Are you an apple shape and wondering how to dress your apple body shape? It can be a tricky shape to style.
In this updated article, adapted for spring and summer, we are going to look at the apple shaped body and how to dress in the most flattering way for you.
AS A QUICK REMINDER YOU HAVE AN APPLE BODY SHAPE WHEN:
- You have no defined waist
- Weight tends to form on the stomach
- You have an average to large bust size
This is a body shape that often develops after 40 when you start to experience symptoms of (peri)menopause and may gain weight around your waist.
WHAT IS FLATTERING FOR THE APPLE SHAPED BODY?
To be honest this is not the easiest body shape to dress as many women with this shape will be well aware of.
Some women tend to cover it all up with loose garments which, in most cases, is not the right thing to do as this can simply make you look larger than you really are.
Winter and fall can be the easiest seasons to dress the apple shape because you can play with layers to create long, lean lines and skim over your belly.
However, thankfully, you can still add lovely layers in spring and summer too. In this article you will find out how to dress the apple body shape, no matter what the season.
Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous in her pink belted dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirtdress (other options here and here) and flats.
YOUR AIM WHEN DRESSING THE APPLE BODY SHAPE
What you DO want to do is to create the nicest silhouette possible.
For many apples, you can do that by creating the illusion of a waist, highlighting your cleavage and creating nice vertical lines.
I also like the look of a straight silhouette, but with the use of lots of vertical lines for a long and lean silhouette.
You may also like to check out the best shops for the apple body shape.
APPLE SHAPED CELEBRITIES
You probably assume that most celebrities aren’t an apple shape, as this can be a tricky shape to style.
But, the fact is there are lots of female celebrities with the same body shape as you.
They have just learned tricks – or their stylist has taught them – about how to dress to flatter their shape.
These women tend to carry their weight around their middle, but have great legs, so you will often see them choosing an outfit which shows off their legs for red carpet events.
For inspiration, you can look at celebrities including Drew Barrymore, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Amy Schumer and Kate Winslet.
GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLE SHAPE
Below are some rough guidelines of what will and will not work for many apple shaped women over 40.
1. ARE YOU DEFINITELY AN APPLE SHAPE?
First of all, check that you really do have an apple shaped body.
Many women put on a little weight around the tummy area as we age, for all sorts of reasons including menopause.
But, you can have a little bit of weight around your tummy and still be a pear shape, or an hourglass, for example.
If you aren’t sure, you can check with out body shape calculator.
2. DRAW ATTENTION AWAY FROM YOUR TUMMY
As with dressing for any body shape, the idea is to create balance, so you will want to draw attention away from the widest part of your belly.
You can do this in two ways. Either you can skim over your tummy area completely.
Or you can redefine where your mid-section is. You don’t have to tie your belt at your widest point, for example. You can just belt a little further up where you are slimmer.
The Karen Kane blouse (below) flows across the tummy area in a flattering way.
Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top
Above is another look from Georgette @grownandcurvywoman. Drawing attention to another part of your body (in this case the shoulders) is a great tip to draw the eye away from your tummy.
Recreate her outfit with this similar top (another option here), pants, sandals and earrings.
3. EMPHASIZE YOUR CLEAVAGE
Okay, you don’t have to emphasize your cleavage if you don’t want to. But my general point is you should draw attention somewhere else other than your tummy.
If you are happy with your cleavage or decolletage, you could draw attention upwards. A v-neck top will be super-flattering on you. If you don’t want an open neckline, you could use a bright, statement necklace.
Nation LTD Caprice Twist T-Shirt
4. EMPHASIZE YOUR LEGS
If you prefer your legs – and lots of apple shape women have great legs – you could draw the attention downwards instead.
That doesn’t necessarily mean wearing a mini skirt, but you could go above the knee with your hem length.
Or you can wear a longer plain top, but choose patterned jeans or pants.
Vince Camuto Abstract Floral Print High-Low Midi Skirt
5. CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Don’t opt for clingy materials which will just draw attention to any lumps and bumps.
Instead, opt for textured materials or draping and ruching. The Karen Kane faux wrap dress (below) is a timeless classic that tends to be available in black, navy and red.
Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress (plus size / Amazon)
NOW LET’S GO INTO MORE DETAIL – WHICH GARMENTS ARE GOOD FOR AN APPLE BODY SHAPE?
I’ve already given you a few simple guidelines, but now let’s go into much more detail on what will look good on you if you are an apple shape.
Below, you will find a capsule wardrobe which will work for the spring and summer season for the apple body type.
I’ve been inspired by some of the spring and summer color trends for 2023 including the blues, pinks and greens.
TOPS FOR THE APPLE SHAPE
- First of all, since a lot of attention is going to be drawn to the top part of your body, get yourself a well-fitting bra. You don’t want your bust and your tummy meeting each other!
- Tops that highlight your body at the slimmest point, which is often just underneath your bust are often very flattering. They should have enough space for your belly but not be too wide.
- Buy t-shirts that are ruched in the middle. This will confuse the eye and you can’t tell that there’s a tummy underneath.
- Get tops with a V-neck to break up the size of your chest and create a vertical line.
- Look for tops with a thicker texture that don’t cling so much. Woven tops can be great.
- The best hem-length for tops is just below your hipbone (when worn with pants)
- Patterns tend to look very good on an apple shape body as they flatter and camouflage.
- Tops that draw attention to your arms with e.g. flares, a slit or embroidery will draw attention from your belly
- Asymmetry in your tops helps to create vertical and slimming lines.
As you are likely to have a larger bust size, also take a look at this article on the best bras for large breasts: bras which are supportive AND stylish.
The tops below use a number of these techniques. There’s ruching, asymmetry, and modern prints and colors.
Weekend Max Mara Silver Wrap Blouse – rag & bone Indiana Striped Twisted Shirt – Caroline Rose Reflection Knit Swing Tunic – JW Anderson Asymmetric Draped Top
For more shoppable ideas, check out this article on the best tops to hide a belly, which features plenty of inspiration.
Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) opts for a long flowy shirt and coat. She keeps her look balanced by choosing slim pants.
Get her look with this similar tunic shirt, shirtdress, pants and sneakers.
