Hi everyone!  Welcome back to What to Wear Wednesday.  I’m sorry I’ve been away the past couple of Wednesdays and haven’t been able to post.  But, a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about What to Wear and What Not to Wear in order to flatter the Pear Shape figure.  Today, I’m going to get more in depth with the Rectangle Shape or more commonly known as the Banana body shape.  Although, this is not a reference I favor, you may have even heard people refer to this shape as someone having more of a “boyish” profile. 

Remember, if you are Banana shaped then you are essentially straight up and down.  Your shoulders are aligned with your hips; you have a small to average bust, an undefined waist, and not too many curves.  You actually have the easiest body shape to dress as most clothing will look good on you.  So, with this body shape, the goal is to define your waist and flaunt your arms and legs.  You want to wear clothes that flatter your thin profile, break up your silhouette and create some curvature. 

So, let’s start with the most flattering style tops to wear:

Similar to the Pear Shape, the Banana Shape looks great in tops that have more visual interest and detail so it draws the eye to the upper body.  Style tops you want to have in your wardrobe include a scoop neck, wide V necks, sweetheart neck and bustier styles. Tops with collars, ruffles, pockets at the bust-line, or embellishments are great styles for the Banana Shape.  Also, hip-length tops and jackets that nip at the waist help to enhance that waistline are extremely flattering.  But, different from the Pear Shape, a Banana Shape looks great in mid or high necklines such as turtlenecks. With a Banana Shape figure, you do want to avoid square necks, crop tops, drop-waist tops, slouchy jackets or blazers and baggy, boxy tunics.  Basically, anything that looks boxy, will not flatter your figure.

For the Banana Shape, go for bottoms that have good structure.  Skinny pants and jeans as well as pencil skirts and A-line skirts are super flattering for you.  Pants that have detailing around the hips help to create an illusion of curves.  Also, pants that have a slight flare are flattering because they essentially create those curves for you.  With the Banana Shape, you want to avoid anything that is heavily embellished at the waistline. 

Lastly, skinny belts are way to enhance the waist without over-powering the area.  Make sure your shoulder bags finish closer to your bust line or lower near your hips, instead of near your waist-line.

 If you would like more information about dressing the Banana Shape figure, please leave me a note below or feel free to message me directly. You can also catch the full video on my Alexandra Styles Facebook page linked here: Alexandra Styles. Just a “heads-up,” next week, I’ll be talking about the Hourglass figure.  In the meantime, have a great week.

xo,

Alexandra