Searching for the perfect dress to flatter your oval body shape can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Your main goal is to find a style that accentuates your curves, highlights your best features, and creates a balanced silhouette without adding extra bulk to your midsection.
Ultimately, you want a versatile design that you can wear at various occasions, while making you feel confident and beautiful. To achieve this, focus on dresses that emphasize your waistline and draw attention to your upper body. Wrap dresses with v-necklines, for example, are an excellent choice as they showcase your bust and provide a natural waistline.
Other options include dresses with empire waists, which highlight the thin area just beneath your bust. A-line dresses with slightly flared hemlines can also work wonders by balancing out broad shoulders and creating shape. Having a variety of these styles in your wardrobe will increase your chances of finding a flattering and comfortable dress for any occasion.
Understanding the Oval Body Shape
An oval body shape, also known as an apple shape, has a few distinct features. Your shoulders and hips are typically proportional, and your waistline may not be very defined.
You might carry weight in your chest and abdomen areas. If you’re a bit fuller around the abdomen, you could also have a “diamond” body shape variant.
Common Challenges
When it comes to dressing an oval body shape, you might face a few challenges. Here are some common obstacles you may encounter:
Limited options in traditional brick-and-mortar stores
Finding the perfect dress for your oval body shape can be challenging in physical stores due to limited size ranges, styles, and options catered to your body shape. Don’t get discouraged, though – there are plenty of online retailers, such as Monroe & Main, that offer a wider variety of sizes and styles.
Difficulty finding the right fit
Getting a dress to fit just right is essential, but it can be difficult due to your waist being less defined. Look for dresses that nip in at the waist or have an empire waist cut, which highlights the area just beneath your bust.
Finding a dress that is both comfortable and stylish
You want a dress that makes you feel both stylish and comfortable. Flowy dresses and wrap-style dresses are excellent choices for an oval body shape, as they’ll flatter your figure while providing a comfortable fit.
Difficulty finding a dress that flatters both your body shape and personal style preferences
You shouldn’t have to compromise on style just because you have an oval body shape. Experiment with patterns, colors, and different fabrics to find the perfect combination that suits your personal style preferences and flatters your figure.
Limited access to resources and information on the latest fashion trends, styles, and dress designs
Keeping up with the latest fashion trends and styles can be difficult, especially when it comes to selecting dresses that are well-suited for your oval body shape. Online resources like the Kaleidoscope Blog and Lookiero Blog can offer tips and advice on how to dress for your body shape, as well as suggestions for current trends.
Best Dress Styles for Your Oval Body Shape
The most flattering dresses for an oval body shape include:
A-Line Dresses
A-Line dresses are a great option for oval body shapes. They help to create a flattering silhouette by drawing the eye to your natural waistline and gently flaring out over your hips.
These dresses can give the illusion of a more defined waist, which is often desired for oval body shapes. Look for A-Line dresses that feature a slightly flared hemline to balance out broader shoulders and create an overall balanced look.
Fit and Flare Dresses
Another excellent dress style for your oval body shape is the fit and flare dress. This dress style cinches at your waist and then flares out, creating a beautiful hourglass shape.
It’s perfect for highlighting your waist while also accentuating your curves. When shopping for fit and flare dresses, look for ones with a defined waist to help emphasize the thin area just beneath your bust.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are a fantastic choice if you have an oval body shape. They’re known for their flattering style that can create or accentuate a natural waist, helping to balance your overall silhouette.
Wrap dresses also tend to emphasize the bust, making them a great option for those with a curvier upper body. Plus, their versatile knee-length fit allows for easy day-to-night styling. When shopping for wrap dresses, look for ones made of lightweight, flowing materials to ensure the most flattering fit.
Colors and Patterns to Consider
When dressing your oval body shape, it’s essential to choose colors and patterns that enhance your figure. In this section, we’ll discuss a few key ideas to keep in mind when selecting the most flattering options for you.
