As summer approaches, are you struggling to pick the right bridesmaid dress for your rectangle body shape? Don't worry! Here's the ultimate guide to help you out.
Don't have perky breasts and hips? Desire an hourglass body shape? Not confident in yourself? Stop thinking like that! A rectangle body shape is also a beautiful and common figure. People with this body type have evenly distributed fat, so they are visually balanced and tend to have a comfortable and healthy appearance. Don't know how to dress, especially in bridesmaid dresses? Actually, a rectangular body shape has endless possibilities because its balance and long silhouette will come in handy.
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We often say we have a rectangle body shape, but what exactly are its definition and characteristics? Is there only one type of rectangle body shape? Knowing these contents can give you a solid foundation for picking out the best bridesmaid dresses for summer! Of course, we also give you a better visualization of the rectangular shape through an example of a celebrity with a rectangular figure. Scroll down the page to continue reading!
A rectangle body shape possesses a long silhouette with almost equal width at the waist, hips, and shoulders, similar to "I" or "H". The lack of curves, which is the most common complaint among people with this body shape, makes the body appear like a column or a rectangle. However, in terms of aesthetics, many people consider a rectangle body to be a more ideal body type for women due to its proportions and curvature.
Before understanding the characteristics of the rectangular shape, see which celebrities belong to this shape, because rectangle body shape celebrities are common. Now, let's learn the characteristics of this body shape from these celebrities!
Anne Hathaway, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Garner, Heidi Klum, etc., are all typical celebrities with rectangle body shape.
Through these photos, we can summarize the traits of a rectangle body shape:
The common feature of the rectangular shape and the inverted triangle shape is that the bottom is flat, but the biggest difference between them is the difference in shoulder width and the shapes of their upper bodies.
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The common feature of rectangle body shapes and apple body shapes is that the waistline is not obvious, but the difference between the two also lies in the waist and the fat distribution.
Image Source: the concept wardrobe
Want to know what kind of rectangle shape you belong to? From the perspective of width, this subsection divides the rectangle body shape into three types: narrow rectangle body shape, normal rectangle body shape, and wide rectangle body shape. Read this section to learn about different rectangle body shapes and what kind of shape you are. This can help you choose ideal bridesmaid dress.
The principle of distinguishing different rectangle body shapes: On the premise that the body is like a rectangle, use the two indicators of body weight (BIM) and body frame (Body Frame Index) to classify the rectangle body shape and determine which kind of rectangle body shape you have.
It is shaped like the letter "I" or "h" and has extremely slim limbs. The width of the shoulders, chest, waist, and hips is narrow. Whether viewed from the front or from the side, people with this body type are very slim, with an even and low fat distribution.
How to determine:
Body frame index = Height (inches) / Wrist circumference (inches). The following measurements in the table 1 below are considered as small body frame size.
Table 1: Small Body Frame of Different Heights
Narrow Rectangle Body Shapes
It is shaped like the letter "H" and has slender limbs. The shoulders, chest, waist, and hips are normal and similar in width. Although the waist and hip curves are not obvious, this figure is well-proportioned, looks relatively healthier, and is more common in our daily lives.
How to determine:
Body frame index = Height (inches) / Wrist circumference (inches). The following measurements in the table 2 below are considered as medium body frame size.
Table 2: Medium Body Frame of Different Heights
Normal Rectangle Body Shapes
Its shape resembles a widened letter "H", but it is still a rectangle body shape. For women with this body shape, their shoulders, chest, waist, and hips are generally wide and close in width. There is more fat throughout the body, but it is evenly distributed, which does not look abrupt.
How to determine:
Body frame index = Height (inches) / Wrist circumference (inches). The following measurements in the table 3 below are considered as large body frame size.
Table 3: Large Body Frame of Different Heights
Wide Rectangle Body Shapes
After knowing your specific rectangle body shape, do you want to know how to pick out the best bridesmaid dresses according to these theories? This section targets the elements of the bridesmaid dresses that are suitable for your different body parts based on your body characteristics, including necklines, sleeves, waistlines, hemlines, colors, and fabrics. This will preserve your freedom of choice for your bridesmaid dresses, as you can pick different elements to form your own summer bridesmaid dresses depending on your preferences and aesthetics.
What is the overall goal with this body shape? That is, to create the illusion of curves and break up straight, horizontal lines while ensuring that your body remains balanced.
The shoulder width of a rectangle is generally approximated by the width of the chest, waist, and hips. So, to break this pattern, you can achieve it with different necklines. They can show wider shoulders, narrower shoulders, or add layers to the shoulder shape. It makes your shoulders appear wider or narrower; however, it depends on which type of rectangle body shape you fall into. Besides, for women with any kind of rectangle-shaped body, try to avoid very square or boxy necklines, as they add straight lines to your body and make your body more square and dull.
For women with narrow rectangle body shape, their shoulders are narrower, so it is more suitable to use necklines that can show their shoulder width. If you also have this body shape, it’s good for you to refer to this method. These necklines can not only widen your shoulders, but also increase the volume of your upper body. More importantly, they can show your aura and formality, which are in line with the tone of a grand wedding.
