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Saturday, November 6, 2010

Are You A Rectangle Body Shape?

What's a rectangle body shape?  Quite frankly, you're one of the lucky ones to have such a balanced figure type. And, you can be any size because it's the shape that determines the rectangle figure type. Women who have rectangle shaped figures don't have a defined waistline, but they do have an equally balanced top and bottom.

Petites have more of a challenge, however, in dressing because they are short. So, you'll want to combine flattering styles that will make you look longer and leaner.

In this photo, Kristi Yamaguchi wears a long pink gown with a diagonal stripe that helps create the illusion of more shape and maintains her already balanced shape without over-emphasizing either bust or hips.

Trapeze Dress
When dressing to flatter your rectangle shaped figure, your main challenges will be to maintain the figure balance that you already have and create the illusion of a defined waistline so that you look like you have more of an hourglass figure. Avoid styles, such as shifts or what is known as a trapeze dress that will hide your shape.


 BUT, if you wear extra-small sizes, such as 00P or 0P, you  can get away with these styles because of your tiny size. If you're a size 6 or above, you're better off sticking with the strategy of creating that hourglass illusion though.

Avoid styles that will over-emphasize your bust or hips. For example, if you wear a gathered skirt, your hips will look bigger and make you look bottom-heavy. If you wear a style such as an off-the-shoulder top, you may find that you appear top-heavy.  Your other big challenge will be to create the illusion of a defined waistline. Placing emphasis on the waist or midriff area in such a way that you appear to have a defined waistline will make your figure look more shapely.

Look for tops that create the illusion of a defined waistline. That may mean either an empire waistline that has a band under the bust or a top that has a band at the natural waistline. Tops with self-belts or other belted tops can work well too as long as the belt does not fall below the natural waistline.  Although styling of the top is key, you can also use color contrast to bring out the waistline definition. When the waistline band is a darker color, the definition created is more pronounced and desirable. Dark colors recede, which makes the area covered by the dark color look smaller. Tops with curved-seamline, side panels in dark colors that contrast against the color of the front can also create the illusion of a waistline. These types of tops can be difficult to find, but if you sew, you should be able to find or design a workable pattern for such a top.

Avoid tops that have too much sleeve or detail unless you balance your look with details that add hip interest too. Otherwise, your naturally balanced figure can appear unbalanced.

 If you have a rectangle shaped figure, pick jackets that define the waistline and don't upset your already balanced shape with too much detail. Belted jackets, which can be cinched at the waist, work well whether they're self-belts or separate belts. Another feature to look for in a jacket is a focal point at the waistline, such as a noticeable belt buckle. This draws the eye inward toward the focal point, making your waistline seem smaller.  Contoured seamlines that curve inward at the waistline can also help make a waistline that really isn't there. Like-wise, a chevron pattern draws the eye inward and helps give shape to the figure.

Avoid jackets that are longer than top-of-the-hip length. Also stay away from boxy shapes, such as Chanel-type cardigan styles, because they simply repeat the rectangle shape that you want to look curvier.
Anything that has a flattering V-neckline, which makes petites look taller, a self-belt to define the waistline, and a belt buckle that draws the eye inward to further define the waist. Pockets should be balanced above and below the waistline, so they make the figure appear neither top-heavy nor bottom-heavy.

2 comments:

Shanna said...

Hello. I am a new follower and a new Mom Blogger Club member! Please visit me @ http://www.mommiesandbeyond.com and please friend me on Facebook

Kim of Mo Betta said...

New follower visiting from Moms Blogger Club (new there too!). I love that your site is geared toward short (but awesome) women...since I'm only 5'2"! I only a head taller (barely) than my 9 year old!