Dressing the Apple Body Shape: Tips and Outfits
Navigating the world of fashion can feel like a complex puzzle, especially when dressing for unique body shapes like the apple silhouette. Ever noticed how some outfits look stunning on display but don't quite translate the same way on? This often boils down to understanding and embracing our natural body contours. Today, we're focusing on the apple body shape, marked by broader shoulders, a fuller bust, and a more rounded midsection, often contrasting with slimmer legs and hips.
For those with an apple shape, it's about celebrating your standout features. This body type boasts fantastic legs and a beautiful bust, assets that deserve to be highlighted. In a society keen on labels and comparisons, fostering body positivity is crucial. Each shape, including the apple, has its unique attributes and strengths. The goal isn't to hide but to dress in a way that boosts your confidence and showcases your best qualities, from rocking skinny jeans that flaunt those slender legs to choosing V-neck tops that enhance the bust area.
Understanding the Apple Body Shape
Apple Body Shape: Key Characteristics
Wider Waist: The defining feature of an apple body shape is a wider waistline, making it the widest part of the body.
Fuller Bust: Individuals with an apple body shape typically have a fuller bust, creating a pronounced silhouette.
Narrower Hips: Hips are narrower with less curve from the waist, unlike pear or hourglass shapes.
Broader Shoulders: Apple shapes often have broader or more rounded shoulders, giving a top-heavy look.
Slimmer Legs and Thighs: Slimmer legs and thighs are common, serving as an asset for various outfit choices.
Styling for the apple shape involves strategic choices to elongate the torso and draw the eye upwards, creating a sense of balance. Opting for clothing that creates a vertical line can visually stretch your frame, making the waist appear more defined. Emphasizing the naturally slender legs and hips adds another layer of fun to the styling process. Skinny jeans, for instance, can spotlight those slim legs, achieving a harmonious balance with the upper body. Similarly, opting for dresses and skirts that gently drape over the hips and thighs can accentuate the legs without adding volume to the lower body.
An often-overlooked feature in apple shapes is the shoulders. Broad or defined shoulders can be a striking asset, offering an opportunity to bring balance to a fuller midsection. Incorporating elements like shoulder pads or embracing wide necklines can enhance the upper body, drawing attention away from the waist and celebrating the apple shape's inverted triangle aspects.
Incorporating health-focused choices, like using the Health app to track body measurements or monitoring body fat, can also play a role in understanding your body better and making informed styling decisions. Whether it's maintaining a healthy lifestyle or finding the perfect outfit, tools like the Health app can be invaluable for those looking to feel their best, inside and out.
Styling the apple body shape isn't about masking your natural body but about accentuating what makes you unique. With the right approach, anyone with this silhouette can create looks that are both flattering and true to their personal style.
Best Clothes For Apple Body Shape
When it comes to selecting the best tops for the apple shaped, the goal is to draw attention away from the midsection while accentuating the shoulders and neckline. The right styles and fabrics can make all the difference, creating a look that's both flattering and comfortable.
Open Necklines
Tops with V-neck, wide necklines, or scoop necks are ideal as they elongate the neck and draw the eye vertically, enhancing the upper body without emphasizing the fuller midsection.
Pieces with shoulder pads or slight structure can broaden the shoulders, creating a balanced silhouette that shifts focus away from the tummy area.
Learn More About The Apple Body Shape
Start with The Bodyshape Manual (if you've got it): Get the 101 on your Apple figure and all its glory.
How To Style Your Body If You Have An Apple Body Shape
The Perfect Workout Wardrobe for Apple Shapes
Body Shape Solutions: The Definitive Guide To Styling The Apple Body Shape
Wrap Styles
Wrap tops cinch at the waist and offer adjustable coverage, allowing you to highlight your best assets like a fuller bust and create a more defined waistline.
Peplum Tops
The flared hem of peplum tops adds volume to the lower torso, balancing broader shoulders and creating the illusion of a narrower waist.
These tops gather just under the bust, drawing attention to the slimmest part of your torso and gracefully flowing over the midsection.
Fabrics to Consider:
Soft, Draping Fabrics: Materials like jersey, silk, or soft cotton blends are excellent choices as they drape elegantly without clinging to the body, offering a smooth silhouette.
Substantial Fabrics: Fabrics with a bit of weight to them can provide structure without adding bulk, ensuring your tops maintain their shape and offer a flattering fit.
Minimal Stretch: While some stretch is comfortable, too much can cause the fabric to cling to areas you'd prefer to de-emphasize. Look for tops with just enough give to be comfortable but still hold their shape.
