What dress styles suit an oval body shape?

Empire-line midis, V-neck A-lines, faux-wrap dresses, fluid column shifts, weighty bias-cut slips and long-line shirt dresses. Every one of them skims the middle rather than cinching it, puts any horizontal break under the bust rather than at the waist, and opens the neckline so the eye travels vertically.

Should an oval body wear a belt?

Not at the fullest part of the middle, no — a tight belt there draws a hard horizontal exactly where you want a clean line. If you love a belt, wear a soft tie just under the bust with an empire-line cut, or use a long open cardigan or jacket instead, which creates two verticals down the front and does the lengthening job far better.

What is the most flattering neckline for an oval shape?

A V-neck, followed closely by a soft cowl or a scoop. Each one creates a long vertical from shoulder to sternum, lengthens the neck and draws attention up to the face. High round necks and tight polo collars do the opposite — they shorten the neck and square off the upper body. An unbuttoned shirt collar achieves the same effect as a V.

Are empire-line dresses good for an oval body?

Empire-line is arguably the single best cut for this frame. The seam sits just under the bust, which is the narrowest point of an oval torso, and the skirt falls from there straight past the middle without ever touching it. Choose one with a V-neck and a fabric with real drape, and the whole dress does the work for you.

How do I know if I have an oval body shape?

If your waist measurement is equal to or larger than your bust, fullness is carried through the midsection rather than the hips, and your legs read slim by comparison, you're an oval. "Apple" is the informal name you'll see online — we use oval because it's a kinder and more accurate description of a shape defined by a fuller middle. [How to find your body shape](/style-hub/how-to-find-your-body-shape) walks through it properly.

What's the best UK brand for oval-friendly dresses on a budget?

M&S, comfortably — empire-line midis, V-neck A-lines and unbelted shirt dresses appear reliably, and the jersey has enough recovery to skim rather than cling. Mango is a strong second for column shifts and long-line shirt dresses, though check the fabric weight in the shop before you commit.