Boxy Body Shape: How to Add Curves & Style Tips
Have a straight, athletic figure without much waist definition? Learn how to dress your boxy body shape to create beautiful curves and a flattering silhouette.
Understanding the Boxy Body Shape
The boxy body shape—also known as rectangle, straight, or banana shape—is characterized by a lack of defined waistline. Your shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width, creating a straight silhouette.
Boxy Shape Characteristics:
- • Shoulders and hips are similar width
- • Little waist definition (waist less than 9" smaller than hips)
- • Straight torso from bust to hips
- • Often athletic or lean appearance
- • Flat or less pronounced buttocks
- • Tends to gain weight evenly across body
Good news: This is the most common body shape! About 46% of women share this figure. You're in excellent company with celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Kate Middleton, and Nicole Kidman.
Boxy vs. Rectangle: Is There a Difference?
"Boxy" and "rectangle" refer to the same body shape. Different style guides use different terms:
Same Shape, Different Names:
- • Rectangle
- • Boxy
- • Straight
- • Banana
- • Athletic
- • Ruler
Key Trait:
All these terms describe a body with minimal waist-to-hip difference and a relatively straight silhouette from shoulders to hips.
Styling Goals for Boxy Bodies
The main styling objective is to create the illusion of curves and waist definition. Here are your three primary goals:
1. Create Waist Definition
Use belts, fitted waistlines, and strategic color blocking to make your waist appear smaller and more defined.
2. Add Curves to Bust and Hips
Ruffles, peplums, and details at the bust and hip can add visual curves and create an hourglass illusion.
3. Break Up the Straight Line
Use layering, varying textures, and strategic patterns to interrupt the straight silhouette and add visual interest.
Best Tops for Boxy Body Shapes
Peplum Tops
The flared bottom adds hip volume and defines your waist simultaneously.
Wrap Tops
The V-neckline and tied waist create instant curves and definition.
Ruched or Gathered Tops
Side ruching creates the illusion of curves through visual texture.
Fitted Blazers
Structured, nipped-waist blazers add shape and sophistication.
Avoid: Boxy Blazers
Oversized, shapeless blazers emphasize the straight silhouette.
Best Dresses for Boxy Figures
The right dress can transform a boxy silhouette. Look for these styles:
Perfect Dress Styles
- ✓Wrap dresses - create instant waist
- ✓Fit-and-flare - defines waist, adds hip
- ✓A-line dresses - skims and flatters
- ✓Belted sheath - adds waist definition
- ✓Peplum dresses - curve-creating magic
- ✓Bodycon with ruching - flattering texture
Styles to Avoid
- ✗Shapeless shift dresses
- ✗Drop-waist dresses
- ✗Straight column dresses (without belt)
- ✗Tent or trapeze styles
- ✗T-shirt dresses without waist
Best Pants & Skirts for Boxy Bodies
Pants That Add Curves
- • High-waisted pants - Creates waist definition naturally
- • Bootcut jeans - Balances proportions
- • Wide-leg trousers - Adds hip volume
- • Paperbag waist pants - Cinched waist with hip detail
- • Pants with pocket details - Adds visual interest at hips
Flattering Skirt Styles
- • A-line skirts - Natural curve enhancement
- • Tulip skirts - Adds volume at hips
- • Pencil skirts with peplum - Waist definition + curves
- • Circle skirts - Dramatic curve creation
- • Pleated skirts - Movement and shape
The Power of Accessories
Accessories can make or break your outfit when you have a boxy figure:
Must-Have Accessories
- • Statement belts (wear at natural waist)
- • Waist-cinching corset belts
- • V-neckline jewelry
- • Long pendant necklaces
- • Layered chains that draw the eye down
Belt Tips for Boxy Bodies
- • Wear belts at your natural waist
- • Wide belts create more definition
- • Dark belts are most slimming
- • Contrast color belts make statement
- • Belt over dresses, cardigans, blazers
Celebrity Style Inspiration
These famous women have mastered dressing their boxy figures:
Cameron Diaz
Often seen in wrap dresses and belted styles that create waist definition. She embraces her athletic build while adding feminine touches.
Kate Middleton
Known for fit-and-flare dresses and tailored coats with belt details. Her style is elegant proof that boxy figures look stunning in structured pieces.
Nicole Kidman
Favors dramatic gowns with waist emphasis and strategic draping. She shows how tall, lean figures can look incredibly glamorous.
Natalie Portman
Master of the fit-and-flare silhouette. Her petite frame looks perfectly proportioned in A-line dresses and nipped waists.
Patterns & Colors for Boxy Shapes
Strategic Pattern Placement
- • Wear darker colors at the waist, lighter at bust/hips
- • Use vertical patterns on torso for lengthening
- • Add horizontal patterns at bust or hips (not waist)
- • Try color-blocked dresses with darker waist panel
Colors That Work
- • Monochromatic outfits with waist accent
- • Dark waist, light top and bottom
- • Bright colors at bust and hip to draw eye
- • Bold prints on areas you want to emphasize
Find Your Exact Body Shape
Not 100% sure if you have a boxy body shape? Our free body shape calculator analyzes your measurements to determine your exact body type and provides personalized styling recommendations.
Workout Tips for Boxy Bodies
While you can't change your bone structure, targeted exercise can help create more curves:
Build Curves With
- • Squats and lunges (glute building)
- • Hip thrusts
- • Shoulder exercises (caps shoulders)
- • Deadlifts
- • Side-lying leg raises
Core Work
- • Avoid excessive oblique work
- • Focus on transverse abdominals
- • Planks over crunches
- • Pilates for lengthening
- • Yoga for posture
Key Takeaways
- ✓Boxy = rectangle = straight body shape (most common at 46%)
- ✓Focus on creating waist definition and adding curves at bust/hips
- ✓Belts, wrap styles, and peplums are your best friends
- ✓Avoid shapeless, drop-waist, and overly boxy clothing
- ✓Celebrities like Kate Middleton prove boxy bodies are gorgeous
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boxy body shape?
A boxy body shape (also called rectangle or straight body type) is characterized by shoulders, waist, and hips that are similar in width. There's little to no waist definition, creating a straight silhouette from shoulders to hips. This is actually the most common body shape, shared by about 46% of women.
How do I know if I have a boxy body shape?
You have a boxy shape if your shoulder, waist, and hip measurements are within 5% of each other, and your waist is less than 9 inches smaller than your hips. Visual signs include having a straight torso without dramatic curves, flat buttocks, and a lean athletic appearance.
Can you change a boxy body shape?
While you can't change your bone structure, you can create the illusion of curves through strategic clothing choices and fitness. Exercise that builds glutes (squats, lunges) and shoulders can add curves. Clothes with waist definition, ruffles, and strategic patterns can also create shape.
What should boxy body shapes avoid wearing?
Boxy shapes should generally avoid shapeless shift dresses, boxy blazers, drop-waist styles, overly loose tops, straight-cut tunics, and horizontal stripes across the midsection. These can make the silhouette appear even more straight and undefined.
Which celebrities have boxy body shapes?
Famous women with boxy/rectangle body shapes include Cameron Diaz, Kate Middleton, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Hudson. These celebrities demonstrate how boxy shapes can look elegant and stylish with the right clothing choices.