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Outfits for an apple body shape: women with an apple shaped body generally have a pronounced stomach area.

Fashion tips for women with an apple body shape

Many women with an apple body shape see their stomach and waist as problem areas that they would like to hide. However, these curves are part of this curvy body shape and don't have to be completely covered up under layers of clothes. Concealing a certain part of your body doesn't mean that you don't accept your body as it is. On the contrary, with the right outfits you can show off your curves and emphasise the parts of your body that you like the most. Outfits that suit your body shape can help you feel more confident and comfortable. In this article we will show you which tops, trousers and dresses are perfect for an apple body shape.

Outfit tips for an apple body shape

Women with an apple shaped body typically have a more rounded stomach area. The stomach or waist is the widest part of the body. On the other hand, women with this body type often have petite forearms and slender legs, which you can take advantage of when choosing your outfit.

The aim is to make your body shape look more even. Try and conceal your stomach a little, as this will draw the attention to your other assets. In addition to slender legs, women with an apple shaped body also have a large bust. We have put together some helpful fashion tips below on how to dress if you have an apple shaped body:

  • Choose tops and dresses with a high waist to make your torso look longer and slimmer.

  • Trousers and skirts in bright, bold colours and quirky patterns will draw attention to your lower body.

  • Tops with a simple design and muted colours will flatter a bigger upper body.

  • Oversized clothing or casual boyfriend trousers will tend to show off an apple shaped body, as they add volume to the entire body.

Tip

When choosing accessories, make sure that your torso doesn't look too busy. Make sure to choose necklaces, scarves and shawls with a simple design to avoid appearing bigger.

Clothes for an apple shaped body: by wearing loose-fitting tops you can make your upper body look slimmer.

Tops for an apple body shape

It’s important to choose the right top, as the focus is around the stomach on an apple shaped body. By choosing the right outfit, you can make your upper body appear longer, which in turn will make your waist appear slimmer.

The fashion tips in this guide will help to draw the attention away from your stomach area and emphasise your other great assets. Therefore, it is best to go for plain tops and blouses in one colour or only with a subtle pattern. Darker colours generally will make you look slimmer, but the odd splash of colour isn’t taboo. There are different opinions on which kind of stripes will make you appear bigger, but lots of people still think vertical stripes will make you look slimmer.

Around your stomach you should avoid anything with striking or colourful patterns, big buttons, seams, pockets, bows or ruffles as this will draw more attention to your stomach and make you appear bigger. To avoid looking too round, patterns should be above or just below the bust. Avoid any shiny fabrics such as satin or velvet around your stomach, as they accentuate the natural curves.

In general, tops should have a casual fit and not be too oversized so that they have a great fit and don’t appear too tight or baggy. Waisted tops, blazers and jackets or ruffled or wrapped blouses will make your torso appear longer. These types of cuts will make your stomach look slimmer. Make sure to choose a top that isn’t too short, as this can then make your upper body look more rounded.

Tip

In addition to your bust and legs, you can also emphasise your slender forearms and petite wrists with bangles, watches or colourful or shaped sleeves. Bell sleeves are close-fitting, and they will make you look feminine and elegant.

Tops and dresses for an apple shaped body: a V-neckline will make your upper body appear longer.

Dresses for an apple body shape

As with all body shapes, the basic approach is to show off your best side. Women with an apple shaped body should put an outfit together that draws attention to their upper body and legs. A dress can be a great choice for an apple shaped body as it will suit your body shape, but it is important to make sure you get the right fit.

It’s also important to find the right fit and colours or patterns that suit you. The waist on an empire dress is directly under the bust, which will make your upper body look slimmer. Since the narrowest part of the dress is above the stomach, you can draw less attention to the stomach area.

Wrap dresses and A-line dresses are a great choice as they will show off your curves. Especially an A-line dress will give you a balanced look thanks to the close-fitting cut of the bodice that has a looser fit at the bottom. Knee-length dresses will make your slender legs really stand out. As with tops, your dress should not be too tight around your stomach, therefore, it is recommended not to wear close-fitting sheath dresses. Boho style dresses can also make you look bigger.

Necklines and accessories for an apple body shape

The best way to emphasise your shoulders is with a neckline. A V-neck, for example, is great for making your upper body appear longer because it lengthens your neck. A boat neck or off-the-shoulder neckline will draw the attention to your bust, but at the same time it also shows less skin. To make your shoulders stand out, wear a top or a dress with a scoop neckline. Accessories such as necklaces and brooches or an embellished collar also emphasise your bust. Especially women with a large bust prefer it when their neckline does not show too much.

Tip

If you have a fuller bust, it’s important to make sure that you have a supportive bra that has a good fit. This will help to prevent back pain, tension and problems with your posture.

The right trousers and tops for an apple shaped body: V-necklines and slim-fitting trousers visually elongate your figure.

Skirts and trousers for an apple body shape

Women with an apple shaped body typically have slim, shapely legs. You can confidently show off your slender legs and petite ankles. Close-fitting trousers such as slim-fit jeans or elegant suit trousers with a crease are a great choice. Ankle length shoes such as ankle boots or pumps with block or wedge heels will show off your slender ankles to their best advantage.

Wide-leg trousers or boyfriend jeans, on the other hand, are usually considered less favourable for an apple shaped body. As these types of trousers will hide your slender legs.

Choose skirts which have a great cut to show off your legs. However, the waist can be a little higher to make your stomach appear slimmer. A-line skirts, 3/4-length skirts or close-fitting pencil skirts will perfectly suit an apple shaped body.

Stylish tops, trousers and dresses for an apple body shape

Do’s and Don’ts style tips for an apple body shape

Dos

  • Plain tops in muted colours will draw less attention to your stomach.

  • Slim fit trousers and skirts will accentuate your slender legs.

  • Tops and dresses with a high waist will make your upper body appear longer.

  • Wrap and A-line dresses have a great fit and they will make your stomach appear slimmer.

  • Off-the-shoulder necklines and V-necks will emphasise your shoulders and bust.

Don’ts

  • Tight tops and dresses will make your stomach appear bigger.

  • Oversized clothes will make your whole body appear bigger.

  • Tops, jackets or blazers that are too short will make you look quite round.

  • Striking motifs, bright colours or accessories around your stomach will make it appear bigger.

Conclusion: fashion tips for an apple body shape

Women with an apple shaped body have slender legs and petite forearms that they can show off with some fabulous outfits. Slim fit trousers and skirts will show off your slender legs. Tops and dresses with a high waist have a stretching effect, which can make your stomach appear slimmer. Even though many women prefer to hide their rounded stomach area, these curves symbolise your femininity just as much as your large bust. By choosing the right outfits, you can put together a great look that puts the focus on your legs and cleverly conceals your stomach.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:

Cover photo: C&A
1. Image in text: iStock.com/LightFieldStudios
All other images are from C&A