It’s no secret that people’s bodies come in different shapes and sizes. Learning what suits your body shape, accentuating your best features, and drawing attention away from certain areas is an art form. The importance of dressing to flatter one’s body shape cannot be overstated.
No matter what your body is shaped like, dressing up for yourself is the best form of self-care. It can boost your confidence, make you look and feel put together, and leave a positive impression on everyone you meet.
You have often heard people describe body shapes as fruits, such as pear and apple. If you have an apple-shaped body and are wondering how to accentuate your curves and best assets, we’ve got your back. Keep reading for tips on apple body shape outfits.
But before that, here’s how you know you have an apple-shaped body.
What Is an Apple-Shaped Body?
A person with an apple shape body has a wider midsection than their hips, buttocks, and thighs. They have broad shoulders, full busts, and wide waists.
People with this body shape tend to have a larger waist-to-hip ratio and thinner legs and arms.
Signs That You Have an Apple-Shaped Body
Here are some signs that you have an apple-shaped body:
- A wide shoulder line
- A relatively slim bottom
- Average to big bust
- A wide ribcage and back
- A wide midsection compared to the bust and hips
- An undefined waistline
- Narrow hips
- Slim limbs
- Well-shaped legs
If you have three or more of these characteristics, you likely have an android or apple body type. Don’t be misled into thinking an apple is plus sized. All sizes can be an apple shape.
The Challenges Of Dressing An Apple Body Shape
Individuals with an apple body type often face unique challenges when it comes to finding clothing that flatters their specific shape. Here are some common hurdles that those with an apple body shape might encounter:
Lack of Defined Waist
Apple-shaped bodies typically carry weight around the midsection, resulting in a less defined waist. Finding clothing that creates the illusion of a waist or accentuates other assets can be challenging.
Highlighting the Mid Section
Some styles and trends can unintentionally draw attention to the midsection, which may not be the desired focal point for those with an apple body shape. This includes tops or dresses with tight or cinched waistlines that emphasize the roundness of the torso.
Difficulty with Standard Sizing
Since apple-shaped bodies often have a larger bust and midsection compared to their hips, individuals may struggle with standard sizing, which is designed for a more balanced silhouette. This can result in garments that fit well in one area but are too tight or loose in others.
Finding the Right Length
Dresses and tops that hit at the wrong length can create an unflattering silhouette. For example, tops that are too short may emphasize the midsection, while dresses that are too long may conceal the legs and make the body appear boxy.
Balancing Proportions
Achieving a balanced look can be challenging for apple body types. While it’s essential to highlight assets like slimmer legs or a well-defined bust, it’s equally crucial to avoid outfits that make the upper body appear too heavy compared to the lower body.
Overlooking Vertical Lines
Creating vertical lines in an outfit can elongate the body and provide a slimming effect. However, some styles may inadvertently break up the vertical lines, making the body appear wider. It’s essential to consider patterns, seams, and details that contribute to a streamlined look.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
The choice of fabrics plays a crucial role in how clothing drapes over the body. Fabrics that are too clingy or stiff may not complement the apple body shape, while those with more flow and structure can provide a more flattering appearance.
The Do’s of Dressing for an Apple-Shaped Body
Opt for Empire Waists and A-Line Silhouettes
People with apple-shaped bodies should dress in flattering silhouettes to accentuate their best features. For example, empire waistlines draw attention to the narrowest part of your torso, making you appear slimmer. This style can be considered your best friend, as they sit just below the bust and create an hourglass shape.
Similarly, a-line dresses and skirts are an excellent way to slim over the midsection and create a balanced, elegant look.
These styles will highlight your natural curves while helping you feel comfortable and confident by dressing in the most flattering way. The best part? Empire and a-line silhouettes are classic and timeless, so you’ll always be able to find clothes even when fashion trends wax and wane!
Play with V-Necks and Open Necklines
People with apple-shaped bodies have broad shoulders that are definitely worth flaunting. You might also have a full bust that you want to highlight. Incorporating V- and open-neck designs into your apple body shape outfit can help create the illusion of a longer, leaner torso and draw away attention from the midsection. An open neckline can naturally draw the eye up and down, creating vertical lines that elongate the upper body. This effect helps counterbalance the roundness of the midsection, creating a more elongated and slimmer appearance. Open necklines often have a feminine and elegant appeal. They can soften the overall look and draw attention to the collarbone and neck area, diverting attention from the midriff. This can create a more refined and graceful appearance. Since apple-shaped bodies tend to carry weight around the midsection, an open neckline can create a visual break and provide a sense of breathing room. It helps prevent the upper body from appearing too heavy or congested.
