Chunky rectangle - how do I dress myself? - YouLookFab Forum

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Chunky rectangle - how do I dress myself?

MsLuna

Veteran

Hi! I'm finally coming out of my lurking, so I thought I'd ask a question about my body type. I'm a rectangular shaped or H-shaped body type, but I feel that I am a special case because of my lumpy midsection. I need some help dressing my body - I've been feeling terribly unattractive as of late, and rather than "giving up", I would really like to take back my power and feel sexy again.

So here are the details about my body type:
- An inch difference between my bust and hips (smaller measurement).
- 5 inch difference between my waist and hips.
- Bust is a 32DD - unsure if this is considered a "larger size". I was professionally fitted.
- very short-waisted
- rounded midsection. Very lumpy. Protrudes slightly on side view and belly fat spills out with ANY pair of pants or skirt I wear (which is why I've given up on separates). For a long time, I thought I was an apple-shaped because of this but I have a very gentle waist curve.
- long, slim limbs. Shapely legs - possibly the best part of me along with the cute face

I tried certain garments that supposedly work on rectangular shapes - but didn't for me:
- Empire waist with gathers under the bust makes me look 5 months pregnant.
- Pants/skirts cut me in half due to massive spillage on my midsection.
- Dolman sleeve tops and boxy flowy tops make my torso look humungous.

I've resorted to wearing only dresses these days but it's TOUGH finding dresses without waistlines on the natural waist or empire waists that don't have pleating/gathering under the bust.

Anyone else have ideas of what I can wear?

Thanks SOOOO much!

Body Type

21 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

suzanne

Ooh... This seems like a definite "Ask Angie" question - why don't you re-submit it under that section? Best of luck - but whatever you do, since you have great legs - FLAUNT THEM!!

catgirl

Veteran

I'm going to chime in here, although it would help to see a photo of you for better advice. You seem to have many of the same issues I do. so check out some of my outfits to see if they resonate with you in terms of what you feel fits you well.

Do you have broad or narrow shoulders? Also, what are your primary dressing needs in work/life - i.e. professional, casual, dressy casual?

I have always had a bit of a belly pooch, even when I was dangerously underweight. It's just genetics for me. Plus I have very little waist definition, so I'm a secondary rectangle (but mostly an inverted triangle). For me, learning to surrender the waist has been the biggest blessing of my life.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....and-cognac

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....day-blazer

In winter I do lots of tunics and skinnies. I rarely belt unless whatever I'm belting is already holding in my guts. I am still figuring out my summer wardrobe situation, but I do like cropped jackets and flowy and/or cropped tops over longer underlayers- a certain length is perfect for disguising belly/lack of waist.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....imal-print

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-of-hippie

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-grey-silk

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ssy-on-top

Although 32DD is not "big" overall, I'd look at Angie's tips for dressing a large bust anyway. My legs have also become my favorite body part, and legs are EASY to showcase, so don't be shy!

Hope that helps - I know there are many more here who can offer guidance.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome to the forum! I am *thrilled* that you haven't given up.

Have you tried banded tops in soft fabrications with jeans or clamdiggers?

MsLuna

Veteran

@Suzanne: Thanks! I put focus mainly on creating a long leg line as well as pulling attention upward (to the face). I'm often seen in layered bead necklaces or colourful scarves (otherwise, I dress monochromatic from the bust down).

@alaskagirl: Thanks for the tips! You certainly look wonderful in those outfits! I've tried surrendering my waists before but I often end up looking too large. I do wear a lot of structured blazers and dresses to disguise my lack of a waist as well. Thanks for the tips!

@Angie: I've been lurking on your blog for AGES! Thanks for the response! I have a banded top that can be worn off-shoulder. What cut of jeans should I wear it with? I've worn the top with jeggings and it works beautifully if I wear a brightly-coloured tank top peeking underneath the band.

fathenry

Veteran

Hi Ms KatieKat, I have very similar dressing issues. Dress are really a life saver for me too! Tops are much, much harder. Have you tried wide-leg pants? For me, they really balance out my larger mid section.

Layering a nude/black or white cami under my shirts really helps hold everything in. I hear you on the banded tops, I feel like they make me look wider so I don't love them either!

I'm trying to embrace dresses, layers and jackets that hide my waist. I hope you'll post outfit pics soon!

Aziraphale

Veteran

Nice to meet you, Ms KatieKat. It sounds like you have a figure similar to mine. I am shortwaisted with rectangular tendencies, bust 33.5/waist 28/hips 34, bra size 32D. My waist, or lack thereof, is my least favourite feature. Having said that, I do have one, and I find that tops that are cut in to give the suggestion of a waist without actually having a cinching belt are the best. Any kind of belt simply draws attention to the waist I don't really have! Lots of jeans give me a slight muffin top when they inevitably start to slide down, so I often wear a clingy cami that looks dreadful on its own but cute when it pokes out from under another top. I have found that higher-waisted, flat-front skirt can work very well for taming the belly squidge -- provided I have a top that lies over the skirt, and the top is both the right length and curves in at the waist!