Key Features to Embrace:
Tunic Lengths: Tunic tops that hit at or below the hip can cover the midsection gracefully while still maintaining a structured look.
Layering Pieces: Lightweight cardigans or open-front jackets can add dimension to your outfit and draw the eye away from the midsection when worn over a fitted top.
Vertical Details: Look for tops with vertical details like buttons, seams, or prints that create long lines, visually elongating the torso and slimming the midsection.
Apple Body Shape Dresses
For those with an apple body shape, finding the right skirts and dresses can transform your wardrobe, offering flattering options that celebrate your silhouette. The key is to choose styles that gently skim over the midsection, highlight your slender legs, and, where possible, create a more defined waist without adding bulk.
Empire Line Dresses
Empire line dresses are a fantastic choice for apple-shaped individuals. These dresses have a raised waistline that sits just below the bust, drawing attention to the slimmest part of your torso and gracefully flowing over the tummy area. This style not only emphasizes your best features but also offers comfort and elegance, making it a good option for both casual and formal occasions.
A-Line Skirts and Dresses:
A-Line cuts are universally flattering and particularly beneficial for those with an apple body shape. The A-line silhouette begins fitted at the waist and flares out towards the hem, creating a balanced look that accentuates the waist and showcases the legs. This cut is ideal for apple-shaped women looking to highlight their lower body without adding volume to the middle section.
Wrap Styles:
Wrap skirts and dresses are versatile and flattering for almost all body types, especially for those with an apple shape & pear body shapes. The adjustable tie waist allows for a custom fit that cinches at the narrowest point, while the wrap detail offers a natural, flowing drape over the fuller midsection. The V-neck created by wrap tops and dresses also serves to elongate the torso, adding to the flattering effect.
Fabrics and Patterns:
When selecting skirts and dresses for apple body shapes, avoid clingy fabrics and instead opt for fabrics that drape well, such as soft knits, chiffon, or lightweight cotton blends. Patterns can also play a role in enhancing the silhouette; vertical stripes or subtle prints can elongate the body, while darker colors and simpler designs can slim the middle section.
Length Considerations:
The length of skirts and dresses can significantly impact the overall look. For apple-shaped bodies, knee-length or just above the knee are often the most flattering, as they draw attention to the slim legs. Midi lengths can also work well, especially when paired with heels to elongate the leg line further.
The Best Jackets For Apple Body Shape
Selecting the right outerwear is crucial for complementing the apple body shape, especially since the right piece can add structure, define your silhouette, and elongate your figure. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing outerwear that flatters and enhances the apple shape body.
Structured Jackets:
A well-structured jacket can work wonders for apple-shaped figures by adding definition and creating a more balanced silhouette. Look for jackets with tailored lines that nip in slightly at the waist or have seaming details that create the illusion of a waistline. Blazers with a single button closure can emphasize the narrowest part of your torso, making them a good option for apple body type outfits.
Coat Lengths:
The length of your coat or jacket can significantly impact how it flatters your body shape. For those with an apple body shape, mid-length to long coats that hit just above the knee or lower can help elongate the body. Line coats or trench coats with a belt can define your waist, while the vertical lines of the coat itself elongate your figure.
Open Front Styles:
Outerwear with an open front can create a long vertical line when worn, which is particularly flattering for apple-shaped bodies. This style can help elongate the torso and draw the eye vertically, creating a slimming effect. Long cardigans and open jackets are great for casual apple body shape fashion, offering both comfort and style.
A-Line and Flared Cuts:
A-Line or flared coats can balance the broader shoulders and fuller midsection of apple-shaped individuals. These styles flare out from the waist or hips, creating a more proportional look and highlighting the slimmer legs. Look for line coats with these cuts for a flattering fit.
Additional Features:
Features like large lapels or wide collars can draw attention upwards, balancing the apple body type. Double-breasted jackets, although often recommended for adding bulk, can be flattering if they are well-tailored and cinched at the waist. Avoid outerwear with heavy detailing around the midsection, like large pockets or horizontal lines, which can add volume to the fuller midsection.
Best Swimsuits For Apple Body Shape
Choosing the right swimsuit is essential for feeling confident and comfortable at the beach or pool, especially for those with an apple body shape. The ideal swimsuits for this body type offer support, flatter the silhouette, and provide tummy control to enhance your natural shape. Here are some swimsuit styles that tick all these boxes for apple-shaped bodies.
