The Body Shape Series – Rectangles

By Brian Maynor

 

Continuing our body shape series, today’s article is all about Rectangles.

This is one of the most common shapes, and believe it or not, the ideal shape for runway models.  The key feature of the Rectangle is equal proportions.  For both men and women fall into this shape if the width of your upper body, waist and lower body are roughly the same.  Again, it doesn’t matter what the actual size is, because we are only looking at the proportions.

Here are two inspiration boards and tips for accentuating the positive and overcoming some of the challenges that come with being a Rectangle:

1.   The Tops.  With Rectangles, the goal for your tops is to make your upper body look slightly wider than your waist.  Slightly wider is the key here, because it doesn’t take much to dramatically impact the visual lines.

With women, it is also important to bring a little softness and femininity to the ‘boy’s’ shape, and there is no easier way to do that is with a peplum top.  This one piece packs a punch of femininity and gives you built-in shape.  This sleeveless option is great for women who have rounded shoulders, but if your shoulders are more broad and square, choose a cap sleeve version.  The small flutter of fabric will soften up your shoulders and provide some roundness.

The second main construction point to the peplum top is the defined waist.  The seam provides a clear delineation of your waist, and one bonus of being a Rectangle is that you have the benefit of placing this seam as high or low as you want.  To further define the waist I added a simple, thin black belt.

The final feature that makes the peplum perfect for Rectangles is the peplum itself.  The A-line finish widens the line of your hips in a very feminine way.  This feature tends to stop at the top of your hips, which is a tool for making them look slightly wider as well.

Men who are Rectangles want to make their chest and shoulders look broader.  One clear way to do that is with a horizontal stripe.  This shirt uses horizontal stripes in an interesting way.  By restricting the stripes to the middle of the shirt, the solid blocks become the focal points.  Whether you choose to tuck or untuck the shirt, the effect is the same.

2.   The Bottoms.  Just like Inverted Triangles, Rectangles want to build out their lower bodies.  Construction and color are the best ways to do that quickly and easily.

The pencil skirt is perfect for Rectangles because it creates curves without excess volume.  Plus they are quintessentially feminine.  Since you are only looking for a slight exaggeration of the hips and already using a peplum top, your pencil skirt can fall straight at your knees instead of tapering.  A peplum and tapered skirt could be overkill on the lower body.  This skirt is also using a large print to keep it weighted at the top and lighter at the bottom.

Colored chinos are also a great way to give your lower body a little pop and weight.  You can choose a color that is subtle or vivid depending on your personal taste.  A styling tip that is both trendy and helpful is to raise the hem.  Whether you roll them up or have them hemmed, it is summer and showing some ankle is perfectly fine.  Just remember, while wide-leg cropped pants are trendy for women, they aren’t for men.  So guys your rule is ‘if you raise the hem keep the legs trim.’

3.   The Accessories.  Solid colored accessories are great for directing attention and grounding your outfit.  They also tone down bold prints, colors and construction elements.

Whether you are a narrow Rectangle or a wide Rectangle, the goal is the same:  define your waist and give your shape some movement.  Even though you can’t physically make your waist smaller with clothes, you can make it look smaller if you widen your shoulders and hips proportionally.  These tips will help you do just that, and work great for every size.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyborads at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.