How To Dress The Apple Body Type

How-to-dress-the-apple-body-type

Today I’m beginning a weekly series on Dressing Your Body Type. God made each of us unique! We have different shapes and sizes and knowing what to wear for your body type will help you feel and look your best!

Let’s begin with the Apple Body Type. Do any of these describe you?

1. Wider back and upper body

2. Medium to large bust

3. No defined waist and a bit of a tummy

4. Thinner legs and a flatter bottom

This is a great picture~~

Apple Body Type

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Here are some guidelines on what the apple body type can wear. Remember these are only guidelines and they’re a good starting point.

  • First, get measured for a properly fitted bra. Lifting the bust line is important and will help to start the waist definition.
  • Create vertical lines and an illusion of a longer torso by wearing long necklaces, v-necks, embellished necklines, and shoulder details that draw the eye up.
  • Conceal tummy bulge by wear tunics or empire cut tops and dresses that skim over your midsection.
  • A-line and knee length skirts
  • Wear boot cut and flared pants to create an even line from the shoulders down.
  • Statement necklaces and earrings
  • Wear belts at the smallest part of your waistline
  • Wear monochromatic looks
  • Wedge heels look best on you

The top clothes for the apple body type to avoid:

  • Big, shapeless garments
  • Big puffer or bulky jackets and coats
  • Tight clingy T-shirts
  • High necklines
  • High waisted pants
  • Short boxy tops

Here are some clothes that would work for the Apple Body Type. All these pieces can be found at Macy’s and I added them to my Fashion Over 40 Pinterest Board.

Clothes for the Apple Body Type

Okay, I would love to hear from you! Did this help those of you who are the gorgeous Apple Body Type? Are you wearing the right clothes?

Beauty For The Heart~~I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 17:8. David is asking God to keep him as the apple of his eye. Keep me as the apple of your eye. Psalm 17:8a. Isn’t it neat to think that we are the apple of God’s eye?

Have a blessed day!

leave a comment...

  1. I have an apple shape body, so great to see what is the correct clothing forthis shape figure.

  2. I love this topic for the apple shape which is often overlooked. Kudos to you for that and blessings for praising our Maker. I have found that LuLu B and Clara Sun Woo have great clothes for this shape. I have no connection to these companies except that I have finally found clothing that fits these parameters to a T…meaning TERRIFIC! They have beautiful tunics that flatter women with this shape and dresses and slacks that fit the bill as well. Try them, you won’t be disappointed. Again, this article was awesome and I am not in any way profiting from the reference. God bless!

  3. I have everything the apple shape describes other than the broad shoulders. Does that change anything as far as clothes?

  4. I appreciate your insight on how to look and feel your best in regards on how to dress your body type well. I also appreciate your spiritual nuggets tucked in there. Blessings to you, J Green

    1. I am 69 years old and overweight. I have no waist at all I’m afraid that I just wear large tops and leggings. That’s my uniform, I couldn’t wear the dress on the right ever .

  5. You forgot to also mention fit and flare tops and dresses that are very flattering to the apple shaped figure as the provide a slimming silhouette to the abdomen and give a flattering illusion of a slimmer waistline. I grab as many as I can find over the years and always get compliments whenever I wear my peplum tops or fit and flare dresses.

  6. This is helpful to buying my daughter who is apple shape. She gets down on herself and I just want her to feel good about herself. Will try your suggestions. She is short also. 5ft

  7. making clothes for my apple shaped daughter thanks for the advise and blessings on your family for this Christmas season

  8. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been following this guide line for years but wasn’t sure if it was perfect for me.
    Now I’m trying to get the right bra for my body I don’t have anyway to measure with. So I hope you can help my body is big I’m around 445lbs to 500lbs, 5’7″ C cup always felt right but I’ve been told i should wear a D cup for the lift I would love to have.
    Can you please help me?

  9. Thank you for all your suggestions I have been following most of those now for some 30 years., and I am very happy with results.
    Are you able to suggest what colours to stay away from ?

    Well done and keep up your great work. Marise

  10. Thank you for the tips. I am 57 years old with apple shape figure who has always worn loose, baggy and drab clothing. Its easier to hide behind the clothes when overweight. Just recently my husband was complimenting a friend and mentioned how feminine she always dresses. I want to step up my wardrobe, but after dressing the same for years, I feel like everyone will notice I do not have the confidence to pull off wearing a new look.

  11. Love that someone addressed the Apple shaped woman. QVC and most other channels that have fashion are geared toward the pear shaped woman. I will definitely save this!

  12. Yes, this does help confirm with what I thought looks/feels better on me. Have a question for you. I’m 56 unable to wear heels for any length of time even wedges. Do on rare occasion cause love them but it’s at a price to me physically. What kind shoes would you suggest would look the most stylish. Any suggestions welcome. 💕Thank you 💕God Bless

  13. In the feature pic i would wear almost all .believe the other examples would work for me except i did not care for the all black outfit with young lady in black stocking or tights. I loved and would wear all the other examples. Thank you.