Sweaters and cardigans
Unless you live somewhere super hot you’re likely to need a cardigan or sweater for cooler days or evenings.
The sweaters below are good examples for the apple shape. The draped options will skim over any lumps or bumps, while the asymmetrical sweater and long cardigan create vertical lines that minimize the tummy area.
AllSaints Lock Rolled Neck Asymmetric Sweater – A.W.A.K.E. Mode Asymmetric Wool-Blend Blouse – PULI Knitted Poncho – ANRABESS Open Coatigan
PULI Knitted Poncho – JW Anderson Asymmetric Draped Top – ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Palazzo Pants – Söfft Liv Leather Block Platform Heels – Kate Spade New York Knott Color-Blocked Crossbody Tote – Oradina Gallery Drop Earrings
COATS AND JACKETS FOR THE APPLE SHAPE
- You can layer with a long cardigan or a long sleeveless vest.
- Make sure the top underneath is not too short.
- Try to have v-necklines with your long long jumper or tops underneath the layering piece.
- Longer tops and jackets that skim the body can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans.
- As an apple shape, you will find a number of jackets can work for you as you can layer to draw attention away from your belly. Just make sure that your jacket does not end at your widest point.
- Make sure that the jacket fits the shoulder perfectly, so choose the size for your shoulders, not your belly. If you can’t close the jacket, you can always use a scarf to fill the gap if you like.
- Choose tailored jackets that have a nice v shape at the top.
- Opt for a single-breasted rather than a double-breasted style.
You can use the clothes you wear to create the illusion of a leaner waistline.
Below, we’ve included coats with a flattering drape, or which you can create long lines with. A moto jacket is also a good option as you can wear longer tops underneath and then layer with your leather jacket.
A blazer is a classic option for any body shape, while open coats are perfect for layering.
Weekend Max Mara Ellisse Wool-Blend Belted Coat – Eileen Fisher High Collar Long Open-Front Jacket – Lamarque Ciara Leather Cropped Biker Jacket – Favorite Daughter The Satin Juniper Duster
Favorite Daughter The Satin Juniper Duster – Weekend Max Mara Silver Wrap Blouse – Isabel Marant Joella Ruched Midi-Skirt – Söfft Liv Leather Block Platform Heels – Tory Burch Reva Clutch – COS Organic Shaped Pendant Necklace
bOTTOMS FOR THE APPLE BODY TYPE
- Get trousers that have zippers at the side to avoid adding extra bumps on the front.
- Trousers should be flared or straight and not cling to tummy or thighs unless you are opting to create the long and lean silhouette using vertical lines. Avoid pleats.
- Also choose jeans that are tailored and either straight or flared. Trouser jeans are ideal.
- Pants with a high rise will create a nice silhouette.
- It’s best to get trousers with some stretch for extra comfort and a good fit.
- Choose skirts that have their zippers at the side.
- Structured pencil skirts work well, but keep them at knee length. Make sure to add the focus to the top with the tips above.
- Make sure that any pleats of skirts start below the belly to avoid adding extra volume.
Although you probably have lovely slim legs, choosing a pair of skinny jeans is not always the way to go. This is because you might end up creating a top heavy silhouette.
Instead, you may find a better balance by opting for a bootcut or slim style. However, If you are using the technique of slimming layers on your top half, then you can wear skinny jeans on your bottom half.
Also take a look at this article on the best jeans for your body shape.
Can women with an apple shape wear jeans?
Of course. In fact, we have a whole article about that. Take a look at the best jeans for apple shape figures.
A bootcut shape will create balance in your figure, with the flared hem balancing the tummy area. Or you could opt for a pair of slimmer leggings or pants with your tunics and dresses.
Pencil skirts also tend to be flattering for the apple shape. The skirt (below) comes in a good choice of colors, has ruching to disguise lumps and bumps.
PAIGE Genevieve Flared Jeans – PAIGE Cindy High-Rise Ankle Straight Jeans – ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Palazzo Pants – Isabel Marant Joella Ruched Midi-Skirt
Lydia @birabiro above (read her style interview here) opts for an asymmetric style that draws the attention vertically downwards.
Check out this asymmetrical top that you can wear with this similar pair of jeans, flats and bag.
DRESSES FOR APPLE SHAPE
- Dresses should have their waistline just below the bust or at your thinnest point.
- You can also choose shift style dresses which skim over your waist rather than emphasizing your thickest point.
- Another idea is to look for dresses which have ruching, draping or layers.
- You can also try wearing a shorter tunic style over a pair of skinny pants or leggings. You’ll find tips in this article on how to wear leggings.
You can see some examples (below) of flattering dresses for the apple shape. If you choose a belt with a tie waist, you can alter exactly where you tie the belt for the most flattering effect. A graphic pattern works to confuse the eye, and draw attention away from the tummy area.
The navy dress (left) has subtle asymmetry, and would look great worn for work or evening. Wear shorter styles, like the animal print over your leggings or coated jeans.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Collared Wrap Dress – Boden Joanna Jersey Midi Wrap Dress – MANGO Belt Shirtdress – MANGO Printed Satin Dress
DRESSES FOR APPLE SHAPED PLUS SIZE
You will find that the tips in this article can work for an apple size no matter whether you are petite, tall, or plus size.
Below are some dresses for the apple shaped plus size that you could wear either alone (in the case of the dresses with a waist) or to layer over leggings (the looser shift style dresses).
Nordstrom Tie Waist Midi Dress – Chelsea28 Flutter Plissé Midi Dress – Standards & Practices Nimah Maxi Dress – Estelle Alani Floral Print Midi Dress
ANRABESS Open Coatigan – MANGO Belt Shirtdress – Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers – MICHAEL Michael Kors Kensington Large Shoulder Tote – Oradina Gallery Drop Earrings
SHOES FOR THE APPLE BODY
You don’t have to worry about your shoes fitting your belly, but you can use your shoes to detract attention away from your tummy area.
Many apple shapes have fantastic legs, so how about opting for colorful shoes to draw the attention to your legs and slim ankles?
Because you are likely to have great legs, you can wear strappy sandals to show off your ankles. Or choose a pair of statement boots.
