Your Apple Shape Style Guide: Outfits That Flatter
If you’re a gal with an apple-shaped body, you probably feel it’s a challenge to find outfits that flatter your figure. But, when you understand your shape, everything from shopping to styling becomes a breeze. The right outfit can highlight your best bits and downplay your trouble spots. You don’t need to hide your shape—you just need to dress it well!
Let’s take a look at a few timeless outfit ideas that are great for flattering an apple-shaped figure.
Clothes for Apple Shape: Flattering Outfit Ideas
What Is An Apple-Shaped Body?
Apple-shaped women can be plus-size, but there are lots of smaller-size women who have this body type, too. Apples have broad shoulders, an average to large bust, and an undefined waist. If this is you, you probably notice that compared to your slim hips and nice legs, your upper body feels like it dominates your figure. Rather than chasing the trends, figure out what flatters your shape and works for you, not against you.
Still not sure if you have an apple body shape? Check out this post, “How to Find Your Body Type and Dress for It,” where I cover all different body shapes with need-to-know styling tips.
Now, let’s get to the outfit ideas.
Flattering Outfit Ideas for the Apple Body Shape
Floral Wrap Dress | Slide Sandals | Convertible Crossbody Bag | Drop Earrings
Wrap Dress and Slide Sandals
Wrap Dresses are a great choice for those with apple-shaped bodies because they cinch at the narrowest part of the torso, creating the illusion of a defined waist. The V-shaped neckline draws attention upward to the bust and neckline, subtly shifting focus away from the midsection. Plus, the way wrap dresses drape gently over the stomach strikes the perfect balance—neither too tight nor too loose.
When styling a wrap dress, just make sure that the tie sits under the bust to create more proportion between the upper and lower body. A pattern in this look can also help camouflage the tummy!
Wrap Blouse | Wide Leg Jeans | Slingback Pumps | Shoulder Bag | Gold Hoops
Wrap Blouse and Flare Jeans
Like wrap dresses, a wrap blouse can be just as flattering for a woman with an apple body shape. The key to keeping everything balanced is to make sure your top ends at the hips (not the stomach) and pair it with the right jeans.
Wide-leg jeans will balance out the upper body while elongating your legs. Notice how these high-waisted pull-on jeans have a smooth front – no zippers for a clean, bulk-free look. This keeps any attention off your midsection and redirects it to your more flattering areas.
A-Line Midi Skirt | V-Neck Top | Slingback Pumps | Leather Wristlet | Pearl Wrapped Hoop Earrings
A-Line Skirt and V-Neck
For women with apple body shapes, A-line skirts will be your best friend. They create the illusion of a waist, balance the upper body, and skim over the tummy without clinging to it. And black has the power to shrink a larger midsection.
Pair the midi skirt with a V-neck tank top to elongate the neckline and draw attention upwards. Gently tuck the hem of the top into your skirt for more structure—add a chic belt if you need a little more definition.
Blouson Popover | Pull-On Flare Jeans | Kitten Heel Mules | Envelope Clutch | Earrings
Blouson Long-Sleeve and Flare Jeans
This top has two things that effortlessly flatter an apple body shape: A sophisticated V-neck collar and flowy, blouson sleeves. The lower cut collar will bring attention to your neckline, while the detailed sleeves take attention away from the tummy.
This pretty blouse isn’t too baggy or form-fitting, so it’s ideal to tuck into a pair of pull-on flare jeans gently. This one from Spanx has plenty of stretch and special body-shaping technology to flatter your apple-shaped curves.
V-Neck Midi Dress | Peplum Denim Jacket | Platform Sandals | Raffia Tote Bag | Bead Drop Earrings
Midi Dress and Denim Jacket
Afraid to layer with an apple body shape? So long as you wear your layers right, they won’t add an extra bulk! This peplum denim jacket falls right at the hips (not the stomach) to define the waist.
The V-neck midi dress goes the extra mile with the cinching elastic waist to define your midsection even more. What a fun summery outfit that highlights all of an apple body shape’s best features!
Which look are you most excited to wear to complement your apple shape?
When you know which styles accentuate your best features while hiding your least favorite, it makes shopping much easier and pairing outfits together more enjoyable. You don’t have to find ways to hide your figure; you just have to know which pieces pair together to show off the right parts of your apple body shape.
Clothes aren’t the only thing you can use to accentuate your body shape; check out my post on handbags for different body types! You can also use My Private Stylist to help you skip the guessing and frustration—fashion can be fun again!
Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront; this is where you’re able to access all of my favorite pieces in one central place. Don’t forget to discuss all the outfits you’re wearing to enhance your apple-shaped body in The Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, which you can join right here!
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Hey Deborah! Love this website, and as a woman over 50, your advice is amazing. My question is, do you think that Boho style is appropriate for the apple body/shape? I love Classic/Traditional styles but my figure doesn’t work with many of the pieces. I also love bright colors(I’m a Bright Winter), but Boho has mostly Earth tones! Need your help! A.S.A.P.
Hi Tonja, Thanks for dropping by. I guess my first question is, do you like Boho style? I ask because there’s a big difference between classic and boho. No sense trying to figure out if it suits your body type, coloring unless it fits your personality? It’s very laid back and free spirited- natural and earthy with a lot of prints. Is that how you see yourself? If so Boho, can work for an apple, but so can many other style vibes. Once you know your style personality, you can find pieces within that vibe that flatter your figure. So let’s start with – are you a Boho babe or more of a classic type. Which feels most like you?
I am apple-shaped, and I also am very high-waisted. So, I can’t wear skirts at all since they sit below my “waist.” I have a toned body (except for my middle, thank you, menopause, where my waist is barely defined, and the smallest part of my middle is just below the girls), and I know my legs are my best asset. So, I enjoy wearing shorts and dresses in warm weather, and I wear jeans and workout clothes daily. I figure if I am fit, healthy, and strong (yoga, walking, weights), I am good.
I love reading your posts.
Hi Arna! Thanks for dropping in. Yes, I can understand how wearing a skirt would be difficult if you are high-waisted and an apple shape. It’s always hard to generalize when helping gals how to dress because everyone is unique, and there are variations on an apple and every other shape. How is an empire or peplum for you? It works for some apples, but if you tummy is bigger than your bust, it’s easy to look pregnant! You’re right to play up your legs. Why waste them on a midi or maxi, right? Cheers, Deb