The oval body shape, or the O body shape (O for oval), is also known as the apple body shape and the round or circle body shape.
Apple body shape men have narrower shoulders and hips, relatively slimmer legs, and most weight distributed around a central, fuller midsection.
Styling the apple-shaped body requires focusing away from the midsection, emphasising the legs or neckline, to create a defined silhouette with an elongated torso.
In this article, we’ll cover unique styling techniques for oval-shaped body shapes to boost your confidence, transform your wardrobe, and ensure you look impeccable for any occasion or season.
Oval Body (Apple shape) Specifics
In fashion, most men fall into one of the following six body shapes, each with different physical characteristics and styling challenges.
- Oval – Wider midsection, narrower shoulders.
- Triangle – Narrower shoulders and chest, wider waist and hips.
- Inverted Triangle – Broad shoulders and chest, narrower waist.
- Rectangle – Straight up and down for shoulders, chest, and waist.
- Trapezoid – Shoulders slightly wider than hips, with a gradual taper.
- Hourglass – Broad shoulders, thin waists, and hips matching shoulders’ width.
If you don’t know your body shape, take our quick and accurate body shape quiz.
That’s why it is crucial to understand the unique characteristics of this body shape and how it compares to other male body shapes.
The table below outlines the key features of the oval/apple shape alongside the triangle and rectangle shapes, highlighting the distinct differences in proportions and styling approaches.
This comparison will help you identify your body shape with certainty and understand why specific styling techniques are particularly effective for the oval silhouette.
| Body Part | Hourglass | Oval (Apple) | Triangle (Pear) | Rectangle | Inverted Triangle | Trapezoid (Rhomboid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulders | Broad, aligning with hips | Narrower than midsection | Narrower than hips | Similar width to waist and hips | Wider than hips and waist | Broad and well-defined |
| Chest | Well-defined, broader than waist | Less defined | Less pronounced | Straight | Broad and muscular | Well-developed, slightly broader than waist and hips |
| Waist | Significantly narrower than shoulders and hips | Fuller, rounded midsection | Wider than shoulders | Similar to shoulders and hips | Narrower than shoulders | Slightly narrower than chest and shoulders |
| Hips | Broader than waist, aligning with shoulders | Narrower than midsection | Broader than shoulders | Similar to shoulders | Smaller and less pronounced | Balanced with shoulders |
| Legs | Proportional to upper body | Slimmer compared to upper body | Proportional to upper body | Straight, similar width to the upper body | Lean and proportional to upper body | Proportional to torso |
| Styling Tip | Enhance curves or create a more angular silhouette | Elongate the torso and define the waist | Emphasise upper body | Create definition, add shape | Balance broad shoulders with the lower body | Enhance natural proportions with well-fitted clothing |
Apple Body Shape Celebrities (Oval shape)
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen has a softer midsection, with weight primarily distributed around his waist, creating a rounder shape that’s broader in the middle than at the shoulders or hips, fitting the apple/oval body type.
Jack Black
Jack Black has a prominent lower body, with broader hips and a rounder midsection compared to his narrower shoulders. His body shape distinctly slopes from the upper to the lower body, forming a triangle.
James Corden
James Corden’s fuller midsection frame with a waistline wider than shoulders and hips perfectly illustrates the apple/oval shape with a rounded overall silhouette.
Apple Body Shape Styling Principles
Dressing an oval body shape requires a strategic approach to create visual balance and accentuate your best features.
Here are the fundamental styling principles for the apple/oval body shape to keep in mind:
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Elongate the Torso | Use vertical lines and monochromatic outfits to create a longer, leaner silhouette |
| Define the Waist | Choose garments that create structure and definition at the narrowest part of your torso |
| Balance Proportions | Select clothing that adds structure to shoulders and creates a more proportional look |
| Draw Attention Upwards | Use details and accessories to direct focus towards your face and upper body |
| Strategic Fabric Choices | Opt for lighter, drapey fabrics that skim the body rather than cling to it |
Key Styling Tips for Apple Body Shapes
To maximise your oval body shape, focus on key styling techniques that enhance your naturally balanced proportions while ensuring a sleek, polished look.
