Fashion For Athletic And Rectangle Body Types: Expert Style Guide
Rectangle or Athletic Body Shape
A rectangle body shape can be characterized by a straight body, with the hips, waists, and shoulders being roundabout the same size. It is also referred to as an H-shaped body. The waist of a rectangle shaped body isn't particularly defined and people with this figure have been ordinarily tall & lean.
An athletic body or a sporty body is characterized by having a straight body with an even distribution of weight and slightly broader shoulders.
When it comes to styling people with an athletic or rectangle body frame, the key lies in creating a fine balance. You can add volume to either the upper half of the lower or a mix of both and you are good to go! To make your OOTD easier and better.
Here are the guidelines to dress up and style an athletic and rectangle body type:
Topwear style guide for athletic and rectangle body shape
An athletic body is already known for its well-defined waist that a lot of people would kill to have! So they have a lot of advantages when it comes to selecting tops and tees. Here are a few guidelines that can help people with an athletic and rectangle body shape make the best use of their future!
- A person with an athletic body shape has a well-defined structured waist and hence, there is nothing better than a crop top to flaunt that flat stomach.
- When it comes to choosing the perfect neckline, you can either go for a touch neck to add some volume to the upper body or go for a more revealing to elongate the chest and shoulders.
- Sweetheart necklines, scoop neck, v-neck, cowl neck, halter neck, cowl neck; there is rarely a neckline that won't look good on you.
- Spaghetti strap tops and off-shoulder tops can make your chest and shoulders look broader, adding more weight to the upper half.
- If you want to add some more volume to your upper body, you can choose structured clothes with a fine texture and material. Bold colors with prints, patterns, and embellishments are definitely a YES when it comes to tops, tees, and shirts.
- Any sleeve that adds volume to your upper body should be given preference. Some of the most flattering sleeves include puff sleeves, princess sleeves, bat sleeves, flutter sleeves, flute, and Bardot sleeves.
- Peplum, wrap, bow, ruffled, ruched, and wrap-around tops are great options to add volume to the top section of your body while also drawing attention to your thin waist.
- If you are looking to buy shirts, it is suggested to go for structured double-collared shirts to make your upper body look fuller.
- Bandana tops and side cutout tops cover most of the upper body while emphasizing the waist and giving it a curvier appearance.
Bottomwear style guide for athletic and rectangle body shape
The best bottom wear items for an athletic or rectangle shaped body are the ones that can complement your tops/tees in a contrasting manner. For instance, if you are wearing a baggy top, pair it u with a pair of skinny jeans and vice versa. Here are some of the most common tips to wear bottoms for an athletic and rectangle shaped body.
- If you want to add some length and dimension, and curves to your frame; you can opt for flared jeans or boot-cut jeans.
- If you want to add some weight and volume to your frame, you can go for wide-leg jeans, baggy jeans, mom jeans, and boyfriend jeans.
- In terms of trousers; harem pants, flared trousers, bootcut trousers, and wide-leg trousers try to either add some curves or conceal THE RECTANGLE.
- Joggers can be another option that can add some bulk and volume to your looks while also ensuring comfort.
- Choosing jeans and trousers with prints, acid wash, patterns, and bold colors can help to draw more attention to the lower body, further diverting attention from the straight figure.
- Mid-rise and low-rise jeans and trousers should be your go-to options, instead of a high rise. This is because high-rise jeans will only accentuate a straight build.
- If you want to add volume to your lower body and overall attire, skirts are an excellent and cute way to do so. It is suggested to go for flared skirts, A-line skirts, wrap and wrap skirts.
- Having strong thighs for athletic body shape gives you the advance of proudly flaunting them in a pair of shorts. However, to draw attention away from the straight waist, it is suggested to opt for midrise or low-rise shorts.
Style guide to wear a Dress for athletic and rectangle shaped body
Dresses are the perfect option for girls with an athletic or rectangular body and when it comes to them- the world is your oyster! There are so many dresses of different cuts and styles that you wear to nail your look.
But dresses that add volume to your hips and upper body should be your go-to options. Here are some of the most recommended guidelines when it comes to buying and styling dresses for rectangle and athletic figures:
- Wearing wrap dresses can create the impression of having a curvy body and can help in creating a break between the upper and lower body.
- Flared dresses can help in adding some volume to the frame. Princess seam dresses and empire dresses are more such options that can help to create a flattering silhouette.
- To divert attention from the straight frame towards the chest, you can opt for a plunging neckline, deep-U, V-neck, or tube dress.
- In case you have some baggy and shapeless dresses in your wardrobe from those good old carefree days, you need not throw them away. All you have to do is, grab a belt, preferably a broad statement belt, and style it accordingly to create some definition around the waist.
- Prints and patterns, embellishments, and ruffles are ALWAYS welcome!
- in case you have an athletic body shape with broad shoulders but you still want to draw attention to the upper section of your body, you can always go for a keyhole dress.
- Dresses with a cinched or ruched midsection can help to conceal a straight figure by adding some curves here and there.
