How do you dress when you're curvy?

Characteristics of the O shape

O-shaped women have large breasts, a narrow waist, rounded shoulders, wide hips and a rounded stomach. O-shaped women often have curves all over their bodies, which they can show off to their best advantage.

Their morphology can also coincide with the A, V and H morphologies, depending on the width of their shoulders and hips.

Read also: How to know your body type?

Even if society would have us believe otherwise, the O shape is pretty easy to dress! All you need to do is highlight your generous bust and/or rounded shape, while creating the illusion of a marked waistline.

What outfit is right for an O shape?

Contrary to popular belief, O-shaped women can wear colours, patterns and fitted dresses. The main advice we'd give you is to keep your style balanced to elongate your figure, but to embrace who you really are.

Also read: How do you find your own style?

To make the most of your O shape, there's nothing like slim-fitting cuts and flowing fabrics! Avoid clothes that are too baggy, which will actually flatten your figure. Low necklines are the number 1 ally of your bust: boatnecks, V-necks, U-necks or even square necks, indulge yourself without hiding behind a turtleneck top!

What top should I wear when I'm O-shaped?

Slim-fitted blouses and tunics in flowing fabrics are perfect for your shape and can be worn with all styles. To make the most of your shape, simply choose tops with a low neckline or open the first buttons to reveal your bust.

When it comes to tops and T-shirts, choose flowing pieces with wide straps or short sleeves that won't constrict your arms. The same goes for jumpers: opt for models with a low neckline that will suit you perfectly. Close-fitting but not form-fitting pieces are perfect for showing off your generous curves!

Jackets give structure to your silhouette and create the illusion of a marked waistline. Choose fitted jackets and coats, ideally with a belt and an open collar, and pair with a warm scarf when temperatures are low. If your shoulders are slimmer than your hips, go for epaulettes to give your silhouette more structure. The must-have for the O-shaped woman: the trench coat!

Our selection of Elora coats and jackets

Which dress should I choose for an O-shaped figure?

Do you have an O-shaped body? Turn to dresses! Dresses are perfect for showing off generous curves, summer or winter. They are always fitted, flowing and low-cut.

The plus-size dresses best suited to O-shaped women :

• the trapeze dress

• wrap dresses

• the belted blouse dress

• the straight dress but close to the body

• flowing dresses with a tight waist (belt or elastic)

• the long or mid-length dress

Do you like patterns? Polka dots and small checks are perfect for you! Ideally, choose dresses that are plain overall, with more elaborate details such as lace, gold or discreet prints.

Some women, who have a complex about their tummy and hips, choose to wear a girdle under their dress. This is an option if you want to slim down your figure, but it's not essential.

Discover our Elora dress collection

Which trousers for an O shape?

Unlike dresses and tops, the best trousers for curvy women are worn without a belt. More fluid trousers (but still close to the body) such as cigarette trousers or chinos without clips or side pockets are perfect for enhancing your figure.

When it comes to jeans, you can indulge yourself with high-waisted jeans, whether straight, boyfriend or bootcut if you're tall. To avoid adding bulk to your already generous curves, we recommend choosing jeans with small, centred pockets.

Elora's ideal combination: high-waisted straight jeans in a raw colour, a V-neck tunic belted at the waist, a trench coat and square-heeled ankle boots.

All our Elora jeans and trousers

Clothes to avoid when you're curvy

As with any body type, certain cuts and fabrics do not enhance the O-shaped silhouette.

Tight-fitting, pleated and shiny styles tend to add bulk to your silhouette. The same goes for wide, thick or layered garments, which thicken rather than hide!

Pieces that don't enhance curvy women :

• Low-rise trousers or trousers with pleats

• Belted trousers

• Pleated or wide skirts

• Mini skirts

• Loose-fitting or overly tight dresses

• Strapless dresses

• Puff sleeves

• Large prints such as stripes

• Thin straps and T-shirts with tight sleeves

But remember: we've given you some general advice on how to show off your best features, but it's up to you to decide what clothes you want to wear. The important thing is to feel good about yourself, whatever the fashion advice you receive. Find out more about woman empowerment by Elora