How to dress the apple body shape

Are you an apple shape and wondering how to dress your apple body shape? It can be a tricky shape to style.

But, in this updated article, adapted for fall and winter, we are going to look at the apple shaped body and how to dress in the most flattering way for you.

As a quick reminder you have an apple body shape when:

• You have no defined waist
• Weight tends to form on the stomach
• You have an average to large bust size

This is a body shape that often develops after 40 when you start to experience symptoms of (peri)menopause and may gain weight around your waist.

What is flattering for the apple shaped body?

To be honest this is not the easiest body shape to dress as many women with this shape will be well aware of.

Some women tend to cover it all up with loose garments which, in most cases, is not the right thing to do as this can simply make you look larger than you really are.

Luckily, winter and fall can be the best seasons to dress the apple shape because you can play with layers to create long, lean lines and skim over your belly.

However, if you are heading into warmer months in your part of the world, you can still add lovely layers in spring and summer too. In this article you will find out howto dress the apple body shape, no matter what the season.

Your aim when dressing the apple body shape

What you DO want to do is to create the nicest silhouette possible.

For many apples, you can do that by creating the illusion of a waist, highlighting your cleavage and creating nice vertical lines.

I also like the look of a straight silhouette, but with the use of lots of vertical lines for a long and lean silhouette.

You may also like Julia’s article on the best shops for the apple body shape.

Apple shaped celebrities

You probably assume that most celebrities aren’t an apple shape, as this can be a tricky shape to style.

But, the fact is there are lots of female celebrities with the same body shape as you.

They have just learned tricks – or their stylist has taught them – about how to dress to flatter their shape.

These women tend to carry their weight around their middle, but have great legs, so you will often see them choosing an outfit which shows off their legs for red carpet events.

For inspiration, you can look at celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Winslet and Amy Schumer.

Guidelines for the apple shape

Below are some rough guidelines of what will and will not work for many apple shaped women over 40.

1. Are you definitely an apple shape?

First of all, check that you really do have an apple shaped body.

Many women put on a little weight around the tummy area as we age, for all sorts of reasons including the menopause.

But, you can have a little bit of weight around your tummy and still be a pear shape, or an hourglass, for example.

If you aren’t sure, you can check with out body shape calculator.

2. Draw attention away from your tummy

As with dressing for any body shape, the idea is to create balance, so you will want to draw attention away from the widest part of your belly.

You can do this in two ways. Either you can skim over your tummy area completely.

Or you can redefine where your mid-section is. You don’t have to tie your belt at your widest point, for example. You can just belt a little further up where you are slimmer.

Georgette (above) looks absolutely stunning in her yellow print dress. She has defined her waist with the band around the midsection of her dress, and then added a flattering layer with her moto jacket.

Check out this dress that you can wear with this similar moto jacket, booties, bag and earrings.

3. Emphasize your cleavage

Okay, you don’t have to emphasize your cleavage if you don’t want to. But my general point is you should draw attention somewhere else other than your tummy.

If you are happy with your cleavage or decolletage, you could draw attention upwards. A v-neck top will be super-flattering on you.

4. Or emphasize your legs

If you prefer your legs – and lots of apple shape women have great legs – you could draw the attention downwards instead.

That doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a mini skirt, but you could go above the knee with your hem length.

Or you can wear a longer plain top, but choose patterned jeans or pants.

5. Choose the right material

Don’t opt for clingy materials which will just draw attention to any lumps and bumps.

Instead, opt for textured materials or draping and ruching.

Sara (above) opts for a top which drapes over her mid section.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt, pants, sneakers and crossbody bag.

Now let’s go into more detail – Which garments are good for an apple body shape?

I’ve already given you a few simple guidelines, but now let’s go into much more detail on what will look good on you if you are an apple shape.

Below, you will find a capsule wardrobe which will work for the winter and fall season for the apple body type.

I’ve been inspired by some of the fall color trends for 2020 including the bright reds and muted grays seen on the catwalks as well as monochrome.

