Flatter a Rectangle Body

A RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE has Straight Hips and a Straight Body Line. 

Your shoulders and hips will be roughly the same measurement with little waist definition and, whether you are a size 8 or size 28 you still have a STRAIGHT BODY.

It's SHAPE not SIZE that dictates your BODY TYPE because it's your body frame or bone structure that counts.

Now that you've identified your body type it's easy to choose the logical and most complementary shapes to flatter your figure.  

It's Shape not Size that dictates your Body Type

Would you put a round tablecloth on a square table? Of course not because the shapes don't fit and a round tablecloth would look awkward! 

A square table needs a square tablecloth and your body needs to be dressed in exactly the same way to flatter your symmetry and echo the fact that you are instinctly drawn towards straight lines and structured shapes.  

A rectangular shaped body has straight hips, strong shoulders and few curves. Although curves can be added with softer fabrics, ruffles and flounces, it will rarely feel right for you.  

You will never make an hourglass out of a rectangle but with clever shaping you can certainly 'suggest' a curvier shape!  

Most of us with rectangular body shapes are likely to gain weight around the tummy / midriff area in our middle years. But, fortunately, any extra weight can usually be carried without being noticed too much.

You will have a moderate to good bust with little waist definition and a flat bottom. Slim thighs and great legs are your big bonus.

Rectangle body - follow your line!

There is no way you can change your basic bone structure but you can learn how to choose clothes that flatter your silhouette and dress to your advantage.

Your rectangle body shape does not lend itself easily to curves and frills, and you very probably don't 'do' girly! You need a key to dressing and my advice is to follow and embrace your straight lines!

Your basic bone structure of firm shoulders and straight hips and thighs are roughly in line and, quite often, boasts an athletic figure.

With a high hipbone, almost at your waist, you have little waist definition.

Focus on your firm shoulders, create waist definition and delight in retaining slender hips and legs. 

If you gain weight it's mostly carried around your waist and midriff area and can easily be disguised! 

All of the ladies above are wearing an all-in-one style or all-in-one color which works well for a rectangular body.

Avoid a boxy shape whilst aiming to always suggest a waist line, either with shape or adding a belt. 

Cate Blanchett, left, a tall rectangle with immense poise, keeps it simple in monotone and allows the cut to do the talking. A firm shoulder line and clever shaping suggests a waistline.

Jackets are a great addition to your wardrobe in structured fabrics like wool or tweed. Kate Hudson and the late Princess Diana are perfect examples whether they choose to wear a blazer or softer style. Both jackets are cut to the shoulder line and gently shaped in to create a waist. Lines of buttons follow the straight lines with a pencil skirt or straight leg pants. 

Nicole Kidman has an equally straight up and down slender figure with strong shoulders. She wears a belt to highlight a waistline.  

Enhance your rectangle body shape

• well fitted and structured clothes suit the rectangle body shape

• an all-in-one garment works well, a jumpsuit or wrap dress emphasize a waist

• wear a well fitted bra so that your bust and waist are clearly defined

• show off good shoulders with wide necklines or top detail, wear shoulder pads if necessary

• create a shape: a belt or shaping will suggest a waist

• wide leg and straight cut legs, avoid a skin-tight fit

• separates to create interest; color top and bottom will break up a rectangle

Add volume to the bust and hip area of the rectangular body: 

• soften the upper body by adding volume and drape to sleeves 

• ruffles or an assymetric top will draw the eye 

• a peplum style or wrap blouse will cinch into a waist

• soften the silhouette with wide leg or pleated pants, or a softly pleated skirt

• a cardigan or jacket adds depth and shows a belted waist beneath

• a hip length jacket or cardigan will show off slim hops and thighs

Focus on the shoulders How Camilla does it ...

Most dresses look better on a hanger which is why models are usually tall and thin with very strong shoulders. 

It must be very stressful to have every outfit reported - particularly when something doesn't quite cut it! But Queen Camilla shows us how to dress a rectangle with a slightly fuller figure.  

The evening gown on the left was not a great success. In a soft and clingy fabric with a lack of structure, it shows that a soft jersey fabric may be perfect for a curvy body but not a straight figure. 

Once the Queen is dressed in a firmer fabric and a good shoulder, the shape skims over the bust and clever shaping suggests a waist. An overall slimmer and more flattering silhouette.

I love the two coats on the right which create a visual illusion of a slimmer figure - if a style works then repeat it in a different color.