Söfft Liv Leather Block Platform Heels – Vince Camuto Bivenya High Heel Sandals – Tory Burch Jessa Loafers – Cole Haan Grandpro Topspin Sneakers
MANGO Printed Satin Dress – PAIGE Cindy High-Rise Ankle Straight Jeans – Tory Burch Jessa Loafers – Tory Burch Reva Clutch – Oradina Gallery Drop Earrings
ACCESSORIES TO GO WITH YOUR APPLE BODY SHAPE CLOTHES
Of course, you can choose whatever accessories you love as you don’t have to worry about how your accessories fit your waist (apart from your belt!).
But, thinking strategically about your accessories can help you to draw attention from the area of your body you aren’t so keen on (your belly or waist) and either upwards or downwards.
Choosing a statement accessory (scarf, necklace or a pair of earrings) can draw the attention up to your face, while opting for colorful or patterned shoes can draw the eye to your legs.
MICHAEL Michael Kors Kensington Large Shoulder Tote – Kate Spade New York Knott Color-Blocked Crossbody Tote – Tory Burch Reva Clutch – COS Organic Shaped Pendant Necklace – NEST Jewelry Statement Necklace – Oradina Gallery Drop Earrings
Above is another look from Susanne @textelle who tucks her shirt into her satin shirt.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, skirt, pumps, bag, earrings and belt.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR IF YOU HAVE AN APPLE BODY SHAPE
I’ve talked a lot about what to wear if you have an apple shape, but how about what you should avoid?
Here a a few items that you may like to avoid when you have apple body shape.
- Big puffa jackets – these will only make your midriff look wider.
- Big shapeless garments that don’t show any waist. You can, however, use tunic dresses as a base to create long, lean lines with layers.
- Bulky trousers with lots of pockets and zippers at the front.
- High necklines. A V-neck will be more flattering.
- Tight, clingy T-shirts that show every lump and bump.
- Avoid wearing everything in one solid color. Better to mix color with a texture or to use several layers in different colors to create vertical lines.
A CAPSULE wardrobe for the apple shaped body type – 9 unique OUTFITS USING THE PIECES ABOVE
If you aren’t sure how to put together the individual pieces for the apple shape that we’ve featured, then below you will find some inspiration on how to put the outfits together.
These outfits feature lots of tricks which can provide a more flattering silhouette for the apple.
You can see layering, asymmetry, the use of cardigans to create long columns, and the use of accessories to draw your eye upwards or downwards.
You can easily mix and match to create different outfits for the season.
Also read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Shop THE items above here:
What does an apple-shaped body look like?
Remember that an apple body shape is one that tends to carry weight around the tummy area. Your shoulders and bust are likely to be wider than your hips.
What clothes look good on an apple shape?
We’re sure you now have lots of ideas about what to wear for your apple shape. A couple of classic examples that tend to look great on apple shapes are tunic tops with slimmer pants or a flattering wrap dress with a v-neck.
How should an apple shape over 40 dress?
However you want to, of course. Taking on board the tips and ideas in this article will help you to dress in a way that is flattering and makes you feel more confident.
MORE INSPIRATION FOR APPLE SHAPED WOMEN
Below are capsules we created earlier. These exact items are no longer available in stores but you can use these as inspiration to put your outfits together whilst you are shopping your own closet.
Apple body shapes usually find it a bit easier to dress in colder weather as you can make ready use of layers to conceal your belly or draw the attention away from your tummy.
Many of these outfits can be adapted for any climate.
Continue reading:
- 14 Sure-Fire Ways To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
- The Best Tops To Hide Your Tummy
- The Best Shops For Women With The Apple Body Shape
Do you have an apple body shape? What styles do you find fit and flatter your apple shaped body?
ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE ON HOW TO DRESS THE APPLE BODY SHAPE? SAVE IT ON PINTEREST!
Feature image by Georgette @grownandcurvywoman
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I am an apple, but I am a size 6 apple. Why all the black pants? I have tiny legs and a BIG bust so black pants and a floral shirt (in ANY style) just makes me look more top heavy . The difficulty for me is finding tops that are plain and bottoms that are not black. This is especially true for fitness clothing–all the pants are black, black, and black!
You are right that pants in other colors can look even better for many apples. I hope to create a new outfit collage for apple type body shapes soon.
Hi, I have always been a big girl. I think I am the Apple shape but am not quite sure. I have a big belly, my breasts aren’t very big at all, big but flat bum, thick thighs and calves, and large arms. What shape would you think I am? I’m over feeling frumpy and fat, I just want to feel confident! I find if I wear shirts that cover my big flabby arms that it just swamps me and makes me look bigger than I am. Do you recommend shape wear to help minimise my big tummy? Thanks in advance!
Difficult to tell from your description. Did you try the body shape tool on this page? https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-determine-body-shape/ I wrote an article about shapewear here https://40plusstyle.com/shapewear-do-women-over-40-need-it/ I’m not a huge fan of shape wear though and think it’s important to find clothes that WILL look good on you. You may like to join the upcoming style challenge where it’s all about discovering what suits you http://40plusstylecourses.com/shop/basic/21-steps-to-a-more-stylish-you/
Hi
I am looking to purchase a dress for my mom .She is petite 1.64 cm and she has bigger breast and not so small waist she is wearing size 44 european. what do you think about wrap dress with print .Its black with beige colors very elegant Valentino wrap dress. Would you suggest wrap dress for her.
thank you so much
Hi Giedre. Yes that could be a good option. However, please make sure that the dress fits well around the bust and that it drapes nicely over the belly area. There are quite big differences in the way that wrap dresses fit. Good luck!
