Buzz
If you have an apple-shaped body, your upper body is typically more prominent, meaning you have a broader upper frame, wide shoulders, and a fuller chest, waist, and upper back. Women with this body type often have slender arms, legs, and hips, with excess weight usually concentrated around the waist. If you have an apple-shaped figure, take pride in your curves and don’t hesitate to flaunt your beauty. However, to highlight your figure effectively, you need to choose the right clothing. To learn how to dress in a way that truly complements your apple shape, check out the guide below.
Steps
General Rules for Dressing an Apple Body Shape
Confirm that you have an apple-shaped body. Before diving into selecting outfits for your body type, you should first determine if you truly have an apple shape. Some people confuse apple and pear shapes. Apple shapes are fuller above the waist, while pear shapes have more fullness below the waist and in the upper thighs. Here are some characteristics of an apple-shaped body:
- Larger upper body
- Broad shoulders
- Medium to full bust
- Less defined waistline
- Slender arms and legs
- Flatter hips
- Hips narrower than the bust
- An apple shape doesn’t necessarily mean a large belly, but excess weight tends to accumulate around the midsection.
Avoid drawing attention to the waist. When selecting outfits for an apple-shaped body, you’ll want to steer focus away from the fuller midsection. To avoid highlighting the waist, steer clear of low-rise pants, crop tops, or any clothing that ends at or above the waistline. Instead, divert attention by emphasizing other areas or creating a more defined waistline.
- Avoid clothing with contrasting patterns or embellishments at the waist, as these will draw the eye to that area.
- Skip wide belts, as they can accentuate the midsection.
- Steer clear of tight-fitting tops or dresses that emphasize the waistline.
Highlight your bust. If you have an apple-shaped body, you likely have a fuller bust, so don’t hesitate to showcase this asset. Emphasizing your bust not only highlights one of your best features but also shifts attention away from the waist. Opt for V-neck tops, deep necklines, or A-line dresses to elongate your frame and draw focus upward.
- Choose tops or dresses that flow from below the bust and flare out at the waist.
- Remember, highlighting the bust doesn’t mean adding bulk to your upper body. Avoid chunky necklaces or overly embellished necklines, as your bust is already a standout feature.
Show off your legs. Apple-shaped individuals often have great legs, so whether you’re tall or petite, don’t hesitate to flaunt them. Wear shorts, skirts, or high heels to elongate your silhouette and balance your lower body.
- Avoid hiding your legs with bulky boots, tight leggings, or skinny jeans, as these can make your legs appear smaller.
Choose flattering tops
Pay attention to neckline details. Whether it’s a top or a dress, keep a few key rules in mind to accentuate your bust and avoid drawing attention to your waist.
- Do: Opt for V-necks, deep necklines, strapless tops, U-necks, or tops with small drapes. These styles draw attention to your bust and create a longer, leaner upper body.
- Don’t: Choose halter necks, high necklines, overly decorated collars, off-the-shoulder tops, or boat necks. These styles can widen your shoulders and overly emphasize the bust.
Choose the right fabric. Avoid tight-fitting fabrics, especially around the midsection. Opt for materials with unique textures, such as wool, to divert attention from the waist. Tops with ruching at the waist can also help create a more defined silhouette.
Select flattering styles. Steer clear of tight-fitting shirts or tees, as well as overly loose, boxy, or shapeless tops that end at the waist. Baggy clothing can make you appear larger and emphasize the midsection. Instead, choose tops that flow from the bust, such as empire waist tops, those with underbust ties, or A-line styles. Here are some tips for selecting the right tops:
- Tops or dresses with waist ties can enhance your figure.
- Ensure the top’s length extends past your hip bones.
- Consider wearing tunics or longline shirts that fall below the hips.
- Opt for tops with flared or long sleeves that taper at the wrists.
- Choose tops with eye-catching details at the shoulders, like sequins or floral patterns.
Pick the right dresses. Many dress styles flatter an apple-shaped body. Look for A-line dresses or those with vertical patterns. Another trick is to choose dresses with effective color blocking, such as dark colors on the sides and lighter shades in the center, running vertically to minimize focus on the waist.
- Avoid dresses with seams or embellishments at the waist, as they draw attention to that area.
- Pair dresses with a jacket buttoned at the waist for a balanced look.
Layer with long or short jackets. The right jacket can help camouflage a fuller waist. Opt for single-breasted jackets with minimal detailing. Jackets tailored to follow your body’s curves will highlight your bust and hips while minimizing the midsection. Layering can create a more proportionate silhouette. Here are some jacket styles to try:
- Fitted cropped jackets or blazers
- Open cardigans or vests
- Longline coats that fall below the knees
Choose the right bottoms
Choose the right pants. Showcasing your legs can help balance an apple-shaped figure. Drawing attention to your legs creates a more proportional silhouette. Avoid skinny jeans, tight leggings, or any form-fitting fabrics, as they can make your legs appear smaller and emphasize the waist. Here are some tips for selecting pants:
- Avoid pants with prominent front zippers, as they draw attention to the midsection. Instead, opt for side-zipper styles.
- Choose pants with back pockets to add shape to your hips and balance your waistline.
- Wear denim or tailored pants with wide-leg, flared, or slightly tapered cuts.
Pick the right shorts. Don’t shy away from shorts, as they can highlight your legs and make your waist appear smaller. Pair them with a stretchy belt that isn’t too wide. Additionally, choose nude sandals to elongate your legs.
- Opt for high-waisted shorts. Low-rise styles can make your upper body look rounder and draw attention to the waist. High-waisted designs cinch the waist for a slimmer, more defined look. The same applies to long pants.
Select the right skirts. A well-chosen skirt can flatter an apple-shaped body. Try A-line skirts, asymmetrical hems, or flared styles. Avoid skirts that cling to the waist or have excess fabric around the midsection. Consider trumpet skirts or handkerchief hems for a balanced look.
Choose the right shoes. For an apple-shaped body, balance your lower half by wearing shoes that accentuate your legs. Here are some dos and don’ts:
- Do: Wear flats, boat shoes, calf-high boots, loafers, closed-toe heels, or strappy sandals. These styles highlight your legs and create a fuller lower body.
- Don’t: Choose low stilettos, chunky boots, furry boots, or any shoes that make your feet look larger. These can make your legs appear smaller and draw attention to the waist.
Tips
- Avoid using handheld clutches or crossbody bags, as they draw attention to the waistline.
