Why am I shaped like a rectangle and how should I dress? Pics included

[LilyFeather]

It’s dawned on me that I don’t have a curvy figure and am actually like a square box. Is it possible to have a big ribcage or something? I can never find a bra to fit me

Im 5 foot 2 and a half, weigh 9 stone 8 and am a size 10. But I always look so dumpy in photos - see proof - and wondered if anyone had any styling tips for my specific body type ? Thanks!

Sorry, meant in the outfit with the short flared skirt and long blazer

I don’t think this looks boxy, this is a good look. You have great legs. Do you generally avoid skirts and dresses? If so I think you should lean into them a bit more.

The jeans aren’t quite the right fit though. I have this exact problem. I’ve gone from 8.5 to 9st in the last 18 months and now can’t find a single pair that suits 🫤

@LilyFeather Did you miss my post about long and lean jeans?

The skirt outfit looks great and I think that is the kind of outfit you should lean towards, clothes that add shape.

Fit and flare dresses, or wide leg pants with a fitted top.

I used to have a figure like yours OP, very straight up and down, no waist at all.

3 DC later and perimenopausal, my muffin top says otherwise lol 😆 Wish I could be such a size 10 again. Enjoy your slim figure, I'm envious 😁

Solidarity, OP - I have a giant ribcage, broad shoulders, slim hips, no boobs and no waist.

I also have a long torso and very short legs.

I’m 5 foot 4 and 9 stone and look very boxy and oddly proportioned.

The mystery for me is that I can’t work out where I’m meant to fit a waist, as my hip bones start less than an inch below my lowest rib. There’s just no room between bony parts for any indentation.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about this and eventually came to the conclusion that part of the issue is that my pelvis is unusually long / tall - which is presumably why high waisted trousers always cut me in half at the crotch.

I have found flared trousers to be helpful in creating a bit of curve, and I wear short boxy jumpers in bright solid colours so that it doesn’t look like my torso is melding into my hips quite so much.

Very deep narrow V necks also help me look a bit less masculine and shoulder-heavy.

PS - I think you look great, and I envy your slim legs, an I love your boots! And you also have a lovely smile. 😊

Another parsnip here - although I have big boobs to add to the joy...
I'd recommend an online bra fitting with Fantasie - they also have lots of advice on their website about the different bras for different shapes - yours look wide set to me which suggests they'd benefit from some side support.

I find a close fitting slightly cropped cardigan can be left unbuttoned top and bottom and buttoned in the middle to create the illusion of a waist. A belt does me no favours unless it sits on the hip over a sheath dress.

Stretchy patterned mini skirts (M&S) with plain close tops or wide legged high waisted 7/8 length trousers work well, again with a plain close top.

PPS - I’m showing my age / generation here but Cameron Diaz has this kind of figure and I find it helpful to have a look at the sorts of things she wears.

I think the point is that you are gorgeous but dress as though you don’t appreciate that. Even your undies speak of someone who takes themself for granted.

Great idea.

Oh god I'd say the complete opposite. If you're already petite, slim and without curves the last thing you want to do is wear even bigger/baggier clothes! Not to mention most styles in the shops atm are already very baggy and unfitted because thats the trend. You'd look lost in a size 12 with your proportions. If anything I'd say not to be tied to sizes and go down a size if needed in some shops - vanity sizing is such a big thing at the moment.

You've got a good figure- great legs! But your clothes are really not flattering you. I would recommend alternating - so if you're wearing a baggier jumper wear something tight on your legs -a shorter skirt in an actual styled cut (doesnt matter what could be more flared or lobger but slimline - the one in the photo is pretty much square!) or tighter jeans or thick leggings if a casual look or whatever.

Then vice versa - a slim fit top with mom/flare jeans (unfortunately shorties like us can't carry off the really baggy type jeans that are most fashionable at the moment but can nod to them). That will give the illusion of more curves while still being comfortable but showing off your slim figure.

I know everyone suggests a JL stylist on here but there's a reason - sometimes you need someone to kick you out of your comfort zone. If not a stylist then a trusted friend or someone or just go yourself and make yourself try on a few things you would never usually go for.

I'm a similar shape - no waist, slim hips, not a big bust, short legs and long body. These cords are nice and now in the sale annoyingly.

Belle Cord Wide Leg Trouser in DUSTY PINK | White Stuff https://share.google/IXA6V9H6lY0SXF4wn

For bras, I found just going to John Lewis and trying lots on worked and then noting the style and size so could record. Triumph Amourette (I think) is my favourite. Often in the sale as well.

