How To Dress If You Have an Apple Body Type
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Hey ladies! How are you all doing? Hope you are good? Great!
Today, we are going to be talking about something special, and that is the apple body type.
For those of us who don’t know what that means, an apple body type is when you carry more weight around your tummy, with a less defined waist. You may also have a fuller bust, slimmer legs, and narrower hips.
Recently, I was talking to a new friend. I noticed that she loved wearing oversized dresses, didn’t go out much, and seemed to prefer taking selfies instead of full-body pictures.
At first, I thought she was just an introvert who was a little shy. That was until a few days ago, when we had a long conversation during our sleepover.
We started talking about beauty, fashion, and a little gossip here and there. You know, girl talk.
During our conversation, she kept talking about wanting to come out of her shell, so I asked her what she meant.
She told me she really wished she could dress up more like a baddie and go out more often.
I asked, “So, what’s stopping you from doing that?”
She bowed her head with a sad smile and responded, “I can’t.”
I was confused, so I asked, “Why? What’s the reason?”
And then she said something that broke my heart.
“Girl, how can I? I don’t have the baddie body. My shape is awful. I’m 80% belly fat. No hips, no bum, and a big chest. Everything I wear looks hideous on me. My pictures always turn out terrible. I look like Winnie the Pooh. Well, at least I have a pretty face.”
And trust me, she is a cutie patootie!
She even told me she had thought about getting surgery but was scared. As she spoke, her voice broke, and she burst into tears.
I immediately hugged her, and we both cried for a good five minutes.
I really hate seeing women feel this way about themselves.
Before we continue with this article, I want to say something: No matter your body shape or size, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
I feel like social media and society as a whole have created this false image of what the perfect woman’s body should look like. There’s so much pressure on women to meet these unrealistic standards before they can feel beautiful or worthy.
Everyone is being pushed into the same box: a slim figure, an hourglass body shape, a flat tummy, and big lips.
NO! THAT IS WRONG.
We come in different shapes and sizes. We cannot all look the same, and that’s not how nature intended it.
Look around you. Even animals and plants that belong to the same family don’t look exactly alike. So why do we, as women, expect ourselves to look the same, as if we’re products of some laboratory experiment?
Your body is not the problem. Sometimes, all you need is the right styling to bring out your best looks.
And today, I will be sharing how to dress for an apple body type because, sadly, I feel this body shape is often overlooked when it comes to fashion advice.
After our conversation, I spent some time uplifting my friend, reminding her how beautiful she is and encouraging her to feel more confident in herself.
I also shared some easy, simple, but super-powerful fashion tips to help her level up her style and build her confidence.
And guess what? These are the same tips I will be sharing with you today.
If you’re an apple body type and you’ve also struggled to find outfits you love, or you simply want to step up your style game, read to the end of this post.
You might want to grab a pen and notebook, too, because you will want to take notes.
Let’s get started.
1. Go For Tops That Skim And Add Waist Definition
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The number one mistake many women with an apple body shape make is covering up their bodies with oversized clothes. This is a mistake you want to avoid. Instead, focus on creating some waist definition.
Tops like wrap tops are perfect because their overlapping design can draw attention to your neckline and create the appearance of a more defined waist.
Another great option is a peplum top, which flares out below the waist, or tops with gentle ruching along the sides. These details add shape without making you feel squeezed into your clothes.
You also want to avoid tops that cling tightly to your stomach.
Instead, go for tops that skim your midsection. Flowy tops can help you achieve this, especially when they drape nicely without hiding your shape completely.
2. Choose Open Necklines
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Recently, I wrote a post called A Stylist’s Guide to Short Torso Outfits, because if you have an apple body shape, you may want to focus on creating the appearance of a longer torso. Open necklines can help you achieve this.
I’m talking about V-necklines, square necklines, scoop necks, and similar styles. They draw attention to your neck and collarbone and can create the illusion of a longer upper body. V-necks, in particular, create a vertical line that helps elongate your appearance.
This is also a great tip for styling a bigger bust or if you want to know what to wear if you are short and chubby
3. Wear Button-Down Shirts Slightly Open At The Neckline To Elongate The Torso
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Still on elongating the torso, try wearing button-down shirts with the top one or two buttons undone. This not only creates a more open neckline but can also help your upper body appear longer and prevent that overly boxed-in look.
You see, when it comes to how to dress for an apple body type, it is not about changing your entire wardrobe.
Simple tweaks here and there can do the trick.
For example, instead of buttoning your shirt all the way to the top, leave a couple of buttons undone to create a V-shaped opening.
You can tuck the front of the shirt into your trousers or leave it untucked, depending on the fit and the look you’re going for. If you want to add some waist definition, choose a shirt with a slightly shaped fit rather than one that’s too boxy or oversized.
4. Opt For Mid-Rise or High-Rise Pants
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When choosing pants for an apple body type, you want something that provides a comfortable fit and supports your midsection. And there is no better option than mid-rise and high-rise pants, because they can feel more secure and comfortable.
High-rise pants sit at or near your natural waist, or slightly above it, while mid-rise pants sit a bit below your natural waist.