Tops for the apple shape

• First of all, since a lot of attention is going to be drawn to the top part of your body, get yourself a well-fitting bra. You don’t want your bust and your tummy meeting each other!
• Tops that highlight your body at the slimmest point, which is often just underneath your bust are often very flattering. They should have enough space for your belly but not be too wide.
• Buy t-shirts that are ruched in the middle. This will confuse the eye and you can’t tell that there’s a big tummy underneath.
• Get tops with a V-neck to break up the size of your chest and create a vertical line.
• Look for tops with a thicker texture that don’t cling so much. Woven tops can be great.
• The best hem-length for tops is just below your hipbone (when worn with pants)
• Patterns tend to look very good on an apple shape body as they flatter and camouflage.
• Tops that draw attention to your arms with e.g. flares, a slit or embroidery will draw attention from your belly
• Asymmetry in your tops helps to create vertical and slimming lines.

As you are likely to have a larger bust size, also take a look at this article on the best bras for large breasts: bras which are supportive AND stylish.

Kim (above) wears a block color top and patterned pants.

Steal her look with this similar tunic top, printed pants, sneakers, necklace and sunglasses.

Made By Johnny v-neck dolman top – LARACE tunic top – Milumia self tie blouse – Zeagoo drape blouse

For more shoppable ideas, check out this article on the best tops to hide a belly, which features plenty of inspiration.

Dresses for apple shape

• Dresses should have their waistline just below the bust or at your thinnest point.
• You can also choose shift style dresses which skim over your waist rather than emphasizing your thickest point
• Another idea is to look for dresses which have ruching, draping or layers
• You can also try wearing a shorter tunic style over a pair of skinny pants or leggings. You’ll find tips in this article on how to wear leggings.

Julia (above) wears a loose tunic style sweater dress over her leggings. She then creates long, vertical lines with her cardigan.

Check out this similar dress, cardigan, leggings, boots, handbag and scarf.

Eileen Fisher asymmetrical midi dress – Anne Klein colorblock dress – Anne Klein dot wrap dress – Club Monaco trench dress

Dresses for apple shaped plus size

Of course, many women with an apple shape are also plus size. So which dresses are flattering for the apple shaped plus size woman?

You will find that the tips in this article can work for an apple size no matter whether you are petite, tall, or plus size.

Here are some dresses for the apple shaped plus size that you could wear either alone (in the case of the dresses with a waist) or to layer (the looser shift style dresses).

Standards & Practices wrap dress – Eileen Fisher t-shirt dress – Marée Pour Toi floral shirtdress

Jackets and cardigans for the apple shape

• You can layer with a long cardigan or a long sleeveless vest
• Make sure the top underneath is not too short
• Try to have v-necklines with your long long jumper or tops underneath the layering piece
• Longer tops and jackets that skim the body can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans
• As an apple shape, you will find a number of jackets can work for you as you can layer to draw attention away from your belly. Just make sure that your jacket does not end at your widest point.
• Make sure that the jacket fits the shoulder perfectly, so choose the size for your shoulders, not your belly. If you can’t close the jacket, you can always use a scarf to fill the gap if you like.
• Choose tailored jackets that have a nice v shape at the top.
• Opt for a single-breasted rather than a double-breasted style.

You can use the clothes you wear to create the illusion of a leaner waistline.

Hailey (above) opts for a floral print dress and then creates long lines with her cardigan.

Get her look with with this similar dress, cardigan, tights and boots.

Below, I’ve included coats with a flattering drape, or which you can create long lines with. A moto jacket is also a good option as you can wear longer tops underneath and then top with your leather jacket.

Anne Klein drape front faux suede jacket – Everyday Ritual long cardigan – Romwe waterfall cardigan – Ming Wang fringe wrap

Bottoms for the apple body type

• Get trousers that have zippers at the side to avoid adding extra bumps on the front.
• Trousers should be flared or straight and not cling to tummy or thighs unless you are opting to create the long and lean silhouette using vertical lines. Avoid pleats.
• Also choose jeans that are tailored and either straight or flared. Trouser jeans are ideal.
• Pants with a high rise will create a nice silhouette.
• It’s best to get trousers with some stretch for extra comfort and a good fit.
• Choose skirts that have their zippers at the side.
• Structured pencil skirts work well, but keep them at knee length. Make sure to add the focus to the top with the tips above.
• Make sure that any pleats of skirts start below the belly to avoid adding extra volume.

