What is the Rectangle Body Shape & How Do You Style It?

What is the rectangle body shape?

A rectangle body shape is a body with a straight waist and minimal curves. According to Le Blanc, “The rectangle body shape is defined by having a straight and lean figure” with “not much difference [in] the measurements between your bust, waist, and hips.” Personal wardrobe stylist Yvette Jordan agrees and explains that if you look in a mirror and your shoulders, waist, and hips are about the same width, you likely have a rectangle body shape. The waist typically has little definition, and the legs tend to be long and boxy, contributing to the rectangular silhouette from which the shape gets its name. The main characteristics of this body shape include: Lack of curves Small bust Evenly distributed weight Balanced proportions Flat bottom and hips Undefined (or slightly defined) waist Straight shoulders Chest and hips are the same width Jordan adds that the rectangle body shape is also known as the H body shape. She says it “resembles a rectangle or H when viewed from the front or back.” This silhouette is highly sought after, being known as the ‘supermodel’ body type in the fashion realm. Like all body types, though, the rectangle body shape has its own complexities when it comes to styling. Meet the wikiHow Expert Alena Le Blanc is a Personal Stylist and founder of Le Blanc Label, a personal stylist brand for sustainable style transformations. She specializes in seasonal wardrobe refreshes, closet edits, and styling for special events. Yvette Jordan is a Personal Wardrobe Stylist with over 15 years of industry experience. She specializes in wardrobe styling, organizing, merchandising, and visual art. Kalee Hewlett is a Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant with almost two decades of experience. She works with clients to help them transform their sense of self from the inside out with science and style-based methods.

How to Style the Rectangle Body Shape

Tops Fashion stylist Kalee Hewlett says, “If you have a rectangle body shape, the goal is to create the illusion of more curves. You can do this by investing in a padded bra to give more shape to the bustline and opting for scoop, V, and sweetheart necklines to add more shape to your silhouette.” You can also opt for shirts that accentuate your body shape (or enhance its curves), like: To create the illusion of curvature, wear: Shirts with nipped or belted waists Shirts with bibs, frills, or bows Wrap shirts Ruffled shirts To show off your naturally slim figure, wear: Turtlenecks Shirts with mandarin, crew, funnel, or halter necklines Shirts with fitted sleeves Button-down shirts Make sure your tops always end at the hip level unless you’re trying to emphasize your body shape. Tops that end at the waistline will accentuate that rectangular look. Hewlett says, “Puff sleeves and shoulder pads are great for adding volume to the shoulders, and peplum details are great for adding more width to the hips.”

Bottoms When it comes to bottoms, Hewlett says that “high-waisted jeans and bootleg jeans are great for adding definition and creating a curvaceous feminine frame.” A-line skirts also help create that sought-after hourglass figure silhouette.” Depending on the look you’re going for, you may want to opt for different bottoms, so consider these options (just make sure they’re low to mid-rise): To create the illusion of curvature, wear: Bootcut jeans Trousers with pockets, pleats, whiskering, or turn-ups Harem trousers Cargo pants Trumpet skirts Flared shorts Mid-rise shorts Bubble shorts To show off your naturally slim figure, wear: Straight-fitted trousers Slim jeans Skinny jeans Straight skirts High-rise shorts Bermuda shorts

Outerwear When it comes to outerwear, like jackets or coats, you’re still going to want to look for something that brings out your waist and flatters your rectangular body shape. Depending on whether you’re trying to build the illusion of curves or show off your naturally rectangular body, the options you choose will be a bit different, for example: To create the illusion of curvature, wear: Fitted double-breasted jacket Wrap jacket Belted jacket Tailored jacket that’s slim around the hips To show off your naturally slim figure, wear: Peacoat Fitted coat or jacket Long coat that goes past the knee Trench coat

Dresses For dresses, there are plenty of options that help bring out the waist and flatter the rectangular body shape. The look you choose depends on what you’re trying to show off. If you want to bring out your curves, it’s best to go with A-line or sheath dresses. If you want to let your slim figure shine, however, it’s best to go with something like a shift dress. To create the illusion of curvature, wear: Empire waist dresses Princess seam dresses Dresses that are dark around the waist Fit & flare dresses A-line dresses Sheath dresses To show off your naturally slim figure, wear: Slip dresses Shift dresses Column dresses Midi dresses

Swimsuits Since your proportions are already balanced, picking the right swimsuit is all about choosing what you want to accentuate. To bring out your curves, go with a one-piece swimsuit with a plunging neckline, as it emphasizes the curves around your bust and hips. To quiet those curves down and show off your natural silhouette, a simple two-piece works just fine. To create the illusion of curvature, wear: One-piece with a plunging neckline Monokini To show off your naturally slim figure, wear: Bandeau one-piece Standard two-piece

Accessories When it comes to accessories, like belts and bags around the hips or waist, they’re great for adding the illusion of curvature. For your waist, Hewlett says to “opt for styles that nip you in at the waist, belts are great for drawing the eye into the smallest part of your waistline. Since belts mainly bring out your curves, avoid them (at least around the waist) if you’re looking to stay true to your body shape. Check out our wikiHow guide on Styling the Rectangle Body Shape for more styling tips.

Best Haircuts for the Rectangle Body Shape

The shag The shag haircut is a classic 70s-inspired look that’s defined by soft, choppy layers, which create volume and draw attention away from your rectangular body. Shag cuts are typically shorter on top and around the face and longer towards the back. The attention they draw helps accentuate your face, making it a great choice for the rectangle body shape.

Beach waves The beach waves (also known as beachy waves) hairstyle is a textured hairstyle that’s characterized by its ocean-wave-esque look, which draws attention up towards your hair (and away from your rectangular body). The textured look resembles loose curls and is so defined that it can’t help but turn heads. To draw attention away from your body, opt for longer beach waves. If you want to show off your body shape, opt for short beach waves that end around the shoulder.

Curtain bangs Curtain bangs are bangs that help accentuate the face, show off its natural beauty, and bring attention away from your body. They are cut on the edge of your forehead with a gentle part in the center. They get their name from their resemblance to drawn back curtains, as they slightly reveal the forehead without emphasizing its volume. This makes curtain bangs great for balancing out the face and the rectangle body shape.

Celebrities With the Rectangle Body Shape

Celebrities like Zendaya and Coi Leray have a rectangle body shape. The rectangle body shape is very common among actors, models, musicians, and other celebrities. It is known for its versatile styling options and balanced, well-proportioned frame, so it makes sense that it’s popular among celebrities, as it’s easy to style. Some celebrities with the rectangle body type include: Cameron Diaz Zendaya Paris Hilton Coi Leray Nicole Kidman Anne Hathaway Timothee Chalamet Ewan McGregor Hugh Grant Ryan Gosling