Whoever made this, I would like to first start off by saying thank you. I appreciate the advice. Although, there are some things that can be corrected from this article. First of all, the apple shaped body is actually one of the five body shapes out there. Thus, not only does it occur as women get older, but its a shape that women like me are born with. Also, apple shapes should not wear bell bottoms or flares because all that really does is accentuate the skinny legs. Instead, wear bootcut or slim. And if you are skinny and apple shaped, its ok oto wear skinny jeans, just make sure they are high rise and dont spill out the fat around your mid. Btw, hi. My name is Brooke and im 16 years old. I havent been diagnosed but i may potentially have BDD, and its caused me to have very high insecurity of my apple shaped body. Ive always wanted to be a model but thats a dream in the clouds. Thank you for making this article, but unfortunately it hasn’t helped me feel better about myself. I realize that everytime i read these articles, it only talks about how to disguise this body shape by wearing clothes that will help to do just that. I cant accept this huge flaw that i have because this body shape is simply not sexy. Because ive come to this conclusion, i am planning on getting fat transplant surgery. Now, im actually not fat at all but where the healthy fat is is where my tummy is. Plus my hips are very inverted and my legs are not proportionate to my upper body. And i know what you guys are thinking, “Oh exercise will do the trick.” But the truth is is that exercise only will help to lower the mass of my tummy, but it will not help to increase the mass of the hips i dont have or the butt either. Once again, thank you for making this article for the apple shaped population, but it failed to help gain my self esteem.
Hi Brookie. Sorry to read that you don’t feel happy in your body right now. Of course it would be difficult for this one article to overcome that. What I like to say though is that this article is not meant for people to ‘disguise’ their body shape. Rather it’s meant to provide guidelines to dress your shape in the most flattering ways. I say guidelines because I feel that you can almost wear anything, no matter your body type, so long as you create the right balance with your clothes. What IS very important though and the key to looking good is that you accept your body type. Your body shape is not a ‘flaw’. All bodies are beautiful and you will be beautiful if you are happy with yourself, confident with your body and learn how to dress it well. I know this is easier said than done, but I encourage you to visit http://alreadypretty.com This website is all about body confidence and feeling happy with the body that you have and has 100s of articles on this topic. I wish you good luck on your journey to self acceptance!
I am 60 and just found out that I am an apple, sort of, I love patterned shirts and black or grey pants. Unfortunately I love yoga pants because they are not tight and flow but am not sure where it is alright to wear them, I love them around the house and out in the back yard when walking the trails left by the deer etcetera.. I also love long dresses and skirts but never know what tops to wear given my apple shape!! I now know that clingy tops are out but what sort of material is best cotton, polyester, linen or what would you suggest? I am also petite.. and I do like the longer tops and skirts and dresses but always worry about tied in waists on blouses and tops because they make me look terrible and ‘dumpy’.. Therefore if you can give me any advice about dressing to go into town and on the town, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much,
Hi Karen Elizabeth. There are lots of ideas on this site so I would suggest you browse through the archives? You may like to start with these articles https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-hide-your-belly/ and https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-when-you-are-short-petite/ The what you wore section also offers lots of inspiration.
Thanks Becca I will let u know how I get on.x
thanks for ur comments,what about length remember i am 57 and second time round.x
Nancy,
Even though you are 57 and this is round 2, you are welcome to wear any length or style you are comfortable in. Being 5’2″ tall, I would stay away from POUFY gowns or TEA Length. Both will make you appear shorter. A-line is always good and you can do knee or full length. I did a halter Full skirt Organza for my Renewal and I’m 5’6″ and at the time I was 300 lbs… but I bought it to fit me no matter what the SIZE was…. a 34 BTW!
can u give me ideas on a wedding dress.I am 57yrs 5 2 and a size 16.
A wedding dress is so personal and there are just so many options Nancy. I would suggest just going to a good shop and choose dresses that suit your style and personality. Make sure sure you get a good sales assistant that can assist you.
Nancy… just remember to fit the larger parts of you because you can always take material away in alterations but it’s difficult to add material in. Find a style you like and DO NOT FRET about what “size” you have to buy. I’m an Apple and alteratioalterationist and deal with this question a lot!
wow…am glad to read your article…great tips..jayne from Kenya
I’m still having trouble finding what is proper for me to wear. Not only am I a 44 year old ‘Apple’ but I’m also only 5’1″ and weigh about 148 lbs. I feel horrible about myself and struggle every morning on what to wear!! Any other suggestions please???
Hi Julie, Sorry to hear that you feel this way. I’ve written 100s of articles on this site to help so you may start browsing the articles to get some inspiration. Start with articles in the how to dress after 40 cateogory (e.g how to dress when you are petite). You may also consider my style course to find your own unique style and get more confidence with dressing for your body type. https://21stepstoamorestylishyou.com Good luck!
New to this site and I didn’t know there were so many ‘apples’ out there, especially, short, disproportionate apples like me. I’m 5’2″, 152 lbs, size 14 – 16 top, size 8 bottom and 54 years of age. Upper arms are bumpy, gluteus is flat, legs are skinny and even post-breast reduction, my top is 38D. I know that this reads like a description of a cartoon character, and sometimes I find humor in this, but not when shopping for clothes.
One-piece bathing suits and dresses are a nightmare for me and tailoring everything I purchase is not in the budget. Even shapewear is troublesome … I either can’t breathe and jiggly bits spill out wherever they can, or the crotch is hanging down to my knees. Petite stuff doesn’t work, regular sizes don’t fit around arm holes, and plus sizes look like tents on me. Empire items often make me look pregnant and I haven’t found too much to help in this area. These body issues only started to be extreme when I hit menopause and now everything is tougher.
Even with the above whining ;-), I still love fashion and have fun with new styles. I’ve found that Dressbarn stores offer enough items so that I can at least attend special occassions without embarassment or becoming too self conscious (sp ?).
Love reading all the tips and hope to learn more, and offer more, as I go.
Thanks, Olga
Thanks for the feedback Olga and the tip. Keep having fun with fashion. That is so important!
Thanks a lot for great ideas!
I’m a middle-age short woman (5’0″), 112 lbs, 36″-33″-39″. What would you recommend? Petite size is a must, but often even petite is too big. I usually wear size 4P or 6P jeans with sweaters, but have no idea what would be good for special occasions. I like dresses, but so far couldn’t find anything looking good on me…
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Sizing and silhouettes are so different for each brand. My best advice is to try things on and see what feels and looks good and try some of the tips above and see what works for you.
thank you for the great info. Love it!
Marion, forget jeans. Wear leggings with tunic tops over the elastic waistband. If you’re like me, you’ll never be able to breathe when you wear jeans… or else the butt will sag and make you look like a retard. Jeggings, Baby, jeggings.
