READY TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR BODY TYPE:
Your Style Silhouette Is…
The Runway Rectangle
Your body has balance between the hips and shoulders, but doesn’t have a very defined waist.
Because your waist has a less than 25% difference than your hips and shoulders, you have a torso made up of lines rather than curves.
This can present a challenge when dressing in many women’s fashions, because many garments are designed to emphasize naturally rounded lines.
But that never stopped runway supermodels from absolutely slaying high fashion.
The challenge with dressing a rectangle comes from trying to add curves to a body that more closely resembles a column.
By cinching in and emphasizing the waist, you can create a suggestion of curves where before there were only straight lines.
Insider Secrets To Shop The Best Styles For Your Silhouette
Here’s What Your Style Silhouette Says About You:
Your body has wonderful balance between hips and shoulders, and tends towards leanness without much shape or definition between the upper and lower body.
Your Rectangle is rather simple to style and sew for if you aren’t trying to create a lot of curve, and there’s a reason why designers love to work with it so much.
Runway Rectangle’s #1 Styling Hack:
Because your frame is long, lean, and full of straight lines, anything that emphasizes curves will be your best friend.
Cinched waists, volume building shoulder pads, and hip enhancing pockets will bend those lines, while long, draping fashions will only add vertical length where it isn’t needed.
TURN YOUR CLOSET INTO YOUR HAPPY PLACE
Harness The Secrets Of Your Style Silhouette To Give Your Wardrobe A Make-Over!
We’ve all experienced decision fatigue when it comes to our closets.
When a night out or a fancy event should be exciting – but the thought of getting ready stalls as soon as you open your closet.
It’s hard to figure out what to wear when you don’t feel like there are a lot of great options to choose from.
When fashion trends come and go, it’s easy to spot the impulse purchases from the ‘special occasion’ items hanging before you.
You try to buy the things that you see in ads and on celebrities, but they don’t always look the way you imagined on your body.
At times, fashion can feel like a big mystery with absolutely no clues.
But those days are over! Now that you’re here, learning about your Polished Pear and how to dress to maximize your shape, your days of fashion paralysis are at an end.
By the time you’re done reading these quiz results, you’ll have an arsenal of timeless fashion tips, insider shopping tricks, and an inspiring Look Book of your very own to reference whenever you feel the urge to follow another trend.
Decode Your Body Type and Unlock Your Style Silhouette
Learn how to make confident fashion choices for your body, based on time tested style principles that will never lead you astray.
BUT BEFORE YOU DO THAT, TAKE A SECOND TO CONSIDER THAT YOUR BODY IS ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE:
Saying you’re an Alluring Apple, or a Polished Pear, or even a Heavenly Hourglass can’t fully encompass all the wonderful shapes the human body comes in.
So even though your results say Rectangle, you could also have some secondary traits that require more flexibility in the following guidelines.
Most women’s bodies are a combination of body types, and just like with selecting the perfect outfit, it’s all about mixing and matching until you find something that works for you.
At any time, you can check out the other quiz results…
…and learn even more about balancing your style silhouette across all the beautiful body types.
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to what you’re about to learn, that power results in a deeper understanding of how to best dress your uniquely beautiful body to its best advantage.
So if you’ve been wondering…
… “How do I make my Rectangle less square and more round and peachy?”
… “Can I turn these flat planes into the kinds of curves that need warning signs??”
… “Are palazzo pants right for me?”
The answers to all your burning fashion questions are here:
Take a peek behind the runway curtains and unlock style secrets that stand the test of time.
In these in-depth quiz results, you’re going to get a comprehensive breakdown of your Runway Rectangle silhouette, and how to turn that knowledge into a consciously and confidently curated collection of classic favorite pieces. Here’s what you’ll get 👇:
- A complete breakdown of fashion dos and dont’s for your body type, so you can easily spot what will work for you — and what you need to leave on the rack.
- A Look Book of to-die-for fashions tailored around your Runway Rectangle body type meant to create balance in your shape and make the most of your Style Silhouette
- Tried and tested styling tips you can take to the store that will guarantee you won’t be left frustrated in the fitting room.
- Timeless Fashions and where to find them, with links to some of the best staple items to create a solid foundation wardrobe.
- Trusted Brands that deliver quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
Keep reading, but don’t forget to bookmark (or even print out so you can highlight favorite tips) these resource rich results so you can keep them for reference any time you need to be best dressed.
“DON’T BE INTO TRENDS. DON’T MAKE FASHION OWN YOU, BUT YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE, WHAT YOU WANT TO EXPRESS BY THE WAY YOU DRESS AND THE WAY YOU LIVE.”
Gianni Versace
Style Is A Matter Of Perspective
And all it takes to change your perspective is to look at things from a different angle.
Because whether you like it or not, change is inevitable.