A V-neck top or dress can also add a touch of interest and sophistication. It would be a good idea to experiment with different depths of V-necks—this will help you understand your style preferences and what you’re comfortable with. Learning what you like will help you highlight your best features and create a visually appealing look that draws attention to the parts you want to highlight.
Many apple-shaped bodies have a well-defined bust, and an open neckline can showcase this feature beautifully. By emphasizing the bust, attention is drawn away from the midsection, helping to create a more proportionate and balanced look.
Consider Shapewear
Sometimes, achieving the ideal silhouette may feel impossible, no matter what shape you are. This is where shapewear could be a good idea. You don’t always have to wear it, but it’s a good option for when you want the sleekest possible look.
Well-fitted shapewear can provide much-needed support, smoothing out any lines formed by undergarments and creating the best foundation for your outfit choices. High-waisted options will also provide a subtle lift and definition, giving the appearance of perfectly tailored clothes.
Remember, the goal is not to hide but to enhance your natural assets. Shapewear can be your secret weapon in achieving a polished and put-together appearance.
Highlight Your Great Legs
Drawing attention to slim legs is a great strategy for individuals with an apple body shape, as it helps balance the overall silhouette. Opt for skirts and dresses that hit just above or below the knee. This length can help showcase the slimmest part of the legs and create an elongated appearance.
Cropped pants or ankle-length trousers can draw attention to the ankles and lower legs, giving the illusion of longer limbs. Choose pants and skirts that have a slim, straight, or slightly flared cut. These styles can elongate the legs and create a streamlined look, but be careful with skinny jeans and super slim pants. Skinny pants and jeans won’t work for a more pronounced apple shape and tend to make the middle section more pronounced. Slim straight leg jeans would be a great option for showing off slender legs and keeping the lower half more proportional to the top.
The Don’ts of Dressing for an Apple-Shaped Body
Avoid Bulky and Shapeless Clothing
One of the key don’ts for apple-shaped people is steering clear of bulky, shapeless garments. If it adds unnecessary volume to your midsection, say goodbye to that article of clothing.
Oversized tops, baggy sweaters, and straight-fit dresses create an unflattering silhouette. Instead, opt for well-tailored pieces that define your waist without being too clingy.
Well-placed draping can work wonders in highlighting your assets while maintaining comfort and style. Experiment with different ways to highlight the narrowest part of your torso to see exactly what suits you best.
Say No to Details around the Waist
Any extra details around the waist are a big no because they add volume to the area, making your midsection appear larger than it is.
For example, take ruffles. While they are considered a pretty, playful, and feminine detail in dresses and blouses, having them on your waist can make you look bulkier than you are. Having such details near the midsection can, in fact, draw attention to the wrong areas, not downplay them.
If you want to add fun details, opt for puffy sleeves or ruffles on sleeves, hemlines, or necklines. These will draw attention to other parts of your body, creating a balanced and better look.
Avoid Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes emphasize the width of the body. This is especially unflattering when placed across the midsection of apple-shaped wearers.
Remember, the goal is to highlight your curves in a flattering manner. So, a better idea would be to opt for vertical stripes or diagonal patterns that draw the eye upward and downward instead of the middle. This will create an elongated look.
You can also combine stripes with strategically placed designs to further enhance your assets. For example, you can choose a dress that cinches at the waist and has diagonal details.
By incorporating these dos and avoiding these don’ts, you can confidently dress and make your way in your daily life, whether you are dressed casually or for a fancy night out.
You must celebrate your unique apple-shaped body with style and grace. Above all the fashion rules lies one that is the most important: that is to embrace what makes you feel good. And you are sure to feel good while wearing the most flattering clothing items and accessories!
Which Clothing Styles To Say Yes To?
What are the most flattering styles for those with apple body shapes?
T-Shirts, Blouses, and Shirts
When it comes to t-shirts, choosing the right neckline and length can make a huge difference. As a rule of thumb, a V-neck is a safe choice, but you can also experiment with a scoop neck.
That said, avoid too-tight or too-loose fits—opt for something that sits just right on your body without clinging too tightly.
When looking for apple body shape outfits, simple blouses and shirts can be stylish staples for daily use when chosen wisely. Go for wrap tops that cinch at the waist and emphasize an hourglass shape. Button up shirts worn open over a camisole are also a great way to draw the eye vertically, making you appear taller.
Empire waist tops have a high waistline that falls just below the bust. This style helps define the narrowest part of the body, emphasizing the bust and allowing the fabric to flow over the midsection.
Peplum tops flare out at the waist, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. This style adds volume below the waist, balancing the proportions of the apple body shape.