Depending on your torso length and body proportions, either option can work well. If you have a shorter torso, for example, mid-rise pants may feel more comfortable and create a more balanced look.
The style of pants you choose matters a lot, too. Try flared, bootcut, wide-leg, straight-leg, or boyfriend-style pants.
Basically, you want to make sure that you are adding visual interest and balancing out that proportion on the bottom.
5. Choose Empire-waist, A-line, Wrap, And Flowy Maxi Dresses.
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When choosing dresses for apple body type, look for styles that create definition and guide the eye vertically through your body. Here are my recommendations for some of the best dress styles to try.
1. Wrap dresses
First up is the wrap dress. Its overlapping front creates diagonal lines that draw the eye across and toward the waist. This can be very flattering if you have an apple body type because the waistline is less defined. When a wrap dress cinches comfortably at the waist, it creates shape while allowing the fabric to fall naturally over your midsection.
2. Empire-waist dresses
Empire-waist dresses are another great option for this body type. They have a raised waistline that sits just below the bust, with the rest of the dress flowing down from that point. This creates definition beneath the bust while allowing the fabric to skim over your stomach without clinging tightly. It’s a lovely option if you want a dress that feels comfortable and flows beautifully over your midsection.
3. A-line dresses
A-line dresses are another incredible style for an apple body type. They are usually fitted or shaped around the shoulders and upper body before gradually flaring out toward the hem, creating an A-like silhouette. This gives you some definition at the top while allowing more room around the tummy and hips.
4. Flowy maxi dresses
Finally, don’t overlook flowy maxi dresses. Their long, flowing silhouette creates a lovely vertical line through the body, while the relaxed fit gives you room to move comfortably. For a little more definition, look for styles with a wrap front, a shaped bodice, gentle gathering, or a waist tie. This way, you can enjoy the flowy look without the dress feeling shapeless.
6. Try Strapless Styles To Highlight The Shoulders And Neckline
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Don’t be afraid to show a little shoulder, darling. Strapless styles, whether tops or dresses, can be a great way to highlight your shoulders, collarbones, and neckline.
Since these styles leave your shoulders exposed, they create an open look that draws attention to your upper body.
If you want to create more waist definition, pay attention to how you style your strapless pieces.
For example, you can pair a strapless top with high-rise, wide-leg trousers or an A-line skirt to create a more balanced silhouette. If dresses are more your thing, try a strapless dress with a shaped bodice or a gently flared skirt that skims your midsection.
The most important thing is to choose a style that fits securely around your bust and feels comfortable enough for you to move around confidently. You don’t have to hide your shoulders or avoid strapless styles because of your body shape. Find a fit you love and wear it. Period!
7. Go for A-line Skirts And Flowing Midi Skirts.
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For your skirts, you want something that adds a little volume to your lower half and helps balance your proportions without clinging too tightly to your stomach. This is where A-line and flowy midi skirts come in.
First up, A-line skirts. These skirts are fitted around the waist and gradually flare out towards the hem, creating that A-shaped silhouette. They’re great for adding some shape to your lower half, especially when you pair them with a top that gives you a little waist definition, like a peplum top.
Flowing midi skirts are another good option. The flowy fabric gives you room to move comfortably, while the midi length creates a lovely silhouette. Pair one with a wrap top or a slightly fitted blouse to add some definition to your waist.
8. Wear Dresses With Diagonal Lines To Create Visual Interest
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My next tip on how to dress an apple shaped body is to wear dresses with diagonal lines. The idea is to add visual interest to your outfit and draw the eye across the body rather than straight from side to side.
For an apple body type, dresses with diagonal patterns, angled seams, or wrap-style details are worth trying. They can create the illusion of movement, draw attention to different parts of your outfit, and make the overall look more interesting.
So, instead of sticking to plain dresses all the time, try one with diagonal stripes or an interesting angled design. It’s a simple way to switch things up and give your outfit a little more personality.
9. Pair Wide-Leg Pants With Fitted Tops
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As an apple body type girlie, wide-leg pants and fitted tops should be one of your go-to combinations.
The wide legs add some volume to your lower half, while the fitted top gives your upper body some definition without adding too much bulk. Can you see the catch here? Balance!
You can pair your wide-leg pants with an open-neck tank top, a wrap top, or a simple top that follows your shape without clinging too tightly to your stomach. If you want to create more waist definition, you can also try a top with gentle ruching or a shaped waist.
10. Choose Fabrics With Enough Weight And Structure
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Top | Skirt | Dress | Top | Skirt
Let me tell y’all something: fabric matters just as much as the style.
You want fabrics that have enough weight and structure to drape smoothly over your midsection without clinging too tightly or hanging limply without giving your outfit any shape.
Think of fabrics like structured cotton, denim, ponte knit, and medium-weight crepe. These can help your clothes hold their shape and give your outfit a more polished look.
11. Avoid Very Clingy Tops That Emphasize The Midsection
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This is one of the biggest styling mistakes you can make as an apple body type girlie.
And I know it is not entirely your fault because clingy tops have become such a huge fashion trend lately. But trust me, if a top clings tightly to your stomach, it will not be doing your outfit any favors at all.