Elongate the Torso
The key to dressing an apple body shape is creating the illusion of a longer, leaner torso. Opt for vertical stripes and pinstripes in shirts and suits.
A charcoal pinstripe suit paired with a crisp white shirt can work wonders for your silhouette.
For casual wear, consider a navy vertical striped polo shirt with dark wash jeans to create a streamlined look.
Define the Waist
While you want to avoid drawing too much attention to your midsection, subtle waist definition can create a more balanced silhouette.
Wear jackets and coats with a slight taper at the waist, but avoid tight or belted styles.
A single-breasted blazer in navy or charcoal with a gentle waist suppression can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Balance Proportions
Adding structure to your shoulders can help balance your overall proportions. Look for jackets and shirts with lightly padded or structured shoulders.
A tweed sports jacket with shoulder padding can add definition to your upper body while maintaining a classic look.
Draw Attention Upwards
Direct focus towards your face and upper body by incorporating interesting details above the waist.
A pocket square in a bold pattern or a statement tie can be effective tools.
For casual settings, consider v-neck sweaters or shirts to create a lengthening effect on your neck and torso.
Key Fabrics
Opt for fabrics that drape well and don’t cling to the body. Lightweight wools, cotton blends, and fabrics with a bit of stretch can be flattering.
A merino wool jumper in a deep burgundy can provide comfort and style while skimming over your midsection.
Apple Body Shape Wardrobe Essentials
Building a versatile wardrobe that flatters your apple body shape is key to consistently looking your best.
Here’s a curated list of essential garments to form the foundation of your round body shape wardrobe.
| Category | Essential Clothes |
|---|---|
| Outerwear | Single-breasted blazers, long parkas, structured sport coats |
| Tops | V-neck sweaters, vertical striped shirts, empire waist tops |
| Bottoms | Dark wash straight-leg jeans, flat-front trousers, medium-rise pants |
| Accessories | Patterned ties, statement watches, long scarves |
| Footwear | Oxford shoes, Chelsea boots, loafers with substantial soles |
Outerwear
Invest in a well-structured single-breasted blazer in navy worsted wool to add definition to your shoulders and create a slimming effect.
A long parka in a dark colour, like forest green, can provide a streamlined look for casual wear.
Wear a textured sports coat in a subtle herringbone pattern to add visual interest without bulk.
Tops
V-neck sweaters in fine merino wool are excellent for elongating your torso. Opt for colours like deep plum or charcoal.
Vertically striped shirts in crisp cotton poplin, such as blue and white Bengal stripes, create a lengthening effect.
For a casual look, empire waist tops can help define your narrowest point.
Trousers
Dark wash straight-leg jeans in a medium rise are versatile and flattering.
Opt for flat-front trousers in wool blends for formal occasions, avoiding pleats, which can add bulk.
Chinos in neutral tones like navy or khaki, chosen in a straight or slightly tapered fit, are perfect for smart-casual events.
Accessories
Patterned ties in silk twill with vertical designs can add a pop of colour while creating a slimming effect.
A statement watch with a larger face – like a classic dress watch – is ideal for adding visual interest to wrists.
Long scarves in lightweight fabrics can add vertical lines to your outfit in cooler weather.
Footwear
Oxford shoes in polished black leather provide a classic, elongating effect for formal wear. Chelsea boots in dark brown suede offer a sleek silhouette for smart casual outfits.
Loafers with substantial soles can add height and balance to your look for more casual settings.
Apple Body Shape Outfit Ideas by Occasion
Putting together flattering outfits for your oval body shape becomes effortless once you understand the key principles.
Here are three looks curated by our stylists for different occasions, demonstrating how to apply your styling knowledge effectively.
Outfit Idea for Business Occasions
Start with a charcoal grey single-breasted suit in a subtle pinstripe pattern.
The vertical lines will create a slimming effect, while the structured shoulders define your upper body.
Pair this with a light blue dress shirt featuring a moderate spread collar to balance your face shape.
Add a silk tie in deep burgundy with a small geometric pattern, which will create visual interest without overwhelming your frame.