There are 6 types of common necklines that can flatter your shoulders: off-the-shoulder neckline, illusion neckline, asymmetric neckline, Queen Anne neckline, scoop neckline, and cowl neckline.
Normal rectangular body shapes have moderate shoulder widths, while wide rectangle figures have wider shoulders. Because of its square shape, try to avoid choosing too wide and straight necklines. Round, curved, and narrow collar shapes are more suitable.
There are 8 types of necklines that can flatter your shoulders: V-necks, sweetheart necklines, turtlenecks, cowl necklines, halter necklines, keyhole necklines, spaghetti strap necklines, and bow tie necks.
You have a variety of sleeve lengths to choose from: sleeveless, short sleeves, half sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, and long sleeves. The sleeve length you choose depends on whether you want to add volume to the upper or lower half of your body. However, try to avoid fitted sleeves, small crisp cap sleeves, or sleeves with padded shoulders, as they may add to the look of your column.
A sleeveless bridesmaid dress is a great choice because it shows off your elegant shoulders and arms. But be careful that the neckline has curvature instead of sharpness. A soft or rounded line will give you a more harmonious shoulder, while a neckline with sharp lines may intensify your overall squareness.
Apart from fitted sleeves, you can consider these 5 types of sleeves: puff sleeves, rolled-up sleeves, flutter sleeves, petal sleeves, cold-shouldered sleeves, and cape sleeves. Short sleeves emphasize your shoulders, and half sleeves emphasize your waist. Both of these sleeves are effective ways to break up your flattering body curves.
Want long sleeve bridesmaid dresses or 3/4 sleeve bridesmaid dresses? Here, we will recommend sleeves for you that fit rectangle body shapes. Again, avoid tight sleeves and opt for sleeves with shapes that are not exaggerated, which can accentuate your unique vibe. As a result, we have selected several sleeves from a diverse range of long sleeves to suit your needs: raglan sleeves, peasant sleeves, hanging sleeves, long batwing sleeves, and bell sleeves.
The choice of waistline is the key to improving the rectangle body shape. Infinite waist tightening to create an X-shaped body? This is the wrong approach. By choosing the right shape and position of the waistline, you can achieve the effect you want. As Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer, says, "Fashion is architecture: It is a matter of proportions." Bridesmaid dresses with a reasonable waistline can emphasize the advantages of your body shape, improve your body proportions, and make you look like an hourglass. So, how do you choose the waistline? Please read on. We have summarized 6 types of waistlines that are suitable for rectangular body shapes: X-shaped waistline, basque waist, open waist, empire waist, natural waistline, and asymmetric waistline.
Hemlines are one of the most important indicators of your choice of bridesmaid dresses. And you can use it to measure the length from hollow to hem to determine the length of the bridesmaid dress you want. The limbs of most rectangle-shaped bodies are generally relatively proportional and slender, so all kinds of hollow-to-hem lengths can be tried. Among them, floor length and ankle length are the safest, and there is basically no problem. But here, we will introduce you to more hemlines that may be suitable for you. You can pick and choose according to your preference, including mini length, above-knee length, knee length, tea length, ankle length, and floor length.
The right colors can make rectangle body shapes more lively and flexible. If you are interested in how to match colors to rectangular figures, we will reveal it for you.
If you choose a monochrome bridesmaid dress, remember that to keep the bridesmaid dresses from looking dull on the rectangular shape, choose darker and neutral bridesmaid dresses with a bolder style or brighter and lighter bridesmaid dresses with a more simple style.
If you want to choose different color combinations for your bridesmaid dresses, then the floral colors or a combination of 2–3 colors may be more suitable for your rectangle body shapes.
The combination of different colors can be the same color system or complementary colors. Note that when you choose complementary colors, pay attention to the area of the color used; each color cannot be evenly distributed, so choose the color you need to emphasize to take up a large area.
If you have a rectangle body type, you need to choose fabrics that have pleats, add volume, or have a little stiffness, such as satin, cotton, linen, and silk. For fabrics with a little stiffness, choose bridesmaid dresses with curvy styles to sculpt your body shape. And avoid fabrics that are too tight or flattering, such as fabrics with too much spandex.
In this subsection, we will introduce you to specific ideas for choosing a bridesmaid dress style to clear the way for your final selection. After getting the ideas, we also combined some specific bridesmaid dresses that fit the rectangle shape to analyze the advantages of them for you. Your body is unique and beautiful, so you don't need to cover it up, but rather find a symbiotic relationship between style, proportion, and the rectangle body shape. And we can help you achieve this harmonious, symbiotic relationship. Please keep reading!
The idea of this off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dress is to utilize the narrow rectangle body shape of the sleeves in the design of the shoulders, waist, and hips. The shoulders are designed with thin off-the-shoulders to elongate the shoulders. The waist closure design naturally outlines the waist. And the horizontal, loose, and natural pleats at the hips effectively widen the hips, which further visually makes the waist thinner.
