Option 1: Create curves
- Peplum and wrap tops.
- Belts over dresses and coats.
- Full or A-line skirts that add volume at the hip.
- Ruffles or detail at the bust and hip.
Option 2: Lean into clean lines
- Straight, tailored trousers and blazers.
- Column and shift dresses.
- Boyfriend shirts and straight jeans.
- Monochrome outfits in one color.
Dresses
Shift, slip and column dresses suit the clean-line approach; wrap and fit-and-flare dresses create curves. Drop-waist shapes also tend to work.
Easy outfit formulas
- Tailored blazer, straight trousers, loafers, all one color.
- Peplum top tucked into a full midi skirt.
- Slip dress with a belted cardigan.
Related guides
What else should you know?
What is the difference between a rectangle and an hourglass?
Both have balanced shoulders and hips. An hourglass has a clearly smaller waist; a rectangle does not.
Do belts suit a rectangle shape?
Yes, if you want to create a waist. Wide belts over a dress or coat work best.