Flatter Your Figure: 5 Simple Style Tips for Dressing a Rectangular Body Shape

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

A rectangular body shape is a figure straight up and down with little to no waist definition, creating a slightly masculine silhouette.

You have a rectangular body shape if your bust, hips, and shoulders are almost the same width. Although it may not be the most desired figure for women, it is actually one of the most common.

This body shape is commonly seen on the runways, and most celebrities, including Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, and Nicole Kidman, sport the same figure.

If you have a rectangular body shape, don’t worry! With these five easy tips and dresses from Amazon, you can flatter your figure and enhance your natural curves.

1. Go for full, flirty skirts

To achieve a more feminine and curvaceous figure, opt for bottom-heavy silhouettes such as flared skirts and dresses that create the illusion of wider hipsTo achieve a more feminine and curvaceous figure, opt for bottom-heavy silhouettes such as flared skirts and dresses that create the illusion of wider hips (Credit: WENN)

To create the illusion of having wider hips, go for more bottom-heavy silhouettes like skirts and dresses that flare out. This flirty shape will add softness and movement to your figure and give you a more feminine shape.

Cameron Diaz in a black Stella McCartney mini dress with Ana Khouri earringsCameron Diaz in a black Stella McCartney mini dress with Ana Khouri earrings at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘The Other Woman’ at Regency Village Theatre on April 21, 2014, in Westwood, California (Credit: WENN)

2. Define your waist

The best way to create the illusion of an hourglass figure, which most women aim for, is by defining the waist. Wear wrap dresses to flatter your waist, or use belts to give you a curvier shape.

To achieve the coveted hourglass figure, women can define their waist by wearing wrap dresses or using belts, creating the illusion of curvesTo achieve the coveted hourglass figure, women can define their waist by wearing wrap dresses or using belts, creating the illusion of curves

3. Avoid stiff and shapeless dresses

Stiff fabric and shapeless silhouettes are never flattering on anyone, especially on rectangular body shapes.

Because you need to add more curves to your straight lines, stay away from shapeless frocks. If you really want to wear a dress like this, make some adjustments by wearing a belt to cinch the waist.

4. Elongate your neck

Not everyone is born with a long neck, but you can fake this by wearing dresses that expose and open up your chest. Scoop necks and V-necks are flattering on all body types. These necklines create longer lines and make you appear taller, too.

Gwyneth Paltrow in a stunning Prada ruby sequined spaghetti strap fitted gown that showcased her figureGwyneth Paltrow in a stunning Prada ruby sequined spaghetti strap fitted gown that showcased her figure at the 49th Golden Camera Awards at Tempelhof Airport on February 1, 2014, in Berlin, Germany (Credit: WENN)

5. Don’t be afraid to wear girly styles

Many women with rectangular body figures tend to wear sporty looks or cover their bodies with unflattering layers of clothes.

Don’t be afraid to show off your body and hints of skin to amp up the sexiness. Wear feminine silhouettes and details like ruffles and lace to offset strong features.

Also, don’t be shy to showcase your best assets — shoulders, legs, or a little cleavage.

Women with rectangular body shapes should avoid sporty looks and unflattering layers, instead opting for feminine styles with ruffles and lace that accentuate their best assets, such as shoulders, legs, or cleavage, to enhance their sexinessWomen with rectangular body shapes should avoid sporty looks and unflattering layers, instead opting for feminine styles with ruffles and lace that accentuate their best assets, such as shoulders, legs, or cleavage, to enhance their sexiness