Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
Does your body resemble those healthy, red, and luscious apples? If yes, then babe, maybe you have an apple shape body! Now you may have heard from one of your fashionista friends that you must shop and put on clothes as per your apple body shape.
But how do we determine if it resembles the shape of an apple or not? Also, which clothes are actually designed for apple-shaped bodies?
Darling, your girl is here to help you keep those confusions at bay. Today I will shed light on the intricacies of having an apple shaped body as well as the attires and accessories that go well with an apple body type.
So, if you have been doubtful of your body type and are here for answers, darling, I promise you won’t be disappointed! Scroll down and dive deeper into the meaty details now!
What Does an Apple Body Type Look Like?
You can decode the ideal fashion style for your body type only when you know it closely. So, if you have the slightest doubt in your mind about your apple body shape, let me guide you with its characteristics.
You have an apple body type if-
- You have an average to quite a big bust.
- Your shoulders will be round and wide
- Your bottom looks flat.
- Your back and ribcage look broad.
- You gain weight mostly in the stomach and waist area.
- Your waist is not really defined.
- The mid-torso looks full.
- Your shoulders are wider than your buttocks.
Now that you are sure that you do have an apple body shape let me share a few popular names with whom you share your body type.
Challenges of Styling an Apple Shape Body
Let’s first understand what’s stopping you from looking like a bomb in those pretty outfits!
See, every body type has its own set of challenges. Apple body types are no different! Here are the biggest pain points that you have been facing because of having an apple shaped body:
- It gets difficult to draw attention away from your stomach and love handles.
- Your waist is not so defined, and thus, you don’t get that well-put, balanced look in your outfits.
- Your arms and legs look comparatively thinner as compared to the rest of your body, thereby creating that asymmetry.
- There is no balance among your upper, middle, and lower torso.
So, until this time, if you have been wondering why a specific dress or outfit is not looking good on you, know that it’s not you. Rather, it’s your body frame!
How to dress Apple Shape Body – styling tips Straight from the Experts!
Before I start with different types of clothes and accessories, here are a few styling tips that will come in handy for you always. Follow them and amp up your styling game like a fashionista!
- Choose straight and well-fitted outfits every time.
- Go for soft fabrics.
- Stay away from any kind of bulky design or fabric near your waist, stomach, and bust area.
- Always choose bright and vibrant colors for your lower torso.
- Go for structured outfits to hide those tummy bulges and love handles.
- The mid-torso should be de-cluttered and simple.
- Add details to your lower torso.
- Adhere to fitted silhouettes along your waist region, right under your chest and arms.
- Highlight your cleavage subtly and create the illusion of a shapely and well-defined waist.
What to Wear When You Have an Apple Shape Body?
Here is a complete list of clothes that will go exceptionally well with your apple body shape. Scroll down to learn more about these outfits!
1. Dresses
Hey, pretty lady!
If you are tired of experimenting with different types of silhouettes but have not yet found the right match, I am here to help!
First things first! Go for silhouettes that don’t hug your body frame. For instance, you can try empire-line, A-line, fit-and-flare, wrap dresses, and bias-cut styles to draw attention away from your wide mid-torso area. All the dress styles that cinch in at the smallest part of your waist and flare out over your hips will be your best bet.
You need to be mindful of the shoulders, sleeves, and necklines to ensure that onlookers go past your wide midriff. You can also experiment with bold prints, diagonal lines, and chunky textures to conceal your tummy area.
Flared hemlines and straight-cut and belted dresses also look good on an apple body shape.
2. Tops
While buying tops for your body type, go for low and wide necklines. This will subtly show off your shoulders and make your body appear elongated. Scoop necks, V-necks, square, sweetheart, off-the-shoulder and strapless necklines are perfect for apple body types.
Strictly avoid high necklines like turtlenecks or boatnecks, as they can make you look top-heavy.
