Flatter Your Figure: The Ultimate Guide to Dressing an Apple Shape Body
If you have an apple-shaped body, you’re in good company! Many women share this beautiful figure, characterized by broader shoulders and bust, a less defined waist, and slimmer hips and legs. The key to dressing an apple shape is to create balance, draw attention to your best features (like your legs and neckline!), and add definition to your waist. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding your body shape to choosing the right clothes and accessories.
## Understanding the Apple Body Shape
Before diving into specific clothing recommendations, let’s clarify what defines an apple shape body:
* **Fuller Bust and Shoulders:** Typically, your bust and shoulders are wider than your hips.
* **Less Defined Waist:** You may have a less defined waistline or a more rounded midsection.
* **Slimmer Hips and Legs:** Your hips are usually narrower than your bust and shoulders, and you likely have great legs!
* **Weight Distribution:** You tend to carry weight around your midsection.
The goal in dressing an apple shape is to create the illusion of a more defined waist and balance your upper and lower body. We’ll achieve this through silhouette, color, fabric, and strategic accessorizing.
## Key Strategies for Dressing an Apple Shape
Here’s a breakdown of the core principles to keep in mind when choosing your outfits:
1. **Create a Defined Waist:** This is the most crucial step. Focus on creating the illusion of a waistline, even if you don’t have a naturally defined one. Techniques include:
* **Empire Waists:** Dresses and tops with empire waists cinch in just below the bust, creating a flattering A-line shape that flows over the midsection.
* **Wrap Styles:** Wrap dresses and tops are fantastic because they naturally cinch at the waist, creating a defined silhouette. Adjust the tie to find the most flattering point.
* **Belting:** Belting can be your best friend! Choose wider belts (1.5-2 inches) in a color that complements your outfit. Position the belt slightly above your natural waistline to create a higher, more defined waist.
* **Strategic Draping:** Look for tops and dresses with ruching or draping around the waist. These details can camouflage the midsection and create a more hourglass-like shape.
* **Color Blocking:** Use color blocking to your advantage. Darker panels on the sides of a dress or top can visually slim the waist.
2. **Draw Attention Upward:** Emphasize your upper body and face to draw attention away from your midsection. Consider these techniques:
* **Statement Necklaces:** Bold necklaces draw the eye upwards and add interest to your outfit.
* **Scarves:** Scarves add texture and color to your neckline. Experiment with different tying techniques to find what works best for you.
* **Interesting Necklines:** V-necks, scoop necks, and sweetheart necklines are all flattering choices. They elongate the neck and draw attention to your bustline.
* **Shoulder Details:** Subtle shoulder details, such as epaulets or ruffles, can broaden your shoulders and balance your silhouette, but avoid overly padded shoulders that will make you look top-heavy.
* **Statement Earrings:** Eye-catching earrings can also help draw attention upwards.
3. **Add Volume Below the Waist:** Balancing your upper body with some volume below the waist will create a more proportionate look. Here’s how:
* **A-Line Skirts and Dresses:** These gradually widen from the waist, creating a flattering silhouette that balances your upper body.
* **Fuller Skirts:** Pleated or gathered skirts can add volume to your hips, but be mindful of the fabric and the amount of fullness. Avoid overly voluminous skirts that can overwhelm your figure.
* **Bootcut or Flared Pants:** These styles balance your upper body and create a longer, leaner look.
* **Straight Leg Pants:** A classic, straight leg can also work well, especially when paired with a top that defines your waist.
4. **Choose the Right Fabrics:** Fabric plays a crucial role in how clothing drapes on your body. Consider these tips:
* **Avoid Clingy Fabrics:** Stretchy, clingy fabrics like thin jersey knit will accentuate your midsection. Opt for fabrics with more structure and drape.
* **Structured Fabrics:** Fabrics like linen, cotton blends, and lightweight wools offer structure and help to create a more defined shape.
* **Draping Fabrics:** Fabrics like rayon, silk, and chiffon drape beautifully and can camouflage problem areas.
* **Avoid Bulky Fabrics:** Steer clear of heavy, bulky fabrics like thick wool or corduroy, as they can add unnecessary volume to your upper body.
5. **Master the Art of Layering:** Layering can be a powerful tool for creating shape and definition. Consider these layering options:
* **Jackets and Blazers:** A well-fitted jacket or blazer can create structure and definition. Choose styles that cinch at the waist or can be belted.
* **Cardigans:** Opt for longer cardigans that skim over your hips. Avoid bulky, shapeless cardigans.
* **Vests:** A vest can add visual interest and create a vertical line that slims your torso. Choose vests that are fitted at the waist.
* **Shapewear:** Don’t underestimate the power of shapewear! A good shapewear piece can smooth your midsection and create a more defined silhouette.
## Clothing Recommendations for Apple Shapes
Now that we’ve covered the key strategies, let’s get into specific clothing recommendations:
**Tops:**
* **Wrap Tops:** As mentioned earlier, wrap tops are incredibly flattering for apple shapes. They cinch at the waist and create a defined silhouette. Look for wrap tops in soft, draping fabrics.
* **Empire Waist Tops:** Empire waist tops draw attention to the narrowest part of your torso (just below the bust) and flow over your midsection. Choose styles with interesting necklines or sleeve details.
* **A-Line Tops:** A-line tops flare gently from the bust, creating a balanced silhouette. Look for styles with a slightly longer length to skim over your hips.
