Welcome to your newest guide to dressing your oval body shape, where you’ll discover practical and stylish tips to enhance your natural silhouette and dress with confidence!
Just like with any body shape, understanding how to create visual balance and elongate your figure is key to unlocking your style potential. This guide is packed with clothing recommendations and fashion insights designed to flatter your specific body type and inspire you to create the best outfits for your shape. Whether it’s streamlined tunics or the right jeans, you’ll learn how these key pieces can totally transform your daily attire.
What Is an Oval Body Shape?
Characterized by fuller midsections, less defined waists, and shapely legs, the oval shape presents great opportunities for styling in ways that bring out your best features, while also providing comfort and some extra flair.
Ready to transform how you dress? Let’s embrace the art of dressing with your body shape in mind, focusing on pieces that offer comfort, elegance, and a flattering fit.
Whether you are dressing for a casual day out or a formal event, the tips and recommendations included here are surefire ways to ensure you look polished and feel great – as you should! Ready? Let’s give into the (not-so-secret) secrets of styling.
Best Styles for the Oval Body Shape: How to Dress
Ready for some recommendations to make your shopping easier?
1. Create Verticality and Structure With Vertical Lines
For those with an oval body shape, it’s about guiding the eye in a vertical dance, creating a beautifully elongated effect. Here’s how to keep things looking up – literally!
Nothing says “long silhouette” like vertical lines. These patterns can work like magic stripes that stretch your figure taller and sometimes even trimmer.
Style Tip: Lean into pinstripe pants or a nice vertical-stripe blouse. These are good choices for some added visual interest and style flair to your look while also making your pieces work in your favor.
This cotton poplin shirt is perfect year-round, able to be styled for a variety of different seasons and temperatures. The vertical stripes on this classic design make this piece a flattering staple in your wardrobe, adding a playful touch without compromising on elegance. While horizontal stripes also make for great chic patterns, they aren’t quite as flattering as their vertical version.
2. Enhance Your Shape With Stretch Dark Wash Jeans
Who doesn’t love jeans that forgive and forget? A good pair of dark wash, stretchy jeans are essential, especially when they enhance your natural shape – and look custom-made for you!
Style Tip: Embrace jeans that come with a little bit of stretch instead of ones that are completely rigid, as these should hug your curves more effectively while also providing comfort and a super flattering end result!
Everybody needs a classic pair of dark wash jeans in their life, and this one might be the perfect option for your oval shape.
Featuring a high-rise fit and a slim straight silhouette, these jeans offer support and comfort while still making sure you look your best.
3. Highlight and Define
Ruching at the Waistline is like the fairy godmother of fashion – it gathers fabric in just the right places to spotlight your waist.
Style Tip: Seek out tops and dresses with ruching details around the midsection. This design detail helps to sculpt your silhouette subtly but effectively.
Clean, simple, and oh-so-flattering. This top takes t-shirts to the next level with beautiful ruching detail in the stomach region. Available in gray and white, this style is a great closet staple for when you want to create a simple but elevated outfit.
For a style that isn’t as tight-fitting but still incredibly flattering and elegant, this white top is a great way to go. Ruching at the center and a v-neck detail make for a chic, cool look.
4. Choose Belted Dresses and Coats
Belted styles bring in your waistline or create one just below the bust, bringing more definition to your shape and creating more structure in your look.
Style Tip: Don’t go overboard with the size of your belt! Oftentimes, a medium-width belt is the best way to cinch your waist without overwhelming the rest of your outfit.
Belted Sleeveless Linen Blend Midi Dress
This vintage-inspired midi dress features plenty of flattering and interesting design elements that can spice up your closet. From the sweetheart neckline to the corset-inspired bodice, this piece is a great piece to wear both during the day and night – and even as a transitional piece!
A removable belted detail at the waist, along with pockets, make this piece even more special as it flatters your shape and keeps you comfortable no matter what your day has in store. Modern and classic at once, this dress can also be styled differently with another belt, completely changing the look of the dress and making this piece even more versatile.
5. Yes to Wrap Sweaters
Wrap sweaters aren’t just cozy; they’re easily adjustable to cinch your waist as much as you want while making sure you stay comfortable and stylish at the same time.
Style Tip: Opt for a wrap sweater in a snuggle-worth fabric. It’s like getting a warm hug all day that just happens to make you look your best.
Simple, classic, and timeless. For the days when you want to feel your most comfortable without sacrificing your style, wrap sweaters are the way to go.
Available in both this neutral shade and a blue version, this sweater can be worn and styled throughout both the warmer and colder months of the year.
Featuring a slightly cropped, slim fit and a tie-waist, this piece is perfect for a petite body frame when it comes to the oval body shape.
Mongolian Cashmere Wrap Sweater
If you love this style but prefer a more regular or longer length for your sweaters, this Quince option is another great option for you to take a look at.
Available in four different shades, this sweater is made from grade-A Mongolian cashmere, meaning comfort is a given! Easy to throw on over a variety of different styles, this sweater is ideal for keeping on hand, offering you a flattering fit and warmth when you need it.