Monochromatic Schemes
A great way to streamline your appearance and create a sleek, elongated look is by choosing a monochromatic color scheme. This approach involves wearing different shades of the same color, so your entire outfit falls within a single hue. Monochromatic clothing is especially helpful for oval body shapes as it enhances your curves while drawing attention away from your full midsection.
Vertical Lines and Patterns
Another strategy for oval body shapes is to focus on vertical lines and patterns. Vertical patterns, such as stripes or elongated prints, can help create the illusion of a more elongated and slimming silhouette.
This works particularly well for drawing the eye away from a fuller midsection. For example, you might consider wearing a dress with vertical stripes, or opt for pieces with vertical seam details.
When choosing patterns, it’s best to opt for ones that are not too overpowering or large. Instead, go for smaller prints that won’t draw too much attention to the middle area of your body. It’s also essential to remember that while vertical lines and patterns work well in creating a slimming effect, horizontal lines can have the opposite impact, making you appear wider.
Accessorizing Your Dress
Accessories can help accentuate and bring attention to all the right places. Consider some of the following accessory options:
Belts and Waist-cinchers
To enhance your oval body shape, try adding belts and waist-cinchers to your outfits. These accessories can help define your waist and create a more flattering silhouette.
When wearing a dress, choose a belt that sits at your natural waistline. This emphasizes your midsection and adds balance to your figure. You could also experiment with wide belts, slim belts, or even waist-cinching corsets to find the styling that suits you best.
Statement Necklaces
Statement necklaces can be a powerful accessory for oval body shapes, as they draw attention towards your face and neck rather than your midsection. When choosing a necklace, consider the neckline of your dress.
If you’re wearing a high-neck dress, opt for a longer pendant necklace to create a vertical line, elongating your torso. On the other hand, for low-cut necklines or V-necks, go for bold chokers or bib necklaces to fill in the space and create visual interest.
Don’t shy away from experimenting with different colors, materials, and styles of necklaces. Whether you prefer bold chunky pieces or delicate layers, playing up your curves with statement necklaces is a fun and easy way to accessorize and enhance your overall look.
Remember, the key is to balance proportions and create a flattering silhouette – so, feel free to mix and match and most importantly, have fun accessorizing your dress!
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Dress
There’s more that you can do to make your oval body shape look as gorgeous as ever. Try these:
Start with Accurate Measurements
Knowing your exact measurements is key to finding the perfect dress for your oval body shape. Use a soft, flexible measuring tape to determine your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Accurate measurements help you find dresses that’ll flatter your figure and make you feel confident.
Look for Dresses with Stretchy Fabrics
Choosing dresses with stretchy fabrics, such as jersey or blended materials, allows for a more comfortable fit and better accommodation of your curves. Stretchy fabrics are more forgiving when it comes to sizing and can help enhance your beautiful oval body shape. Plus, it’s always a good idea to prioritize comfort.
Pay Attention to the Dress’s Cut and Design
Opt for cuts that emphasize your waist and create a balanced silhouette, like A-line dresses or wrap dresses, which work well for curvy and hourglass figures. Plunging necklines and V-neck designs are also flattering on oval shapes. Avoid over-complicated or overly embellished designs, and focus on clean lines, tailored fits, and full, flowing skirts.
Try on Multiple Sizes
Sizes can vary significantly between brands and designers, so always try on multiple sizes before making a decision. Don’t be fixated on the number on the tag, as the right fit is more important than the specific size. When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size and consider alterations if necessary.
Consider Alterations
For a perfect fit, consider having your chosen dress altered by a professional tailor. Alterations can ensure that the dress fits your unique body shape and hugs your curves in all the right places. Don’t be afraid to invest in minor adjustments to achieve the ultimate flattering look for your oval body shape.
Keep in mind the key to finding the perfect dress is understanding your body shape, prioritizing comfort, and focusing on flattering cuts and designs. You’re well on your way to choosing the right dress no matter where you’re going or what you’ll be doing!