10 Fashion Mistakes Rectangle Body Shapes Should Avoid

How to Create a Waistline with the Right Clothes

If I’m being completely honest, I’ve had my moments of frustration with my body shape.

I’m what fashion experts call a rectangle body shape. That means my shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly similar in width. My waist doesn’t naturally curve in the way you see on women with an hourglass shape.

And I’ll admit it… sometimes when I see those tiny-waisted silhouettes in magazines or on friends who seem to have natural curves in all the right places, I get a little jealous.

Because for me?
My waist and hips are almost even, so I really have to be intentional about what I wear if I want to create the illusion of a waistline.

But here’s the good news I’ve learned over the years: rectangle body shapes can look incredibly stylish when you know which pieces work with your shape instead of against it.

Here are 10 fashion mistakes rectangle body shapes should avoid—and what to wear instead.

1. Wearing Boxy Tops

Boxy shirts hide your shape and make your silhouette look even straighter.

Rectangle body shape outfits should include:

• wrap tops
• peplum tops
• belted blouses

2. Ignoring Belts

Rectangle body shape clothes are enhancec by belts; they are one of the easiest ways to create curves.

If your dress or cardigan feels shapeless, try adding a belt.

It can completely transform an outfit.

3. Low Rise Jeans

Low rise jeans eliminate any waist definition.

Instead choose:

• high waisted jeans
• paperbag waist pants
• belted trousers

These styles help visually create a waistline for rectangle body shape outfits.

4. Straight Shift Dresses

Loose shift dresses often hang straight down.

Look for dresses that:

• cinch at the waist
• wrap at the midsection
• have an A-line shape

5. Skipping Structure

Structure is your friend.

Rectangle body shape outfits look incredible with tailored blazers and jackets help define your waist and add shape.

Avoid oversized layers that hide your body.

6. Wearing Straight Column Outfits

When tops and bottoms are both straight, your body can look very flat.

Break up the look with:

• belts
• layered jackets
• A-line skirts

7. Avoiding Volume Altogether

Some women with rectangle shapes avoid volume completely, but strategic volume actually helps create curves.

Do add volume to rectangle body shape clothes in these places:

• shoulders
• hips
• sleeves

8. Wearing Long Tops with Low Waistlines

Long tops that hit below the hips erase your waistline.

Instead try:

• cropped jackets
• tucked blouses
• waist length sweaters

9. Overly Tight Clothing Everywhere

Clothes that are tight from top to bottom can highlight the straight silhouette.

Instead mix proportions:

Fitted top + flowy skirt
Peplum top + jeans
Structured blazer + wide leg pants

10. Comparing Yourself to Other Body Types

This might be the biggest mistake of all.

It’s easy to compare yourself to someone with a completely different body shape.

But fashion works best when you dress the body you have instead of wishing for another one.

Rectangle body shapes can look incredibly stylish once you know the right pieces.