A ruler-shaped body has shoulders, waist, and hips almost the same width. The goal of this body shape is to create the illusion of curves by creating a waistline and adding volume to the upper or lower body. In this guide I will give some examples of the types of clothes that generally work best to flatter your amazing shape, what styles to avoid if you don’t want to look too angular, as well as some variations on this body type.

Figuring out your body shape

Everyone has a unique body profile, but most of us fall into one or two of the typical body shape profiles. It is totally normal to fall between 2-body types. Here are some of the common cross-overs:

• Ruler leaning towards an Apple, you’ll see some weight gain on the stomach.
• Ruler leaning towards a Pear (after child birth or after the 40’s) the hips can spread a little and weight can be seen on the stomach and thighs.

Best styles for a ruler body type

When we look at some of the best styles for the ruler shape, we are looking at ways to add shape, preferably not too much ‘angular’ shape but some interest and dimension around the shoulder and hips:

• Wear tops that create the illusion of curves, such as peplum tops or tops with ruffles or embellishments.
• Dresses or tops with a defined waistline or belt will help create the illusion of a waist.
• Wear skirts or dresses with a slight flare or A-line shape to create curves, in fact, there are few skirts that you cannot wear with the ruler shape!
• Anything that adds a little volume at the shoulder and the hips will look great.

Best styles of tops for the ruler shape 

These styles of tops are suitable for the ruler shape because they help create the appearance of curves, define the waistline, and add femininity and balance to the overall silhouette:

• Wrap tops add dimension to the bust area and create the appearance of curves, providing a more balanced silhouette.
• Peplum tops cinch at the waist and flare out, creating the illusion of a more defined waistline and adding curves to the hips.
• Off-the-shoulder tops draw attention to the shoulders and collarbone, adding femininity and balance to the ruler shape.
• Tops with ruffles or embellishments add volume and create the illusion of curves, adding visual interest to the ruler shape.

Best type of neckline for the ruler figure

These neckline styles are ideal for the ruler figure because they add curves, create visual interest, and help balance the proportions of the body, enhancing the overall feminine and balanced appearance.

• The sweetheart neckline adds softness and creates the illusion of curves, enhancing the femininity of the ruler figure.
• The boat neckline widens the shoulders and adds a bit of volume to the upper body
• The off-the-shoulder neckline highlights the shoulders and collarbone, adding a touch of femininity and creating visual interest.
• The scoop neckline adds width to the upper body, creating the appearance of curves and balancing the straighter lines of the ruler figure.
• A V-neck can be flattering as it breaks ups the chest area, also for those with larger busts this is especially flattering.

Best styles of sleeves for a ruler body shape

These sleeve styles are well-suited for the ruler body shape as they add volume, create curves, and interest to help balance the proportions of the body, enhancing the overall appearance of femininity and style.

• Capped and rolled sleeves add width to the shoulders, creating the illusion of curves and balancing the proportions.
• Puff sleeves add volume to the upper arms, creating the appearance of curves and balancing the proportions.
• Flutter sleeves add volume and movement to the arms, drawing attention away from the straighter lines of the ruler figure.
• Fit and flare, Bishop and Bell sleeves add volume to the arms for an interesting focal point and softness.
• Cuffed sleeves are also great for adding extra shape and dimension.

Best style of shorts for a ruler shape 

These shorts styles are flattering for the ruler body shape as they help create curves, define the waistline, and add visual interest to the overall silhouette.

• High-waisted shorts that have an A-line shape help create the illusion of curves and define the waistline, adding a feminine shape.
• Tailored shorts with a slight A-lines silhouette can add a touch of sophistication to the ruler figure.
• Paper bag shorts with a cinched waist can also be tried, these add volume and definition to the waist, creating curves.
• Ruffled or pleated shorts add volume and texture to the hips, can also help create the illusion of curves.

Best style of trousers and jeans for a ruler body type

Trousers and jeans styles that have shape are ideal for a ruler body shape as they create the illusion of curves, balance the proportions, and enhance the overall silhouette.

• Cuffed trousers great for adding extra shape and dimension.
• Cargo trouser can add interest, the pockets on the side add interest.
• Bootcut jeans with a slight flare at the bottom can help add a bit of interest to the proportions by adding movement to the lower half of the body.
• Flared leg jeans and trousers can highlight a slim shapely physique but also add some shape
• Wide-leg and flared trousers create a sense of movement and volume, adding interest to an otherwise straight angular frame.
• Slim-fit jeans are also a great choice for a ruler body shape as they hug the legs and show off shapely pins. 

Best style of dresses for a ruler body shape

These dress styles tend to be most flattering for a ruler body shape as they either emphasise the waist, or create the illusion of curves and add shape to the overall silhouette. 

• Wrap dresses are a great choice for a ruler body shape as they cinch at the waist, creating the illusion of curves and enhancing the feminine silhouette.
• Shift dresses are great for highlighting your figure
• Dresses with a belted or accentuated waist can help create the appearance of curves.
• Fit-and-flare dresses are designed to highlight the waist and create volume in the skirt, adding curves to the ruler figure.
• Bias cut dresses can be especially flattering, adding softness and elegance.
• Peplum dresses feature a flared ruffle at the waist, adding volume and creating curves for the ruler figure.
• In fact, most dresses tend to work well on a ruler shape,. I also like to recommend trying A-line and X-line dresses as well.

Best style of skirt for a ruler shape body

These skirt styles are ideal for a ruler body shape as they create the illusion of curves, balance the proportions, and enhance the feminine silhouette.

