Learning how to dress my apple shape has been a frustrating – but worthwhile – experience. Here are the steps I follow to look my best.
I almost bought a pair of pants recently just because they fit.
They weren’t the color, style, or leg shape I wanted, but they weren’t too tight in the waist or too baggy in the butt.
The old me would have bought them in an instant.
But the new me is more patient, discerning, and determined. I know what I want and what looks good on me, but sometimes it’s just hard to find it.
So in this blog post, I’m sharing the steps I follow to dress my apple shape.
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Table of Contents
This Is Key
When dressing the apple body shape, the main thing you want is balance. You want to balance your body’s proportions by wearing tops that are slim-fitting and bottoms with volume.
And while some clothes will create the illusion of curves, the reality is that they won’t give you an hourglass figure. Your goal is to make your body look its best, not try to turn it into something it’s not. Dress for the body you have, not the body society says you should have.
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You Must Know
No matter what you read in this blog post (or any others), you should ultimately wear what makes you feel confident and beautiful.
For example, I know v-necks are the most flattering neckline, but I also like the classic look of crew necks. And I know that horizontal striped tops aren’t slimming, but I have a Breton shirt I love to wear.
In addition, people have differing opinions on what looks best on the apple body shape. And because apple shapes come in different sizes, the best styles might vary from woman to woman.
Try the different suggestions then figure out what you like best.
How To Dress the Apple Shape: The Steps
Finding clothes that fit our apple shape is not easy. I know what I want and I know what looks good on me, I just can’t always find them.
So you’ll have to try on a lot of clothes to find ones that work best. Don’t give up; it’s worth it.
1. Start With Undergarments That Fit
Because many apples have a fuller bust, they need a well-fitting bra to lift up and separate the girls.
You should also wear underwear that doesn’t cut into your waist and create a muffin top. I wear this underwear from Knickey.
2. Wear Simple, Slim-Fitting Tops
My go-to style for years was an oversized top with skinny pants. But I didn’t realize that this outfit made me look larger than I actually was.
Apples should wear slim-fitting tops that skim the body but aren’t too tight.
Choose structured or flowy fabrics instead of clingy materials so they don’t stick to your body.
V-necks are the most flattering necklines for apple body shapes. (But other necklines work, too!)
Avoid tops with busy prints or horizontal stripes because they can make you look heavier in the middle and on top. Prints also draw the eye, so if you’re self-conscious about your waist, you don’t want to wear printed tops.
3. Add Bottoms With Volume
Wide leg or straight leg pants and jeans balance out an apple’s larger middle and top. I also like barrel jeans as long as the leg shape isn’t too exaggerated.
Mid-length shorts with a medium-width leg opening achieve the same balanced proportions.
Pants and shorts with a high-rise will hit at the smallest part of your waist, emphasizing the narrowest part of your midsection. A mid-rise will hit at the widest part of your waist, drawing attention to your largest area.
If wearing a dress, choose an a-line or tie-waist dress that flares out from the smallest part of your waist. The top of the dress should be slim, while the skirt should be full. Shift dresses are another great option because they fall straight down the body.
4. Opt For Sleek Shoes
Pointed-toe or almond-toe shoes and boots elongate your legs and create a long, vertical line.
Because apples have great legs, show off your ankles in short booties and low-top sneakers and boots.
During the warmer months, wear strappy sandals that show off your foot.
Heels are a great way to lengthen the body and add some height, especially if you’re a short apple like me.
Chunky shoes aren’t the best shoe for this body type because they look heavy on an apple’s body. But if you like the current chunky shoe trend (I do!), pair them with ankle or cropped pants to show off your slim ankles. You can also throw them on with skirts or dresses; just make sure to show some skin between the shoes and skirt.
5. Choose the Right Layers
The best layers for apple shapes are cardigans that hit below the hip. Wear a slim top underneath and wear the cardigan open.
When wearing pullover sweaters and sweatshirts, choose a thinner knit that doesn’t add too much bulk to your upper half. Cashmere and wool are warm, but not heavy. I also prefer pullovers with a banded hem to create definition at my waist.
6. Pick Tailored Jackets and Coats
While oversized jackets are trendy right now, it’s not very flattering on the apple shape.
Opt for tailored blazers, jackets, and coats. Make sure the shoulders fit well and the sleeves are the right length. Have your outerwear altered, if necessary.
Look for jackets that nip in at the waist or lay straight close to the body.
Single-breasted jackets with a V-shaped lapel are very flattering.
As for the length, I think apples can wear short jackets as long as they are slim-fitting and paired with a slim top and a wider leg or full skirt. I love the look of denim jackets and leather moto jackets, and I won’t let my shape keep me from wearing them.
As for outerwear like trench coats, wool topcoats, and snow jackets, look for pieces that hit anywhere from below the hip to above the knee.
Generally avoid coats with a bulky tie-waist. If you do wear a tie-waist coat, like a trench coat, make sure the belt hits at the smallest part of your waist.
7. Add Accessories
I love accessories because they always fit even when clothes don’t!
Jewelry really completes an outfit. Necklaces create a “V” shape in the middle of your body, which lengthens your upper body by drawing the eye in and down. Earrings will draw the eye up to your face and away from any areas you don’t want to draw attention to.
Choose a handbag that’s both functional and flattering. I wear my crossbody bag so it hits at my hip, instead of at my waist. And while practical, belt bags worn at the waist add bulk to your midsection. But you could wear it like a sling (either on the chest or the back) instead of at the waist.
Wear belts that are thin with small buckles instead of wide, chunky belts that add bulk to the waist. Choose a color that is close to the color of your outfit, like a light tan belt with a white outfit. A belt in a contrasting color, like a black belt with a white top and white pants, will draw the eye to your waist because it stands out.
Other accessories you may want are hats, sunglasses, and scarves.
Other Tips
Choose structured fabrics as much as possible, and avoid fabrics that cling to the body. For example, I like 100 percent cotton t-shirts instead of stretch tees. I also prefer rigid denim jeans rather than stretch jeans.
Draw attention down to your bottom half by wearing pants and skirts with eye-catching prints and bright colors. Keep your tops simple.
Other slimming details include vertical lines and monochromatic colors.
Final Thoughts on How To Dress the Apple Shape
I’m going shopping tomorrow for jeans and pants.
And I’m not buying anything unless it’s the right color, style, and leg shape.
RELATED ARTICLES:
- The Best Dresses for Apple Body Shape Women to Wear
- The Absolute Best Jeans for Apple Body Shape Figures
- Where To Buy Clothes for the Apple Shape: 9 Chic and Stylish Brands
- The Best Shorts for Apple Shape Women That Flatter Their Figures
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