One-Pieces with Tummy Control:
One-piece swimsuits with built-in tummy control panels are a fantastic choice for apple-shaped women. These swimsuits smooth and shape the midsection, creating a sleek silhouette. Look for styles with ruching or shirring details across the tummy area, as these can further camouflage and flatter the fuller midsection.
Tankinis for Versatility:
Tankinis offer the versatility and comfort of a two-piece with the coverage of a one-piece, making them an excellent option for apple body shapes. Choose tankini tops with a slight flare from the waist or empire lines to draw attention away from the tummy area and highlight the bust line. Pairing them with high-waisted bottoms can provide additional support and coverage.
Swim Dresses for Extra Coverage:
Swim dresses can be a stylish and functional option for apple-shaped individuals, offering extra coverage while still maintaining a feminine and flattering look. Opt for swim dresses with empire waists or A-line silhouettes that skim over the body and accentuate the legs.
Swimsuits with halter or V-neck tops are particularly flattering for apple shapes as they draw the eye upwards, accentuating the full bust and creating a more balanced figure. These styles can also help to elongate the neck and torso, contributing to an overall slimming effect.
Strategic Color Blocking and Patterns:
Swimsuits featuring strategic color blocking or patterns can work to your advantage by emphasizing your best assets and drawing attention away from areas you'd prefer to downplay. Look for designs with darker colors along the sides or patterns that have vertical lines, as these can create the illusion of a slimmer waist.
High-Cut Leg Openings:
Swimsuits with high-cut leg openings are great for apple-shaped bodies as they elongate the legs and highlight one of your best features. This style can make the legs appear longer and leaner, contributing to a more proportionate overall look.
Accessories & Shapewear
Accessorizing and choosing the right shapewear are essential strategies for enhancing outfits and creating a polished look, especially for those with an apple body shape. Thoughtful accessories can accentuate your best features and draw attention to your strengths, while shapewear can provide a smooth silhouette and offer support where it's most needed.
Accessorizing Tips:
Belts to Define the Waist: Belts can be a powerful tool for creating the illusion of a more defined waist. Opt for thin to medium-width belts and place them at the smallest part of your waist or just below the bust to create an empire line effect. This can help to break up the middle section and emphasize your slimmer waist.
Scarves to Draw the Eye Upward: Scarves, especially those with bold colors or interesting patterns, can draw attention upwards towards your face and away from the fuller midsection. Long scarves draped vertically can also add length to your torso, creating a slimming effect.
Long Necklaces: Similar to scarves, long necklaces can create vertical lines that elongate the torso and draw the eye vertically, which is particularly flattering for apple-shaped bodies. Choose necklaces that hang low but don't add bulk around the bust area.
Statement Earrings: Drawing attention to your face can be easily achieved with the help of statement earrings. They add a touch of elegance and can balance out the proportions of an apple-shaped figure.
The Best Shapewear Options For The Apple Body Shape:
These are ideal for smoothing the tummy area and providing support around the midsection. Look for briefs that extend up to the ribcage or just below the bust for maximum effect.
A shaping camisole can provide a seamless base for your tops and dresses, offering support for the full bust and smoothing out the fuller midsection. Choose camisoles with adjustable straps for a custom fit.
For a more all-encompassing solution, consider a body shaper that targets the tummy area, waist, and hips. These can be particularly useful under form-fitting dresses or tops, providing a sleek and smooth silhouette.
These can offer support for the middle section and are particularly useful under skirts and dresses. They can also help to highlight the slim legs, one of the apple body type's best assets.
Overcoming Common Styling Challenges
Navigating the wardrobe for an apple body shape can sometimes present its own set of styling challenges. From tops that tend to cling to the fuller midsection to the quest for pants that offer both style and comfort, it's all about finding the right pieces that cater to your unique silhouette. Here are some solutions to overcome these common styling hurdles.
Finding Non-Clingy Tops:
Opt for Flowy Fabrics: Choose tops made from flowy, lightweight materials like chiffon, silk, or fine knit, which drape elegantly over the body without clinging to the tummy area.
Consider Wrap Styles: Wrap tops are incredibly flattering for apple-shaped figures as they define the waist and allow for adjustability, ensuring a perfect fit that doesn't cling.
Peplum Tops: Peplum tops naturally flare out from the waist, offering coverage for the midsection while highlighting the waistline, making them a stylish, not tight fitted.
Layering: A structured blazer or open cardigan over a more fitted top can conceal the midsection while adding a chic layer to your outfit.