Related: Quince Clothing Reviews: My Honest Experience (and What’s Worth Getting)
6. Invest in Pieces That Enhance Your Silhouette
Choosing the right cuts and designs can be a game-changer, especially when you start dressing with your body shape in mind. For your body shape, tunics and a-line dresses will be especially flattering.
These two different pieces are the fashion equivalents of a best friend – they offer coverage when you want it and know how to value your best features, too.
Style Tip: Go for tunics that end just below the hip to streamline your torso. Pair them with leggings or fitted pants to balance the flowiness of the top.
Linen Classic Collar Long Shirt
This long shirt is the perfect tunic for spring and summer, made from a quality linen fabric that is both breathable and chic.
Featuring subtle vertical stripes, this shirt flatters your figure in more ways than one, elongating your overall figure with elegance.
Related: Styling a Classic Linen Outfit: My Mom vs Me
This gorgeous and adaptable a-line dress is the perfect way of dressing up when the temperatures climb!
7. V-Necks are a Good Idea
For many, this style carries the title of MVP when it comes to necklines. V-necks pull focus to your face and away from the midsection, all while elongating your neck in the process.
Style Tip: Stock up on v-neck tops and dresses – they can be the perfect go-to styles for a variety of occasions, drawing eyes upwards and creating a little vertical interest.
Cashmere Shrunken V-Neck Sweater
This simple and chic cashmere sweater is yet another piece that is perfect to have on hand – no matter the time of year. From keeping you warm during chilly summer nights to acting as an additional layer under your winter coats, this flattering v-neck piece is a true closet staple for those with an oval body shape.
A sweater vest is a great alternative for the warmer spring days when a long sleeve might be too much. Perfect for layering over a simple white tee along with your favorite pair of jeans and accessories, this vest can quickly become a flattering, comfortable, and elegant outfit with very minimal effort.
8. Consider Skinny Jeans
This classic denim style is an excellent choice for highlighting your lower half, drawing attention to one of the oval shape’s best features while providing a sleek, streamlined look.
Style Tip: Opt for high-waisted bottoms for better support in your tummy area and an overall more elongated appearance.
Stretchy and featuring a high-rise fit, these jeans are a great option to show off your legs, while still keeping you comfortable throughout your day.
9. Try Out Belted Pants
Belted pants are fantastic for creating an illusion of a more defined waist, which can help structure the overall silhouette of an oval body type.
Style Tip: Choose pants with a subtle, not-too-wide belt to accentuate the waist without overwhelming your frame. Tuck in your top to highlight the belt and show off that midsection!
Streamlined and easy to style, these pants are a great option for defining your waist subtly and giving your outfit more shape.
Available in both black and white, these trousers feature an attached belt with a side buckle that’s both chic and practical.
10. Experiment With Flare Jeans
This style helps to balance out a curvier upper body by adding volume at the lower leg, which creates a more harmonized and balanced silhouette.
Style Tip: When shopping for your perfect pair of flare jeans, look for a mid to high-rise style that fits snuggly around your hips and thighs before flaring out. This will enhance your natural shape while also keeping things cohesive and sleek.
A classic pair of flare jeans to flatter your figure and elevate your wardrobe. Made from a comfortable stretch fabric and including a high-rise fit, these jeans hug your waist and hips for the best of both worlds – a comfortable and flattering final result.
11. Enhance Your Body With High-Rise Jeans
Every style of denim comes in a high-waisted fit nowadays, and it’s easy to get why. High-rise jeans work well for flattening the midsection and elongating the legs, making them ideal for oval body shapes looking to enhance their vertical lines.
Style Tip: Opt for pairing these jeans with a tucked-in shirt to emphasize the effect of the high waist fit on your silhouette, making your legs appear even longer.
Whether you’re into skinny, flare, or straight leg jeans, the high-waisted fit can be easily found in any style. If you want to go with something simple that works for the everyday without much styling, then these styles of slim jeans are great choices for your closet!
This style features a long length, extra room at the waist, and a straight-leg fit, great for showing off your legs and keeping your look sleek.
Related: 9 Easy Ways To Instantly Upgrade Your Everyday Looks
12. Feel Confident in a Halter Top Bathing Suit
Amongst the many bikini top styles out there today, the halter top works to elongate the body by drawing the eyes upwards and creating a strong vertical straight line that is perfect for the oval shape.
Style Tip: If you struggle to find a good fit for your bikini tops, consider opting for a halter top with adjustable straps to ensure a great final look.
Fully adjustable all around, this halter bikini top keeps you comfortable and supported for your days at the beach or pool. Extra ruching in the cup area adds extra detail, making for an undeniably flattering piece.
13. Shine in a Ruched Torso Bathing Suit
Ruching across the torso can define the waistline and minimize the appearance of a fuller midsection, providing a flattering fit for those with an oval shape.
Style Tip: Select a swimsuit with firm ruching; this not only adds texture to your look but also offers more support and structure, enhancing your curves in all the right places.
