Outfits That Actually Work for Athletic-Shaped Bodies

Photo Credit:Savannah Lopez

If you’ve got an athletic or rectangle body shape, getting dressed can feel weirdly hard for someone whose proportions seem "balanced." Shirts don’t drape right, jeans make you look boxy, and dresses either feel too stiff or too shapeless. It’s not that clothes don’t fit—it’s that they don’t flatter.

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.

A rectangle (or athletic) figure typically means your shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly uniform in width. You may not have a super-defined waist, but you likely have strong arms, great legs, and a naturally streamlined silhouette. The trick is creating curves and shape through styling—not trying to fake something you're not.

At Autum Love, we created a digital guide with 60 styled outfits made for athletic figures that help you do just that. Whether you're dressing for work, brunch, errands, or vacation, every outfit was designed to help you feel put together and in proportion.

You don’t need the exact same pieces to make these looks work. You just need the right combinations.

Not sure if you’re athletic-shaped?

• Take the Body Shape Quiz

• Browse the Body Shape Hub for more breakdowns

• Curious if you can have a belly, broad shoulders, or fuller arms and still be athletic-shaped? You can. Let’s break it down below.

What Counts as an Athletic (Rectangle) Body Shape?

This shape is all about symmetry. If your shoulders, waist, and hips form more of a straight line than a curve, you likely fall into the athletic/rectangle category.

Athletic Figures Tend to Have:

• Equal or similar width in shoulders, waist, and hips

• A straighter silhouette (vs. hourglass curves)

• Less defined waist

• Strong arms or legs

• Less volume in the hips and bust

Think of it as a blank canvas—your shape can pull off a lot, but the key is adding shape and movement in the right places.

Can You Have a Belly and Still Be Athletic-Shaped?

Absolutely. You can carry weight in your midsection and still be rectangle-shaped. It all comes down to proportions:

• If your waist doesn’t taper dramatically in from your shoulders and hips—even with a belly—you’re likely athletic-shaped.

• You might also have long legs, broader shoulders, or a straight up-and-down torso.

This shape isn't about flat abs or defined muscles. It’s about where the lines of your body fall. And we’re here to help you style those lines with confidence.

Need extra help styling a belly, short torso, or undefined waist? Grab The Body Edit Guide or browse our post on what to wear with a belly.

So, What Is an Outfit Guide?

Glad you asked. Our outfit guides are digital style manuals packed with outfits that solve real-life style struggles. No guesswork. Just 60 tried-and-tested outfit ideas designed for your shape.

Inside, you’ll get:

• 60 fully styled looks (categorized by season + occasion)

• Notes on what body challenge each outfit solves (e.g. no waist? broad shoulders?)

• Styling suggestions for how to swap similar pieces from your closet

• A flexible file you can keep on your phone, tablet, or print out

How It Works:

1. Download it instantly – it’s a digital file

2. Flip through curated looks by dress code + season

3. Shop your closet first before buying anything new

4. Get dressed with less stress

Outfit Ideas for Athletic-Shaped Bodies (That Add Instant Style)

These five outfits come straight from our Athletic Body Shape Outfit Guide. Each one adds visual shape and softness, without adding bulk.

1. One-Shoulder Tie Dress + Snakeskin Sandals + Neutral Clutch

Why it works: One-shoulder details draw the eye diagonally, creating shape and visual movement. The tie waist cinches in to create curves, while the midi length adds softness and flow.

Try this if…

• Dresses usually make you feel boxy

• You want to look feminine without frills

Swap It With:

• A wrap dress with a high-low hem- $37 Wrap Dress
  A $30 belted A-line maxi Dress

• Strappy block heels or wedges-$49 strappy dress

2. Navy Shirt Dress + Tan Chelsea Boots + Structured Bag + Fedora

Why it works: The shirt dress adds structure, while the tie waist brings in definition. Tan boots ground the look and visually break up the leg line, adding dimension. The fedora draws the eye upward, giving your frame some vertical interest.

Try this if…

• You feel overwhelmed by heavy layering

• You want a sleek but shaped silhouette

Swap It With:

• A long-sleeve knit dress with a belt- $35 Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

• A cardigan layer instead of a hat

• Combat or platform boots- $69 brown platform boots

3. Ruffle Neck Sleeveless Top + Black Asymmetrical Skirt + Gold Sandals

Why it works: A ruffled neckline softens the shoulder line while drawing attention upward. The asymmetrical skirt adds curve and flow to the lower half, which flatters a straighter frame.

Try this if…

• You want to look dressy without trying too hard

• You need outfit movement without cling

Swap It With:

• A mock-neck sleeveless blouse- $19 one sleeve tank top

• A $24 flowy midi skirt with pleats-

• Kitten heels or square-toe flats- $49 mesh flats

4. Black Tank + Plaid Wrap Skirt + Olive Crossbody + Slides

Why it works: A wrap mini skirt adds shape around the hips while the tank shows off strong arms. The plaid print brings a little edge, and the olive bag grounds the color palette.

Try this if…

• Your usual casual outfits feel flat

• You want a short skirt that doesn’t ride up or feel too young

Swap It With:

• A linen or cotton wrap skirt- $27 white cotton wrap skirt

• A ruched tank with a scoop neck- $19 one shoulder tank top

• Sporty slides or flatform sandals- $59 walking sandals

5. Longline White Blouse + Black Slim Trousers + Sneakers + Structured Tote

Why it works: A longline blouse breaks up the rectangular torso, while slim trousers add contrast and shape. The structured tote and clean sneakers keep it polished but comfortable.

Try this if…

• You want comfort that doesn’t read sloppy

• You feel like button-downs never fall right on you

Swap It With:

• A tunic-length knit top- $14 side slit tunic
  Slim ponte pants—$39

• High-top sneakers or mules- $49 Leopard Sneakers

Want the Full Guide?

These 5 looks are just a warm-up. The full Athletic Figure Outfit Guide includes:

• 60 styled outfit ideas broken down by season and setting

• Notes on fit, fabric, and what to do if you don’t have the exact item

• Real solutions for feeling confident in your body (no shapewear required