Your body changes throughout life, and every new season brings its own challenges and benefits.
Some fashion guidelines will stand the tests of time and change, to keep your style looking effortlessly elevated no matter what.
But one style truth always remains the same:
The most attractive thing you can wear is confidence.
The kind that comes with the perfect pair of jeans, the top that fits just right, the boots that were sculpted for your feet, and the to-die-for jacket that makes every outfit complete.
Does your closet have a go-to outfit that you save for the days when you need some extra pep in your step, your dress for success ace-in-the-hole ensemble?
REAL TALK:
Confidence Doesn’t Have To Come At The Cost Of Comfort
The saying “Pain is Beauty,” has made women throughout the ages contort and confine themselves into fashions that were never meant for their bodies.
The right clothes for you are the ones that actually fit YOUR body.
Because no matter what designer labels grace your garments, if they don’t fit you right, they won’t ever make you feel comfortable in your own skin — and that discomfort shows through every bit of silk and shapewear.
The Problem With Following Trends Is They’re Really Only Made For What’s Trending
From the ‘heroin-chic’ look that launched 1,000 diets in the 90’s to the fit girl health trends of the 2010’s and now the curvy, thicker body positivity moment we’re in. (And we’re so here for it!)
The trends of the moments are usually centered on the popular body silhouettes of the minute.
And if your unique body type isn’t gracing the pages of magazines, then the clothes in those magazines aren’t always going to look right for you.
Dress For YOUR Body…
The Runway Rectangle Cheatsheet
KEEPING YOUR STYLE CHIC AND SHAPELY
Your Style Silhouette At a Glance:
BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED
With equal width to the hips and shoulders, you don’t have to worry about tipping over or bottoming out.
LONG LEAN LIMBS
Legs and arms are often long, slender, and lend themselves will to bold styles that would swallow a more petite frame.
RUNWAY READY
Your lean lines lend themselves well to runway fashion, and wear clothes incredibly well because they aren’t fighting against the structures in the garments.
FLUID FORM
Your body lends itself so nicely to androgynous styles, and you’re free to create curves when needed, and lean into your angles when you feel like it.
Your Strength:
There isn’t a lot that wouldn’t look great on your body’s clean lines, but because your frame is so long and lean, you get to have some fun with your…
Beautifully Balanced Proportions
Let’s talk about how the balance between your hips and shoulders leaves you a whole bunch of room to play with your shape.
Because you aren’t always trying to overcome one area or another, you have so much room to bend the fashion rules however your heart desires!
Turns out, creating curves is so much simpler than trying to hide them, and you can play up your shoulders with fun embellishments, or jazz up your hips with fancy pockets.
Or you can instantly add interest by adding a fantastic waist cinching belt and voila! C’est magnifique!
Celebrities Who Share Your Silhouette:
Princess Catherine of Wales
She’s my personal style crush, and every time she steps foot out of her castle, there’s no denying she’s already a queen of fashion. She really knows how to dress her rectangle shape to make the most of its simple, clean lines, often opting for fit and flare garments that show off her lean physique while creating curves through carefully tailored structure. For leisure, cool, casual, and tastefully elevated capsule pieces are her bread and butter, and you won’t often see her leaving home without skinny jeans, a Breton top, a gilet, and the best sparkling white trainers.
Cameron Diaz
She was a fashion icon in the 90s, and no surprise! Her body type was all the rage during the fashion haydays of the 90s, and even 20+ years later, she’s still got it! She’s always rocked some of the more androgynous fashions, wearing powersuits and boyfriend jeans like they were made for her. When it’s time to hit the red carpet, she usually shows off her long, lean lines in something slim, chic, and delightfully form fitting.
Sarah Jessica Parker
We all gobbled up her style in Sex and the City, (even some of the more cringe looks) because they all looked fantastic on her petite, clean-lined frame. She’s a big fan of the upcycled fashion trends, and is always happy to see something old become something new and reimagined. She’s never veered away from fashion risks, and makes the most of her rectangle in every outfit she wears. We have noticed that she often softens her straight lines by wearing cute dresses and even cuter skirts that nip in at the wait and flare out at the hips.
The Runway Rectangle’s
Strengths and Struggles
Even the ‘perfect body’ can be hard to dress when personal preference is taken into account.
(*There is no perfect body, and all bodies are beautiful!)
That’s right, your favorite gorgeous celebs have insecurities, too — and their stylists learn them pretty quickly!
Cameron Diaz and Nicole Kidman both feel coltish with their enviable long legs. Have you ever seen them wear cropped trousers?
Kate Moss has a love/hate relationship with her bow legs.
Rhianna sees cellulite on her amazing derriere.
Even Jessica Freakin’ Alba thinks her hips are ‘too wide’ and her ladies have lost the battle to gravity.
