Style Tips for Rectangle Shaped Women

If you're rectangle shaped, you've probably spent your share of time glaring at the mirror annoyed that you're plus sized by not curvy. Oh, the injustice of it all. Except that a plus size rectangle shaped woman has more fashion options than other women. You actually have it pretty good.

I'm sure you've been told to make it look like you have a defined waist to give yourself an hourglass-ish figure. This is actually pretty decent advice. But it's not the whole story.

 

There are quite a few fashionable styles that look best on women without curves. These are the high fashion looks that make us scream to the heavens, "What woman can actually wear this?!" You can rock these silhouettes like nobody's business, so don't be a slave to defining your waist.

 

Accessories

Belts look and feel good on your body, so have some fun with them. There are so many great plus size belts out there. Wide belts work really well on a plus size rectangle shaped body - unless you're short waisted. In that case, a wide belt will make you look like a renaissance fair wench - it's a fun look, but it may not be what you're going for.

When you want to look curvy, wear a bold statement necklace. To emphasize your natural shape, go with a long, thin necklace.

 

Skirts and Dresses

 

There really isn't a style of dress you should stay away from. In a Sheath Dress or Maxi Tank Dress, you can either emphasize your body's straight elegant lines by wearing it unbelted, or add a belt to make you look a little curvy. How's that for versatility?

 An A-Line Skirt or Dress adds volume to your hips, creating the illusion of curves if you're in the mood for them.  

A skirt with a little shape to it - like Vikki Vi's Flip Skirt - can make you look curvy. 

Pants

Again, which pants you wear depends on the look you want. Slim-Leg Pants (leggings) worn with a Long Sleeve Tunic or Swing Top give you a contrast of wide and narrow shapes. Add a belt on your curvy days. Pull On Pants provide a similar look with less contrast between the top and bottom.

 

Palazzo pants can make your hips look curvier and they're dramatic and fashionable as all get out.

 

Unlike your pear shaped sisters, you don't have to turn your nose up at jeans with whiskering at the hips. The whiskering (lighter, faded-looking lines) draws the eye to the hips. On your rectangle shaped body, it makes your hips look curvy. 

Tops and Jackets

Don't fear the peplum. A jacket or top (like a Bias Cut Tunic) that flares out below the waist is stylish and can make you look curvaceous. Vikki Vi's Swing Vest has a wavy shape to it that makes a pleasing contrast to your natural rectangle shape.

 Vikki Vi's Blazer has princess seaming that keeps it from looking boxy on any body type. It'll make you look just curvy enough without making you feel squeezed in.

Jackets with straight sides like Vikki Vi's Mandarin Jacket and Kimono Jacket echo your body's natural shape. Have fun wearing those as well.

An Embarrassment of Riches

Now that I've told you that you can pretty much wear anything, you probably want to strangle me. How is this helpful information!? Please put down the pitchforks and hear me out.

Which style you wear depends on the occasion and the look you're going for. For a party, go for the curvy look - a full skirt and wide belt are perfect for dancing. The long, sleek look is for elegant events like cocktail parties and weddings at country clubs. At the office, try for subtle curves from a blazer or belted sheath dress.

Check out our other posts about dressing your rectangle shaped shaped body.