• Bubble skirts have a distinctive shape that is fitted at the waist and then gradually expands in a bubble manner. This style adds volume and movement to the hips and thighs. 
• Pleated skirts add volume and movement to the hips, creating the illusion of curves and adding femininity to the ruler shape.
• Tiered skirts that gently flare out from the hips, help to add interest to the lower body.
• Pencil skirts hug the body and accentuate your physique.
• A-line and skirts gently flare out from the waist, adding a little shape.

Worst styles for a ruler body shape 

Whilst the ruler body shape can wear pretty much anything there are some styles which just don’t do anything for your silhouette:

• Clothes that are too loose or baggy (unless you love the oversized look of course!)
• Extremely low-rise trousers or jeans will make the torso appear longer and throw your shape off balance. 
• Boxy clothes will emphasise your angular shape, particularly if you’re short and are leaning more towards a rectangle or brick shape.  
• While vertical stripes can create the illusion of length and be slimming, they are not as effective for enhancing curves
• Avoid overly tight-fitting clothes like a super tight body-con dresses that have no structure or design details will only emphasise your angular lines.

Remember everything here is just a guide, and you should always wear what you love!

Specific clothing to avoid for a ruler-shaped body:

The ruler body shape is blessed with a wide array of options, there are however some cuts and styles of specific clothes that aren’t as flattering, such as:

• Avoid wearing shapeless or boxy tops that say box-cut or oversized in the description if you want to create soft lines. If you do want to wear oversized wear with something more fitted and/or flowy to help soften the look.
• Avoid high-neck tops, turtlenecks, or crew necklines, as they can make your upper body appear broader and emphasise the straightness of your figure. Instead, opt for V-necks or scoop necklines to create the illusion of curves.
• Steer clear of straight, formless dresses that don’t cinch at the waist. Look for dresses that have defined waistlines or use belts and layering to add shape and create curves.
• Boyfriend or loose-fitting jeans can make your figure appear more boxy. Instead, opt for jeans with a slight flare or bootcut to add curves and balance out your proportions.
• Avoid shapeless, straight cut designs and boxy oversized coats that hide your waistline. Look for coats with defined silhouettes, such as wrap coats, macs, belted or tailored styles, that create the illusion of curves.

Can straight-shaped figures wear any tight clothes?

You can wear whatever you want, but often when I style clients with a ruler-shaped body they are conscious of the fact that they don’t have a defined waist, and some women (not all) are aware of their lack of curves and don’t want to emphasise it. Not all women want to rock the androgynous look.

If you want to wear a tight-fitting dress, pair it with something that offers softness like a waterfall jacket, and experiment with it belted. Or go for peplum styles which offer structured shapes to help break up the straight lines. If you have a large bust, you might feel that a tight dress further enhances this (which you may or may not welcome) so think about adding volume on the hips to balance out the upper body and making the ‘girls’ less of a focal point, and avoid high necklines, opting for V-necklines where possible. Layer a vest underneath if you’re concerned about cleavage, showing too much, or lack of it. 

Famous ruler-shaped celebrities

Famous celebrities that share this wonderful body shape include Cameron Diaz,  Alexa Chung,  Olivia Palermo Anne Hathaway, and Keira Knightly – and the woman that made the figure famous was, of course, Twiggy.  Her real name was Lesley Lawson and she became an iconic figure in the fashion industry during the 1960s. Her slender and boyish figure, with minimal curves and a petite frame, epitomised the ruler’s body shape.

Ruler Body shape summary:

If you have a ruler-shaped figure (also known as the rectangle body shape or column) you will have a straight and athletic silhouette with balanced shoulder and hip width, and little to no definition of the waist. While this body shape may lack natural curves, there are various styling tips that can enhance and flatter your figure.

To create the illusion of curves, choose clothing styles that help create a waist or add volume strategically to the shoulder and hips. Experimenting with patterns, textures, and accessories can also help add visual interest and create curves.

Variations of the ruler shape

This includes the lollipop and brick body shapes.  More information of these shapes coming soon.

Lollipop Body Shape:

The lollipop body shape refers to a ruler-shaped body with a fuller bust. If you have a lollipop shape, you can follow similar styling tips as the ruler body shape, with the addition of downplaying your fuller bus by opting for V-necklines, scoop necks, or sweetheart necklines to break up the size of your chest area.  You can also experiment with A-line or fit-and-flare dresses and skirts to create more balance between your upper and lower body.

Brick Body Shape:

The brick body shape is another variation of the ruler shape characterised by a shorter stockier silhouette with little to no defined waistline. You may look very muscular and toned, or feel you look broad and wide.

With a brick shape, the goal is to create the illusion of curves and define your waist. Instead of adding extra width to your shape, choose clothing styles that pull the eyes towards your waist using belts, french tucks, and go for more flowy and soft dresses.  Peplum tops and dresses can also add a little extra volume and create the illusion more defined waistline, opt for styles that add movement. 

Do you think that you’re a ruler shape? Let me know.  Is there any ruler shape styling guidance that you ignore as it just doesn’t work for you?

Body shape series

Other blogs in the body shape series include:

What body shape am I?
How to measure your body accurately
How to dress an Hourglass Body Shape
How to dress a Pear (Triangle) Body Shape

Coming soon: How to dress an Inverted Triangle (T-shape, V-shape, Athletic) Body Shape
Coming soon: How to dress an Apple (The O, Apple) Body Shape