How to Dress for an Oval Body Shape

​How do I determine if I am a Oval/diamond/circle/apple body type?

How do I determine if I am an oval body shape?
If you don’t know your body shape, read this post and sign up below for access to the body type quiz.

Consequently, this body type goes by many names. By shape it is called the Oval, diamond or circle. There are actually slight differences in the oval and diamond shape. The oval body shape has more rounded shoulders, but both have hips and shoulders/bust that are about the same size, but the waist is not defined and is visually larger than the upper and lower measurement points. If going by the fruit name, this shape is called the apple.

In the long run, the ultimate goal for this body type is to maintain balance between the upper and lower portions of the body and elongate the frame. This is done by using a lot of vertical lines and avoiding horizontals. One of the sure fire ways to achieve this is through layers that are left unbuttoned.

​Silhouette

Shift dresses that are loose around the midsection, but show off the shoulders and legs are good choices for the oval body shape. You don’t ever want to draw attention to the widest part of your frame. Instead of waist hugging styles, choose something that flares out from the shoulders or just under the bust. Dropped waist styles are also an option for you.

Line

You want to avoid horizontal lines around your midsection. Just under the bust and at the hip are okay, but it would be better to opt for vertical lines. These types of lines lead the eye up and down and work to elongate the frame. One way to create vertical lines on any outfit is to wear a button-down blouse open over. You can even tuck in the underlayer blouse tucked in which creates both vertical lines and a shortened horizontal line when only the part between the open front is visible. Lines that create a sort of “v” at the center of the body draw the eye and make the body appear thinner. A large scale chevron print, or stripes that go diagonal and have a seam down the center will have this effect.

​Pattern

Moderately sized non-directional patterns work well for you. Avoid anything that may become a visual target for the belly. If going with a directional pattern on the trunk of your body, go for vertical ones, or diagonal like described above in the line segment. Horizontal patterns at the arms and shoulders or hips will probably work, as long as the stripes on the sleeve are higher up and don’t add visually to the waist-line.

Texture

In the same fashion, a fur collar on a coat is a nice design element. It can really amp up the volume on your style without adding visual weight to your frame. In addition, use texture with pile or sheen in the arms and legs. Stick to matte fabrics on the torso. Delicate textures like lace on the torso are a fantastic way to add interest to your outfit.

Color

Wear colors that recede in the center of your body. If you don’t know what I’m talking about when I say “recede”, check out this post. Wear colors that advance on the shoulders and legs.

Proportion

In essence, with an oval body shape, be careful not to chop up the body too much. Wearing all one color from head to toe will help elongate the apple body. You can also wear different colors in vertical sections. Don’t wear things that are tight. Some ease is good, but mind the amount of volume that you add. If wearing something voluminous, make sure it is lightweight or even sheer to reduce the visual weight of it. Hems lengths should avoid the widest part of the body. This includes sleeve hems, too. Look not just where the sleeve hits on the arm, but where the sleeve hem width and where hits on the body. A wide hemmed sleeve at the widest part of your body will just add to the wideness. Sleeve should bring attention to a narrower part of your body.

Now let’s look as some recommendations for different garment types that will flatter your oval body shape.

Kim’s Recommendations

Outerwear

Here is a sleek option that is great for the apple body type. The opening of the blazer creates vertical lines that help to elongate the figure. The horizontal lines created by the pocket elements add a tiny bit of visual weight to the hips.

Because of the change in color in the pattern of this kaftan, it creates vertical lines down the front of the body. It is also a light-weight fabric that will feel amazing and light during the spring and summer.

Tops

The contrasting colors of this cute top are doing all the work. The more vibrant shades of the tie and the cuffs do the trick. The tie brings the focus to the center of the body vertically and the cuff add extra visual weight at the hip.

In the same fashion, vertical stripes on this top as well as a vertical placket to draw the eye up and down and toward the center make this a win for the oval body shaped women. The horizontal stripes at the sleeve hem hit at about the high hip and add visual width to that area.

Dresses

In this dress, the large scale chevron print draws the eye to the middle of the body and points to the face. It has an empire waist so despite being fitted, it’s not snug around the waist.

Here we have a fun mix of prints on this a-line dress the striped raglan sleeve draws attention to the arm and shoulders and the floral print adds a feminine touch. This dress would be comfy and cute for any apple body.

Pants, short, etc.

These trousers have a flat front with creases down the legs. The creases create extra vertical lines for the eye to follow all the way to the ankle.  In contrast, there isn’t a lot of detail around the waist, which is a plus for the oval figure. The pockets are pretty low profile too, which is great when you want to avoid drawing attention to the stomach area.

Similarly, when looking for shorts, select sleek styles without any fuss at the waist. The slim straight leg of these shorts are a good choice. Shorter shorts may be too choppy for an oval if the over-all height is less than average.

Skirts

To reiterate, we’re looking at sleek straight lines without any bulk added at the waist. In fact, the piping at the seam of this skirt is another nice detail that helps to elongate the frame.

Likewise, you can also look for details that bring your eye to the center of the body like the placket and buttons on this skirt.

In conclusion, I hope this has been a useful guide to help you select some optimal pieces for your wardrobe that will suit your oval body shape and your style. However, if none of the things are your style, add a comment below. I’d love to help you find things that suit not only your body, but your personal style as well. You can click on any of the pictures or links above and it will take you to the product page. In addition, you can also follow the oval section of my body shape Pinterest board.