Although you probably have lovely slim legs, choosing a pair of skinny jeans is not always the way to go. This is because you might end up creating a top heavy silhouette.

Instead, you may find better balance by opting for a bootcut or slim style. However, If you are using the technique of slimming layers on your top half, then you can wear skinny jeans on your bottom half.

Liz (above) gives a master class in dressing the apple shape. She wears a draped top, and then makes sure she draws attention to her face and away from her tummy through the use of a statement necklace.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, pants, boots and necklace.

Also take a look at this article on the best jeans for your body shape.

Mavi Jeans crop bootcut jeans – Prosperity Denim high waist jeggings – Wit & Wisdom leggings – Vince Camuto midi skirt

Shoes for the apple body

You don’t have to worry about your shoes fitting your belly, but you can use your shoes to detract attention away from your tummy area.

Many apple shapes have fantastic legs, so how about opting for colorful shoes to draw the attention to your legs and slim ankles?

Because you are likely to have great legs, you can wear strappy sandals to show off your ankles.

Or, you could opt for a knee-high or over-the-knee boot for winter and fall.

Jacqueline (above) looks very stylish in her polka dot dress worn with a moto jacket and knee-high boots. It’s a look that could easily be adapted for summer by switching for a long, sleeveless vest as an outer layer and sandals rather than boots.

Check out this similar dress, jacket and tall boots.

Schutz studded loafer – Sole Society bootie – ara knee high boot – Kaanas snake embossed sneaker

Accessories to go with your apple body shape clothes

Of course, you can choose whatever accessories you love as you don’t have to worry about how your accessories fit your waist (apart from your belt!).

But, thinking strategically about your accessories can help you to draw attention from the area of your body you aren’t so keen on (your belly or waist) and either upwards or downwards.

Choosing a statement accessory (scarf, necklace or a pair of earrings) can draw the attention up to your face, while opting for colorful or patterned shoes can draw the eye to your legs.

Lucie (above) draws attention up to her face with her earrings, and down to her thigh area with her matching green bag.

Check out this similar top, skirt, coat, boots, handbag and earrings.

Brahmin croc embossed leather crossbody bag – Nina crystal minaudière – Treasure & Bond print scarf – ALLSAINTS double layer necklace – COMELYJEWEL collar statement necklace – Uncommon James by Kristin Cavallari earrings – Kendra Scott drop earrings

What not to wear if you have an apple body shape

I’ve talked a lot about what TO wear if you have an apple shape, but how about what you should avoid?

• Big puffa jackets – these will only make your midriff look wider.
• Big shapeless garments that don’t show any waist or don’t use vertical layers. You can, however, use tunic dresses as a base to create long, lean lines with layers.
• Bulky trousers with lots of pockets and zippers at the front.
• High necklines. A V-neck will be more flattering.
• Tight clingy T-shirts that shoe every lump and bump.
• Avoid wearing everything in one solid color. Better to mix color with a texture or to use several layers in different colors to create vertical lines.

A capsule of 9 outfits using the pieces above

If you aren’t sure how to put together the individual pieces for the apple shape that I’ve featured, below you will find some inspiration.

These outfits feature lots of tricks which can provide a more flattering silhouette for the apple.

Also read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.

You can see layering, asymmetry, the use of cardigans to create long columns, and the use of accessories to draw your eye upwards or downwards.

Want more tips?

You will also enjoy this video with lots of tips from stylist Ruth Essex.

More inspiration for apple shaped women

Below are a few collages we created earlier that are suited for all sorts of weather conditions, no matter where you are in the world. These items are no longer available in stores but you can use these as inspiration to put your outfits together whilst you are shopping your own closet.

Apple body shapes usually find it a bit easier to dress in colder weather as you can make ready use of layers to conceal your belly or draw the attention away from your tummy.

Many of these outfits can be adapted for any climate.

Continue reading:

1. 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
2. The Best Tops To Hide Your Tummy
3. The Best Shops For Women With The Apple Body Shape

Do you have an apple body shape? What styles do you find fit and flatter your apple shaped body?

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Feature image by Lucie

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