This mermaid bridesmaid dress is suitable for a rectangle body shape because of the shape of the body curves. The shoulder uses a neckline with a combination of straps, off-the-shoulder, and a V-neck to both accentuate your bust and widen your shoulders. The top half of the dress is V-shaped, which can effectively make your waist slim. The hips are denser horizontally, which can widen your hips. The natural mermaid silhouette outlines the curves of your body.
This one of the chiffon bridesmaid dresses is suitable for a rectangle body shape because of the shoulder and silhouette design. The neckline is a wide V-shape and has dropped shoulders and halter straps to widen your shoulders nicely. Next, it has a slight inverted V-shaped waistline, which allows for wider hips and a narrower waist. The overall silhouette of the dress is A-shaped, which is one of the ideal silhouettes for rectangle figures. The texture and stacking of the chiffon add volume to your lower half of the body. Combined with the light purple color, when you wear this gown, you want to be incredibly romantic and elegant.
The highlight of this bridesmaid dress is the asymmetrical silhouette and pleated design. The pleats are gathered at the waist, creating a visual concentration and thus achieving a waist-skimming effect. In addition, the asymmetrical silhouette and pleats add layers and volume to the top and bottom halves of the body. To sum up, this is a bridesmaid dress for a rectangle body shape.
The strength of this blue satin bridesmaid dress is the design of the waist and silhouette. The dress has a V-neck with spaghetti straps. The pleats gathered towards the waist make the waist visually contracted. The bow tie at the waist adds to the overall liveliness of this dress. The bottom of the silhouette shows a downward contraction, similar to a pencil dress.
This chiffon bridesmaid dress fits a rectangle body shape because of the neckline, sleeves, waistline, and silhouette. The combination of the flutter sleeves and the V-neck adds volume and elegance to your upper body. The X-shaped cinched waistline gives you a visually slimmer look, which shapes your upper body. The cascading pleats on the bottom add volume to your bottom half, and the A-line silhouette and chiffon make you more light, elegant, and gentle overall.
What makes this halter bridesmaid dress suitable for wide rectangle body shapes is the neckline, waistline, and silhouette. The neckline of this gown is a halter neckline, which shows off your superior shoulder lines and collarbones and also visually narrows your shoulders. The tightened waistline has a triangle of exposed skin in the middle of the top, which can further make your waist thinner while showing off your sexiness. The hips have horizontal pleats, which can widen your hips and echo the top half of your body. The dress as a whole is like an A-shaped mermaid silhouette, so the lower half of the body is prominent. With a high waistline, this bridesmaid dress will more accentuate your body's curves.
The strength of this sweetheart neckline bridesmaid dress lies in the neckline, pleats, and silhouette. The sweetheart neckline with a slight V shape will make your bust fuller and show off your elegant shoulders, thus adding to your sexiness and charm. And the special horizontal pleats outline the curves of your upper body. The wide, belt-like high waistline slims your waist. In addition, the A-shaped mermaid silhouette accentuates the volume of your lower body and creates hip curves.
What makes this bridesmaid dress suitable for a wide rectangle figure is the silhouette, the neckline, and the waistline. The overall silhouette of the dress is an X-shaped mermaid silhouette, which can shrink your waist, widen your hips, and play to the strengths of your figure to make you taller. The plugging V-neck allows you to show off your shoulders and neckline, and the X-shaped waistline further creates the illusion of a narrow waist. The sage green satin adds luxury to this simple and elegant dress.
A rectangular body shape is a great figure because it is full of endless possibilities. You can try on a variety of styles of bridesmaid dresses, including in your everyday wear. This article analyzes the goals and ideas for selecting your bridesmaid dresses from recognizing and identifying the rectangle body shape, the elements of bridesmaid dresses that are suitable for rectangle body shape and the styles that are suitable for rectangle body shape. We would be honored if you could take away from this plate of articles to help you choose your bridesmaid dresses! If you have any doubts, you can give feedback to our customer service. We will be pleased to help you to solve your problems.
It depends on what type of mermaid dress you wear. If it is a too-tight mermaid dress, then it is not recommended to wear it. But if it is loose and the overall shape of the mermaid dress shows an X shape or A shape, then you can try to wear it because it can both trim your hips and add volume to your lower body. If the mermaid dress combines height, a tightened waistline, and pleats, your body's curves may be more clearly defined.
Avoid oversized or extra-wide gowns with no waistline, as they will make you appear straighter. Dresses with straight cuts and straight lines also need to be eliminated because they can make you look rigid, magnifying the defects of the rectangle body shape.
It depends on your height. There are no set sizes for floor-sweeping bridesmaid dresses. But it is not advisable to drag the floor too far so as not to cover the bride's wedding dress.
You can discuss with your bridesmaids to jointly choose bridesmaid dresses in the same colors or similar colors that suit the wedding theme. And styles can be determined by themselves. This is the trendy mix-and-match bridesmaid dress of the moment.
The first way you can do this is to ask at the place where you bought your wedding dress if there is a bridesmaid dress that matches your wedding dress. The second way is to try to choose the color of the bridesmaid dresses that matches your wedding dress. And the styles can be decided by the bridesmaids themselves, but it should not be too exaggerated. In short, the beauty of the bridesmaids makes you more beautiful and elegant.