T
I am an apple, but my tops are 26W and my pants are Misses 16. I have no hips or gluteus. My issue is, not all apples can wear straight or flare legged jeans. If I try to wear straight or flare legged jeans, I look like I am wearing pants 4 sizes too big. How do I camouflage how much larger the top is, when Skinny jeans are the only style of jeans that fit?
Try to get something as fitted as possible. Something that fits tighhly over your bust. A slim fitting empire waist could work.Also, straight or flared jeans can also be bought in fitted versions. If you buy something that snugly fits your legs than flares out a bit a the knees then that could work too.
Hi Becca, my advice would be a bit different to Sylvia’s, having a similar body shape to you, and knowing the frustrations that this particular body shape entails, but if your top is really that disproportionate to your bottom I’d have to say give up on trying to disguise your shape with illusion and I would say choose longish tops in either fitted or flowing styles that flatter your bust and your tummy and your colouring, and wear them over tights, or slim fitting jeans, forget trying to achieve balance with a flared leg, it can also look plain silly.
And you know what? Focus on the ‘flattering’ aspect of dressing your shape, choose colours that light you up, to draw the eye of others up to your smiling face and make your hair and eyes up in a pretty way, and wear lovely earrings to bring attention up to where you want people to look. Apples are frustrating to dress, but a lady of any shape, who loves herself is a happy thing to see 🙂
Thank Lisa & Sylvia, I have given up trying to equalize the top to the bottom and wear pants that show off my legs and tops that minimize the tummy and emphasize the cleavage…. because I have a lot of it!!
I do have one more question. I have been in a casual construction office for 2 years now, and am moving on to a business casual bank office. I have to cover my tattoos, which are mostly on my legs. What are good ideas for Business Casual that will flatter an Apple, cover the tattoos, and not make me live in my own personal sauna all day long? Yes hot flashes are rampant! Any help would be great…
I can’t say I found these helpful. Not because they aren’t good advice… For dressing “slim” or “faux-slim” anyway. But it makes me a bit irked when so many of the tips are “hide the tummy” “slim the waist” “confuse the eyes” or “creating the illusion” of anything.
I’m not slim. I’ve never BEEN slim and as I get older I move ever further from the mark. This doesn’t mean I find anything wrong with someone being slim, or wouldn’t mind dropping weight. But when all the advice is “Your shape is undesirable, you should try to hide it as much as possible with these optical illusions!”… Well at that point, any advice I might have found useful is shadowed by my irritation of the blaring inadequacy of my body shape.
I apologize if this seems snappy, but this article made me rather unhappy. Though I was annoyed before I read more than the headline simply because you couldn’t rummage up a single photo of a woman with anything but a thin figure, while trying to tout the clothing they wear for an “apple” shape.
Although I understand the sentiment of your comment, I have never met a woman who wants to highlight her tummy or appear bigger than she is. Also please note that not all apple shapes are big. Some are slim but just have a big tummy. These articles concentrate on showing you how to give you the nicest silhouette, not to ‘make you as slim as possible’. I believe every woman can look fantastic, regardless of her body shape and size. As for the photo, it would probably be best that I don’t use any models at all, so you could just concentrate on the shapes of the clothes. I’m sorry that this article made you feel unhappy. That is of course never my attention. I have found though that these articles ultimately make women feel happier about themselves, as they realise it is not the body that is the problem but the way they dress it. Choosing the right clothes can make a world of difference in overall appearance.
Hi there, I realise this advice is mainly for over 40’s but many of us younger ones have the same body shape…for our entire lives… and as a size 8 in my early 20’s to a size 12 in my late 30’s I have always struggled with these issues. If I were a designer, I would design one thing- beautiful jeans for the women with a wide waist and slim hips and legs.
Your advice to wear a slight bootleg may help, but the simple fact is that the jeans in that shape simply do not fit the slim hips, flt bottom and skinny legs. On occasion I have found a single pair in a flatteing style only to have them disappear from the rack in the next season. Many women with this body shape know what they are meant to do, and will spend lots of money to by a single perfect garment, but I’m firmly of the belief that items-mainly jeans- for this body shape DO NOT exist. The rest of the wardrobe is easier with lots of trial and error.
If I had a fashion advice website for women with that body shape, I would shop shop shop and advise on labels who do this shape well (hint, levis new shapes have done no favours for their range)
Please help.
As you say, it is hard to find jeans that fit well for this body type, as every woman is different. Very often a tailor will either have to adjust the hip or the waist. I welcome anyone who visits this page, to comment with their recommendations if they find good brands.
Hi how do I find out what style suits me im 12 to 14 on top and 8 on bottom with very slim legs
Thanks
Marion
Im in my fiftys
Many of the tips mentioned in the article will apply to you Marion. Try a few of the suggestions in shops and see what works.
What is the best brand of pants to suit apple shape, thanks therese
Many women like Not Your Daughters Jeans but it would be great to get some feedback on this from other apple shaped women!
Was wondering how to dress so I don’t look fat and frumpy as this puts me on a downer everything I wear just makes me look fatter I am an apple with really big boobs mid roll and fat stomach my legs are thin can’t find anything that even flatters my shape I would really like to wear a dress for summer I just don’t know what to wear please help me I am 52 years old and my kids are embarrassed when going out with me
A lot of the tips above apply to you Michelle. Define your bust, wear a longer top with subtle draping or ruching and highlight your legs.
Hi, I have an apple shaped body with medium busts, broad waist and very skinny legs. Can u pl suggest what kind 0f clothes should I wear?
I think the tips in this article give lots of great advice for your Silvia.
Dear Sylvia,
First time visiting your site, and I am not sure if I am apple or pear. Some dresses I wear I’m definatley a pear but tend to have the dreaded roll above jeans/ pants if shapewear is not always worn. the shapewear rolls, I’ve tried many brands. I lived in scrubs for 23 years and now seems that I tend to wear alot of leggings with short dresses or long sleveless tops. Help !!!! I really like vintage styles / chic and I am 46 y/o. I have no idea how to put a wardrobe together, I feel like I always look frumpy, where do I start?