Slip on a pair of black cap-toe Oxfords to elongate your legs, and finish the look with a silver tie clip and a simple white pocket square for a touch of sophistication.
Outfit Idea for Relaxed Weekend Events
Begin with a navy V-neck cotton sweater, which will create a lengthening effect on your torso. Layer this over a light grey t-shirt for added depth without bulk.
Pair these with straight-leg chinos in a khaki colour, ensuring they sit at your natural waist.
Add a lightweight navy bomber jacket with minimal detailing to create structure without adding volume to your midsection.
Wear brown suede desert boots for a casual yet put-together finish, and accessorise with a woven leather belt in a matching brown and a simple silver watch to complete the look.
Outfit Idea for Upscale Dinner Events
Wear a lightweight blazer in a textured navy linen-cotton blend; the texture adds interest, while the dark colour creates a slimming effect.
Pair with a pale pink dress shirt, leaving the top two buttons undone to create a lengthening V-neck effect and well-fitting trousers in light grey tropical wool.
The contrast between the dark jacket and light trousers helps to break up your silhouette. Step into a pair of brown leather loafers with a substantial sole to add height subtly.
Accessorise with a patterned pocket square in shades of pink and blue, echoing your shirt and jacket, and a slim rose gold watch.
Dressing Apple/Oval Body Shape by Seasons
Dressing your oval body shape effectively throughout the year requires some seasonal adjustments.
Here’s how to maintain your style and flatter your physique across different weather conditions:
Oval Body Shape Outfit for Spring
As the weather warms, opt for lightweight blazers in textured fabrics like cotton-linen blends, which provide structure without added bulk.
Pair with pastel-coloured Oxford shirts, neutral-toned chinos, and a Harrington jacket to create a casual yet structured look for the upper part of your body.
Experiment with vertical striped polo shirts to create a lengthening effect.
Oval Body Shape Outfit for Summer
In warmer months, focus on breathable fabrics that don’t cling to your body.
Wear linen or seersucker shirts in vertical stripes paired with straight-leg shorts that hit just above the knee.
A Cuban collar shirt in a bold print can add width to your shoulders while drawing attention upward.
For beachwear, choose swim shorts with a small, vertical pattern and pair with a solid-coloured rash guard for sun protection and a balanced look.
Oval Body Shape Outfit for Autumn
Autumn is ideal for layering, which can help create a more defined silhouette.
Try a lightweight merino turtleneck under a tweed sports jacket with subtle shoulder padding. Add a long scarf for extra vertical lines.
Opt for dark-wash jeans or moleskin trousers in earth tones to complement the richer autumnal palette while maintaining a streamlined lower half.
Oval Body Shape Outfit for Winter
Cold weather allows you to add structure to your upper body without bulk. A single-breasted wool overcoat that ends mid-thigh is an excellent choice.
Layer with V-neck sweaters and cardigans to create a lengthening effect and balance with straight-leg corduroy trousers or dark denim jeans.
Add leather gloves and a cashmere scarf for warmth and style. The scarf should be worn long to create vertical lines.
Apple/Oval Body Shape Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear vertical stripes and patterns | Choose horizontal stripes or large, busy patterns |
| Opt for V-neck or scoop-neck tops | Wear turtlenecks or high-crew necks |
| Choose single-breasted jackets and coats | Wear double-breasted or belted jackets |
| Select darker colours for your main pieces | Opt for light colours or bold patterns on large areas |
| Wear straight-leg or slightly tapered trousers | Choose skinny jeans or very loose, baggy pants |
| Use layering to create vertical lines | Wear bulky, chunky knits or oversized sweaters |
| Choose medium-rise trousers and jeans | Opt for low-rise pants that can create a ‘muffin top’ effect |
| Accessorise with long scarves and ties | Wear large belt buckles or statement belts |
Understanding and dressing for your apple body shape is a journey of self-discovery and style refinement.
By applying the principles, tips, and outfit ideas we’ve explored, you can create a wardrobe that flatters your physique and expresses your unique personality.
Remember, the key is to create a longer, leaner silhouette, define your waist subtly, and choose pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable.
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 4 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 have to make sure that each hue complements your natural colour.
For 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!