Oval Figure Type

An oval figure type is defined by a waist measurement that is larger than both the measurement across the shoulders and the measurement from hip to hip. Use your clothing to achieve a more balanced silhouette by creating the illusion of wider shoulders in relation to your waist, as well as increasing the illusion of length through the body. Here's how:

• Slightly padded or extended shoulders will help increase shoulder width.
• Visually broaden shoulders with details such as lapels, epaulettes, flutter sleeves, boat necks as well as horizontal stripes and bold accent colours, confined to the shoulder area.
• Use accessories such as dramatic pins as well as scarves draped across the shoulders to further visually widen the shoulder area.
• Avoid belted styles in dresses, jackets and blouses.
• Tunic style shirts and sweaters that end below the widest point of the hips, teamed with a well fitting pair of trousers or a skirt are flattering options.
• Use colour to your advantage. Wearing monochromatic looks is a wonderful way to create the illusion of length through the body.
• If wearing two colours, wearing the lighter or brighter colour in the upper torso and team with a darker or duller colour in the lower torso. Avoid colour breaks at the natural waistline.
• Avoid overly layered looks.
• Sleek sheath dress and jacket combinations as well as A-line dresses are perfect choices for you.