Welcome to my humble abode, Carol’s Corner. Sorry I couldn’t have an issue for you yesterday. Circumstances made it impossible for me to make the time. Still in a deep freeze, but somewhat better today, might not go below zero. I love everything about my outfit today, from head to toe. Love the statement piece.

The sweater is totally perfect. In fact it is my new favorite one and the back is awesome. Just wait till you see how cool it is with my FitBit band that I wore with this.

Is that not a perfect match? And it breaks up the monochrome theme of today’s ensemble.

Couldn’t decide if I wanted a white or black FitCuff, but decided to go with the black. So that’s the fashion portion of today’s issue. In a way I guess we’re still on the fashion theme, just not mine. As you probably know already, unless your a new reader, we are doing a series on dressing for your body shape. Today will be about The Rectangle. So let’s get started. To determine if you fall in this category follow the same procedure as outlined before as you look in the mirror. If you just started you will find it outlined in the issue two days before.

DO YOU

Wear the same size on your top and bottom halves?

Have a small bust?

Have a little waist definition?

Have flat hips and bottom?

YOUR BUILD IS CHARACTERIZED BY:

Straight shoulder line and rib cage

Straight hips and bottom

Very little waist definition

Average tummy

OTHER BODY SHAPE TENDENCIES

If you have gained and lost weight many times your body shape can change into another one. Read below to see what other body shape tendencies you might have.

You lean towards a pear shape if your hips are slightly broader( saddle bags) than your hips.

You lean towards inverted triangle If your shoulders are slightly broader than your hips.

You lean towards a column if you have a small bust and are petite in your shape and scale.

GENERAL RULES FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE AND HOW TO CREATE VISUAL BALANCE:

You need to create the illusion of a waist

Keep your silhouette uncluttered

Unstructured jackets that gently shape the waist

Hip and bottom details are good- as long as they create gentle curves

YOU SHOULD AVOID:

Details at the waist such as noticeable waistband; high-waisted trousers; belted jackets and coats at the front

Straight lines from top to toe e.g. straight jacket worn with straight trousers/ with pinstripes/ with a pencil skirt

Boxy jackets or coats as well as double breasted coats and jackets;boxy pleats

Fussy, busy or droopy style in your clothing

Rectangle shaped bags or clutch bags

Square toed shoes

THE BODY SHAPES AND THEIR CLOTHING LINES

Every body shape has its own characteristics and silhouette, which needs to be addressed when choosing your clothes. The aim of choosing the right clothes is to balance your silhouette. You may not be able to follow all the fashion tends that are out there, but nowadays there are so many trends in fashion that there is something available for every body shape. So, don’t get sidetracked by falling in love with a style and look that doesn’t match your body shape:

NECKLINE FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Opt for lower wider necklines such as jewels, scoop boat necklines-This looks even better with details such as embellishments around your décolletage.

SLEEVES FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Loose fit, puffed , 3/4 cap sleeves, flared, rolled up, or rolled up sleeves.

TOPS AND SHIRTS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Simple and clean style lines; add roundness to your neckline or sleeves, empire line, tops that drape under your bust and give the illusion of movement; splits at your waist.

JACKETS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Structured and shaped with round lapels/ and or neckline.

COATS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Straight lines with some emphasis on the waist; empire line, uncluttered lines

DRESSES FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Kaftans with splits at the waist, simple straight lines, empire line, shift dresses.

SKIRTS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Crossover, flip, panelled; A-line

TROUSERS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

You are quite flexible, but opt for low waisted options( if your prefer, mid-waisted is ok) that flow in their leg line; e.g. boot cut, flare, or wide leg. Choose trousers with hip, thigh, or leg details such as pockets, pleats, or turn- ups.

JEANS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Straight fit from the hip to the knees with a slight flare (boot cut) looks great. Details on your bum e.g. back pockets, embellishments work well.

BAGS FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Go for straighter styles, e.g. rectangular shapes in bags or clutch bags.

SWIMWEAR AND BEACHWEAR FOR RECTANGLE BODY SHAPE

Look for swimwear with a form fitting waist and a soft cup bra. Two pieces do just that and make rectangle body shapes appear a little curvier. Choose bold solid colors and plunging necklines to make the bust and bottom stand out. Diagonal lines can do the same. A one piece swimsuit with an overall bold bright color and darker color in the waistline give the illusion of a waist and is a good choice.

So there you you have it for the retangular body shape. Again I will provide you with a link to the site where this material is from. There is lots to see and do and even buy, if you’re so inclined. So have fun just exploring. Even if this is not your body type you might just know someone who is. Tomorrow and the next three days after is where I think most of you will find your correct body shape. So stay tuned. Tomorrow is going to be The Apple Body Shape. http://www.joyofclothes.com/ I am going to fall in one of the last four categories. When I figure it out it will be fun to see how they say I should be dressing. Well that’s it for this time. Stay strong, stay motivated, and get up and walk. Till next time God Bless.