One of the themes we hear most frequently from our clients is how difficult it can be to find clothes that fit—and we mean really fit. We all want clothes that highlight and amplify our best features, and a great fit can boost our confidence as we step out into the world. And, if you’re someone with a rectangular body shape, you may encounter some dressing challenges unique to this silhouette.
Thankfully, our team of Stitch Fix Stylists is armed with years of experience styling clients with every body type, from hourglass figures to triangle body shapes and more. They’re experts on helping you find the perfect outfits for a rectangle body shape, and they’ll be with you every step of the way on your hunt for those perfect pieces that make you look and feel your best.
Back in the dark ages, this shape was sometimes referred to as “athletic.” Since athletes come in all shapes and sizes, these days we’re adopting a more neutral label, thus, the rectangle shape was born.
Rectangle figures look much like they sound: shoulder and hip measurements that are about the same, a straight-up-and-down waist and weight distributed pretty evenly over the body. (Still not entirely sure what your body shape actually is? Take our body shape quiz!)
Of course, every body is truly unique—this general definition is simply a starting point as we explore styling techniques for rectangle body shapes. (Spoiler alert: a great fit is key, so you’re going to hear a lot about that here.)
So, let’s break it down! Here, our Stylists’ top 5 tips for how to dress if you have a rectangle shape.
1. PRO TIP: Wear staples that show off your shape—not hide it
REACH FOR: Tailored pieces, fabrics with movement, bias-cut skirts and dresses
“Tailored pieces help you show off your shape—not hide it,” says Stylist Erin. That said, when you have a rectangle body shape, it can be more challenging to find pieces that highlight your shape rather than obscuring or even swallowing it up. (Nobody wants that!)
The solution: “Opt for styles that are tailored to your body to show off your shape,” explains Stylist Erin, “soft fabrics and bias-cut (A-line) skirts and dresses, for example.” The goal is to opt for pieces that add movement without concealing your shape.
One option to show off your shape in style: a fitted moto jacket on top of a slinky, tailored dress in a gorgeous print—polished off with a great pair of strappy heels.
Some of Erin’s other fave outfit combos? For a laid-back feel, she starts with a fluid satin maxi or midi skirt layered with a denim button-down or a short-sleeve sweater—with a waist-defining, wide statement belt. For an active-chic look, she recommends a shape-draping skort or skirt with a tie-knot twist tank and a quarter-zip sweatshirt.
“Tailored pieces help you show off your shape.” –Erin, Stylist
2. PRO TIP: The perfect fit goes a long way
REACH FOR: Puffed sleeves, feminine details, broader fits, wider sleeve openings
Those of us with rectangular body shapes can often have broader shoulders and arms, making it a bit tough at times to find tops that fit comfortably and flatter the features we love.
The first step: “Enhance your rectangle shape with contrasting necklines like V, rounded, sweetheart, asymmetrical and plunging cuts,” says Stylist Erin. These bold styles show off your shape while adding charm and personality to every look.
It can be a challenge to find a flawless fit for your broad shoulders. And, as we all know, comfort is king—you want plenty of room to move freely in your clothes. Here are Erin’s, ahem, top 3 tips to find some new faves:
- Reach for a deeper V-neck with wider arm openings in a soft, pleated fabric.
- Try a fitted,“not too tight, not too loose” knit top. Designed to gently contour the body, think of it as a soft hug—comfortable and supportive, but never squeezing! Knits, cotton blends or a touch of spandex provide just the right amount of stretch.
- Slip into exaggerated-sleeve styles—such as tulip, flutter and puffed—drape elegantly while sitting comfortably on the shoulders.
“Enhance your rectangle shape with contrasting necklines like V, rounded, sweetheart, asymmetrical and plunging cuts.” –Erin, Stylist
3. PRO TIP: Accentuate your waist
REACH FOR: Tie-front waistbands, belts, high-waisted trousers, wide-leg pants
Typically, when you have a rectangular body shape, your waist tends to be more linear. Sometimes, it’s fun to create a little contrast and make the dimension at your waist appear more pronounced.
One simple technique is to bring the focus to your waist with eye-catching details. “Tie-front or paper-bag waistlines, wrap tops or dresses and statement belts instantly accentuate the waistline,” says Stylist Erin.
Another favorite trick for a rectangle shape: high-contrast volume. For example, wear a very fitted top tucked into a flared skirt or wide-leg jeans or pants. Or try the reverse: a voluminous, flowy boho top tucked into a slim pant. Get the look in one easy piece: the fit-and-flare dress! With any approach, a bold belt—or real one or even a playful scarf tied around the waist— punctuates the look.
“Tie-front or paper-bag waistlines, wrap tops or dresses and statement belts instantly accentuate the waistline.” — Erin, Stylist
4. PRO TIP: Play with different pant silhouettes to enhance your natural shape
REACH FOR: High-waisted jeans, cropped boot cuts, wide-leg and flare styles
Rectangle body shapes actually have a bit of a leg up (lol!) when it comes to experimenting with unexpected silhouettes—particularly on the bottom half of your figure. Your body’s more narrow visual effect creates a perfect palette to play with every pant shape and style under the sun. We highly recommend you go wild!
“Slim-cut or skinny jeans and trousers enhance your classic, straight silhouette,” Stylist Erin says, “but sometimes you just want to try something different.” High-waisted bottoms in boot-cut, wide-leg or flare silhouettes lend movement and volume in all the right places to create the suggestion of a few curves.
Still feeling a little uncertain about what silhouettes might work best for you? Our complete guide to finding the best jeans for your body type is a good place to start.
“Play with different bottom silhouettes to create different shapes.” — Erin, Stylist
5. PRO TIP: Aim for an overall visual balance
REACH FOR: Statement pieces of all sorts!
As is true for any body type, stylish dressing is largely about balance—the goal is to craft a pleasing effect overall, without too much going on in any one area of your body. “A great rule of thumb is that when you bring focus to your upper body, you want to do the same on your lower body,” Stylist Erin says, “If you choose a statement piece up top, balance it out with another on the bottom.”
The tip: Use statement pieces to balance the two halves of your figure. There are many ways to achieve this.
For example, Erin says, “If you opt for a statement blouse on top—say, a feminine top with an asymmetrical neckline and ruched sleeves—reach for a simpler cropped boot-cut pant and balance the look out with a statement shoe, like a strappy metallic heel.”
When dressing from the bottom up, try an a-line skirt or a belted dress balanced by an interesting neckline or an exaggerated sleeve.
More statement suggestions from Erin: “On top, look for unexpected textures, feminine ruffles, playful prints and even accessories like bold jewelry or handkerchiefs. For bottoms, go for asymmetrical skirts, crossover and wrap skirts, unique pant silhouettes and statement heels.”
“If you choose a statement piece up top, balance it out with another on the bottom.”
— Erin, Stylist
Feeling excited to partner with your very own Stylist who can help you conquer how to dress for your body type—and much more? Take your style quiz, order a Fix and let your Stylist do the work for you. They’ll choose just-for-you pieces to save you time (and a trip to the mall). Keep what works, and return the rest—or keep 5+ pieces and get 20% off your entire order. Shipping and returns are always free—no subscription required. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