Choosing Comfortable Pants:
High-Waisted Styles: High-waisted pants provide ample coverage and support for the midsection, offering a snug fit that's both comfortable and flattering.
Elastic Waistbands: Pants with elastic or adjustable waistbands can accommodate weight gain or fluctuations, ensuring a comfortable fit throughout the day.
Look for Stretch: A bit of stretch in your pants can provide the flexibility and comfort needed, without sacrificing style. Just ensure they maintain their shape to avoid a saggy appearance.
Flat Front Designs: Pants with a flat front are more flattering for apple shapes, as they minimize bulk around the tummy area and create a smoother silhouette.
Skirts and Dresses:
A-Line Skirts: A-line skirts flare gently from the waist, offering balance to the broader shoulders and fuller bust typical of apple-shaped bodies, without adding volume to the midsection.
Empire Waist Dresses: These dresses draw the eye to the smallest part of the torso and flow over the tummy area, providing a comfortable and flattering fit.
Accessorizing:
Use Accessories to Draw the Eye Up: Long necklaces, scarves, and statement earrings can draw attention away from the midsection and towards your face or fuller bust, balancing the overall look.
Belts: A belt worn at the smallest part of your waist or just under the bust can create a more defined waistline, offering a solution to create shape in looser fitting tops and dresses.
Outfit Ideas For The Apple Shape Body
Everyday Elegance:
For a look that marries comfort with style, start with a flowy tunic top that skims gracefully over the midsection, providing coverage without sacrificing elegance. Pair this with slim-fit trousers that highlight your slender legs, creating a sleek, vertical line. Complete the ensemble with a pair of ankle boots, which not only elevate the outfit but also further elongate the legs, achieving a beautifully balanced silhouette perfect for daily wear.
Business Ready:
When dressing for the office or professional settings, a structured blazer is your best friend. It adds definition and creates a more tailored silhouette, especially when worn over a V-neck blouse. The V-neck draws the eye upward, subtly accentuating the bust area and elongating the neck. Combine this with straight-leg pants, which offer a clean line from hip to hem, defining the waist and streamlining the figure for a polished and business-ready appearance.
Evening Out:
For a night out or a special dinner, a wrap dress is an ideal choice for those with an apple body shape. The wrap style cinches at the waist, offering adjustable coverage and a custom fit that flatters the midsection. Opt for a dress with a V-neckline to highlight the bust and shoulders, adding an element of allure and elegance to your look. This ensemble not only accentuates your best features but also creates a more defined silhouette, perfect for any evening occasion.
Casual Weekend:
Embrace the weekend's relaxed vibe with a comfortable yet stylish outfit. Choose a relaxed, patterned top to add visual interest and draw attention upwards, away from the fuller midsection. Pair this with dark-wash bootcut jeans or highwaisted trousers, which are incredibly flattering for apple-shaped figures. The slight flare at the bottom balances broader shoulders and a fuller bust, while the dark wash creates a slimming effect on the legs. Finish off with a pair of flats for a laid-back yet put-together look, ideal for weekend outings or casual gatherings.
Wrapping it up
You've made it through this entire ultimate guide to dressing for the apple body shape, and it's time to pat yourself on the back and reward yourself with a little fashion-forward treat.
If I've done my job well by now, you should know:
Key Takeaway #1: Embracing your apple body shape is key to unlocking a wardrobe that not only flatters but also boosts your confidence daily.
Related Post: Workout Wardrobe for Apple Shapes
Key Takeaway #2: The right cuts and styles, like V-neck tops and A-line skirts, can dramatically enhance your silhouette, making every outfit a statement.
Related Post: The Best Jeans for the Apple Figure
Key Takeaway #3: Accessories and shapewear are essential tools in your styling arsenal, offering that polished finish to your apple body shape outfits.
Related Post: How to Find Your Style if You Are Plus Size
Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? Dive into our Styling Correctly for the Apple Body Shape guide to get a jumpstart on refining your wardrobe. Download it for free here: Styling Correctly for the Apple Body Shape. This guide is packed with actionable tips and tricks tailored specifically for enhancing the apple silhouette.
Now, over to you! Share your thoughts in the forum and let us know how these tips have transformed your approach to dressing your apple body shape.
And if you're eager to take your styling game to the next level, don't miss out on our exclusive offer. Visit our shop and use the code YourStyle20 for a special discount on our comprehensive outfit guide tailored for the apple body shape.
Ready for a sneak peek before diving in? Check it out here and start your journey towards everyday elegance and confidence.
This blogpost was published March 11,2023 but was updated March 6, 2024