Welcome Lesley. Great you found us! The best place to start is my style course as it takes you through a 21 step process to find your style and find out what works for you. https://21stepstoamorestylishyou.com It requires some self-work, but it can really help ‘finding’ yourself and your style again. There are also hundreds of articles on the site that can help. Good luck in finding your style again!
I’m a petite who used to have a boyish figure (small hips and bust and not much of a waist) The apple bump is now placed on top of this. Sometimes, advice that works for a straight apple type figure conflicts with those that suit a petite or those with smaller bust.
There may be people who exactly fit one body type or other, but for those of us with kind of mixed body types, the challenges are different.
That is very true Carol. In the end, each body is different. That is why these are rough general guidelines. What you can do is just to see what applies to your body and see what clothes create the nicest silhouette for you.
I have a suggestion for apples when it comes to overcoats: cape
Not the long one but the version that falls to the hip bones. It covers a multitude of sins and is very easy on and off regardless how thick your sweater or how many layers you have on. It is surprisingly warm, too (sort of creating a heat cocoon).
The trick is to wear boot cut pants or skinny with knee boots. The swingy cape will direct attention to your trim (relatively speaking) bottom half.
It is essentiall an A line for the upper body when you wear a cape coat.
A waterfall lapeled jacket (with fabric that has some weight) will create similar illusion.
Good tops for apples should be A line, too. The kind of silk/chiffon/polyester/jersey shell that falls above the hip bones that’s like a mumu for the upper body. As long as it is not too blousy (not oversize) and clingy (not undersize), paired with pencil skirk to the knee (short shirt doesn’t work too well unless the legs are slim and shapely) and a waterfall lapeled jacket, the silhouete would be as professional and put-together as can be.
Just my two cents 🙂
Some great tips. Thanks!
I think I am between an apple and a ruler: bust and tummy of an apple, normal waist thanks to the sucking device of the plastic surgeon, no hips, no bum. You tell me.
I do recognize a lot of things in your advice which helped me before.
One thing though. You say: “Trousers should be wide or straight and not cling to tummy or thighs.” But I don’t mind that because I am usually wearing tops covering my hips and bum. Like the bottom, middle photo in your selection (of Robbi & Nikki), usually a little bit flared. And then it is better to have trousers which cling to my tummy. As I am not showing my tummy anyway. You are darned right about a zipper at the side. Not easy to come by though.
Yes good point Greetje. But you are not really an apple. More an inverted triangle with a bit of a tummy.
Thanks Sylvia, it is getting better all the time hahaha.
Hi Sylvia, thanks for the update on my shape – the apple! I find good shape-wear undies are marvellous 🙂 I have just decided to stop wearing baggy hip-length tops (with leggings) and instead dresses that are V or scoop-necked with an empire line – such a brilliant style for apples! If I can work out how to send a photo I will do so! Thanks again.
Thank you for your tips and advice on clothing for us apple shape women. Well I am 21 years old, with two children. Well growing up I was always on the bigger size. Well I try so hard to find jeans that will fit me right. Of course I am an apple shape and mostly all my weight is at my top half. I have no hips, so when I try on jeans they don’t fit well on my waist, and or they fit well but on my legs the jeans are way too loose and makes me look ugly. I work in an office and I need stylish office looks for me and of course everyday. I do own many pairs of dresses that have the waist band under my breast and I love the way it gives me curves when in reality I don’t have.
Can I please have tips on what to look for in jeans to fit me correctly and office work clothing. Thank you in advance!
Hi Bianca. Yes fitting jeans and pants can be tricky. Look for pants that are flat at the front (no pleats) and have a wide waist band. Look for a mid to high rise. You can try to go for stretchy material which may help with fit issues. But otherwise you should look at a tailor for help. Find jeans that fit your waist and have them adjusted at the hips. Good luck!
Thanks so much, I’m 39 and have always dressed like a teenage tom boy and am finally trying to break out of this. I am a size 10/12 apple shape and have no clue how to dress. so I’m impressed with the tips. Thanks again
Great to know that these tips helped you Rachel. Welcome!
Hi Sylvia,
Thanks a lot for these tips. I presume I am apple shaped because I have very large bust,I wear 34E/F,bust is 40,waist is 34,hips is 42 and my bum is not raised so much. I tend to wear a lot of dresses that are gathered in at the waist and fall all the way down over the hips and below the knee a little and people always tell me I’m fatter when I wear such. I rarely wear straight dresses because it doesn’t fit me. I have knocking knees so I don’t like wearing above the knee dresses. I want to make a mermaid dress with prints/floral material,will this fit me?
Hi Tee, You actually have more the shape of an hourglass. It’s hard to give precise advice because I don’t have all your measurements but a mermaid dress is usually very good for this body shape. Have a look at some of my suggestions for the hourglass shape https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-the-hourglass-shape/
Thank you so much for your tips on dressing. I not only have the curse of gaining weight in the waist, (a lot of weight) but I have the most horrible hot flashes to boot. Trying to dress to hide my increased weight gain, and big belly has lead me to lots of layers, but with the hot flashes it’s unbearable. You’ve given me some ideas to play with.
Thanks, keep up the good work as there aren’t many out their addressing the issue of an aging body and how to dress fashionably.
Kim
thanks for the nice feedback Kim. Good luck in finding out what works for your new shape and coping with your hot flushes….
Hi Kim, hot flashes tend to occur more when you eat foods that are high in phosphorous like coffee, black or green tea, sodas (esp colas and dr. pepper), legumes, peanuts, corn, soy products (incl tofu) and wheat. The body gets hot in trying to burn off the excess phosphorous. (Before menopause, excess phosphorous is excreted in the menstrual blood, and after, it builds up in the body and attracts calcium to it (soft tissue calcification which can lead to pain and stiff joints) and this also can increase the size of the stomach (eg visceral fat). Eating foods lower in phosphorous will help with the hot flashes and also help keep the stomach size down. I have got my mom on a lower phosphorous diet and she has already lost 10lbs and 1 pant size. (Although she fought me tooth and nail though because she didn’t believe me and she did not want to give up her black tea in the am.)