Next, pay attention to the sleeves of your tops as they play a pivotal role in drawing attention from your broad mid-torso. Sleeves that are detailed, for instance, flare, cuff, cap, slit, and drape sleeves, would work for you. Three-quarter-length sleeves can also be very flattering, as they draw the eye downward and create a longer line.
If you are fond of embellishments, limit them around the neck and shoulder area. Also, go for bold and diagonal prints to create the illusion of a well-balanced body frame.
I would suggest you go for long tops, the ones that reach your hipline. They easily conceal your tummy fats and bulges. Peplum tops, soft wrap, asymmetrical styles, kimono tops, tunics, and ruched tops can be the best choice for you.
3. Jeans
Go for a pair of jeans that camouflage the bulkiness in your midriff. For this, you can try styles like wide-leg, flares and bootcut jeans. They will efficiently create the right balance between your slender legs and broad mid-torso.
Invest in low to mid-rise jeans which come with wide waistbands. The idea is to let the waistband sit flat on your stomach area so that the tummy bulges don’t get obvious.
I would recommend dark shades for any style of jeans you choose – flare, wide, boyfriend, bootcut or straight. For more jeans that suit apple shape bodies, refer to this article.
4. Shorts
Next time you are out shopping for those cute little shorts, here’s a tip for you. Leverage your shorts to create that balance between your slender legs and wider tummy area. Simply go for the high-rise or mid-rise ones that come with a loose fit around your stomach area. The hemline should reach up to the knee in a slightly loose manner.
And always opt for flat-fronted shorts. Basically, you will have to choose a fit that lies somewhere between excessively tight and baggy shorts.
No matter which style you go for, make it a point to keep the waistline of your dress at the thinnest point of your waist.
5. Pants/trousers
Trousers can be extremely useful for occasions when you want to look too casual. Go for the ones that can effectively balance out your lower body. You can shop for flowing, wide-legged trousers as they strike the right balance between your heavy upper torso and slim legs.
Just make sure that you try something that is mid or low-rise, with back and side pockets to create that illusion of curves.
Trousers with zippers on your side will steer clear of all those unnecessary bumps in the front.
6. Cardigans and sweaters
To beat those chilly winters, try open sweaters and cardigans in draped and asymmetrical styles. Avoid clingy fabrics and body-hugging styles. The sweater should reach your hipline to create the illusion of an elongated body frame. Stick to simple, de-cluttered designs sans embellishments to get that aesthetic touch.
7. Jackets, coats, and blazers
When it comes to jackets, you would want something that conceals your wider midriff flawlessly. For that purpose, you would need jackets in wrap styles. Avoid crop jackets and choose the ones which reach your hipbone.
It is better to go for single-breasted jackets for that minimal and clean look. Also, put on long tops underneath your jackets. Another thing I want to add personally is that these jackets should be well-fitted around your shoulders.
When it comes to selecting the right coat, here’s the hack! Opt for the ones that reach beyond your hip bone. Just like jackets, your coat should also be single-breasted.
Another cool tip that I wanna share with you is to wear your jackets and coats unbuttoned to slay that laidback vibe. Also, wearing them in this manner will effortlessly conceal your tummy bulges and love handles.
8. Skirts
If you love wearing skirts, then here’s what you should know. Here’s the exact formula for getting your hands on the right skirt – the hemline should stop right above the knee or at the calf area. Try bubble skirts, flared, full or tiered ones. The flowy look of the skirt will draw attention away from your hips.
Asymmetric, A-line, trumpet, bias-cut, and trumpet-style skirts would be perfect for your apple body shape.
9. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are generally curve-hugging in nature and can ruin your entire look by emphasizing your tummy area. So, I would recommend you to go for jumpsuits that are broad around your stomach and waist and of short length. Also, be mindful of the fabric you choose. For instance, chambray and line jumpsuits won’t cling to your body frame and give you that breezy feel.