  14. I am an Apple in what I consider the worst way. I’m 60ish, my belly bulges from beneath mt breast. My waist and hips have the same measurements. My legs ate thin. I mostly ear tunics but found the most flattering to be tunics that flare below the breast. Once upon time empire tops and dresses camouflaged my midsection but no more. Empire tops and dresses make my midsection, belly, appear larger. I’ve always been an Apple but these days I find very little to compliment my figure. I would welcome any other suggestions. Thanks!

  15. I was pear shaped as a teen and young adult. By the time I was in my 40s I had become an apple. However, I have big legs (calves/knees) and upper arms. Most advice for apples is that they can show off their legs/arms, which fits my apple shaped daughter but not me. My bustline is larger than my waist by only 4 inches and my waist is the same as my hip size. Over the years, I have discovered most of your hints and am glad that I am dressing as I should. I do find that mock neck or turtle neck tops do look good on me but not round necks. I also avoid ragland sleeves as my shoulders slope.

  16. Thank you for this post! I have recently gained quite a bit of weight and have NO idea how to dress. I found myself trying to dress for the shape I used to have and I just ended up looking bigger. It really is difficult when you have large shoulders and bust…. AND arms, not to look like a giant frump!

    1. I believe I’m an apple shape, but my problem is I don’t have a flat butt as I’ve read an apple body description is. This makes finding tops to fit me and look good even harder. I’m big in the middle AND in the behind, so I look awful all around. Any suggestions?

      Thanks for your advice.

      1. You may be a pear shape..hip measurements will be larger than just measurements. I’m a n Apple shape. My bust measures larger than my hips. If your bust and hips are equal, that makes you an hourglass figure.

  17. I am 5′ 3” 36 d bust. My size is 6 pants but large tops. All the skirts and dresses are so short, Will wearing these short dresses and skirts make me look even heaver than I am. I also have very thin legs. I am 68 yrs old, and have always dressed youthful.

    1. For our age (60’s), skirts just above, just below, or right at the knee looks best I think if we have nice slender legs. As long as you’re flattering that Apple shape, show off those gams!

  18. Really great tips Cyndi! As an apple shape, I hear all of the frustration out there. I just had to do my own research and try on lots and lots of clothes to figure out what worked for me. I also have the added “benefit” of having a large bust to dress, so that’s fun. I always enjoy your pics!

    Julia
    http://www.whenthegirlsrule.com

  19. I’m tall but not super tall 5’8″ and an apple. I like longer tees for summer but not the super slinky jersey tops. Often hard to find, especially in small town Northern California. Tori’s & Lane Bryant are pretty good options.

  20. Very helpful, thank you. This helps to know which of the outfits you wear would work for me. I’m kind of in the same boat as Kelleen.

  21. You are an encouraging woman and always have good ideas and thoughts . I look forward to reading your message every day. Thanks

  22. Cindy, Love your blog.
    I am an apple but I’m not a plus size. I’m also 5’3″ but I can’t wear petite pants. It’s hard to find clothes for my shape/size that don’t make me look heavier or pregnant. I’m in my early 50s and I want to look great. I usually end up looking frumpy. Even of those pictures you posted 2/3 of those outfits show a plus sized woman. What to do????? We need a new kind of apple store. 🙂

    1. Kaleen, I hear ya. I am 5′ 4″ and not large. I wear an 8 usually. I have no waist at all! Ugh. All of the apple shapes are always assumed to be overweight. We do need some average weight examples for us. (I am 61, by the way) I’ve learned over the years what to wear, but I also cannot wear petite pants, so that’s always a problem. Fly-away tops are good too, but being that I have a broad back and wide shoulders, I look frumpy in the dolman type things or the capes, etc.

      1. I am 5’4 not a plus size or large chest. But have broad shoulders. Petite sizes don’t fit but some of the flowy tops show my midsection. I’m assuming bc of bust size. It’s terrible finding anything that fits and doesn’t look frumpy!

    2. Love this Kelleen! I’m with you! Not a plus size and same height, just a “few” years older (61 like Sue). Would love a new Apple Store, ha!

    3. I am in your same shoes. I’m short 5’2″ and I love the maxi dresses because they are so comfortable, but most drag the ground and petites don’t fit right. 😢😢😢😢 I get so frustrated!!!!

      1. Why don’t you shorten the maxi dresses to the length you want. It’s not hard and the results will make you love that maxi dress even more!

  23. Hi Cyndi! Thank you so much for this body type series and especially for your beauty for the heart posts. I believe I fall into the apple shape body type : ) I have just recently lost 20 lbs..so my belly is shrinking.

    Blessings to you!

  24. thank you so much for this info. I am 58 and have never really figured out what I can wear that doesn’t make me look horrible. I am going to follow your blog from now on. Thanks for helping so many other women.?

  25. I was thinking I was an apple because I have all my weight around the middle. I don’t have a flat booty by any means, my shoulders are mostly straight lined all the way down and a large bust (dd). People mistake me for being pregnant because my tummy is so big ( My doctor advised no white carbs).

