How to dress with a diamond body shape

In this post, I’ve decided to use the term diamond because oval might mean something on the lines of “it’s the wrong shape”. Diamond, though, gives the idea of something beautiful and that needs to be taken care of correctly to always look its best. In order to that, we’ll figure out what the diamond body shape is, how to dress with a diamond body shape and what accessories can complement.

What is a diamond body shape?

I’ve also decided to use the name diamond for this body shape because it tends to have the most volume at the centre of the body, like a diamond (or rhombus, same thing).

The shoulders are usually round and are usually aligned with the hips, although sometimes they might actually be tighter. The chest is generous, but not always, and the arms are larger too. The legs aren’t that large.

Size and weight aside, the abdomen (the part of the torso below the chest) is the least toned part, even if you do lots of exercise. Here lies the difference with a rectangle body shape: in fact when people with a rectangle shape exercise, they’ll have lots of tone on their belly too. If they gain weight the will tend to accumulate more on the abdomen and the belly, often having those so-called “love handles”.

How to dress with a diamond body shape: the ideal closet

When it comes to what to wear with a diamond body shape, we need to create focal points on the extremes of the body. Meaning, we need to bring the focus on the legs and the face.

Jackets, coats and cardigans

Here you will want to avoid any unnecessary volume or detailing, like pockets, big buttons, zips and double-breasted jackets and coats. You should try to go for one-breasted jackets, and you might enjoy wearing shawls and ponchos instead. In case you don’t want to highlight your waist, you should try to avoid belts and the like. When it comes to your cardigans, choose thinner fabrics, longer ones, and leave them open. They will also help you create an interesting colour block, like in the picture below.

Tops

As to tops, choose light blouses worn tucked out of your bottoms. Also, avoid tight-fitting tops and high necklines. If you don’t like showing too much, you can wear high necklines paired with a long necklace. Prefer V-necks. A mentions also goes to the sleeves: prefer 3/4 and cup ones.

Bottoms

Here, knowing what trousers to wear with a diamond body shape can be somewhat complicated. No need to fear though: go for straight fits, ones with no pockets, and a zip on the side instead of a belt. More fitted ones suit better if worn under a straight tunic, and it’s better of they have some elastan/spandex/lycra to give a bit more comfort.

As for skirts, wearing 50’s style ones can be tricky. Also, avoid ones that are high waisted. Instead try wrap skirts, tulip skirts and panelled skirts. Straight fitted ones look good too.

As a rule of thumb, avoid high waists, favouring pieces with a medium or low waist.

Textiles

The most suitable textiles to suit the diamond body shape are soft and flowing ones. This way you avoid extra volume and you don’t look more rigid than you are. For example, look for pieces of clothing in jersey, chiffon and the like. Also, avoid shiny fabrics.

Prints

Solids tend to complement better, but if you really like prints then try big and bold ones, like animal prints, paisley and polka dots.

Accessories

The best accessories for thos body shape are the ones that can be worn on the top part of the body, like earrings, necklaces, brooches…

Shoes

Shoes can help elongate the figure. To help keep everything in proportion, opt for block heels, platform shoes and wedge heels. Avoid ones that have a thin sole. In this case, choose ones that don’t make the foot look too small compared to the rest of the body.

Bags

Bags should have a long and thin buckle, and shouldn’t be big. Ideally they should be flat. Otherwise you can have a handbag to carry in your hands or a clutch.