One of many themes we hear most often from our purchasers is how tough it may be to seek out garments that match—and we imply actually match. All of us need garments that spotlight and amplify our greatest options, and an important match can increase our confidence as we step out into the world. And, if you happen to’re somebody with an oblong physique form, you might encounter some dressing challenges distinctive to this silhouette.
Fortunately, our workforce of Sew Repair Stylists is armed with years of expertise styling purchasers with each physique kind, from hourglass figures to triangle physique shapes and extra. They’re consultants on serving to you discover the proper outfits for a rectangle physique form, and so they’ll be with you each step of the way in which in your hunt for these good items that make you feel and look your finest.
Again at midnight ages, this form was typically known as “athletic.” Since athletes are available all sizes and styles, nowadays we’re adopting a extra impartial label, thus, the rectangle form was born.
Rectangle figures look very similar to they sound: shoulder and hip measurements which can be about the identical, a straight-up-and-down waist and weight distributed fairly evenly over the physique. (Nonetheless not totally certain what your physique form truly is? Take our physique form quiz!)
In fact, each physique is really distinctive—this common definition is just a place to begin as we discover styling strategies for rectangle physique shapes. (Spoiler alert: an important match is vital, so that you’re going to listen to loads about that right here.)
So, let’s break it down! Right here, our Stylists’ high 5 suggestions for learn how to costume if in case you have a rectangle form.
1. PRO TIP: Put on staples that exhibit your form—not disguise it
REACH FOR: Tailor-made items, materials with motion, bias-cut skirts and attire
“Tailor-made items enable you to exhibit your form—not disguise it,” says Stylist Erin. That stated, when you may have a rectangle physique form, it may be tougher to seek out items that spotlight your form relatively than obscuring and even swallowing it up. (No one needs that!)
The answer: “Go for types which can be tailor-made to your physique to indicate off your form,” explains Stylist Erin, “comfortable materials and bias-cut (A-line) skirts and attire, for instance.” The aim is to go for items that add motion with out concealing your form.
One possibility to indicate off your form in fashion: a fitted moto jacket on high of a slinky, tailor-made costume in a beautiful print—polished off with an important pair of strappy heels.
A few of Erin’s different fave outfit combos? For a laid-back really feel, she begins with a fluid satin maxi or midi skirt layered with a denim button-down or a short-sleeve sweater—with a waist-defining, extensive assertion 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.
2. PRO TIP: The proper match goes a great distance
REACH FOR: Puffed sleeves, female particulars, broader suits, wider sleeve openings
These of us with rectangular physique shapes can typically have broader shoulders and arms, making it a bit powerful at occasions to seek out tops that match comfortably and flatter the options we love.
Step one: “Improve your rectangle form with contrasting necklines like V, rounded, sweetheart, asymmetrical and plunging cuts,” says Stylist Erin. These daring types exhibit your form whereas including allure and character to each look.
It may be a problem to discover a flawless match to your broad shoulders. And, as everyone knows, consolation is king—you need loads of room to maneuver freely in your garments. Listed here are Erin’s, ahem, high 3 tricks to discover some new faves:
- Attain for a deeper V-neck with wider arm openings in a comfortable, pleated cloth.
- Strive a fitted,“not too tight, not too free” knit high. Designed to softly contour the physique, consider it as a comfortable hug—comfy and supportive, however by no means squeezing! Knits, cotton blends or a contact of spandex present simply the correct quantity of stretch.
- Slip into exaggerated-sleeve types—akin to tulip, flutter and puffed—drape elegantly whereas sitting comfortably on the shoulders.
3. PRO TIP: Intensify your waist
REACH FOR: Tie-front waistbands, belts, high-waisted trousers, wide-leg pants
Usually, when you may have a rectangular physique form, your waist tends to be extra linear. Generally, it’s enjoyable to create a little bit distinction and make the dimension at your waist seem extra pronounced.
One easy approach is to deliver the main target to your waist with eye-catching particulars. “Tie-front or paper-bag waistlines, wrap tops or attire and assertion belts immediately intensify the waistline,” says Stylist Erin.
One other favourite trick for a rectangle form: high-contrast quantity. For instance, put on a really fitted high tucked right into a flared skirt or wide-leg denims or pants. Or attempt the reverse: a voluminous, flowy boho high tucked right into a slim pant. Get the look in a single simple piece: the fit-and-flare costume! With any method, a daring belt—or actual one or perhaps a playful scarf tied across the waist— punctuates the look.
4. PRO TIP: Play with completely different pant silhouettes to boost your pure form
REACH FOR: Excessive-waisted denims, cropped boot cuts, wide-leg and flare types
Rectangle physique shapes even have a little bit of a leg up (lol!) in terms of experimenting with surprising silhouettes—significantly on the underside half of your determine. Your physique’s extra slim visible impact creates an ideal palette to play with each pant form and magnificence underneath the solar. We extremely advocate you go wild!
“Slim-cut or skinny denims and trousers improve your basic, straight silhouette,” Stylist Erin says, “however typically you simply need to attempt one thing completely different.” Excessive-waisted bottoms in boot-cut, wide-leg or flare silhouettes lend motion and quantity in all the correct locations to create the suggestion of some curves.
Nonetheless feeling a little bit unsure about what silhouettes may work finest for you? Our full information to discovering the most effective denims to your physique kind is an effective place to begin.
5. PRO TIP: Goal for an general visible stability
REACH FOR: Assertion items of all types!
As is true for any physique kind, trendy dressing is essentially about stability—the aim is to craft a satisfying impact general, with out an excessive amount of happening in anybody space of your physique. “An incredible rule of thumb is that while you deliver focus to your higher physique, you need to do the identical in your decrease physique,” Stylist Erin says, “In case you select a press release piece up high, stability it out with one other on the underside.”
The tip: Use assertion items to stability the 2 halves of your determine. There are lots of methods to realize this.
For instance, Erin says, “In case you go for a press release shirt on high—say, a female high with an asymmetrical neckline and ruched sleeves—attain for a less complicated cropped boot-cut pant and stability the look out with a press release shoe, like a strappy metallic heel.”
When dressing from the underside up, attempt an a-line skirt or a belted costume balanced by an fascinating neckline or an exaggerated sleeve.
Extra assertion options from Erin: “On high, search for surprising textures, female ruffles, playful prints and even equipment like daring jewellery or handkerchiefs. For bottoms, go for asymmetrical skirts, crossover and wrap skirts, distinctive pant silhouettes and assertion heels.”
Feeling excited to companion along with your very personal Stylist who will help you conquer learn how to costume to your physique kind—and way more? Take your fashion quiz, order a Repair and let your Stylist do the give you the results you want. They’ll select just-for-you items to avoid wasting you time (and a visit to the mall). Hold what works, and return the remaining—or hold 5+ items and get 20% off your total order. Transport and returns are all the time free—no subscription required. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.