! It pulls everything in and gives you curves without any effort.
- Structured Blazers: A well-structured blazer can really define your waist, and trust me, it’s going to make your shape look so polished and sleek.
With these clothing choices, you’ll feel more confident in your own skin and know exactly how to showcase your figure in the best possible way.
Ready to make your wardrobe work for you? Let’s keep it moving!
Styling mistakes to avoid for the rectangle body shape
We've covered all the fun styling tips and tricks to help you embrace your rectangle body shape, but let's talk about something equally important: what not to do.
The goal isn’t to avoid certain styles entirely, but to be mindful of what doesn’t compliment your shape as well as others. We want to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up!
So, let’s take a quick look at some common styling mistakes that can make your rectangle body shape look less defined—and how to avoid them.
Overly Boxy Fits
Loose, shapeless clothes can hide your natural figure instead of highlighting it. If your outfit just hangs on you, it won’t bring out your best features.
Instead, choose pieces with structure—like a belted jacket or a fitted top—to add definition while still feeling comfortable. You can still go for a relaxed look, just make sure it flatters your frame!
Too Much Straight-Lined Clothing
Straight-cut clothing can be stylish, but if everything you wear is straight-lined, it can make your body look too flat.
Instead, mix in styles that add some shape, like A-line skirts, empire-waist dresses, or tops that gather at the waist.
Ignoring Waist Definition
Your waist is a key part of your look, so don’t let it disappear!
Without waist definition, your outfit can look blocky and less flattering. Simple tricks—like adding a belt, choosing waist-cinching dresses, or wearing tops that naturally taper in—make a big difference. You don’t need anything too tight, just enough to add some shape and dimension to your frame.
By avoiding these styling mistakes, you’ll find that dressing for your rectangle body shape becomes so much easier and more fun! It’s all about finding that balance between comfort and flattering your natural proportions. So now that we know what to avoid, let’s keep embracing your gorgeous figure, shall we?
Embrace your rectangle body shape with confidence
At the end of the day, the rectangle body shape is just as beautiful and versatile as any other.
Whether it’s creating curves with tailored silhouettes, experimenting with different clothing styles, or finding the perfect accessories, the key is to embrace what makes your body unique.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!
If you’re ready to take the next step in discovering how to style your body shape with ease, EveryLook is here to help.
With our AI look book generator, you can visualize how clothes will look on you, helping you find your perfect style without any guesswork. Say goodbye to shopping frustration and hello to confidence!
