As a gentleman with an oval body shape, you carry weight primarily around your midsection while having proportionally slender legs and arms.
Your wardrobe should focus on creating vertical lines, defining your shoulders, and establishing a balanced silhouette without drawing attention to the midsection.
Here are the most essential pieces in your wardrobe To create a flattering silhouette that works with your body oval body.
Structured Blazer
A structured blazer (single or double-breasted) with natural shoulders creates the foundation of your formal wardrobe by establishing strong lines without appearing bulky.
Natural shoulder padding, extending just to the shoulder point, creates definition and structure without appearing overly rigid or dated.
The jacket length should hit just below your seat, creating an elongating effect while concealing your midsection.
Choose a two-button stance for single and 2×6 for double-breasted blazers with the top button positioned at your natural waist – this creates a longer lapel line that draws the eye vertically.
Opt for straight flap pockets rather than patch pockets, as these maintain clean lines without adding bulk to your lower torso.
Gieves & Hawkes excels at crafting such blazers in navy worsted wool, while Anderson & Sheppard’s house cut provides an excellent balance of structure and comfort.
Beyond Savile Row, other RTW Structured Blazer options include AMI Paris, Tagliatore, and Tom Ford.
Ventless Sports Coat
A ventless sports coat eliminates the risk of the back splitting around your seat, creating a smoother line from shoulders to hem.
The absence of side or centre vents prevents the fabric from billowing around your hips, maintaining a cleaner silhouette.
Choose a slightly relaxed cut through the body while maintaining structure in the shoulders – this combination creates balance while ensuring comfort.
William Crabtree & Sons’ ventless sports coats in subtle herringbone patterns exemplify these principles, as do Richard Anderson’s bespoke offerings.
Column-Cut Overcoat
A column-cut overcoat creates an unbroken vertical line from shoulders to knee, effectively streamlining your silhouette.
The coat should feature minimal waist suppression to prevent the fabric from pulling across your midsection.
A peak lapel draws the eye upward and outward, creating the illusion of broader shoulders.
Crombie’s classic overcoats achieve this elegant column effect, while Lock & Co’s city coats offer benefits similar to contemporary styling.
High-Spread Collar Dress Shirt
A high-spread collar balances fuller facial features while creating a frame that draws attention upward.
The collar points should sit cleanly on your jacket lapels, creating a seamless transition from neck to chest.
Choose a moderate spread rather than an extreme cutaway to maintain proportion with your face and neck.
Turnbull & Asser’s spread collar shirts exemplify these principles, while Emma Willis offers excellent options with ideal proportions.
Forward-Point Oxford Shirt
A forward-point collar creates a longer line down your chest compared to widespread collars, contributing to a slimming effect.
The slightly longer collar points guide the eye downward, creating the illusion of a leaner face and neck.
Choose a shirt with darts in the back to remove excess fabric while maintaining comfort through the midsection.
Side pleats rather than centre pleats prevent additional bulk at your widest point.
Drake’s forward-point Oxfords master these elements, while Charvet offers exceptional made-to-measure options with precise darting.
Three-Button Polo Shirt
A three-button placket creates a longer line down your chest compared to traditional two-button styles, enhancing the vertical emphasis.
The collar should stand properly when unbuttoned, framing your face without collapsing.
Choose a length that falls past your waistband to prevent the shirt from riding up when seated.
Side vents should be minimal to prevent the fabric from billowing at your hips.
Sunspel’s Sea Island cotton polos feature these exact specifications, while John Smedley’s Payton model offers similar benefits in fine merino.
Deep V-Neck Jumper
A deeper V-neck creates a stronger vertical line than shallow V-necks or crew necks, effectively elongating your torso.
The V-point should hit approximately 4-5 inches below your collarbone to maintain elegance while maximising the slimming effect.
Choose a knit with minimal ribbing at the waist to prevent the fabric from clinging to your midsection.
Set-in sleeves provide structure at the shoulders without the bulk of raglan styling.
William Lockie crafts exceptional deep V-necks to these specifications, while Bresciani’s cashmere offerings provide similar benefits with Italian flair.
Full-Length Cardigan
A full-length cardigan that extends past your hips creates an unbroken vertical line, effectively streamlining your silhouette.
Choose a button stance that starts higher on the chest to create a longer, leaner line.
Avoid horizontal details like patch pockets or contrast bands at the waist.
The shoulder seam should align with your natural shoulder to maintain clean lines.
Anderson & Sheppard’s cashmere cardigans embody these principles, while Loro Piana offers similar benefits in their full-length designs.
High-Rise Formal Trousers
A higher rise positions the waistband at your natural waist, creating a longer leg line while providing comfortable support for your midsection.
The waistband should sit approximately 1 inch above your navel for optimal proportion.
Extended closure tabs eliminate the need for a belt, creating a cleaner line across your midsection.
Forward-facing pleats should be avoided as they add volume where you least need it.
Richard James produces exceptional high-rise trousers with these specifications, while Edward Sexton offers bespoke options with precise proportions.
Mid-Rise Chinos
A mid-rise design that sits just below your natural waist provides comfort while maintaining a clean line through the hips.
The front should feature a flat construction to minimise bulk, with darts rather than pleats for shaping.
Choose a straight leg that falls cleanly from hip to ankle without tapering, which can create imbalance.