Now, this is not me saying you should throw away every fitted top in your wardrobe. Absolutely not.
The goal is to find tops that follow your shape without squeezing your midsection. There’s a difference.
Instead of tops made from thin, stretchy fabrics that cling to every curve, try something with a little more structure or a relaxed fit that skims your stomach, like wrap tops, structured blouses, and tops with subtle ruching.
12. Avoid Bodycon Dresses That Cling Tightly to the Tummy
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You see this type of dress? Run! If someone is bringing one your way from the left, run in the other direction!
But seriously, when learning how to dress with apple shaped body, it is worth paying attention to how a dress fits around your midsection.
Bodycon dresses are designed to hug your curves, and they are very good at doing that! However, depending on the fabric and cut, some can cling tightly around your stomach.
And some of these dresses have a way of making your stomach look more prominent than you would like, especially when the fabric is thin and stretchy.
Trust me, it can be frustrating when a dress doesn’t give you the look you had in mind. This was one of the things my friend struggled with, and it made her feel even more self-conscious about her body.
So, what do you want to do instead? Try wrap dresses, A-line dresses, or dresses with a little structure that skim your midsection. You will still look stylish without having to squeeze yourself into something that doesn’t feel or look right.
And listen, girlie, I’m not saying you can never wear a bodycon dress. If you love one and feel confident in it, wear it!
Just look for one that fits comfortably and offers enough support around your midsection if that’s what you prefer.
You can also wear shapewear underneath if you like the smoother silhouette it creates, but it’s entirely optional. Make sure it fits properly and doesn’t feel too tight.
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to hide your body. It is to find clothes that make you feel comfortable, confident, and fabulous.
13. Avoid High Necklines
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For the love of God and fashion, please avoid high necklines as much as you can. We’re talking crew necks, mock necks, and turtlenecks (flee from this one, pleaseeeeeeeeeee!).
Here’s the thing: high necklines cover more of your neck and upper chest, which can make your upper body look more enclosed.
Remember, you want to create the appearance of a longer torso, so open necklines like V-necks, scoop necks, and square necks are a much better option. Trust me!
They expose more of your neck and collarbone, creating a more open look that can make your upper body appear longer. You can also use them to draw attention upward, especially if you have a fuller bust.
Now, if you love high necklines (I mean, I’m not going to stop you from wearing them), just pay attention to how they work with the rest of your outfit.
You can pair a high neckline with an open jacket or a long necklace to create some vertical interest.
14. Avoid Bulky Belts Around the Waist
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Let’s talk about belts for a minute; you need to be careful with bulky belts, especially those with oversized buckles that sit right around your midsection.
You see, a thick belt with a large buckle can draw a lot of attention to your waist area and create extra visual bulk, especially when worn over a thick top or dress.
And if your goal is to create a more balanced silhouette, this will not give you the look you are going for.
So, what should you do instead? Try a slimmer style with a simple buckle.
You can also choose a belt that blends in with your outfit rather than one that creates a strong contrast around your waist.
This is what I mean: let’s say you are wearing a black dress; a black belt with a simple buckle will blend in more naturally than a chunky white or red belt. The idea is to avoid creating a bold line across your midsection if you prefer a more streamlined look.
15. Avoid Tops That Hang Loosely Without Creating Shape
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Look, you don’t want tops that just hang straight down from your bust to your hips without giving your outfit any shape.
I know loose tops are comfortable, but when a top is too shapeless, it can make your whole outfit look boxy, especially if you are trying to create some waist definition. I also talked this point in one of my viral post on how to dress for big arms.
Instead, look for tops that skim your midsection while giving you a little shape around the shoulders or waist. They give your outfit some definition without clinging tightly to your stomach.
16. Avoid Skinny, Low-Rise Jeans
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I’m going to hold your hand when I say this: you have absolutely no business with skinny jeans especially low-rise skinny jeans. None whatsoever.
Okay, let me explain. Low-rise jeans sit below your natural waist, while skinny jeans fit closely around your legs.
This combination is hugs your midsection in the most unflattering way and will not give you that balanced silhouette.
Mid-rise or high-rise straight-leg jeans, bootcut jeans, and wide-leg jeans are much better options instead.
You can pair them with a wrap top, a fitted V-neck top, or a blouse that skims your midsection to create a more balanced look.
17. Avoid Thin, Clingy Fabrics That Highlight Every Curve
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I talked about this in one of my viral posts on how to dress for big arms without hiding your body. You might want to check it out. Anyways, I digress. Let’s talk about clingy fabrics.
Girl, the problem isn’t that your clothes show your curves. It’s when the fabric is so thin and stretchy that it clings to every part of your body, especially your belly.
You can read up on more styles to hide belly fat here.
Some fabrics can also be unforgiving, especially when they don’t have enough structure to drape smoothly over your midsection.
So, look for fabrics with a little more weight and structure, such as medium-weight cotton, ponte knit, or structured jersey. These can help your clothes hold their shape and skim your body more comfortably instead of clinging tightly to your stomach.
