All body shapes are beautiful and we come in all shapes and sizes! Remember, dressing for your body shape is not about hiding any part of the body. It’s more about emphasizing the best bits and downplaying the bits you might not like, or that are just causing your body to look imbalanced. For an apple shape, it’s all about a round and curvy core. If you’re an apple shape any weight tends to accumulate around the midsection with arms and legs tending to be slimmer. You might be an apple with a curvier bottom or a fuller bust, and that’s perfectly okay. In this article we’re going to look at the best dress shapes for apple shape bodies.
Choosing the right dress shape can make a big difference for those with an apple-shaped body. As an apple shape you probably have an average to big bust, a wide-ish ribcage and back, and a fuller midsection with less definition in the waist line. The good news is that you have slim arms and a great pair of legs. Weight gain for you usually goes straight to your midsection giving you a bit of a tummy.
You want a dress that will emphasize your great legs and define your waist (even if it’s not super defined naturally) Dresses that cinch at the waist and flow away from the midsection are ideal for apple shapes. Remember that just because you’re an apple shape doesn’t mean you have a big tummy – many apple shapes are actually quite slim but just lack definition in the middle area.
Best Dresses For Apple Shape
A-Line Dresses
These are your best friends. A-line dresses flare out from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette by drawing attention away from your midsection and highlighting your legs. Plus, they’re super comfortable and versatile! There’s an a-line dress for every occasion.
Empire Waist Dresses
Empire waist dresses cinch right under your bust, which is the smallest part of your torso. This style gives you a high waistline, makes you look taller, and flows beautifully over body. Perfect for both casual outings and more formal events.
Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are magic for apple shapes and are a classic that you definitely want to check out. They create a lovely V-neck, which elongates your neck and draws the eye upward and away from a slightly larger middle. The wrap style also pulls in at your waist, giving you definition and curves in all the right places.
Shift Dresses
Shift dresses hang straight down from the shoulders without clinging to your body. They’re great for creating a streamlined look and can be dressed up or down. Look for ones with interesting details at the neckline or shoulders to take attention away from a bigger tummy.
Fit and Flare Dresses
These combine the best of both worlds: fitted at the top and flared at the bottom. They accentuate your bust and waist while flowing out over your hips, creating a balanced and feminine shape.
Off The Shoulder Dresses
Show off those shoulders! Off-the-shoulder dresses draw attention to your upper body and collarbones, which can be super flattering. The added bonus is they often have a relaxed fit around the waist, making them comfy yet chic.
Tunic Dresses
Tunic dresses are loose and flowing, offering a relaxed fit that doesn’t cling to your midsection. Pair them with leggings or tights for a casual yet put-together look. Go for ones with a bit of structure around the shoulders to add definition.
Choosing The Right Fabric
You might not think fabric is such a big deal when it comes to body shape but it can definitely make a difference. For the apple shape, lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk are ideal because they don’t add extra bulk.
Avoid thick, heavy fabrics such as wool and velvet which can make the upper body look larger.
Choose fabrics that will add shape to your body but without adding volume – materials such a cotton or lightly woven materials are good to define the waist and create a more balanced look.
Opt For Flattering Patterns
Patterns can greatly affect how the body appears and create certain illusions that can be flattering or not so flattering. For apple shapes, patterns that draw the eye vertically are best. Vertical stripes and patterns have long been used to make the body look slimmer and make the torso look longer. On the other hand it’s best to avoid horizontal stripes as they just make you look wider and blockier. They can really emphasize a wide midsection which is something you probably want to avoid.
Small and delicate prints (things like tiny floral designs, polka dots etc) are also a good choice because they don’t overwhelm the frame. Larger prints can make the upper body look bigger.
Strategic Use Of Color
Putting color in the right places can make all the difference as it can draw the eye away from areas you’d rather not emphasize. Dark colors on larger areas that you want to downplay works best, while brighter or lighter colors should be on smaller or more toned areas. Darker shades at the waistline can make the waist look slimmer than it is.
Belt And Waist Cinching
To enhance the look of a dress for an apple-shaped body try to focus on accessories that draw attention to the waist and neckline. It’s all about balancing these areas without overwhelming them.
Using a belt is a great way to define the waist. Wide belts work best as they cover more area and help to shape the midsection. Darker belts are best if you want to create a slimming effect. Always wear the belt at the narrowest part of your waist to create as much definition as possible. A belt that is worn too tightly can be unflattering as it can create unwanted bulges and of course isn’t very comfortable to wear!
Conclusion
If you’re an apple shape don’t despair, even with a slightly bigger midsection there are some great dresses that can be very flattering and attractive. Remember, focus on highlighting your gorgeous legs, defining your waist (even if it’s subtle), and choosing styles that drape well. There are plenty options that will look great on you. If you’re looking for a quick tip, the best dress shape for apple shape is a nice, flowy A-Line skirt, so start with that!