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

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

If your bust, hips, and shoulders are almost the same width, you have a rectangular body shape. 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. Enhance Curves With Flared 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. Accentuate Your Waistline for an Hourglass Effect

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. Choose Tailored Dresses Over Shapeless Styles

Stiff fabrics and shapeless silhouettes are unflattering, particularly for rectangular body shapes.

To enhance your curves, steer clear of shapeless dresses. If you do choose to wear one, add a belt to cinch your waist and create a more defined, curvier shape.

4. Create a Longer Neckline With Scoop and V-Necks

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. Embrace Feminine Styles to Highlight Your Assets

Many women with rectangular body shapes tend to opt for sporty or overly modest clothing that doesn’t highlight their best features.

Embrace your body by showcasing hints of skin to enhance your allure. Opt for feminine silhouettes with details like ruffles and lace to soften your look.

Additionally, confidently highlight your best assets — whether it’s your shoulders, legs, or a bit of 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