  26. Teresa~ thank you for your sweet reply! I hope you’re well now? I wish you luck as well in your goals! 🙂 I also have a health issue & my meds are the reason I have gained. Just went to Dr yesterday & got permission to get off the medication that’s made me gain so much. Hallelujah! LOL I really hope to see the weight come off in the next year. I eat good & excercise, so I am hoping for changes ahead.

  27. Amy I am an apple shape also! I am desperately needing to lose weight and have been held up on that for a year due to a health issue and not being able to exercise. I’ve discovered that my shape doesn’t bother me as much anymore as does the excess weight. So I figure if I (when!) get this weight off or reduced I will be much happier with myself and FEEL better too. There are cute clothes for us apples out there though! We just have to LOOK for them. I wish you well on your journey! God Bless.

  28. Thanks so much for doing this series! This will be soo helpful! I’m ashamed to say I AM an apple shape. But I hope I’m not going to stay that way. Thanks for these great ideas.

  29. Loved this post. It helps. I am an apple of sorts! I have a broad back but small bust. I have scoliosis, although surgical intervention makes me look fairly normal, but I have a large mid-section. This is due to my rib cage being prominent and, now, due to post-menopausal weight gain. I would love to wear a body skimming empire top but, because of my small bust, the fabric doesn’t flow down from my bust over my belly, it just collects on my belly. It’s a constant struggle trying to find something that “works” on me.

    1. Coincidentally, my name is also Carol Ann and I was born with scoliosis, have had 4 surgeries and now have a totally fused spine. I also have a small bust and a big belly and you are exactly right. Fabric does not flow from the bust. It collects on the belly. My best solution is to wear a flowing vest or cover-up over whatever clothes I put on. It negates the belly protusion somewhat.

      1. I find kimonos are great for covering a belly .im also an apple “sigh” but i have many different colored komonos. Get them in a larger size and pin loosly together just below the bust or over tumny. It helps and wish has so many beauties at good prices! They also have pins which look like a safety pin but have beautiful designs and colors. These will pull it together loosly..

  30. I am an apple or more of a pumpkin and have had problems dressing myself but I have found enough ways to dress to look pulled together.Fantastic tip’s ! I did not even think about the wedge shoe,shopping here I com.Thank-you.

  31. Glad you’re doing this! Just to share a bit, I love Christopher Banks: CJ Banks store which are online as well and they do also carry petite sizes.

  32. I agree with everyone above. I am also glad you are doing this series. I like the great description of the body type and love the pictures of actual clothes that are in the stores now for that type. I am a pear shape and look forward to your thoughts on my shape and all of the others.

  33. What a great series! I’m not apple shaped but I’m excited that you are sharing fashion for all sizes and shapes. I really believe that we are all beautiful and it’s great to know what to wear that emphasises that beauty. I appreciate that you also shared items to avoid. Thanks so much for the time you put into this blog, it’s a blessing to many 🙂

  34. Let me just say, I am super excited that you are showing us how to dress different sizes! I am not apple but am looking forward to seeing what else you have coming!!
    I have been following you for a few months and just love everyting that you share with us! Keep ’em coming!!!

  35. I am a big girl all over. I am 6 ft tall, wear a size 10 shoe and have long arms and legs. I have been on every diet that you can name and I always make my way back to the same size, however, I have learned how to dress myself pretty well by reading blogs, looking at pinterest and overall trial and error. I have come to the realization that you can look good and have confidence no matter what your size is. I love the series and your blog has inspired me over and over. keep the posts coming. Your posts are a blessing to me and others.

  36. I’m not an apple shape but am glad that you’re doing a series with pics and descriptions for various sizes! Not many of us are the “ideal” size, but we all want to look pretty and be our best! I tell my first-graders that I sure am glad they weren’t cut out like cookies so that they all look the same! I say that would be boring and that I’d get them mixed up all the time. They laugh and enjoy that, but I hope it helps them deep- down to realize they don’t need to look like each other!

  37. Hi Cyndi.

    Great post! I am not an apple body shape, but more of an hourglass/slight pear. The pear part changes as my weight changes! LOL

    Hope you have a great week.

  38. Yippee! I’m so happy that you’re posting things for a variety of body types! This is wonderful… and the scripture at the end is fantastic!
    Thanks!

  39. Spot on! Most all of these suggestions I had already identified by trial and error – right down to the wedge shoes (though I like taller wedges than shown). However, even though the neckline advice is accurate as well, an exception is made to the turtleneck; these are almost always flattering on an “Apple” too if accessorized with a long scarf (not a bulky one though) or long necklaces, as they can hide a wide neck that many “Apples” are blessed with as well. :))

  40. I am not an apple type, but think this is a wonderful series! I can’t wait to see the other types. I’m constantly restyling people in my mind as I feel everyone can look great and this will help us all. It would be nice to see some pics of “don’ts” also , as a picture says a thousand words!

  41. This is me to a tee. I always wondered why I don’t like crew neck tops nor short necklaces on me. Great tips!
    ~blessings,
    Kelly

  42. I discovered a few years ago that I am a ‘small’ apple shape and that V necks are the best on me!
    Thanks for this post! It’s nice and concise and the photos are great!
    Can’t wait to see what’s next!