I think you look great.

I'm seeing enviable slim hips and slender legs. And your shoulders appear quite broad, but that may be the clothes.

Try measuring around your shoulders (not bust) and then around your hips. How do they compare?

In the hourglass figure, they have the same measurement, with waist measurement at 75% of them. Size and weight are irrelevant.

If your hips are narrower, you're a Y shape.

If your hips are wider you're a pear shape (me).

If they're all pretty similar you're an apple shape.

There's quite a lot of help online - trinny and Susannah were good at that.

You're very lucky you look so nice in a mini!

I'd say:

Get another bra fitting - try Marks and Sparks and try on loads.

Emphasise the area from just below your bust to your waist .

Try some wrap tops and dresses and tops with low V necks to accentuate waist and bust.

The pale more A line skirt looked best to me - the kick-out hem emphasises waist in contrast, more than the squarer shaped cord skirt does.

Maybe re think the jeans style to be more fitted?

I agree with those who say you are more of an inverted triangle shape as opposed to rectangle as your hips look slimmer than your shoulders. Rectangles are pretty much in proportion shoulders and hips with little waist (if any) definition. I would suggest trying some wider fit jeans/trousers and fitted tops to create a more proportional look.

@LilyFeather I’m the same height and similar weight and I too have wide shoulders, no waist and a wide ribcage.

Contrary to what other, wiser posters are saying I’d keep on ignoring wide legged trousers. I tried a pair and everyone laughed. Wide legged trousers definitely balance size difference between top and bottom but not in the way you’d like them too. They put a stone on me 😭

I tend to wear straight cut trousers and jeans and occasionally flirt with bootcut. High waists do not work for me at all and neither does a short top. I need a top to finish about the level of my hipbone. Shift dresses are pretty good, anything with a waist is a disaster unless it’s in exactly the right position. Which is rare.

I think you look great though. In fact some of your pics have given me a bit of inspiration

You've a similar shape to me. Small hips, short torso but slim legs? Do you put weight on your face and upper arms and belly?

I always avoid anything that cinches in at the waist or any short or boxy tops. They're the fashion right now but I prefer longer lines to elongate my body. I'm a bit taller than you.

@Jins interesting. I’m going to try the. M&S wide legged bottoms but historically, I’ve always found wide legged stuff drowns me a bit - in terms of I’m aware of lots of extra material and they’re usually always too long.

@BillieWiper yep. As I’m short with a small frame, every single lb shows on me. And it can go to my upper arms and face for sure

I try and keep my weight within a few lbs of 9 stone 7 and I’m aware that I could probably shave half a stone off this but being too low doesn’t really suit me at my advanced years 🤣

@LilyFeather Just seconding the Asda soft bras recommendation here. I’m wearing them atm while breastfeeding and they’re comfortable, supportive and attractive (see lacy two packs, e.g. in white and burgundy). Also cheap!

I think you look really cool here!

12 petite fits very differently to a 12 regular. It doesn’t swamp. A regular 12 would look like a giant sack on me - but, for example, a regular 10 in jeans will be too long, hips and knees in the wrong place, but also marginally too snug when first washed.

i also find some stores just don’t fit my shape at all.

I don’t really like their styles, but Boden petite is a perfect fit. I’m a 10 petite in tops and a 12 petite bottoms (which a a change from a 10 now I’m in perimenopause)

Oh god, same. Every 5lb is a dress size difference for me.

Ok. So I’m not as slim as you, but a similar boxy shape/no waist. I’ve taken to wearing wide leg trousers, especially with a pleat, but flat across the middle of the waist. They balance things out a bit. Often with a slim fitting roll neck. A bit Shiv Roy 😂. Also wide leg jeans or my favourites are Le Crop from Sezane as I’m only 5’3.

the other thing that works is a jumpsuit. It gives the illusion of a waist. It really dawned on my that I was a box shape when I was looking for a wedding dress and nothing suited me! I ended up wearing a jumpsuit and it felt really fun.

the other thing that works is tube shape skirts, with something more oversized tucked in - shirt / jumper. Shows narrow hips / looks like you have a waist.

but honestly you look great. Especially in the jumper/skirt xx

My DIL has no hips like you and she wears jeans with pockets on the front . This gives the illusion of a bit of width. These ones are M and S but you get everywhere.
It's madness - when I was young I always wanted that "no hips" look as that was what was fashionable. See Linda Evans attached. Charlene of Monaco is the same shape too. Attaching more about an inverted triangle. However you really have nothing to worry about.