FINALLY! I’ve been waiting so patiently for this post from Kelly since I am definitely in the rectangle category. Her tips below are spot on – especially about the jeans and pants with back pocket flaps. This makes a HUGE difference. The only problem is that they are a little hard to find. Just keep looking — and let me know what you find!
The other tip I’ll mention is that rectangles might need to have things tailored a little more often. Let’s be honest — your hips, rear and bust help keep clothing in place. When you don’t have much in any of those categories (like moi), your clothes struggle to find things to hold on to. I’m constantly going into a dressing room and coming out pinching the shoulder straps together – or wrapping the top a little tighter. Don’t get frustrated – just find someone with some sewing skilz and you’ll be all set 🙂
Thanks, Kelly. Great job!
“Here’s the fourth and final installment highlighting each of the four female body shapes. I’ve absolutely loved doing this series and have gotten great feedback from clients and Wardrobe Wednesday {Where fashion meets photography} fans. I just hope it helps you figure out your body type and how to accentuate your best features — something everyone wants when it comes to picking an outfit for your portrait session.
I’ve already featured the pear shape, which you can find here, the apple shape, which you can find here, and hourglass, which is here. And last but not least? The rectangle! For all of you perfectly proportioned ladies out there, thanks for hanging in there! I hope it was worth the wait.
RECTANGLE SHAPE
Typically rectangle-shaped women have:
- A full neck
- Broad back
- Average bust
- Undefined waist
- A balanced figure
- Great legs and arms
America’s next top model?
Your figure is lean and athletic. You likely have a fuller neck and your back is broad. Your shoulders and hips are balanced between a straighter torso with a waist that has few curves. Your bust is usually small to medium in size and your hips are square and your butt is flat. You are blessed with slender legs and arms. This is currently the ideal shape for today’s models.
Because there is little difference between the measurements of your chest, waist and hips, you’re the only shape that doesn’t need to worry about balance. Instead, work to create the appearance of a curvier waist and bottom to enhance your femininity, and draw focus to your great legs and thighs.
Tops
To give the illusion of curves, look for wrap tops with a scooped or V neckline. They will emphasize your bust and draw attention to your face. When searching for a bra, look for choices that have extra padding and an underwire for fuller, more feminine curves. Tops with spaghetti straps will draw attention to your chest, making it appear larger. Look for jackets that have a cinched waist or bias cut. Jackets that flare out from your waist will create instant hips. Tops that are fitted and go in at the waist will help give the appearance of a curvier figure.
.jpg "tops for a rectangle wardrobe wednesday")
Pants
Your ideal pants will hug and lift your bottom. Larger back pockets that are spread far apart will make your butt look fuller. If they have flaps on them, even better! It will add some bulk. Jeans with slight fades on the thighs will help give them shape. You will look great in jeans that have a low rise and that are a straight fit from the hip to the knee with a slight flare at the end.
.jpg "pants to wear if you are a rectangle wardrobe wednesday")
Skirts and dresses
There’s not a whole lot you can’t wear. However, some things look better on you than others. A contoured waistband helps create curves. Pencil skirts, A-lined skirts, as well as those with a dropped waist look great on you. When looking for dresses, select something with a little bit of a flared hemline above the knee to show off those slender legs. You can also add a belt to accentuate your waist.
.jpg "dresses for a rectangle wardrobe wednesday")
Shoes
You have great legs, so show them off! For you, the sky is the limit, so feel free to experiment with wedges, straps, pointy toes, peep toes — you name it! And you’re one of the lucky girls who can pull off that sexy stiletto heel without looking off balance.
What to avoid
The list of things you need to avoid is short. On the top of the list are vertical patterns and lines. These tend to make you appear thin and lanky. Next on the list is clingy and tightly fitted tops. You should also stay away from short cropped jackets that end at your waist. You also want to stay away from loose garments that don’t show off your curves. Stay away from skirts, jeans and pants that are high-waisted. You should also avoid jeans with a straight cut because they will only emphasize your straight figure.”
