Rectangle Body Shape: A Comprehensive Guide | the concept wardrobe

IV. Bottoms

Trousers

The right pair of trousers can add needed curves and volume to the lower body of the rectangle. Trouser styles that flare at the bottom, like boot cut, flare or wide leg, are great to add volume.

Choose trousers with hip, thigh or leg details such as whiskering, pockets, pleats or turn-ups to create even further interest on your lower body.

Opt for low- to mid-rise trousers with wide waistbands. High-rise trousers end right at the waist, emphasising it – avoid these.

‍Flowy and soft fabrics soften the angled frame – such as flowy linen or harem trousers.

‍Avoid straight-fitted trousers that emphasise your straight silhouette unless you want to highlight this aspect.

‍

Jeans

Jeans for the rectangle body should have embellishments around the hip and bottom area to add curves to the silhouette. Look for back pockets to add fullness to your bottom. Whiskering at the hips will add the illusion of curvier hips.

The best jeans style is a bootcut. Because it flares slightly at the bottom, it will add the right amount of volume and curve to your lower half whilst at the same time softening the squarish body frame.

If you want to opt for skinny or slim jeans to accentuate your slender legs, make sure the jeans are tight around your hips to help create curves.

Just like trousers, jeans should be low- to mid-rise. High-waisted jeans unnecessarily highlight the waist.

‍Avoid jeans that flare too wide as they can unbalance your rectangle body.

A selection of flattering jeans styles:

‍

Skirts

Skirts are an ideal way to add volume to the lower body. Some ways to achieve this is through flared hemlines and details – such as ruffles, ruching, gathering or pleats. Bright and light colours also help create volume, as do prints.

‍Detailed skirts are ideal – such as box pleat, bubble, panelled, layered, full circle and trumpet skirts. Pencil skirts look good if they are knee-length and tapered in at the side.

‍Straight skirts can also work (in any length) as they follow your natural silhouette. However, don’t forget to define the waist and wear something similar in width on top.

‍Avoid angular A-line skirts that will make you look more shapeless. Instead, opt for a slightly voluminous A-line style. Also, steer clear of too full skirts as they can make you bottom-heavy and create an imbalance unless you add the same volume on the top.

A selection of flattering skirt styles:

‍

Dresses

A great dress for a rectangle body is balanced on top and bottom whilst pulling in the waist.

‍One thing to look out for in dresses is thus high waist definition. Empire line dresses, princess seam dresses, and wrap dresses are great choices for the rectangle body. A belt is a must-have and can change the shape of any dress (even shapeless ones).

‍Wrap dresses are especially nice since the draping falls nicely over the straight body frame and creates the impression of curves.

While you want to stay away from baggy or shapeless garments, a shift dress is the one exception to the rule. Thanks to its clean lines and tailoring, a shift dress will sit nicely on a rectangle body with a small bust and flat bottom.

‍If you opt for dresses that flare quite a bit at the hem, make sure you balance out your top with details or big sleeves, such as ruffles.

You can also achieve the same illusion through the colours you wear. With strategic colour-blocking around the waist, the eye will naturally narrow that area of the body without physically adding more to it. Opt for dresses with darker colours around the waist, or add a dark belt to a dress.

Avoid boxy and baggy styles and dresses that flare out too wide at the bottom. These will make you look bottom-heavy.

A selection of flattering dress styles:

‍

Shorts

Like other bottoms, shorts should be low- or mid-waisted for the rectangle body to avoid drawing attention to the waist. There is, however, one exception: a bubble style or flared short with a tie waist can create the illusion of a waist if it is high-waisted.

Since shorts sit right under the hip, any form of embellishment is excellent to add volume to this area – such as pockets, scallops, pleats or turn-ups. Similarly, patterns will add interest to this area of your body. Opt for stripes or rounder patterns – such as floral, polka dots or leopard prints.

‍Avoid belted shorts (unless they are high-waisted and flared), as they will draw the eye to the waist.

A selection of flattering shorts styles:

‍

Jumpsuits & Playsuits

The right jumpsuit or playsuit for the rectangle body shape will add softness to the angular figure. This can be achieved through more fabric in the form of gathering, pleats or ruching around the bust and hip lines.

Most jumpsuit and playsuit styles are great for the rectangle body as long as you keep the waist defined. Add a narrow or medium size belt – either at your waist or under your bust to pull it in visually. Or opt for a drawstring jumpsuit.

‍Leg-wise, wide-leg or straight leg are good. A halter-neck style is particularly flattering for the slender and lean rectangle body shape.

Playsuits look great when they flare out at the hips and have some sort of sleeve detail – such as ruffled sleeves. This will greatly enhance the waistline and make it look small.

‍Avoid shapeless, boxy jump- and playsuit styles and styles that add volume to either the hips or shoulders, but not both. These would unbalance the rectangle body shape’s balanced silhouette.

A selection of flattering jump- and playsuits: