We are all our own worst critics, present company included. I have always been self conscious about my body shape because, well, there is not a lot of shape! I have a very straight or boxy figure with little curves but at the same time I am not “bean pole”, I have some thickness for sure. If you are like me, you know that it can be downright defeating trying to find flattering clothing. Look no further my straight bodied friends! In this month’s post I am sharing how I style my boxy body shape and what I do to feel comfortable and confident in my outfits.

High Neck Line

I noticed that v-necks or low cut tops tend to make my middle look even more boxy. I have very square shoulders so wearing high (or crew) neck items tends to elongate my middle for a longer, leaner appearance. The semi-racer back shoulder cuts also help to accentuate my shoulders bringing more of a triangle shape to my top half.

TIP: Try to build a triangle on the top half. Drawing attention to the top of your shape rather than the middle creates the longer, leaner, curvier appearance.

Side Front Tuck

Our dear friend Tan from Queer Eye has taught us that a front tuck (or French tuck) is flattering on EVERYONE. I have found for the straight shape, a center front tuck is not ideal for me. Again, it draws attention to the middle and gives the illusion of no shape. I have found if I shift the front tuck slightly to the right it actually gives the appearance of a curve on that side. Call me crazy but try it! You might be surprised the difference it makes in your shape.

TIP: Try an off center front tuck to give the appearance of a curves to the side body. Make sure that it’s not too loose of a tuck and that the full waistband is still visible below the tuck.

Strategic Ruching/Stitching

I know, the previous tips talk about drawing attention away from the middle so why would I want to add ruching to the middle?? It’s all about the placement, and it has to be off centered (see above). I’m sure you have all seen the ruched middle bodycon dresses that are flying off the shelves. There is a reason they are so popular, they are flattering on almost all body shapes. The ruching again gives the appearance of a curved mid-section because it draws attention to the sides, not the middle thusly eliminating the boxy middle appearance.

TIP: Look for middle ruching that starts on the sides, not in the middle. The side origination draws attention to the side and not the middle creating a “flat” stomach appearance.

NO VISIBLE HIGH WAISTED

Now, before I get the book thrown at me, hear me out. I’m not saying I don’t wear high waisted pants, in fact; most of the pants I own are mid or high waisted. What I am saying is I don’t wear tops that end where the top of my jeans begin. I have found this accentuates the thicker middle and my hip dips (for those that don’t have them: what’s it like to be god’s favorite). I will wear longer tops that go past my hips, fitted or loose. The reason for this is that it makes my middle look less boxy if it can be a seamless flow between top to bottom.

TIP: Opt for high waisted pants or shorts, but pair it with a longer top and a front side tuck. This helps to give the appearance of curves by creating spatial differentiation between the bottom of the hip and the top of the waistband.

If you are struggling finding what works for you, don’t lose hope! It has taken me several years to figure out these 4 tips and I still have flops. Everyone’s body is different so my best advise is experimentation. Try these tips, see what works for you. Moto jackets and blazers are also another flattering option, see my previous post on moto jackets for some inspo.

I hope this helped at least one of you find some confidence in styling your shape! Make sure you tag me on IG @laurenletter if you try one of these tips! See you next time.

-Lauren