In our How to Dress Your Body Shape Series we shared the mathematical formula you can use to help determine your body type. The feedback from our community has been fantastic, with so many of you sharing your surprising results.
So let’s continue to dive into the topic by breaking down the best tips and recommendations for each body type, starting with The Round
The round body type is also referred to as circle or apple.
There are a few things to remember about the round body type.
First, your shoulders are broad, and your hips are narrow, OR your hips are even to your shoulders. You likely have a larger bust, but that is not a requirement.
The most important factor is your lack of a defined waistline. This becomes your biggest challenge when getting dressed.
How to Dress a Round Body Shape
NOTE: Bone structure dictates body type rather than weight and height. Of course, all factors are considered when we get dressed, so these guidelines are just that, guidelines.
Think of it like this:
Body Type is your bone structure.
Fit/Size is your proportion; you may be “regular,” petite, tall, or plus.
Weight is a factor to consider which tends to fluctuate for many of us. So, if you gain weight in your mid section, you may find yourself leaning towards round at some point in life.
It’s helpful to read about all of the different body types because the more you understand balance and proportion, the easier it will be to get dressed.
Also, if you fall in between two body types, you’ll want to learn about both so you can start to find your way between them.
The Challenges of a Round Body Shape
Women with a round body type tend to cover their shape with oversized shirts or long flowy pieces. And, in theory, that’s fine, but often you end up looking larger than you are.
Instead, we’re going to focus on tips that will create the illusion of a waist, highlight your favorite features, and show off your legs.
Below, I rounded-up four images of famous women with round body types to give you a visual.
I included different heights and sizes to show the diversity in the category.
Famous Round Body Types
Let’s start with Eva Longoria because I bet you’d never consider her a round body type because she is petite and teeny tiny (she’s 5’2″). There is a misconception that round immediately equals plus size, which is simply false.
She does a great job creating a shape with her clothes. Her blazer gives her a strong shoulder, and the buttons pull in her waistline. Dressing in one color helps create a long line to her body, and she’s wearing a perfect pair of shorts to show off her narrow hips and toned legs.
Next, the Queen herself, Oprah. Oprah is a fantastic example of how to dress a round body type. She almost always has some waist-defining element in her clothes. In the dress above, she’s using ruching to create that pulled-in look, making her appear more hourglass than round.
Isn’t Kate Winslet so stunning? She’s refreshingly candid about her body and the crazy expectations Hollywood puts on women and is just a great representation of style over 40.
In the look above, her halter neckline adds all the value to her dress.
It shows off her toned shoulders while pulling the eye in with the blue detail. You see how this makes her shoulders look more narrow, balancing them to her hips and drawing the eye in for a more defined waist.
Finally, Melissa McCarthy is perhaps is fantastic example of a well dressed round body type. She is fearless in her choices and it pays off.
The look above shows the importance of fit and balance. Her trousers are perfection, tailored to the ideal length with a wide leg that balances her shoulders and mid section.
See how she draws attention to her waist by clearly defining it with a detail? You may have the instinct to do the opposite by having your top fall off your shoulders and drape over your belly.
But that’s when you run into looking pregnant. So instead, don’t be afraid to create an illusion of a waistline with a fitted detail.
Best Tips for How to Dress a Round Body Type
As you can see, there is a lot of variety in the round body type.
Of all the body shapes, this is the one you may find yourself stepping in and out of if you gain weight in your middle.
For example, at my most fit, I am a true rectangle. No amount of sit-ups or carb-cutting will pull my waist below my shoulders, but when I gain weight, it’s always in my midsection, so I use many of these tips when my weight fluctuates.
Generally speaking, dressing in one color (or monochromatically) will help create a long line. As will dressing off a “column of color.” That means you keep the under pieces of your look one color, like black, and then cut it with a top layer, like a white jacket.
What should you avoid?
Exaggerated details on your shoulders or bust line, ruffle front tops, and jackets won’t do anything for you.
Skip crew and turtleneck lines.
Say no to pleated front pants and skirts; also avoid tie waist pants (also called paper bag pants) and narrow-legged bottoms.
Best Tops for Round Body Types
A scoop or v-neck top is universally flattering and especially great for a round shape.
You can also wear a wrap, faux-wrap, or ruched side top to create a more defined waist. A peplum that lays flat rather than flares out will also look lovely.
Asymmetrical and halter necklines are excellent options that will minimize your shoulders.
For jackets, look for single breast options that sit at your natural waist; this will help give you a long lean look.
Best Bottoms for Round Body Types
Straight or wide-leg pants or jeans work best since they balance your hips and shoulders. The wide-leg will also draw your eye into your waist.
Look for pants with back or side zips to keep your front smooth; the less detail there, the better.
Best Dresses for Round Body Types
The same guidelines for your tops apply to the top of your dresses. For the bottom half, go with an aline or a straight skirt instead of a pencil.
Avoid pleats or any fabric or gathering that will create extra volume – however, gathering on an angle, like.in a faux wrap top or dress will be lovely.
Remember, these are guidelines. I can’t reinforce this enough. Everyones body type is unique. Use these recommendations as starting point in dressing well, knowing that you’ll have to make adjustments for your unique needs.
52 Outfits in 2022!
Follow Us on Instagram!
Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers
Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.
Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.
Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.
If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.
Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here.
Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist
Leave a Comment