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Black Tie Optional Dresses That Actually Fit Rectangle Shapes (and Dresses to Skip)

September 30, 2025

Elegant evening gowns for rectangle body shapes

Black tie optional is the dress code that sounds simple but somehow makes everyone panic. It's formal, but not that formal. Elegant, but with wiggle room. And if you have a rectangle shape—minimal waist definition, straight torso, balanced shoulders and hips—the wiggle room feels more like a trap.

Most formal dresses are designed for curves you don't have. Rectangle shapes need structure that creates curves—peplums that add volume at the hips, belted waists that define your midsection, strategic ruching that fakes dimension. The goal isn't to hide your shape. It's to work with it.

LookSky's virtual try-on shows you how each dress creates shape on your proportions before you order. See where the waist hits, how the silhouette adds curves, whether the length works. No guessing.

Try Black Tie Dresses Virtually For Rectangle Shapes Now

Quick Answer: What Is Black Tie Optional?

Q: What does black tie optional mean for women?
Black tie optional means you can wear a formal floor-length gown or opt for a sophisticated midi dress, cocktail dress, or dressy jumpsuit. The dress code asks for elegance but doesn't require full evening wear.

Q: What should rectangle body shapes avoid for black tie optional?
Skip shapeless columns, empire waists that sit too high, and overly boxy silhouettes. Look for dresses with waist definition—peplums, belted details, or strategic draping that creates curves.

Q: Can you wear prints to a black tie optional wedding?
Yes, as long as they're elevated—think subtle florals, abstract patterns, or metallics. Avoid anything too bold or casual, and stick with luxe fabrics like silk or satin.

Take the Style Quiz and get dresses built for your proportions—not someone else's

The 3 Best Silhouettes for Rectangle Shapes at Black Tie Optional Events

Rectangle shapes need structure that creates curves. These three silhouettes add dimension where you need it most—at the waist and hips.

Best Black Tie Optional Fit-and-Flare Dresses for Rectangle Shapes

Fit and flare midi dresses for formal rectangle shape outfits

Mac Duggal Gold Strapless Brocade Midi Dress with Pockets

• Why it works: The fitted bodice creates structure through your torso while the full A-line skirt adds volume at the hips, creating curves where rectangle shapes need them most. The brocade texture adds dimension without overwhelming your frame.

Revolve Rose Dress (Pine)

• Why it works: The strapless sweetheart neckline emphasizes your shoulders and collarbones while the structured bodice cinches at your natural waist. The full skirt flares from your midsection, creating an hourglass effect through pure construction.

Pretty Little Thing Woven Bandeau Ruched Skirted Midaxi Dress

• Why it works: The bandeau bodice with ruched detailing creates texture and definition at your torso, while the gathered full skirt adds volume at the hips. The tea-length hem feels modern and keeps the ballgown silhouette from overwhelming petite frames.

Skip shapeless columns that hang straight down. Slip dresses and unstructured sheaths emphasize the lack of waist definition—you need silhouettes that create curves, not highlight their absence.

See how these full-skirt styles create curves on your frame.

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Best Black Tie Optional Ruched Dress for Rectangle Shapes

Ruched satin and chiffon gowns for rectangle body shapes

Lulus Gorgeous Reputation Dark Green Strapless Ruched Midi Dress

• Why it works: The diagonal ruching creates curves and definition across your torso, faking a waist where rectangle shapes naturally lack one. The strapless neckline emphasizes your shoulders while the ruched fabric adds texture and dimension.

Pretty Little Thing Abstract Print Chiffon Ruched Drape Midi Dress

• Why it works: The side ruching gathers at your natural waist and creates an hourglass effect through strategic gathering. The draped skirt adds movement and softness while the asymmetric hemline prevents the silhouette from looking too boxy.

Mac Duggal Ruched Jersey Drop Shoulder Foldover Gown (Emerald Green)

• Why it works: The ruched bodice wraps diagonally across your torso, creating visual curves and breaking up the straight lines of a rectangle shape. The off-shoulder neckline adds horizontal interest while the high slit keeps the column silhouette from feeling too constricting.

Skip empire waists that sit above your natural waistline. They make rectangle shapes look boxy and cut your torso at the wrong place. Look for dresses that define your natural waist instead.

Not sure which ruched style works for your frame?

Take our Style Quiz and see what cuts work best on your shape.

Best Black Tie Optional Pleated Dress for Rectangle Shapes

Pleated pink maxi dresses styled for formal rectangle shapes

One Loved Babe Warm Wishes Dress

• Why it works: The pleats start from a defined waist seam and fan out, adding volume and movement at the hips to create curves. The tiered pleating adds texture without overwhelming your frame, and the fitted bodice keeps your torso streamlined.

Anthropologie Hutch Amara Corset Pleated Tulle Hi & Flare Midi Dress

• Why it works: The corset bodice cinches at your natural waist and creates immediate definition, while the pleated tulle skirt adds drama and volume from the midsection down. The sweetheart neckline balances the full skirt and draws attention upward.

Lulus Admirable Elegance Light Pink Pleated Bustier Maxi Dress

• Why it works: The fitted bustier top creates structure through your torso while the accordion pleats flow from your waist, adding dimension and softness. The continuous pleating from waist to hem creates vertical lines that elongate while still adding volume at the hips.

Skip overly loose or flowy fabrics without structure. Chiffon and jersey that drape limply will cling in unflattering ways or make you look shapeless. Choose fabrics with body—satin, mikado, structured crepe—that hold their shape and create definition.

Want to see how pleated skirts on creators who share your body shape?

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FAQs: Black Tie Optional for Rectangle Body Shapes

Q: What dress styles work best for rectangle body shapes at formal events?
Peplum details, belted waists, and fit-and-flare silhouettes all create the illusion of curves. Look for dresses with strategic ruching, waist seaming, or structured details that define your midsection.

Q: Should rectangle shapes wear empire waist dresses?
Generally no—empire waists sit above your natural waistline and make rectangle shapes look boxy. Instead, look for dresses that define your natural waist through belts, ruching, or seaming.

Q: Can rectangle shapes wear column dresses to black tie optional events?
Yes, but choose column dresses with texture, draping, or asymmetric details that add dimension. Avoid anything too plain or shapeless—you need visual interest to create curves.

Q: What colors work best for rectangle shapes at formal events?
Any color works as long as the silhouette is right. Darker colors can make you look more streamlined, while jewel tones and metallics photograph beautifully. Choose based on your color season for the most flattering result.

Q: How does LookSky help rectangle shapes find formal dresses?
Upload a photo and see how dresses create shape on your specific proportions. You'll see where the waist hits, how the silhouette adds curves, and whether the length works for your height—before you buy.

Ready to Virtually Try On Black Tie Optional Dresses?

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