See also: Best Tops to Hide a Belly
Dresses
Choose dresses that are versatile and elegant to highlight your beautiful curves. Wrap dresses are particularly flattering, as they cinch at the waist and drape gracefully over the midsection.
Another common option is an empire waist dress. A-line dresses with a slight flare also provide a flattering silhouette. Choose dresses with details like a ruffle hem at the bottom rather than with details at the top.
With so many dress options, simply remember to highlight the narrowest part of your torso. And choosing dresses that have a flowy fabric is vital.
Bottoms
When selecting bottoms, prioritize high-waisted styles to accentuate your middle. High-rise jeans, skirts, and trousers are excellent choices as they provide a streamlined aesthetic.
Avoid pants and skirts with too many details, like embellishments or pockets, as these can add unnecessary volume. Instead, focus on clean lines, flat front pants, and well-fitted options.
Outerwear
Jackets and outerwear are crucial to complete even the most basic look. Choose structured blazers that define your shoulders and coats with belts to create a polished appearance. Cardigans or duster coats with open-front styles provide a vertical line, elongating your silhouette. Avoid bulky or boxy cuts, as they will hide your curves.
The best part of these guidelines is you’ll always have a plan when dressing up, and you can easily stock up on clothing pieces that suit your body. You can experiment with various colors and patterns that will elongate your torso.
Apple Body Shape Outfits
Remember to adapt these outfits based on your personal style preferences and the specific occasion. The key is to accentuate your strengths while providing balance to your overall silhouette.
Work Wear: V-neck blouse + straight leg pants + blazer
The V-neck blouse is a key element in this outfit. It creates a vertical line that draws the eyes downward, helping to elongate the upper body. This neckline is particularly flattering for apple shapes as it highlights the collarbone and chest, diverting attention from the midsection.
Choose high-waisted straight-leg trousers to define the smallest part of the waist, providing a more structured and tailored appearance. The straight-leg cut adds length to the legs, creating a balanced and elongated silhouette. The featured trousers have a mid to high rise.
Choose a longline blazer that falls below the hip or mid-thigh. This style adds length to the torso, providing a more elongated and balanced look. A single-breasted, fitted blazer with a cinched waist will define your shape without emphasizing the midsection.
Pointed-toe heels contribute to the elongating effect of the outfit. They add height and create a continuous line from the leg to the toe, making the legs appear longer. The choice of heels also adds a touch of sophistication and complements the tailored look of the ensemble.
Casual: Flowy wrap top + dark wash boot cut jeans + ankle boots
The flowy wrap top with a V-neck is a flattering choice for an apple body shape. The V-neck creates a vertical line, drawing attention away from the midsection and elongating the upper body. The wrap style provides a cinched waist illusion, defining the torso without clinging to the midsection.
Dark wash bootcut jeans are selected to balance the silhouette. The slight flare at the bottom of the jeans helps create a more proportional look by adding volume to the lower part of the body. The dark color has a slimming effect, while the bootcut style complements the flowy top.
The fitted denim jacket adds structure to the outfit without being overly tight. By choosing a jacket that fits well and ends at the hip, it accentuates the waist and provides coverage without emphasizing the midsection. The denim material adds a casual and laid-back touch to the ensemble.
Amp up the boho-chic vibe with stacked bracelets on one or both wrists. Choose a mix of bangles, cuffs, and beaded bracelets for a relaxed and stylish feel.
Date Night: Off shoulder top + aline skirt + leather jacket + strappy heels
The off-the-shoulder neckline draws attention to the shoulders and collarbone, creating a visually appealing distraction from the midsection.
The A-line skirt complements the apple body shape by gently skimming over the hips and thighs. Choosing a length that hits above the knee showcases the slimmest part of the legs, adding a touch of femininity and creating a well-balanced look.
Strappy heels elongate the legs and add a touch of sophistication to the outfit. The open design of the shoes complements the off-the-shoulder top, creating a cohesive and elegant appearance.
Statement earrings draw attention upward, enhancing the off-the-shoulder neckline. Opting for bold, eye-catching earrings adds a touch of glamour to the outfit.
Conclusion
Dressing up for yourself is the pinnacle of self-care, and learning how to dress to flatter your body shape will help you look polished, stylish, and, in turn, more confident.
Learning what to accentuate and what to draw attention from is essential to dressing up, regardless of your body type. But remember, at the end of the day, it’s all a matter of preference. There are no hard and fast rules in fashion. Everyone should dress however they like; this is simply a guideline to appear more put-together.
Have fun with fashion. Experiment as much as you like. At the end of the day, comfort and confidence should trump every other factor when choosing your clothing.
Remember, fashion is a personal expression, so try all the colors you like, mix and match styles—do whatever makes you feel fabulous!