- Halter-neck jumpsuits with a wide or flared leg can help to flatter your figure and add some curves. Drawstring, ruffled, belted with some stand-out detailing can be a fashion statement in itself.
Winter wear style guide for athletic and rectangle body shape
Winter is definitely your season! Giving you the opportunity to mix and match, you can add play around with layers to add some softness to the rectangle. Given below are some of the most popular guidelines to style athletic ad rectangle body shapes during winters.
- Knitwear is the perfect way to soften your rectangle shape. Chunky knit sweaters with some details or length to them can add some flattering effect to your silhouette.
- Printed jumpers are another way to create illusions. For instance, you can go for horizontal printed sweaters to create balance and vertically printed sweaters to add some length.
- Sweater dresses paired up with detailed belts can help you look your look with some sass and also help to define some curves.
- Try to go for a more relaxed fit instead of well-fitted or boxy fittings to distract the eyes from a squarish frame.
- Some other winter wardrobe essentials that you can get are cute crop cardigans, belted coats and jackets, overcoats, and puffer jackets.
Swimwear style guide for athletic and rectangle shaped body
- V-necks, halter necks, plunging necklines, and triangle bikinis help in diverting attention to the upper section of the body instead of the squarish waist.
- A one-piece bikini especially ruffled and ruched bikinis can create the illusion of curves.
- In order to shorten the upper body, a tankini can be worn to create a curvy silhouette.
- You can also go for some strategic color blocking. Having an overall light-colored bikini with a darker waist can help in making one look curvier. Zigzag and printed bikinis are more such ways to achieve the same look.
- One-shoulder bikini or voluminous and frilled bikini tops are other great ways to enhance your up body by adding some volume to it, further making your waist look curvy in comparison.
- Since an athletic and rectangle body shape has narrow hips, it is suggested to wear high-cut monokini or bikini bottoms to make the waist and hips look broader and fuller. This tip is especially handy for those petite girls who want to elongate their legs.
What to avoid wearing with an athletic and rectangle-shaped body
- Since people with a straight figure already have an undefined waist, it is suggested to avoid clothes that are ill-fitted and too baggy and shapeless.
- It is suggested to avoid Sabrina, square and other straight necklines as these will only bring more attention to your straight frame.
- It is suggested to avoid tucking clothes inside the trousers and jeans as it can create a skinny appearance.
- Try to avoid pencil skirts, bodycon skirts, and straight-line skirts as they will only emphasize the rectangle. A-line skirts can make your frame look shapeless.
- When it comes to winter wear, try to avoid well-fitted sweaters unless you are pairing them up with a jacket or heavy detailing.
- As per experts, people with an athletic or rectangle body frame should try to avoid bandeau tops to avoid emphasizing the straight figure.
- avoid straight leg trousers and jeans
Ways to add dimension to a rectangular and athletic body frame
1. Investing in a good quality padded pushup bra
By investing in a good quality padded or pushup bra, women with an athletic-shaped body can help to break the straight line by adding some volume and dimension to the upper section of their bodies. This can give the appearance of a curvier body.
2. To add some weight, invest in a corset
Another item that can help to flaunt that slim waist and also add some bulk to the upper body is a good quality corset. You could wear it underneath tops/ dresses or get yourself a stylish piece to be worn as a top, as shown below.
3. Wearing chunky accessories to break the monotony
If you want to spice up ANY outfit, no matter how basic it is; accessories will always be your go-to pal. And, why look basic when you could be extra and turn some head around!
4. Wide belts for your rescue
Yes, even though wide belts come under the accessory section only, this item deserves a special mention. You cannot miss out on this one. From sprucing up any outfit to adding curves to H-shaped looks, this one is another wardrobe essential.
5. Mixing and matching prints
You could easily withdraw and direct some attention from your straight body to some playful prints. Mixing and matching prints can help in interrupting the monotonous look and with the right prints, it can also create the illusion of a curvier body.
Celebs with the rectangle and athletic figures to take fashion inspiration from!
-
Anne Hatheway (athletic)
-
Cameron Diaz (rectangle)
-
Natalie Portman (rectangle)
-
Hilary Duff (athletic)
-
Gigi Hadid (athletic)
-
Cara Delevigne(rectangle)
Ladies, if you have an athletic or rectangle body frame, you have a lot of advantages! A flat stomach, lean and muscular body, and equitable distribution of weight are a dream for many.
We hope these guidelines ensure that you make the best use of them. However, you could always bring to your individuality by mixing, matching, and experimenting to reflect what feels fabulous to you!
Related Articles:
Dressing up for an apple body shape
Dressing up for a pear body shape
Dressing up for an hourglass body shape
Dressing up for a plus-size body
Soft dramatic David Kibbe body type
Opinions and Perspectives
Appreciate how this guide acknowledges that not all tips work for everyone.
The section about adding dimension through accessories is really practical.
The guidance about choosing skirt styles is particularly helpful for work wear.