Ruched One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
Ruching that wraps around this suit makes for a super flattering fit, while the one-shoulder detail draws the eyes upwards and elongates your figure.
Available in both black and navy blue, this bathing suit is truly made to flatter and keep you comfortable with plenty of stretch.
14. Draw the Eye Up With an Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Like the halter top, this style of dress also draws the eyes up towards the shoulder and neckline, which is ideal for this body shape as it balances your proportions beautifully.
Style Tip: Pair this dress with statement earrings or a bold necklace to keep the focus on your upper body and complement your neckline as well.
Off-the-Shoulder Cocktail Dress
Sophisticated and classic, this clean cocktail dress flatters not only your body shape but also your décolletage, making for a charming look.
A twisted neckline detail gives this timeless piece even more flair, while its knee length makes for an extra chic touch.
15. Lengthen With a Long Vest Jacket
A long vest jacket is a stylish way to lengthen the midsection and create sleek lines that draw the eye vertically, which can elongate an oval shape’s appearance.
Style Tip: Wear the vest open to maintain clear vertical lines. Layer it over a slim-fit top and high-rise pants for an added elongated effect.
Outerwear might be more closely associated with functionality than style, but why can’t we have both? This waist puffer vest is a perfect option for enjoying your time outdoors, while still not compromising on style or comfort.
Drawstrings allow you to cinch in this jacket at the waist, giving you some more subtle shape as you enjoy your day outside.
Tailoring Your Look: Petite, Tall, and Plus Size Considerations
No matter your height or size, there are tons of versatile options out there perfect for the oval shape. Whether you are petite and looking to elongate your figure, tall and aiming to balance your proportions, or plus size and focusing on fit and comfort, the right clothes can make all of the difference. It’s about embracing your shape with styles that flatter and give you the confidence you deserve!
Petite Oval
For petite individuals with an oval shape, the goal is to visually elongate the body while smoothing out the silhouette to avoid overwhelming the frame with too much fabric. For specific brands that carry ‘petite’ lines, check out Banana Republic, Madewell, and Eileen Fisher.
Style Tips
Opt for Monochrome Outfits: Dressing in solid colors or similar hues helps to create an uninterrupted vertical line, making you appear taller and more streamlined overall. Different colors are always fun to experiment with in general, but using one single shade is a great method to elongate your figure.
Choose Properly Proportioned Prints: Large prints can overwhelm a petite frame, so it’s better to opt for smaller patterns that complement your scale.
Emphasize Vertical Lines: Incorporate clothing with vertical detailing, like pinstripes or seams, that draw the eye upwards and consequently create an illusion of an extended silhouette.
Related: Wondering What Colors Make You Look Skinny? Read This Post!
Tall Oval
Being tall with an oval body shape gives you the advantage of height, which can be used to play with longer and bolder pieces that might overpower shorter statures. Brands like ASOS include tall ranges that are perfect for catering to your height, as well as Madewell (which carries both ‘tall’ and ‘taller’ options!) and Banana Republic.
Style Tips
Leverage Long Layers: Use long jackets, cardigans, and vests to create lean lines and cover broader areas without segmenting your body visually.
Experiment with Bold Patterns: You have the height to pull off larger prints and bold designs that can add interest and draw the eye to your best features.
Balance Proportions with Wide Belts: For you, utilizing wider belts can help you achieve a more defined waistline, visually breaking up a long torso and bringing more balance to your figure.
Plus Size Oval
Dressing a plus-size oval figure is about highlighting your curves with confidence and selecting pieces that effortlessly blend comfort and style. Great options for brands that offer plus size pieces are once again, Madewell, Eileen Fisher, and ASOS.
Style Tips
Opt for Structured Fabrics: Garments made from structured materials can help define your curves without clinging, providing a flattering fit.
Implement Strategic Ruching: Clothing with ruching around the midsection can camouflage and smooth out the fuller areas while enhancing your natural shape at the same time.
Utilizing V-Necks and Vertical Details: These small and seemingly subtle elements can elongate the neck and torso, shifting focus upwards and creating a more balanced look.
Related: The Best Dress Styles for Hiding Your Tummy and Feeling Your Best
These specific considerations might not always seem necessary, but this small change can do more than just flatter your figure! By adapting these ‘guidelines’ for your specific body shape, whether petite, tall, or plus size, you can ensure that your clothing isn’t just stylish, but also perfectly suited to your body’s needs (hello, comfort!).
Remember, the key to successful dressing is wearing your pieces with confidence, knowing they are there to highlight your best features while providing comfort and expressing your unique style at the same time.
Embracing Elegance with the Oval Body Shape
No matter what your body shape is, knowing how to dress to flatter your figure is a process that can take time, patience, and experimentation! With these tips, tricks, and recommendations, I hope you feel one step closer to finding pieces that speak to your personal style preferences while also working to flatter your figure.
By focusing on creating vertical lines, incorporating structured and belted pieces, and opting for flattering necklines, you can transform our wardrobe into a curated collection that feels great while also working for you. Remember, dressing well is all about balancing proportions, accentuating your best features, and expressing yourself!
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