Stop doing this! If you have a Rectangle shaped body.

If you have a rectangle body shape, your goal is often to create the illusion of curves and define your waist. While there are many tricks to achieve this, knowing what to avoid is just as important. Here are 15 common styling mistakes you should steer clear of to make the most of your natural shape.

1. Don't Wear Boxy, Shapeless Outfits

Why: Boxy outfits emphasize the rectangular shape of your silhouette and make you look more straight-up-and-down. Without structure, your figure can disappear in the fabric.

What to do instead: Opt for clothing that cinches at the waist, like belted dresses, or styles that flare out at the hips to create a more defined shape.

2. Avoid Low-Waisted Pants

Why: Low-rise pants do nothing to define your waist, which is key to flattering a rectangle figure. They often create a more boyish look that can make your body appear straighter.

What to do instead: High-waisted pants and skirts are your best friends! They help create the illusion of a narrower waist and add curves to your hips.

3. Don't Wear Straight-Cut Dresses

Why: Dresses with a straight cut will only highlight your rectangular shape, giving you little to no definition at the waist.

What to do instead: Choose A-line or wrap dresses that emphasize your waist and add volume to your hips or bust for a more balanced look.

4. Skip Clothes with Horizontal Stripes at the Waist

Why: Horizontal stripes across your midsection can make your waist look wider, rather than more defined. This draws attention to the very part you want to minimize.

What to do instead: Opt for vertical stripes or diagonal lines to elongate your body and create the illusion of curves.

5. Avoid Dresses Without Structure

Why: Dresses that lack structure, like shift dresses, will simply hang off your body and emphasize your natural rectangular shape.

What to do instead: Look for dresses that have defined waists or are belted to give you an hourglass effect.

6. Don't Choose Baggy Tops

Why: Baggy tops can overwhelm your frame and make your body look shapeless. Without any definition, your natural figure will get lost.

What to do instead: Go for tops that taper in at the waist or add volume at the bust to create a more balanced silhouette.

7. Steer Clear of Thin Belts

Why: Thin belts tend to get lost on a rectangular figure and don't create much of a waist-defining effect.

What to do instead: Wide belts are perfect for adding definition to your waist, giving the illusion of more curves.

8. Don’t Wear Skirts That Lack Volume

Why: Straight or pencil skirts can make your body look even straighter by following the natural lines of your figure.

What to do instead: Opt for flared, A-line, or pleated skirts that add volume at the hips to create a more balanced and curvy look.

9. Avoid Overly Tight Clothing

Why: Super tight clothing can highlight the lack of curves in a rectangle figure and make you appear more straight than shapely.

What to do instead: Look for clothes that have a little structure and shape to them, creating curves where you want them.

10. Don’t Skip the Details Around the Bust and Hips

Why: If you avoid details or embellishments, your figure might look flat and less feminine. Details can help draw attention to areas that create the illusion of curves.

What to do instead: Choose clothing with ruffles, patterns, or textures around the bust and hips to add volume and shape where needed.

11. Don’t Wear Clothes That Are All One Length

Why: Clothing that ends at the same level around your torso and hips creates a boxy, shapeless look.

What to do instead: Try layering clothes with different lengths, like a cropped jacket over a longer top. This adds dimension and breaks up the straight lines of your body.

12. Don’t Wear Thick, Stiff Fabrics

Why: Thick fabrics tend to add bulk to your body without creating any definition, making your figure appear boxier.

What to do instead: Opt for fabrics that have a bit of drape and softness, like silk, cotton, or jersey, to create a more flowing and feminine silhouette.

13. Avoid Straight-Legged Pants

Why: Straight-leg pants can make your legs look even more rectangular and do nothing to add curves to your hips.

What to do instead: Choose flared or bootcut pants that add volume to your lower body and help create a more balanced silhouette.

14. Don’t Avoid Defining Your Waist

Why: Ignoring your waist is one of the biggest mistakes for a rectangle body shape, as it fails to create the curves you’re aiming for.

What to do instead: Always look for ways to define your waist, whether through belts, waistlines on dresses, or structured tops.

15. Don’t Forget to Layer with Purpose

Why: Simply throwing on layers without considering their effect can add bulk and hide your natural shape.

What to do instead: Layer strategically by adding structured pieces like tailored jackets, or by wearing a statement belt to break up straight lines and add depth to your outfit.

By avoiding these common styling mistakes, you can transform your rectangle body shape and create a more defined, curvy silhouette. It’s all about knowing what to avoid and what works best for you!