These absolute goddesses still see ‘flaws’ when they look in the mirror, but they don’t let it stop them from absolutely dominating the Best Dressed lists.
By understanding your struggles, you can better dress to your strengths, real or imagined!
STRENGTHS
💎 Excellent balance between the hips and shoulders
💎 Lean limbs and nice legs
💎 Often tall and slender
STRUGGLES
💥 Waist lacks definition
💥 Long lines can feel androgynous and boyish
💥 Tends to have a flatter bottom and smaller bust
Keep Reading To Navigate Your Runway Rectangle’s Styling Guidelines👇
HOW TO BEST DRESS YOUR Runway Rectangle TO CREATE
BALANCE IN YOUR SILHOUETTE
The Dos & Don’ts Of Dressing Your Runway Rectangle
Do
Don’t
Take It From The Top!
HOW TO BEST DRESS YOUR RUNWAY RECTANGLE TO CREATE BALANCE IN YOUR SILHOUETTE
While the balance between your shoulders and hips is enviable, the truth is, the lack of definition at your waist and the relative lack of padding in the bust and bottom can tip your frame into androgyny.
Curves tend to be a common theme in feminine fashion, and it’s totally possible to play up (or create out of thin air!) curves by choosing fashions that either add bulk, or take it away.
The Necklines that Call Your Name
This season’s tops
From Tom Cruise in Risky Business to every episode of Suits ever made, the crisp collared button up is as timeless as it comes. It can dress up denim, class up a pencil skirt, and even look flirty with a pair of cute shorts.
There is a range of shirt silhouettes to best suit you, so let’s bring on the no-brainer tops for Runway Rectangle:
Your Essential RUNWAY RECTANGLE Lookbook
Now Drop It Low!
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEGS WITHOUT EMPHASIZING YOUR RECTANGLE
While your slender legs are definitely a desirable feature, the right pair of pants can add much needed curves and volume to your lower body.
Unless you want to lean into the androgyny your rectangle shape is giving, try to avoid straight cut styles that only make you look more square.
Trousers in soft, flowy fabrics soften your angled frame, so try out flowy linen or even take a pair of harem trousers for a spin!
Jeans, Trousers, and Bottoms You Can’t Be Without
The Lowdown On Shorts for the Runway rectangle
- Go big or go home with fun prints and embellishments like pleats and pockets that will draw attention from the waist and add volume to the hips.
- Skip the belts because they’ll just emphasize the waist area, and not in a cute way.
- Boldly explore the wonderful world of high-waisted bubble shaped short to give the illusion of curves and volume.
- Let’s talk patterns: polka dots and large round florals are your friends and draw attention to your gorgeous legs.
- Bubble shorts look great on your when they’re high waisted or you can add embellishments around the waist to create shape.
This season’s Bottoms
We’re loving the high waisted, wide-legged trend in trousers, because they aren’t only incredibly stylish and forgiving to any body type, they’re also incredibly comfortable!
Here are some of the best pants, and where you can get your very own:
Dresses, Flirty Skirts, & Formal Wear Essentials
Skirts and dresses are an excellent way to create balance between the upper and lower parts of your frame.
Few things feel more fun and flirty than a little summer dress or a flared skirt with some swing to it.
When layered with tights and boots in colder seasons, dresses and skirts work double duty as an extra layer of warmth and a super cute fashion statement.
Dresses, Flirty Skirts, & Formal Wear Essentials
This season’s Dresses
She who harnesses the power of the LBD is unstoppable!
The right Little Black Dress can be worn to dinner, a funeral, a cocktail party, and a business meeting. All it takes to completely transform a LBD is the right accessories, because the LBD knows it doesn’t need to be flashy and ostentatious to carry its weight. It creates the silhouette, and the rest is just window dressing.
No closet is complete without at least one fabulous dress to wear through many occasions, and these are the best for your Runway Rectangle:
Your All dressed Up Rectangle Lookbook
With fashions chosen for your silhouette, updated to reflect current trends and this season’s color palette.
Flirty & Skirty Looks for the Runway Rectangle:
Outerwear Necessities
When it’s time to bundle up as the weather changes, don’t reach for tight-fitting or boxy jumpers that will just reinforce your rectangle. Instead, opt for relaxed fits that soften your squarish silhouette. Long cardigans and sweaters that end below the hip line are perfect to create more of an hourglass shape.
The Best Sweaters & Jackets for the RUNWAY RECTANGLE
Invest In Fantastic Coats And Handbags
BECAUSE OUTERWEAR AND ACCESSORIES BRING AN OUTFIT TOGETHER LIKE *CHEF’S KISS*
When I say there are pieces that will stand the test of time, I’m usually talking about outerwear and accessories.
The right jacket and handbag will elevate your look beyond just a well curated outfit.
And these items are built to last, so they become investment pieces that will stay with you while your clothes cycle through the trends of current, retro, and vintage, waiting for their chance to shine again.