Another thing that can help with the hot flashes is to take Advil (ibuprofen) before you eat (if its ok with your doctor for you to take ibuprofen as some people have allergies to certain meds). At any rate Advil/Motrin/ ibuprofen “eats up” excess phosphorous and so can help with the hot flashes when taken before a meal because it will “eat up” the excess phosphorous from the foods. You can also take it at other times to help with the hot flashes. I take two Advils a couple times a day for this. It is also good to take the Advil with Country Life Lysine with B6, since taking any meds uses up your body’s store of Lysine and when you use up your Lysine, you also use up your B6, so the Country Life Brand accommodates for this by including B6 with the Lysine. Alcohol also “eats up” excess phosphorous, so that is why some women have found that a drink with dinner helps with their hot flashes, but if you are like me, and do not drink, Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen does the trick.
I would still watch on the high phosphorous foods though. A paleo sort of diet is best for this issue. No grains, coffee, tea or sodas and just eat salads, lean meat and potatoes. Meat is high in phosphorous, but it is full of essential amino acids that help the kidneys excrete excess phosphorous better and potatoes are very low in phosphorous and high in B6 and are not all that fattening when steamed or baked and eaten with a bit of olive oil, salt and rosemary. Also, the live enzymes in raw salads (lettuce, tomato, cilantro, celery) help with digestion. And avocados, which are rich in glutathione (strongest antioxidant there is) help support liver function which also helps you digest food better and clear excess phosphorous better.
Also stay away from foods high in MSG because MSG really depletes stores of B6 in the body and without B6, the body cannot properly metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates and they then get stored as fat and not used for energy, so you gain weight and also feel tired and so do not move as much which only adds to any additional weight gain on top of the metabolic weight gain from depleting B6.
Those Healthy Choice type frozen meals are low fat, but not really so healthy because they are all chock full of MSG. Best to cook for yourself as so many foods have MSG which is also disguised on labeling with names like: Yeast extract, natural flavorings, hydrolyzed soy protein, autolyzed yeast extract aka all MSG.
Bake or steam up a bunch of potatoes beforehand to keep in the fridge and heat up and eat or add to your green salad. And use olive oil or coconut oil and a slice of lemon squeeze which is less acidifying to the body than vinegar. You can also get coconut oil that does not have a coconut smell or taste. Also, get a Romertopf clay baking oven and bake up a free range chicken surrounded by potatoes, turnips, and squash and you can have that for a few days, and invest in some good glass “tupperware” to take the stuff to work. Eat better and save on fast food purchases.
And last but not least, support your metabolic system by taking a good highly absorbable B Complex vitamin with Magnesium Citrate or Magnesium Chloride (magnesium oxide which is what most stores sell is not readily absorbable by the body) For the B Complex I recommend taking Country Life Co Enzyme B Complex, as it is highly broken down and easily absorbable even for people like myself who have absorption issues. The bottle says take two per day, but for most people, one is probably ok.
(Also, regarding B vitamin depletion which can lead to metabolic syndrome, it is good to be aware of a common mutation that many people have which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease etc which can also be indicated by apple figures. This mutation is called the MTHFR mutation. It can cause folate deficiency (which can cause b3 and b6 deficiency) and so everyone should get tested for it, especially since many common medications can further deplete folate and should not be taken by anyone with this mutation. For more information on this, please watch Dr. Neil Rawlins’ video on youtube or visit Dr. Ben Lynch’s MTHFR website)
As for the magnesium, I would recommend taking Solgar Brand Magnesium Citrate. The USRDA is 2 tablets per day, but as most people are deficient, it would be best to start with 1/4 tablet to 1/2 tablet per day and gradually work up to two per day. This seems to work best for people. These two vitamins can be ordered from Vitacost.com. They seem to have the cheapest price I’ve found for the Country Life Co Enzyme B Complex. If you can’t take a Magnesium Citrate, another good magnesium product is Trace Minerals Research Liquid Ionized Magnesium Chloride. This is also a good product since you can take magnesium in very small amounts if you need to if you are very chemically sensitive. This magnesium liquid, which comes in a blue bottle, comes with a dropper and one drop equals about 1 mg of magnesium. It doesn’t taste very good, so you add it to orange juice or another high vitamin C juice, as vitamin C helps with magnesium absorption.
You can also get topical (not to eat/ingest) magnesium oil to rub on the skin and absorb it that way. A good one to get is Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil. I have tried others, but this one seems to be the strongest. It is only to be put on the skin, and it really helps to rub it on tired or sore muscles or joints. On first application you can feel heat or tingling, but that is only because it is working to clear out toxins. As with anything new, try only a small bit in case of allergy or sensitivity. Some health food stores also carry samples of this topical oil.
Also, I would recommend not to take any calcium supplements at all, as apple type stomachs (visceral fat larger stomachs) with thin legs are an indication of soft tissue calcification that has situated itself in the stomach area. In general, it is best for anyone over the age of 30 not to take calcium supplements. They cause lots of health problems and unfortunately many doctors are not aware of this. If you are taking calcium supplements, and want to stop, I would advise to start taking magnesium and vitamin C (helps detox excess calcium) first and then go down gradually on dose of calcium, so as not to have too rough a “detox” as one can experience pain from the calcium as it is leaving the system. Calcium increases nerve sensitivity and muscle contraction, so as excess calcium is leaving cells and muscle tissue it can cause pain and muscle contractions.
I’m not sure if you have seen Dr. Christiane Northrup on PBS, but you might have noticed, she tells women to take Magnesium, but does not mention calcium at all. She is being polite and not actually coming out and telling people that the whole calcium supplementation thing of the last half of the twentieth century has been one of the biggest health blunders of the whole medical community. A good book to read on this subject is The Calcium Lie: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know Could Kill You. This book is written by Dr. Robert Thompson and it is very informative on “soft tissue calcification” and all the health problems it causes including heart disease and making your body into more of an apple shape. Another good book is, The Magnesium Miracle written by Dr. Carolyn Dean.
So in conclusion: Get tested (and treated) for the MTHFR mutation, avoid excess calcium, and excess phosphorous (which floods calcium into cells), take a good highly absorbable B complex vitamin with Magnesium Citrate or Magnesium Chloride and Vitamin C (which “chelates” calcium from soft tissues) and eat a whole food, home prepared, semi paleo diet. These things can all help with hot flashes and accumulation of visceral fat in the stomach area.
