How to Dress a Oval Body Shape

The key to dressing an Oval body type is to deemphasize your midsection and create a more defined waist. This is achieved by choosing clothing that add curves and fullness to your lower body and tops that taper to a waist. You have amazing legs so feel free to play with skirt lengths, but don’t go too short otherwise you will further a top-heavy look. Please click on the thumbnails below to learn more about how to dress an Oval body type.

Square or scoop neck button downs that are nipped-in at the waist and flare at the bottom will help create the illusion of a waist. Hourglass seaming will furthur accentuate your curves.

Off the shoulder or wide, plunging necklines with a nipped-in wiast and flare at the hips create a waist. Add a wide, dark belt for added drama.

Belted safari-type jackets with prominent hip pockets and a wide, deep neckline add curves to your hips and minimize your tummy. If your bust is considerably larger than your hips, skip the breast pockets.

Tailored jackets with wide-stance collars, a nipped-in waist and flared bottom. The first button should be below your bust and the jacket should end at your hip bone.

Choose tailored tunic style tops that nip-in at the waist. Tunics with wide or plunging necks and details around the neck are most flattering.

Wear wrap tops with deep V-necks and simple sleeves. Tops should wrap at your natural waistline.

Fuller flowing skirts that gently skim away from your body will help fill out your hips.

Mid-rise, wide-leg jeans with prominent front and back pockets help to balance your tummy and add curves to your lower half. Wide-leg cargo style pants are also very flattering to your shape.

Wide-leg, flowing pants are very flattering on your bodytype. Wide-leg dress pants with prominent back and/or side pockets will add curves to your hips.

Straight skirts with a flirty flared bottom look good on your figure when paired with a top or jacket that accentuate your hips.

Wrap dresses with a deep V-neck and full skirt help give you a waist while adding curves to your hips.

Off-the-shoulder or wide-neck dresses with an A-line skirt work to create the illusion of a waist.

Belted coat style dresses help create the illusion of a hourglass figure. Vertical buttons elongate your body and draw the eye inward.

Dresses with draped tops, full sleeves, a fuller flowing skirt and banded or belted waist help create an hourglass look.