The leg opening should measure between 16-17 inches to maintain proportion with your frame.
Incotex’s high-comfort chinos master these elements, while Rota offers specifications similar to Neapolitan craftsmanship.
Straight-Leg Denim
A straight leg maintains a consistent width from thigh to ankle, creating a balanced silhouette that complements your shape.
The rise should hit approximately 1 inch below your navel, providing coverage without excess fabric in the seat.
Choose a weight between 12-13oz for structure without stiffness.
Back pockets should sit higher rather than lower to create a more flattering seat profile.
Anglo-Italian Co.’s straight-leg jeans achieve these proportions perfectly, while Blackhorse Lane offers specifications similar to those of London craftsmanship.
High-Vamp Oxford Shoes
A higher vamp (the portion covering your instep) creates a longer line along your foot, contributing to overall vertical emphasis.
The toe should feature a moderate taper rather than an extreme point or square end, maintaining elegant proportions.
Choose a sole with minimal extension beyond the upper to prevent visual width.
The heel height should measure approximately 1 inch to provide subtle elevation without compromising comfort.
Crockett & Jones’ Audley model exemplifies these characteristics, while Gaziano & Girling offers bespoke options with ideal proportions.
Apron-Front Loafers
An apron-front design creates a continuous line along the foot, contributing to the overall elongating effect you’re seeking.
The apron should feature minimal stitching and no additional decorative elements that could create horizontal breaks.
Choose a heel height between 2.5-3cm to provide elevation without compromising stability.
The last shape should feature a gentle chisel toe, avoiding both overly pointed or round shapes that can appear disproportionate.
Edward Green’s Ventnor model perfectly embodies these principles, while George Cleverley offers bespoke options with similar specifications.
Dress Belt
A 3cm width belt provides optimal proportion without creating a harsh horizontal line across your midsection.
The buckle should be flat and no wider than the strap, avoiding any additional bulk at your waist point.
Choose a frame-style buckle rather than a plate design to maintain a lower profile.
The strap should feature minimal padding to reduce thickness when fastened.
Ettinger’s bridle leather dress belts meet these exact specifications, while Edward Green’s dress belts offer similar refined proportions.
Slim Briefcase
A briefcase height of 28-30cm provides sufficient capacity while maintaining elegant proportions against your frame.
The depth should not exceed 10cm to prevent the bag from appearing bulky when carried.
Choose a structured design that maintains its shape when not full, avoiding soft constructions that can appear lumpy.
The handle drop should position the bag at hip level, creating a clean line with your outfit.
Swaine Adeney Brigg’s slim briefcases exemplify these proportions, while William & Son offers similar specifications with contemporary styling.
Structured Holdall
A structured holdall with a height of 30cm maintains proportion while providing weekend capacity.
The base should measure approximately 50cm to prevent the bag from appearing oversized against your frame.
Choose a design with vertical reinforcement panels that maintain shape when partially filled.
External pockets should be positioned centrally rather than at the ends to maintain clean lines.
Globe-Trotter’s 30″ Original offers these exact specifications, while Bennett Winch’s weekender provides similar benefits with modern functionality.
Dress Watch
A case diameter between 38-40mm provides presence without overwhelming your wrist.
The case thickness should not exceed 10mm to maintain an elegant profile beneath your cuff.
Choose a dial design with vertical elements like guilloché patterns that draw the eye up and down.
The strap should measure 20mm at the lugs, tapering to 18mm at the buckle for refined proportions.
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control exemplifies these proportions, while Cartier’s Tank offers similar refinement in a rectangular format.
Dress Scarf
A scarf width of 30cm provides sufficient coverage without adding bulk around your neck.
The length should measure at least 180cm to allow for a variety of elegant draping options.
Choose lightweight worsted wool or silk that drapes cleanly without adding volume.
Patterns should feature vertical elements like subtle stripes or elongated medallions.
Johnstons of Elgin’s fine merino scarves achieve these specifications perfectly, while Drake’s offers similar proportions in printed silk.
Pocket Square
A 33cm square provides sufficient size for classic folds while avoiding excess bulk in your jacket pocket.
Choose lightweight silk or fine cotton that folds crisply without adding volume.
Opt for a simple presidential fold that creates a clean horizontal line rather than elaborate puffs.
The visible portion should not exceed 1.5cm above the pocket edge to maintain elegance.
Turnbull & Asser’s silk squares meet these precise measurements, while Charvet offers similar specifications with hand-rolled edges.
Building Your Wardrobe
Your oval body shape offers unique advantages – you likely have well-proportioned legs and arms that can be highlighted through careful garment selection.
By focusing on vertical lines, proper proportion, and structural elements that work in your favour, you’ve created a wardrobe that serves as a powerful tool for professional and personal success.
Start by investing in the foundational pieces – the structured single-breasted blazer, high-spread collar shirts, and well-proportioned trousers form the backbone of your professional wardrobe.
When building your collection, focus on versatile colours that create a cohesive wardrobe – navy, charcoal, and dark olive provide an excellent foundation for both business and casual settings.
Remember that these guidelines serve as a foundation – as you become more comfortable with these principles, you can begin to experiment with subtle variations that express your personal style while maintaining the core elements that flatter your physique.
Style Like a True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!