These tips have really helped me shop more effectively. No more wasting money on unflattering pieces.
The advice about strategic color blocking is brilliant. Makes such a difference!
Love that this focuses on enhancing rather than hiding our natural shape.
Really helpful guide but remember we're all unique even within the same body type.
The suggestion about empire waist dresses is spot on. They're so flattering!
Great advice about mixing prints. It really does help break up the straight lines.
Fascinating how many different ways there are to create curves through clothing choices.
The tips about dress necklines are really helpful for special occasions.
Never thought about how different sleeve styles could affect the overall look. Eye-opening!
The point about avoiding baggy clothes is so true. They just make us look shapeless.
Would love to see more advice about choosing the right fabric types for our body shape.
The suggestion about flutter sleeves is spot on. They add such nice movement to outfits.
Really appreciate the seasonal breakdown. Makes it easier to plan my wardrobe.
The tips about creating curves are helpful, but sometimes I prefer to embrace my athletic look.
Love how comprehensive this guide is. Really covers all the bases from casual to formal wear.
The advice about avoiding straight leg trousers makes sense now. No wonder they never looked quite right!
Never realized why certain tops worked better than others until reading this guide.
The accessories section is so important. They really can make or break an outfit.
Interesting how many options we actually have. Always thought dressing this body type was limiting.
Great tip about ruched dresses. They really do help create curves in all the right places.
The winter wear section could use more specific brand recommendations.
Anyone else loving the mom jeans trend? They actually work well for our body type!
The emphasis on creating balance rather than trying to completely change our shape is refreshing.
I've found success with some of the dont's listed here. Fashion rules are meant to be broken sometimes!
Good point about double-collared shirts. They really do add structure to the upper body.
The swimwear section is particularly helpful. Finally understand why certain styles work better than others.
Finding the wide-leg pants suggestion interesting. Never thought they'd work for my shape but willing to try!
The advice about necklines is so detailed. Really helps understand what works and why.
Love the suggestion about statement belts. They really do help create definition!
The tip about mid-rise jeans is spot on. They're much more flattering than high-rise on my frame.
Anyone else find success with bodycon dresses despite having a rectangular shape?
The jumpsuit recommendations are great. They really help create a balanced silhouette.
Interesting to see how many celebrities share our body type. Makes me feel more confident!
The section about prints and patterns is so helpful. Bold prints really do make a difference!
Love how the article emphasizes our body type advantages instead of just focusing on what to fix.
The advice about flared skirts is spot on. They really help create the illusion of curves.
Never thought about using corsets to add dimension. Might give it a try!
I've had success with pencil skirts despite the article advising against them. It's all in how you style them.
The suggestions about sleeve styles are really helpful. Puff sleeves have become my secret weapon!
Anyone else struggle with finding the right jacket length? This article could use more outerwear advice.
My favorite tip is about the wrap dresses. They're like magic for creating curves!
The tip about strategic color blocking in swimwear is genius! Going to try this next summer.
Great advice overall but I find high-waisted bottoms actually work well for me despite what the article suggests.
This really helped me understand why certain clothes work better than others on my frame.
The winter layering tips are brilliant. Never thought about using chunky knits to add curves.
Love seeing Cara Delevingne as an example. She rocks her rectangular shape so confidently!
Interesting point about avoiding tucking in shirts. I've actually found French tucking works well for creating waist definition.
The advice about bootcut jeans is spot on. They really help balance out my straight figure.
Would love to see more suggestions for business wear. How do we apply these principles to office attire?
The section about peplum tops was eye-opening. Just bought my first one and it definitely helps create shape!
Really appreciate the variety of neckline suggestions. V-necks have become my go-to for creating visual interest.
The tip about padded bras is helpful, but let's be real - some of us are happy with our smaller chests!
These guidelines are great but remember we don't always have to dress to create curves. Sometimes I love embracing my athletic build!
I've found mixing prints really does help break up the straight lines of my shape. Just learned to be careful with scale of patterns.
The accessorizing tips with wide belts made a huge difference in my outfits. It's amazing how such a simple addition can create curves.
Finally an article that doesn't make me feel bad about my straight figure! Love the positive approach to dressing athletic builds.
Not sure I agree with avoiding high-rise jeans. They actually help create curves on my rectangle frame when paired with cropped tops.
The swimwear tips are perfect timing for summer. I've been avoiding bikinis but might try a ruffled one now.
Such great practical advice! Though I wish they'd included more suggestions for petite athletic builds since we face different challenges.
The winter wear section was super useful. I'm always struggling to avoid looking boxy in sweaters.
Anyone else find the celebrity examples really helpful? I never realized Anne Hathaway had an athletic build like me.
Actually I disagree about avoiding straight necklines. I have an athletic build and square necklines look great on me, especially with statement necklaces.
The tip about wrap dresses creating curves is spot on. I tried one last week and was amazed at how it transformed my rectangular shape.
I love how this article breaks down style options for athletic builds. As someone with broad shoulders, I've always struggled with finding flattering tops!