I can see why empire waist might not work for you -- those with a large bust often find it makes them look pregnant. Think Elizabeth's mother in Pride and Prejudice. I wear a lot of tops with an empire waist, but they also have a v-neck wrap-style top part and they are fitted. A flowy empire waist dress or top, or one that has gathers under the bust, makes me look pregnant, too.

Vix

Veteran

Hi KatieKat --

As one who shares your basic body type, I'm so glad you are figuring out what works on your particular "brand" of Rectangle instead of throwing in the towel...it does seem annoyingly complicated at times, I swear!

You've gotten great tips to what you are already doing upthread.

I'm a short-waisted with larger bust/short-legged/long-torso'd variety of Rectangle, and all that torso generally leaves lots of room for things in the stomach zone to spread out.

However, surrendering the waist can leave me looking and feeling *very* blocky; unless the top is sheer (worn with tank!), I find the sides must be cut or taken in to be very close to the body for me to be happy.

Generally I am happiest in deep Vs/scoops with a light underlayer for extra color-blocking and modesty.

Having come to add lightweight printed knit or silk-y woven tops for visual interest, I find they really do wonders for keeping the eye moving across any area as long as the print is repeating vs random.

I know YLFers are big on woven tops for de-emphasizing the stomach area, but I wanted to include a "before and after" photo from stylist Bridgette Raes' great book, Style Rx, to show how a deep V printed knit top can do wonders as well.

--> http://www.amazon.com/Style-Rx.....0399533877

Then since you and I share a love of the monochromatic base, I thought I'd show some pics of a couple items I've found did NOT (surprisingly) increase my bust size -- and some of the shapes I live in.

If anything appeals, I'm thinking you could substitute printed tops for some of the solids and hopefully find some alternatives to dresses.

Please let the Rectangle Brigade know what you discover!

******

Pic 1: From Style Rx

2: I about died and went to heaven when I found this sweater a few years ago -- way to fake a waist!

3: Ok, a capelet's not for everyone but I was shocked this didn't pitch me into top-heavy category. A very cropped jacket could have the same effect.

4: I don't wear cotton blouses much, but when I do I look for dimension and rouching to fake a waist. If the rouching goes all the way down or is in the stomach area, it's very...kind.

5: Another top I thought would add too much bulk to the bosom zone but in fact de-emphasizes it (IMO, anyway!) while drawing the eye up and away!

6: See comment in #4 -- I'm also big on open cardigans/jackets over a monochromatic or tonal base.

7: I kind of need an intervention on flyaway cardigans, but for me they are a great way to create a waist/curves.

8: Printed, banded top cut close to my sides to minimize boxyness and emphasize hips vs non-defined waist.

9: Am working on getting a decent pic of this one -- sheer, bigger-volume, banded-at-waist top over sheath dress. Have also worn over slim-fit elbow-length T.

[For me the trick is to keep the underlayer lean and/or monochromatic so the focus is on the print. A solid in the same cut, with all that arm/torso volume, is Not So Good on me.]

This post has 9 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Welcome!
If the items that are supposed to work for your shape don't work for you- perhaps you have misdiagnosed your shape?

fathenry

Veteran

Wow @Vix! I think this is the best collection of tummy disguising tops I have ever seen! Do you mind sharing where you bought these, if they were recent buys?

Tops are my nemesis! Thankyou so much for sharing!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Fathenry --

Thanks! Like you, I am always on the lookout for jackets, cardigans, and tops that do (or can be made to do!) something semi-interesting around the waist. [It's so annoying that belts rarely work out for me!]

I'm afraid most of the above are past season -- apparently I need an Ann Taylor intervention since #4-6 come from there, courtesy of their email mailing list's 40% off coupons. They had some interesting blouses in their latest offerings, so it may be worth a look.

#2 is from Anthropologie. I find they are hit or miss re cutting for average+ bustlines, but their sweaters/jackets often have shapes I REALLY like.

#7 and #9 are from Nordstrom Rack but flyaway cardigans are still in many shops. [As I am not overly tall, I buy the ones that hit at waist or mid-way down the caboose in the rear and not super-long in front.] If it helps, the sheer blouse in #9 is by Gibson -- I recall it was steeply discounted!

anne

Veteran

Vix I really enjoyed reading yours posts on this thread. Thanks!

Vix

Veteran

Thanks much Anne!

I know the "dressing rules" thing can be fraught for many, but I've read so many good strategies over the years for this or that -- and seen so many women (including YLFers, of course!) using guidelines to help figure out their own individual priorities for dressing.

So I try to give a little of that back by sharing what I've done or recalled....

[What I can remember, anyway!]

yellowgirl

Excellent tips by all!
Vix, wow, what a great visual with explanation! I didn't start this thread, but I really appreciated all the time you took to put that together!

KatieKat, I have recently discovered I'm an apple, leaning toward rectangle as I lose weight, also with a larger bust (34DDD). I can say that everything Vix has recommended has helped me. And I MUST find a top like in #9! I want to try that look!

