How to Dress an Apple Shaped Body: 9 Tips and Tricks

Struggling to find something to wear for your apple shaped body? Here are ten tips and tricks to find something that'll make you feel confident!

The average American woman has a waist circumference of 38.1 inches. This means that the average woman likely falls into the category of having an apple shaped body.

What does this mean? It means that if you’re one of the millions of women with this body type, then you’ll want to learn how to accentuate your assets in the right way.

This means more than simply choosing the right size. Read on to find out how to dress exactly for your body type.

Know If You Have an Apple Shape

Women tend to fall into three categories when it comes to body shape: hourglass, pear or apple.

Oprah, in her magazine, suggests that the easiest way to dress for your body is to know what type of body you have. You can do this by measuring yourself.

Measure your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. If you find that your silhouette shape is more of a rectangle, then you have an apple shaped body. This means that your shoulders and hips are about the same size and are within 5% of each other.

Dress It Up

Because the apple body shape means that you don’t have a very defined waistline, most women tend to cover it up with loose clothing. Don’t do this! There are plenty of flattering dresses for apple shaped women.

Form-fitting A-line style dresses and maxi dresses with a lower neckline will both look great on your body shape. If you’re more keen on covering up, then opt for a wrap dress with diagonal stripes and dark colors.

Darker colors will allow you to reap the slimming benefits of the shade while still getting the form-fitting highlights that the dress provides you with.

When you can, choose thicker fabrics that won’t cling completely to your body.

Accentuate the Waist

As mentioned, women with this body shape don’t tend to have a very defined waistline. But hey, we work with what we’ve got! That’s why cinched waistlines and large belts will become your best friend.

Opt for tops that highlight your body at its slimmest point. Most women with an apple build tend to fall into plus size categories, so that’s usually right underneath their bust.

You want to draw the eye to that area, as it will draw attention away from your belly and other unflattering areas.

Stay Away From Puffy Clothing

Stay away from anything bulky or puffy. This means no cargo pants and no puffy jackets in the wintertime.

This is because these types of clothing lack the necessary structure to give you the silhouette that will shape your body.

Instead, opt for structured coats and zippers in your skirts to create some sort of organized form throughout the length of your body.

Get Your Jackets Tailored

Women with a more rectangular build often think that a blazer or jacket will make them look even bulkier. This simply isn’t true. However, you’ll want to invest in a jacket that you have tailored to your specific body.

Choose a jacket that has a V-shape at the top to make your shoulders look slimmer compared to your waist. In fact, you’ll want to buy a jacket based on the fit of the shoulders and not your stomach.

Ensure that the jacket fits well at the shoulders as this is where most of the attention should be. It’s okay if you can’t close it all the way. Add a cute scarf over the gap or a stylish chunky necklace.

Long Layers Are Your Friend

The best outfits for apple-shaped bodies are ones that draw long lines down your midsection. The best way to do this? Layers!

These kinds of outfits are particularly great for crisp fall days, but a waterfall cardigan or swing dress are also items you can wear during the hotter months.

In general, you’ll want to look for tops with detailing around the neckline. The height of the top should fall just below your hip bone and features some rouching around the middle to help ensure your torso doesn’t look too short or elongated.

Camouflage Your Flaws

This is a helpful tip for pretty much any body type, but especially those with a rounder shape. Part of learning how to dress an apple body shape is all about camouflage.

Patterns are a great way to accentuate your positive features while hiding your rounder waist.

If your choice of layers includes a blazer on top of a casual fitted tee, opt for one that buttons around the stomach to hide your tummy.

And, finally, tunic wraps are a blessing for bustier women. The waistline will help draw your stomach in while accentuating your assets.

Steal Your Boyfriend’s Jeans

Or, just get yourself your own comfy pair of boyfriend jeans. Straight legs and bootcut jeans look particularly stunning on an apple-shaped body.

You can pair some casual boyfriend jeans with a waterfall cardigan and some cute heels to create a super casual chic look you’ll feel sexy and comfortable in.

Be mindful of super high-waisted jeans, though. These are a big no-no for women with bigger tummies.

Depending on your specific shape, skinny jeans can also be flattering for apples. Pair skinny jeans with a long swing or empire waist tunic.

Don’t Minimize Your Legs

Generally speaking, women with an apple shape also tend to have great legs. Girl, if you’ve got ‘em then flaunt ‘em!

Don’t minimize your legs, whether short or long, by wearing heavy boots or leggings.

A-line and pencil skirts should help give you some added shape while showing off your legs. Pair these with strappy ankle-grabbing heels and you’ve got the perfect outfit.

Be Confident About Your Apple Shaped Body

The best fashion tip ever? Rock your apple shaped body, queen! Learn to love and know it so you can then learn how to dress it as you wish.

Understanding what shapes, styles, and colors naturally complement your body will help you feel more comfortable in whatever you wear.

Feel like you’ve got the clothes under control? Browse our accessories to find the perfect matching bag for your brand new outfit.