Having trouble dressing an apple body shape? The best thing you can do for your figure is create balance in your body, highlighting your best assets and learning where to apply the focal points. The main goal for an apple body shape is to even out your proportions by drawing the eye to either your décolletage or your legs. There are plenty of flattering styles for your figure, you just have to know what to look for. If you’re wondering how to dress an apple body shape, here are 7 key tips to keep in mind.
5 Types of Body Shapes
1. Apple Body Shape
The apple body shape is characterized by a large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection. You have a rounder silhouette and carry weight around your midsection, lacking a defined waistline. You also have broader shoulders, and a fuller bust when compared to your hips. Your ribcage and back appear somewhat wide and you have slim limbs and gorgeous legs.
2. Rectangle Body Shape
The telltale sign of a rectangle body shape is a straight silhouette without many curves. The lack of curves makes the body appear like a column or rectangle. Your shoulders, waist, and hips have a similar width, and you have little to no waist definition. Your overall appearance is more athletic and you have very balanced proportions.
3. Pear Body Shape
If you have a pear body shape, you have shoulders and bust that are smaller than the hips, a defined waist, and broad hips. You often wear a smaller dress size on the top half than you do on the bottom, and you have a small bust, which can emphasize your small top half. You have a defined waist and wider hips, creating a curvy lower body.
4. Hourglass Body Shape
The hourglass figure is one of the most balanced and in-proportion body shapes. It’s feminine and curvy with hips and shoulders of a similar width, a narrow, defined waist and a large bust. Your biggest frustration in finding clothes that fit is usually your large bust and defined waist.
5. Apron Belly Body Shape
An apron belly is a pouch of loose skin or fat that hangs from your stomach and reaches at least as far as your pubic hair line. It often occurs after pregnancy or weight changes, making it more difficult to dress. The size of an apron belly varies from person to person.
7 Characteristics of an Apple Body Shape
- Large bust, narrow hips, and a full midsection
- Broader shoulders that sit in line with your hips
- Average to full bust
- Lean arms and legs
- Fullest part of your body is around your stomach and waistline
- Back sometimes carries weight but your bottom is flat
- Wide midriff or lack of waistline
How to Dress an Apple Body Shape
1. Sleeves for an Apple
For sleeves, avoid anything that’s constricting, as well as sleeves that are fitted or overly tight as they’ll visually widen your torso in comparison. Sleeves that have volume, flare out, or have a soft shape create nice movement for your body type, and decorative elements create visual movement away from your midsection. Flutter, flared, puff, butterfly, draped and split sleeves are ideal for apple body shapes.
2. Go-To Tops
When it comes to tops, you’ll want to look for styles that skim the body and flare outward. Peplum styles are great as they create the illusion of a defined waist. A-line and relaxed shirts also work beautifully for apple shapes. Flowing or tunic styles can also be flattering, just make sure they’re fitted but not too tight around the midsection. Avoid creating circular shapes with hems that taper in. Also make sure to invest in well-fitting bras that separate your bust and tummy.
3. An Apple’s Best Necklines
Wider, open necklines, such as V-necks, sweethearts, and off the shoulder will visually minimize your midriff and draw the eye to your bust and shoulders. Other necklines that work well for an apple body shape are scoop, plunging, cowl, square, and U-shape. Avoid high and narrow necklines that draw the eye inward and make your middle section look wider in comparison.
4. Add Fullness to the Lower Body with Wide Leg Trousers
The apple body shape can appear top-heavy due to a fuller chest and midsection and lack of waist definition. To balance out the upper body, look for clothes that add curves and fullness to the lower body. Wide leg trousers are a great option for an apple body shape as they balance out the wider midsection and slimmer legs. Avoid tapered trousers as they’ll accentuate slim legs, and high-waisted trousers will highlight the wider tummy. Low to mid rise trousers with a wide waistband are your best bet.
5. Skirts and Dresses
When choosing skirts and dresses, look for ones that hit above the knees, at the knees, or at the calf to disguise your wide midsection. Fuller, flowing skirts which skim away from your body will help fill out your hips. Avoid tiered or ruffle-style skirts that would add bulk to the tummy area and avoid short skirts, which can make you look boxy. A-line, empire-line, and bias-cut dresses take attention away from the midriff, and wrap dresses are also very flattering as they tailor the midriff and visually lift the bust.
6. Well-Structured Jackets
Look for well-structured jackets, such as blazers with a nipped-in waist and slight flare at the hip to create a more defined silhouette. Single breasted styles work best and a longer length can elongate the torso. Straight or open jackets work beautifully for an apple shape and will de-emphasize your stomach. Avoid belted jackets, which create a horizontal line at your waist and can visually widen the area. Also steer clear of double breasted styles, decorative elements above the waist, and any large/decorative belts.
7. What Not to Do
There are certain things an apple body shape should steer clear of to ensure the most flattering silhouette for their body shape. Avoid baggy, large clothing that hides your shape. You’ll also want to avoid anything that defines your waist, such as a thick belt, which can highlight your midsection and make you appear wider. Horizontal stripes can also emphasize the width in your bust and waist and create a widening effect. In general, you’ll want to avoid pieces that cut in towards or constrict the body, such as corset-style pieces.
If you’ve been struggling with dressing an apple body shape, we hope these tips and hacks are helpful!
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