The only thing I can add to any of the great advice you've received is in regards to belts. I cannot belt around my natural waist, either, or even up under my bust. It just emphasizes the fact that there is no waist. I have found that belting low around my hips with a wide, low-contrast belt works really well with some tops. The back of the belt is up at my waist, then it comes down around my hips in the front. This doesn't work with every top, but I have a few that it really works well with.

When I discovered my real body shape, I realized that everything that was recommended was completely foreign to me: wrap tops, knot-front dresses, belting low on the hips, etc. I would have never tried any of that. But, I really needed to figure out how to dress myself. So, I searched online and went to stores looking for these things specifically. It's taken some time and trial & error, but I can tell you, these tips work! Keep at it - you'll find what makes you look fabulous!

fathenry

Veteran

Again, thank you Vix! I'm going to add Anthropologie and Ann Taylor to my shopping list, and hope some of their cuts work for me. I truly appreciate this!

MsLuna

Veteran

@Vix! Thank you so so so much for the stylish tips! I actually saw that you got interviewed recently in Imogen's blog. Wow

I've actually done some reconfiguring of my style and finally learned to embrace my blocky chunky rectangular shape and managed to make things work. Here's what I found:

- Deep V's and Scoops work! @Vix, just as you advised, I could see how this worked wonders on my blocky figure! I only use ruched tops with this particular neckline, however, and I find that it works wonders in camouflaging my wavy middle

- Vix, just like picture #5, I can work the neckline ruffles, for as long as it's positioned just on top of the bust.

- I surrender my waistline - ALL THE TIME! However, the trick to not looking blocky is to use very fluid, flowing fabrics like chiffon, georgette and lightweight jersey. I wear banded tops on a regular basis, but I'm also found in a lot of "bohemian" looking silky tunics. I realized that I can also rock the style similar to Vix's #9 picture.

- I wear a lot of long cardigans without too much detailing.

- hip-length cardigans with a curved opening is also a good one.

- Because I have long legs, I can rock a miniskirt, though I'm often wearing it with tights (for some reason I am just not comfortable wearing the skirt alone). I traded my wider-hemmed playful flouncy dresses for slim-fitting skirts in various lengths.

- I WEAR PANTS NOW! And in fact, I feel much more "at home" in pants. Somehow I had to force myself to wear skirts because I was so afraid of my figure that I kept "faking" an hourglass figure but never really worked on me. Pants were a very very very tricky thing though, but Karen Kane is AMAZING. If you're blocky-shaped with a thick waistline, I highly recommend the following:
http://www.karenkane.com/store.....flare-jean
http://www.karenkane.com/store.....se-jegging

Karen Kane's jeggings are surprisingly not "jegging-y". I actually wore it today with a poly-chiffon semi-fitted ruffled polka dot top and had red shoes and red jewelry. I found that it's not one of those jeggings where you had to cover your bum. It actually feels more like skinny jeans that jeggings. I live in these puppies, and I love love love them!

The bootcut is amazing too. I'm 5'3 so I try not to go too wide with the bootcut and this is the perfect width. My legs look miles long in it. I also tried tucking these pants into boots and they were able to tuck in so well!

Again everyone - THANK YOU for this! Now if only I could see how I can work on getting a photo up here for some of my outfits. I'm trying to work on a style blog myself, but I can't figure out the photo-taking situation!

Vix

Veteran

KatieKat, I have a feeling I can speak for the Rectangle brigade when I say:

Congrats on finding so many great looks that work for you! You sound smitten with your new outfits.

Will look forward to any photos you're able to share...the inspiration is always welcome.

jthm777gir

Member

I created an account specifically so I could see catgirl's photos. I too am a short waisted chunky rectangle (I'm not sure if I'm a secondary triangle or apple?) with great legs who is feeling down. My fat goes to my mid section, chest & face.

I'm working on losing weight and building a butt, but that is going to take a very long time. Dressing to flatter the way I look right now is something that will give immediate gratification.

Commenting just to get forum activity out of the way & to follow this post. Thank you ladies

fifthandfinest

(website)

Thanks for your post. It sounds like A-line dresses which show your legs could be a great choice for you, both in winter (with tights and boots) and summer (with sandals and mules).
Glad you didn't give up! Flaunt those bits you like (long slim limbs are my dream!!).

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi to jthm777gir. It is often new members searching the archives who comment on 7-year old threads or the like! Hopefully in 7 years the original poster has made peace with her body and learned to dress it in a way that makes her happy. Once you (jthm777gir) are an Active Member it would be best to start a new thread about yourself, cheers.

Chunkymama

Member

Ms. Luna! You are creeping me out. Are you me?? Same measurements and same problems!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Hi Chunkymama, welcome! This is a 10-year old thread, and Ms Luna hasn’t been active here for over 18 months, which I know by checking her profile. You might still find some of the advice useful but once you can post photos in a few days it would be best to post a new thread about yourself. Ways to flatter our bodies probably changes a bit over 10 years with some changes of fashion.