Dressing the Rectangle Body Shape

If you have any doubt about the rectangle body shape, just take a glance at any top model on the runway. The rectangle body shape is probably the easiest body shape to dress and looks good in pretty much anything. To recap:

• The rectangle lady has waist, hips and bust of a similar measurement. Her waist is generally less than 25% smaller than her shoulder measurement so has very little waist definition.
• Women with this body shape tend to have a flat rib cage and bottom!

While this body shape is easy to dress and is sought after by most fashion labels, the number one aim when dressing this shape is to create a waist to introduce the impression of a curvier body. Kiera Knightly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson have all achieved this in the picture below.

To soften straight lines and create femininity, try the following tricks:

Create curves by wearing feminine and fitted scoop neck, off the shoulder or sweetheart tops tapering at the waist. Tops with collars, ruffles or detail help flatter a small bust. Wear belts around your waist to create more of an hourglass figure

Think tailoring when choosing jackets or coats to help define the waist

Wrap around dresses and tops emphasise the bust and waist

Low waisted  trousers which hug the bottom in boot cut, skinny or capri styles both suit this body shape. Detailing such as pockets create curves

Bias cut and A-line or full skirts help create curves

Support with a well-fitting bra to create curves for the rectangle shape which tends to be boyish

While this body shape gets away with murder and is the envy of many of us, there are certain items of clothing which should be avoided at all costs:

•          Boxy, masculine styles such as military
•          High waisted trousers and high necked sweaters
•          Heavy fabrics that are stiff and have no movement
•          Tops and dresses that hang straight down
•          Double breasted jackets and coats
•          Avoid wearing one colour from top to toe unless you accessorise with a long necklace or scarf

So get shopping ladies and remember, choose clothes which soften your figure and create the illusion of curves, define the waist while maintaining the natural balance between the upper and lower body. Check out this short video before you go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvPX5o_lquc

Have fun!

 

Your Body Shape

A few years ago I discovered I have an hourglass figure.  Before then I could never understand why certain skirts and trousers just didn’t fit. Since this revelation I’ve never looked back and saved myself a fortune by not buying clothes which didn’t suit my body shape.

The ultimate aim of dressing for your shape is to balance out proportions and create the appearance of an hourglass figure.   So, which one are you?

The Hourglass

Your shoulders and hips are a similar width and you have a clearly defined waste. With an hourglass figure you can wear a similar size on top and bottom and you have an average to full bust.  Examples of hourglass figures include Beyonce and Scarlett Johansson, who has a body measurement of 36-25-36 inches.

 The Round Body Shape

 You have balanced hips and shoulders and no definition at the wait. The round body shape, also referred to as the apple shape tends to carry weight around the tummy and has rounded shoulders. An example of a round body shape is Oprah Winfrey (36-28-40 inches) .

The Triangle Body Shape 

 Your shoulders are narrower than your hips and you take a larger size on the bottom than the top.  The triangle or pear has fuller hips , bottom and thighs with a smaller top half.  Rihanna has a triangle body shape with measurements of 34-24-36 inches.

The Inverted Triangle Body Shape

You have broader shoulders than your hips with little definition between your waist and hips.  The inverted triangle has a much smaller bottom half than top half.  If you are an inverted triangle you are in the company of Demi Moore.

The Rectangle Body Shape

Your bust, waist and hips are of a similar measurement with very little waist definition. You have straight shoulders and a flat bottom.   Cameron Diaz has a rectangle body shape.

To summarise:

So get the tape measure out and start measuring. Once you figure out your body shape you can concentrate on creating the illusion of proportion and balance between your top and bottom half.  Don’t know where to start? Watch this space…………