This post we’re celebrating the beautiful ‘O’ shape & Kerrin (a lovely ‘Mysterious’ coloured client) is my ‘O’ shape model!
The ‘O’ shape is curvy, balanced and full of styling opportunities. With the right shapes, fabrics and accessories, you can highlight your favourite features and feel confident in your gorgeous curves every day.
I want to reiterate that body shape is only one small piece of the style puzzle. What really makes the biggest difference is understanding your vertical proportions (where garments should end), your unique body variations (what you’d like to highlight or downplay), and of course, your personality and colour palette.
When all of these elements come together, that’s when you truly shine – expressing not just your body, but yourself.
The ‘O’ shape is often seen in fuller-figured women and is quite common post-menopause. Shoulders and hips are generally similar in width, with the middle section being fuller – think Queen Latifah, Rebel Wilson (previous body) or Melissa McCarthy.
The aim for the ‘O’ shape is to softly shift attention away from the midsection and highlight your best features – your face (with earrings or statement necklaces), your legs (with fun, colourful shoes), and your silhouette (with vertical details like princess seams or a column of colour).
For some ‘O’ shapes, the shoulders can appear slightly narrower than the middle. In this case, creating a gentle ‘V’ illusion works beautifully – details like jacket lapels, structured shoulders, or subtle shoulder pads can help to balance proportions
Here are my top styling tips for the lovely ‘O’ shape:
1. Invest in a great bra – a supportive, well-fitted bra lifts the bust and lengthens the torso.2. Try smoothing undergarments – contoured pieces can gently shape and create a sleeker outline.3. Choose flattering necklines – wide V and U-shapes open up the chest and elongate the neckline, bringing focus to your face.4. Look for drape and flow – fabrics that skim & hang from shoulder to hip (or beyond) are the most flattering.5. Play with accessories – colourful statement jewellery above the bust draws the eye upward.6. Keep colour flowing – pair long tops with bottoms in the same shade for a seamless, lengthening effect.7. Be strategic with horizontals – if you love them, place them just under the bust (empire line) and avoid them at the waist.