* **Tops with Ruching or Draping:** These details can camouflage the midsection and create a more flattering shape. Choose tops with ruching or draping around the waist or bustline.
* **V-Neck Tops:** V-necks elongate the neck and draw attention to your bustline. They’re a universally flattering choice.
* **Avoid:** Boxy, shapeless tops, overly tight tops, and tops with busy patterns around the midsection.
**Dresses:**
* **Wrap Dresses:** Wrap dresses are a wardrobe staple for apple shapes. They create a defined waist and a flattering silhouette. Choose styles in soft, draping fabrics.
* **Empire Waist Dresses:** Empire waist dresses are another great option. They cinch in just below the bust and flow over your midsection. Look for styles with interesting necklines or sleeve details.
* **A-Line Dresses:** A-line dresses are universally flattering. They gradually widen from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette. Choose styles that hit at or slightly below the knee.
* **Fit-and-Flare Dresses:** Fit-and-flare dresses are similar to A-line dresses, but they have a more defined waist. The fitted bodice emphasizes your bustline, while the flared skirt adds volume to your hips.
* **Shift Dresses (with modifications):** A shift dress can work, but requires shape. Consider adding a belt to create a waist, or choosing a shift dress with strategic ruching or color blocking.
* **Avoid:** Bodycon dresses, dresses with horizontal stripes around the midsection, and dresses with excessive embellishments around the waist.
**Bottoms:**
* **Bootcut Pants:** Bootcut pants balance your upper body and create a longer, leaner look. Choose styles with a slightly higher rise to elongate your legs.
* **Flared Pants:** Similar to bootcut pants, flared pants add volume to your hips and create a balanced silhouette. Choose styles that fit well in the hips and thighs and flare out from the knee.
* **Straight Leg Pants:** Straight leg pants are a classic choice that can work well for apple shapes. Pair them with a top that defines your waist.
* **A-Line Skirts:** A-line skirts are flattering for all body types. They gradually widen from the waist, creating a balanced silhouette. Choose skirts that hit at or slightly below the knee.
* **Pencil Skirts (with modifications):** A pencil skirt *can* work, but it’s trickier. Pair it with a flowy top that skims over your midsection and a structured jacket to create a defined waist.
* **Avoid:** Skinny jeans, high-waisted pants that emphasize your midsection, and skirts with excessive volume around the waist.
**Jackets and Outerwear:**
* **Fitted Blazers:** A well-fitted blazer can create structure and definition. Choose styles that cinch at the waist or can be belted. Look for blazers with shoulder pads that aren’t too wide.
* **Wrap Jackets:** Wrap jackets are similar to wrap dresses and tops. They cinch at the waist and create a defined silhouette.
* **A-Line Coats:** A-line coats are flattering for apple shapes because they gradually widen from the shoulders, creating a balanced silhouette.
* **Trench Coats (with modifications):** A trench coat can work well, but make sure to cinch it tightly at the waist with the belt.
* **Avoid:** Boxy, shapeless jackets and coats, and bulky, oversized outerwear.
## Accessories for Apple Shapes
Accessories can make or break an outfit. Here’s how to choose the right accessories to flatter your apple shape:
* **Belts:** As mentioned earlier, belts are your best friend! Choose wider belts (1.5-2 inches) in a color that complements your outfit. Position the belt slightly above your natural waistline to create a higher, more defined waist.
* **Statement Necklaces:** Bold necklaces draw the eye upwards and add interest to your outfit.
* **Scarves:** Scarves add texture and color to your neckline. Experiment with different tying techniques to find what works best for you.
* **Long Necklaces:** Long necklaces can create a vertical line that slims your torso.
* **Heels:** Heels elongate your legs and make you look taller and slimmer.
* **Avoid:** Skinny belts that can get lost in your midsection, and chunky jewelry that can add bulk to your upper body.
## Specific Outfit Ideas for Apple Shapes
To give you some concrete ideas, here are a few outfit suggestions:
* **Outfit 1:** A-line dress in a solid color with a statement necklace and heels.
* **Outfit 2:** Wrap top paired with bootcut jeans, a long necklace, and ankle boots.
* **Outfit 3:** Empire waist dress with a cardigan, flats, and a scarf.
* **Outfit 4:** Straight leg pants with a V-neck top, a fitted blazer, and heels.
* **Outfit 5:** A-line skirt with a tucked-in blouse, a belt, and sandals.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Wearing Clothes That Are Too Tight:** Tight clothing will accentuate your midsection and make you look larger than you are.
* **Wearing Clothes That Are Too Loose:** Shapeless clothing will make you look boxy and undefined.
* **Ignoring Your Proportions:** Pay attention to your proportions and choose clothing that balances your upper and lower body.
* **Hiding Your Body:** Don’t try to hide your body with baggy clothing. Embrace your curves and choose clothing that flatters your figure.
* **Focusing on Trends Instead of Fit:** While it’s fun to try new trends, always prioritize fit over fashion. Choose clothing that flatters your body shape, regardless of what’s currently in style.
## Finding Your Personal Style
While these guidelines are a great starting point, remember that personal style is all about expressing yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and find what makes you feel confident and comfortable. The most important thing is to choose clothing that makes you feel good about yourself!
## Conclusion
Dressing an apple shape body is all about creating balance, defining your waist, and drawing attention to your best features. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a wardrobe that flatters your figure and makes you feel confident and stylish. Embrace your curves, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, have fun with fashion!