Style guide for
Rectangle Body Type
Rectangle
The rectangular (or athletic) body shape is characterized by a straight silhouette with not many curves, shoulders and hips of similar width, little to no waist definition and often long legs.
Widest Area
Shoulders, bust, waist and hips are fairly equal.
Goal
Define the waistline.
Focus On
Belts and clothing that hug the waistline while adding volume to the shoulders/bust and hip area
Avoid
Oversized, shapeless clothing and multiple clothing items of the same color.
Tips & Tricks
Use this body type fashion guide to find the best clothing options for your specific body type. You should always pay attention to:
Color & Texture
Use varying colors to break up your top and bottom half, which will create that visual waistline. This is an opportunity to play with a variety of colors, texture and patterns that excite and inspire you. Limit how much black you pick out. Get outside of your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself.
Layers
Don’t be afraid to layer items. Add layers of fabric to the shoulders and hips. This might mean picking out clothing items that add movement – a kimono/robe, oversized scarf, or cape if you’re into costume wear. Or a jacket to add volume up top. Items that can be easily added to a look make it more versatile.
Lines
Lines in clothing (not pattern) will draw our eye to where we want the focus to be. Likewise, lines in the wrong placement can work against us. The goal is ALWAYS to create a visual waistline while balancing out the shoulders and hips.
Balance
As with any body type, we want to balance out the volume. The RECTANGLE body type’s widest area is fairly equal between the shoulders, bust, waist and hips, which creates the rectangular silhouette.
Do add volume to the shoulders and hips
Create visual volume to the shoulder/bust and hip area with clothing that has extra material, fringe or ruffles.
Don't add volume to the waistline
The goal is to define and create a waistline with clothing that fits the body. Don’t wear bulky clothing with extra material in the mid-section.
Shopping
More is More
When we build your 5 outfits for the shoot, we need options to work with and build those looks. Bring MORE than just 5 outfits. If you try something on and it makes you feel good, throw it in your bag!
(This also does not mean bring your entire closet. Use your best judgement)
variety
We want to capture as much variety as possible in these 5 looks. Think about color, texture, layers, accessories, etc. We know that everyone gravitates toward black but throwing a little color into the mix can be a game changer!
Not sure what colors looks best on you? Take a quiz and then use the color pallette.
Extra, Extra!
Bring plenty of extra undergarment sets to your session. We can’t stress this enough! Again, thinking of color and texture when doing so. This will give us the potential to expand your looks and add variety very easily. Often times, in ways you may not have anticipated when you packed your bag.
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Tops & Lingerie
Details in Sleeves – Puffs, Ruffles, etc
V Neck or Scoop Necklines
Elongated shoulder line
What’s Working in this Look?
The wide shoulder line is elongating the shoulders, helping them to appear wider. This top also has a deep scoop neckline, which draws your eye down. The long sleeves create volume as well.
Shop Tops & Lingerie
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Dresses, Skirts, & Robes
Belted or Tied at the Waist
Flares Out and Away from the Body
Hugs the Body but is Most Defined at the Waist
What’s Working in this Look?
The wide neckline is elongating the shoulders. The deep scoop draws your eye to the waistline, which is banded snugly agains the body. The skirt fabric of this dress is loose and flows allowing for movement or the peek-a-boo of her legs, which helps create that “S” curve or hourglass illusion.
Shop Dresses, Skirts, & Robes
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Pants
High Rise
Flare Legged
Cinched at the Waist
What’s Working in this Look?
The deep scoop of the blazer draws your eye to the waistline where the blazer is fitted tight around the waist. The extra flowy material of the pant legs is adding volume and balance to the lower body.
Shop Pants
Here are some examples that you can use for inspiration or take out all of the guesswork and click on an image to add to your shopping cart. Remember to consider pattern and color when you’re shopping.
Do Your Own Search
Here are some keywords/phrases you can use to do your own search.
Need More Help?
Could you benefit from more one-on-one help from a fashion expert?
You're in luck! Our amazing CRAVE Fashion Coach, Liz Garcia, offers various services for those who need a little more hand-holding. From private consultations to shopping lists curated for you, right down to doing the shopping for you, she is incredibly talented and our clients LOVE her. You will too!
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Questions?
If you have questions about this guide, your body type, or your upcoming CRAVE Session, please reach out.