Here's what not to do if you have a Diamond Oval body shape

If you have an Oval or Diamond body shape, your waist is wider than your shoulders and hips. The key to dressing this shape is minimizing the waist area while highlighting your shoulders and balancing your hips. However, many common fashion mistakes can end up making your figure look wider than it is. Here are 15 things you should avoid to flatter your body shape and highlight your best features.

1. Don’t Wear Tight Clothes Around the Waist

Why: Tight clothing draws attention to the widest part of your body—the waist. This can make you look bulkier than you are.

What to do instead: Opt for clothing that gently skims your waist rather than clinging to it, like wrap tops or empire-waist styles.

2. Avoid High-Waisted Pants

Why: High-waisted pants emphasize the midsection, which is typically the area you want to downplay.

What to do instead: Choose mid-rise or low-rise pants that balance out your waist and hips without drawing attention to your midsection.

3. Don’t Choose Baggy, Oversized Clothes

Why: While you may think that baggy clothes will hide your waist, they actually make your entire figure look larger and shapeless.

What to do instead: Go for structured, tailored pieces that define your shoulders and skim over the waist to create a more balanced look.

4. Avoid Bold Patterns Around the Waist

Why: Patterns, especially large or bold ones, can draw unwanted attention to the midsection, making it appear wider.

What to do instead: Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns around the waist, and save bolder prints for areas you want to highlight, like your shoulders or legs.

5. Don’t Skip Defining Your Shoulders

Why: If you don’t add some definition to your shoulders, your figure can look unbalanced, with too much focus on your waist.

What to do instead: Look for tops with structured shoulders, such as puff sleeves, or use layering to add volume to your shoulder area.

6. Avoid Clothes with No Structure

Why: Unstructured clothing can make your waist look larger and create an undefined silhouette.

What to do instead: Choose garments with a structured fit, especially at the shoulders and hips, to create definition and balance.

7. Don’t Wear Heavy Fabrics Around the Waist

Why: Heavy or thick fabrics can add bulk to your midsection, making it look larger than it is.

What to do instead: Opt for lighter, flowy fabrics that drape over your body rather than clinging or adding bulk.

8. Avoid Skinny or Tapered Pants

Why: Tight pants, especially around the ankles, can create an unbalanced look by making your hips and waist appear wider.

What to do instead: Try straight-leg or slightly flared pants that balance out your proportions and create a smoother line from waist to ankles.

9. Don’t Wear Wide Belts at the Waist

Why: Wide belts draw attention directly to your waist, highlighting its width.

What to do instead: If you want to wear a belt, go for a slim, subtle one positioned slightly below your waist to avoid adding volume to the midsection.

10. Avoid Cropped Jackets

Why: Jackets that end at your waistline can cut off your figure and make your midsection appear wider.

What to do instead: Opt for longer jackets that hit below your hips to elongate your torso and create a more balanced silhouette.

11. Don’t Ignore Your Lower Body

Why: Focusing solely on your waist can make your lower body look underdressed, throwing off your proportions.

What to do instead: Add interest to your lower half with A-line skirts, bootcut pants, or flared jeans to balance out your hips and waist.

12. Avoid Horizontal Stripes at the Waist

Why: Horizontal stripes naturally widen the area they’re placed on, making your waist appear broader.

What to do instead: Choose vertical stripes or diagonal patterns, which elongate and slim the appearance of the waist.

13. Don’t Wear Tops Without Neckline Detail

Why: Simple, plain tops can make your shoulders appear narrower and put all the focus on your waist.

What to do instead: Opt for tops with interesting necklines, such as V-necks or off-the-shoulder styles, to draw attention upwards and balance your figure.

14. Avoid Tops That Are Too Short

Why: Short tops can highlight your midsection by cutting off your torso and focusing attention on your waist.

What to do instead: Choose tops that extend past the waist, or tuck in looser tops for a more balanced look.

15. Don’t Forget to Add Volume to Your Hips

Why: If you don’t balance your hips with your waist, your midsection can end up looking larger than it is.

What to do instead: Add subtle volume to your hips with pleats, A-line skirts, or wide-legged pants to create a harmonious silhouette.

By avoiding these common styling mistakes, you can create a more balanced, flattering look that highlights your shoulders and hips while minimizing your waist. Follow these tips to ensure your outfits are as stylish and flattering as possible!