Brands That Always Deliver Quality And Style
MADE WITH AN EYE FOR LONGEVITY AND TIMELESS FASHION
You can’t open an app these days without being inundated with ads for fast fashion, big retailers, and influencer affiliates. But how do you know what’s worth spending your hard earned money on?
Some brands deliver consistent quality while still remaining current and fashionable, and I know that any time I invest in their pieces, they’ll never let me down. Here are a few of my favorite brands, and why I keep returning to them whenever I’m looking to freshen up my closet:
My favorite place to shop for denim because of the high quality and range of styles, both rigid and stretch. You will wear them for years to come.
I find the best tops and jackets from Veronica Beard. Their style is very classic, chic, and sophisticated, making these pieces timeless and essential. You’ll find classic takes on trending styles that I’m sure will tickle your fancy.
This brand is inspired by the hours of 5 and 7 pm. The collection is effortlessly elevated, so I easily transition my pieces from day to night, getting lots of wear.
The most important thing is to feel confident that what you’re buying will not only show your style to its best advantage, but also be something you actually wear. All these tips and guidelines are just that, suggestions on how to shop and what to wear.
In the end, the best fashion advice anyone can give you is to dress for yourself and wear what you love!
Meet The Expert
Hi ladies!
I’m Jess, fashion blogger, girl mom, and Body Type Ambassador to women who struggle to understand how to dress their unique bodies.
A lifelong addiction to style and design — from timeless fashion to classic interior decor — I filled my shelves with InStyle and Architectural Digest magazines, and couldn’t get enough!
I’ve always been creative, which led to a career in infant photography, but posing babies and getting the best shot is tough on the body!
In early 2016, heavily pregnant with my third (of 3) daughter (and feeling it in my bones), I traded my camera in for a fashion blog and here we are today!
Even though it started as an extension of my style, and a great portal for other people to find excellent curated pieces… I found my real passion!👇
Helping women learn how to best dress their beautiful bodies!
That’s why I came up with this quiz, to help empower women as they shop so they can tell at a glance what will look good on their bodies — and make them feel amazing in their own skin.
What’s in my closet? I call my style classic elegance with modern flair!
My fashion icons are future queen Princess Kate Middleton, the current queen of effortlessly sophisticated elegance, and the ever chic and trendy Morgan Stewart.
I believe collecting quality pieces like handbags and classic outerwear will always be a good investment, because they’ll stand the test of time and effortlessly elevate a look to perfection.
When I turned 40, I finally bought myself a camel haired Max Mara long jacket, and it will be left in my will along with my designer bags for my 3 daughters to enjoy long after I’m in fashion heaven.
Pet peeves: pants that are too short and ill-fitting clothes. (And bad teeth, but that might be a childhood trauma flashback to braces.)
I can’t wait to connect with you! Reply to any of my emails or follow me @j.cathell on Instagram.
― Jess xoxo
KEEP READING FOR A PEEK AT WHAT’S IN MY CLOSET
You’re Officially In the J.Cathell Crew Now,
But Here Are a Couple Other Ways You Can Explore My Fashion Community
1. Follow me on Instagram @J.Cathell
Where I share the fun side of myself, with stories showing what I’ve recently found and raw reactions to great buys — and not so great purchases.
You’ll find all my latest Looks, fab finds, and shopping tips, all in one easy and convenient place. Slide into my DMs with any questions or comments — I can’t wait to connect with you!
2. Explore my blog
With seasonal outfit inspo, Style Icon recreations, fashion travel posts, interior design looks, and everything that fills my fashion heart!! You’ll get a peek at what started me on this journey to help women dress their best and feel amazing in their bodies!
I’m Beyond Thrilled To Welcome You To A Whole New World Of
Loving And Understanding Your Style Silhouette, Runway Rectangle!
Now that you’re part of my fashion family, keep an eye on your inbox where I’ll be loading you up with all sorts of goodies, like:
- Quarterly, seasonally inspired Looks built around your body type
- some of the hottest (and worthy) new trends and best to-die-for fashion piece investments
- travel fashion blog updates
- exclusive shopping opportunities
- amazing new finds, and a whole closetful more!
Fashion is something we’ve all loved since we were little and played dress-up in our mom’s clothes. Every day presents a new opportunity to express yourself and reinvent who you are through consciously chosen styles and curated looks.
But trends try to force us to adopt fashions that weren’t meant for our bodies, and without the right knowledge to recognize what’s right for you, it can be easy to feel like it’s us (and not the fashions) that are the problem.
👇For now I’ll leave you with this simple fashion truth👇
If something doesn’t look good on your body, it’s the garment’s fault, not your body’s.
IT’S TIME TO LOVE YOUR BODY AND DRESS IT UP IN YOUR STYLE!
Welcome To The Fashion Family!