Oh yeah, since I can’t edit my above post, the USRDA (US Recommended Daily Allowance) for Magnesium is 400 mg/ milligrams per day (which for Solgar Magnesium Citrate is 2 tablets).
The Trace Minerals Research Liquid Ionic Magnesium is 100mg per dropperfull, but since it is liquid and gets in quickly, I would not take more than 200mg at a time(2 dropperfulls) , cause it can make you feel weird/ woozy from too much/ too quick.
If you have Diabetes like I do (I am 50 and Type 1 for 33 years) the USRDA for magnesium is 600mg per day. And sometimes you can take more if you are very stressed but that is rare and it would be best to stay between 400-600mg per day. If you take too much it can cause diarrhea.
Magnesium Oxide also causes diarrhea in very small amounts because Magnesium in the Oxide form is nearly impossible for the body to absorb(only 4% bioavailable). That is why many people think Magnesium is just a laxative. Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Chloride are the best absorbed forms of Magnesium. And stay away from Magnesium Aspartate (or any vitamin that has Aspartate in it) because Aspartate is a neurotoxin. Read Dr. Carolyn Dean’s book on Magnesium for more info.
Also, if you are very chemically sensitive, it would be best to start out with about only 4mg of magnesium per day. You can get that by taking a 100mg pill of Magnesium Oxide(4% of 100mg is 4mg) or by taking 4 drops of the Trace Minerals Research Liquid Ionic Magnesium in a glass of Orange Juice or some other fruit juice.
I have known only one person to have problems with magnesium like that and she is very small 5’4″ 100lbs and very chemically sensitive and been in psych wards a couple of times. Everyone else who has started taking the magnesium has been ok with it. She, of course, is just overly chemically sensitive and that is probably at the root of her mental anxiety issues.
Also, stress and excessive meat intake “eats up” magnesium. People generally should not eat much more than 4oz of meat per day (deck of card size amount of meat).
I wonder if I am a true apple shape. I have a belly and I am blessed up top. When I where comfortable empire waisted tops, I get asked when I’m due! Help, please!!!
Hi Sherri, There are few women who fit exactly in this category. It’s just too broad. In the body shape bible (found on my list of style books as a goblet (a guess as I don’t have details about the rest of your body). It’s important for you to choose empire waist tops and dresses but they need to be fitted (can’t be lose). Go for deep v necks, a fitted aline coat and fitted short jacket. Tops cannot be too long. Very slight a-line skirts or tight skirts with fluted hemline are good for you too. Hope that helps.
I’m an apple shape with big boobs, can you advise please?
Hi Jules, You will want to go for a lot of v-neck clothing in both your tops, blazers and cots. Go for empire style tops and dresses (with v-necks of course). Go for straight pants. If you have good legs, try to put the emphasis on those. For further questions or to look at your specifically you can also go to the style forum.
Dear Team
Greetings from India
Thx a zillionnnnnn for your useful tips.
A big bear hug.
Babita.
Thank you!
I have always been an apple and these are THE most specific and helpful tips for dressing my body type. Thanks so much for the info.
Great Jennifer. Very happy to read that they were useful to you!
Yes, of course I would like that too. But we are dependent on the images that clothing manufacturers sent out and they all tend to be young and thin. We don’t have the budget to create our own photo shoots with hired models.
Budget Smudget, just go out an find someone with an apple shape, fix their hair and makeup or find an apple shape woman who’s good with her makeup and hair and photograph her yourself and post it.
Also, the best thing for apple shaped women is to buy men’s jeans in their waist size since they tend to fit better and then you don’t have any flesh squishing out over the top of the jeans(the skinny jeans tend to work best since they are tighter in the crotch area). My mom is an apple and she does this and the pants fit much better than women’s jeans. You never have an issue with the waist being too tight.
I agree with Apple shape and men’s Jeans. I have worn men’s jean often in my life and when I do, I have a much easier time finding a good fit.
Since the title of this site has the word “style” in it, I’m going to suggest you seek some more stylish options for jeans. Please ladies, DO NOT wear men’s jeans if your goal is to look stylish. Although they may be practical to cover up your bottom and comfortable in your waist, men’s jeans on you are not stylish. I repeat, men’s jeans on you are not stylish! You can achieve the same goal by buying WOMENS jeans in your waist size – Lee, Levi’s, and Lucky are all available by waist size. Some other brands with ample stretch to accommodate a thicker waist are Old Navy, Chicos, and Karen Kane. These are listed from less to more expensive. JC Penney also carries several brands of stylish jeans which fit well on us apples. Teen apples (think daughters & granddaughters) can find a good selection of tops, bottoms & dresses at JC Penney as well. If you think we adult apples have trouble shopping, try shopping for an apple shaped teen!
If your shopping options are limited, please do yourself a huge favor and become comfortable with online shopping. It will open many more brands and styles to you. Many sites offer free shipping and returns like Zappos & Shoebuy both are .com sites. Jjill and Chicos have extended sizes and styles at their online sites beyond what they stock in stores and offer free shipping options. JC Penney and Kohls same thing, more sizes & styles online. Amazon is good too, especially if you know the brand & style you are looking for. They run lots of shipping specials and Prime members always have free ship options among a long list of other benefits.
Get online. Order some choices. Try on in your own space with your own lighting, shoes, accessories and what does work gets returned. It’s no more trouble or expense than driving to the store, spending time trying things on and leaving frustrated because you can’t find anything to fit you! I finally have my 72 year old mother convinced of this, but we had to ease into it. She didn’t believe me when I told her she could return what she didn’t like with free return shipping. She was wearing clothes from the 80’s because she dreaded going shopping and didn’t have the stamina after two knee replacements.
All that said, I’ll leave you with this… you are far too smart, beautiful, and resourceful to wear men’s jeans. You don’t need to do that to yourself.
Love this site, just over 50 and still looking for tips on clothes…
Welcome Debbie and enjoy!
My first time here. I love this site.
Great to have you here Lily. Hope to connect with you more on the site or style forum!