Whether you’re a rectangle body shape, apple shape or any other shape, we know you have high expectations of your dream dress. It needs to fit perfectly, feel comfortable and supportive, flatter your figure to the max and express your unique sense of style, all while making you look and feel amazing.

However, there are also so many styles and shapes out there that it’s hard to know where to begin. So, if you haven’t already, make you sure you take a look at our Guide to Wedding Dress Shapes, which will help you work out which body shape you’re closest to. Also, our amazing bridal experts are always on hand (both online and instore) and are brilliant at helping even the most unsure or nervous bride. Below they’ve put together their top style tips for rectangle body shapes, with everything you need to know about what to look for in a dress. Alternatively, for all our other body shape guides just click here!

Ravishing rectangles

You’re a rectangle body shape if you…

  • Have similar bust, waist and hip measurements
  • Are not very curvy
  • Have a small to average midriff 
  • Have a figure that’s straight up and down, like a column or a rectangle

However, every bride’s figure is beautifully unique, so you most likely won’t fit the ‘rectangle shape’ box exactly. You may well overlap with other body shapes, too. For example, if your hips are slightly broader than your bust then you may lean more towards a pear shape. Alternatively, if you have a wide chest and extra weight around your middle you may be more of a apple, so be open to a secondary body shape too.

Decide what’s right for you

Then, once you’ve given your body shape some thought, take a minute to think about the following too…

  • What do you love about your body and want to highlight?
  • Which parts do you feel neutral about?
  • Are there any areas you’d like to draw attention away from?

These will be different for everyone, regardless of body shape. You might prefer to accentuate your tall narrow shape, while other rectangles will prefer to create the illusion of curves. The choice is yours, there’s no right or wrong!

Wedding dresses for a rectangle body shape.

Key advice for rectangle body shapes

  • Add definition to your waist to break up the rectangle shape
  • Do this by either adding volume to your upper and lower body…
  • …or making your waist appear slimmer by visually pulling it in
  • Avoid shapeless silhouettes that accentuate a square shape
  • Wear a structured bodice or bra to define your bust

Design details to look out for…

Silhouettes

A lines shapes will flatter your bust and pull you in at the waist, creating curves. Ballgowns will have a similar effect, but try to add some volume at the top too, perhaps with off-the-shoulder straps, to offset the wide skirt. Dresses that are fitted at the waist but with ruching at the hips are great. Avoid silhouettes that aren’t fitted at the waist or mermaid styles that will highlight your straight shape.

Coral wedding dress by Viva Bride, a great dress for rectangle body shapes.
Wedding dress featured: Coral by Viva Bride

Necklines

To create some curves, rounded scoop necklines are a good choice. An off-the-shoulder, sweetheart or V-neckline will also visually lengthening the shoulder and bust area. Embellishment or detailing around your décolletage will also add volume and interest. High necklines, like halter necks, will make your shape appear longer and accentuate your slender look, but try to define your waist to counterbalance this. 

Perdita wedding dress by Anna Sorrano, a great dress for rectangle body shapes.
Wedding dress featured: Perdita by Anna Sorrano

Sleeves

The right type of sleeve will add volume and interest to your upper body. So look for cap or angel sleeves. Three-quarter-length sleeves are ideal, as they finish above the waistline, whereas full-length sleeves (that finish around the waist) can add to the feeling of a width there. Floaty voluminous sleeves are also a good look on rectangles. Avoid wide, straight illusion straps that will accentuate the rectangle feel of your upper body.

Vallie wedding dress by Viva Bride, a great dress for rectangle body shapes.
Wedding dress featured: Vallie by Viva Bride

Embellishment

Detailing on your skirt is a great way to add volume to your lower body. So don’t be afraid to try ruffles or fabulous waterfall styles, or look for fun embellishments like 3D florals. Avoid embellishment at the waist, you want to visually define it without making it look wider.

Accessories 

Finally, our top tip for rectangles is to treat yourself to a delicate belt. It will add shape to any style of dress, and define and draw in your waist visually. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of sparkle!

Well, we hope our rectangle shapes guide has given you an idea of where to start. Plus, if you’re still not sure what will suit you, don’t worry. Our friendly bridal experts (both online and instore) are brilliant at helping brides of every shape and size, find the perfect dress. They can also offer personalised advice tailored specifically to you and your unique figure. So drop in today, they can’t wait to help!

Click here to see the best dresses for a rectangle body shape, then try on your favourites at your nearest WED2B store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts or read some of our brilliant real bride stories here.