Vertical stripes, wide-legged style, and empire silhouette would look great on your apple body shape.
10. swimwear
When it comes to swimwear for an apple-shaped body, you’ll want to look for styles that create a balanced profile and highlight your best features. Be aware of the necklines and choose the ones that are best suited for your type. Think of off-the-shoulder or V-necklines, along with a little tummy control.
High-waisted bikini bottoms in darker hues could also give that much-needed slimming effect. Additionally, consider one-piece swimsuits over bikinis, especially with ruching or other shaping details around the midsection.
Accessories that Look Really Cool on Apple Body Shape
So, what are the accessories that would help you to notch up your fashion game? Here are a few accessories that will complement your apple body shape and enhance your best features!
1. Belt to the rescue!
Babe! Add a few belts to your closet, as you can’t do without them. You already know that your waist is not well-defined. To solve this issue, you can leverage any stylish belt and cinch your waist to create the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Belts can be used with dresses to get that appealing silhouette as well. Simply wrap it around your waist to strike the right balance between your upper and lower torso.
2. Shoes to grab all the attention!
Choosing the right footwear can do the trick for you, babe! Flaunt your slender legs by putting on the right shoes. Heels, pumps, wedges- you can choose any based on your comfort and attire. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with bold and chunky shoes, as they will easily shift the attention from your problem areas to your shapely legs.
3. Statement jewelry
Hoard those pretty statement necklaces and earrings and match them up with your outfits to amp up your look.
4. Pretty scarves
Scarves can always come in handy to you as they effectively create that draped look and conceals your problem areas like the tummy area. Scarves look extremely chic and add that feminine touch to your overall appearance.
What Not to Wear if You Have an Apple Shape Body?
Just knowing what to wear won’t do justice to your styling game. You must also be aware of what would look horrible on you. So, here is a list of things you must avoid at all costs:
- Don’t. I repeat, don’t wear puffer jackets. They make you look heavy.
- Avoid bulky pants with zippers in the front.
- Say no to curve-hugging fabrics, as they won’t conceal your bumps and bulges.
- Never opt for monochrome outfits.
- High and narrow necklines are a huge turn-off.
- Oversized outfits can ruin your entire look.
- Avoid curve-hugging, belted waits and peplum playsuits.
- Jumpsuits with tapered legs and tight fit are not meant for you as they draw attention to your wide midriff.
- Low-waisted shorts with tapered legs won’t do justice to your apple shaped body.
Celebs Who Rock Their Apple Shape Bodies Effortlessly!
I am sure you have not noticed yet, but these popular celebs have apple body shape just like you.
“But they don’t look clumsy and odd like me!” – You will say in dismay.
Darling, they manage to look at the top of their fashion game because they know their body type well and have a whole team of stylists who come up with outfit suggestions suitable for their body types.
Worry not, sweetheart! I am your personal fashion stylist and would share all my tips and tricks to make you look as gorgeous as these Hollywood beauties-
- Missy Elliott
- Oprah
- Amy Schumer
- Drew Barrymore
- Mindy Kaling
- Adele
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
Final Thoughts on How to Dress Apple Shaped Body
The key to looking good and being comfortable in whatever you wear is to know your body type from the inside out. Babe, now that you know your body shape and also the clothes and accessories that would go with it, I would suggest you give your wardrobe the much-needed makeover it needs. Also, you can try creating a capsule wardrobe to fix your styling woes and save yourself from splurging on attires.
See you soon, boo!
Toodles!
I’m one section you suggest wearing bold prints for bottom half (pants, skirts, etc) and in the section for Tops you advise to “go for bold and diagonal prints to create the illusion of a well-balanced body frame.” So which is it? Please clarify.
Hiii Jan, proportionally bigger prints or vertical/diagonal lines at tummy area, whether it is through dresses or top styles, it works amazing, as it helps hide the tummy region and make it look more slimmer and balanced against slimmer legs.