Flattering Clothes For Apple Shapes
With Great Arms & Legs
Meet “Isabella”, your apple-shaped body model. An apple-shaped body has a great chest, slender hips, arms, and legs, a rounded belly, and beautifully defined shoulders. Most women I know who have an apple body shape are not comfortable with styles that cling to their belly because they draw attention to that area, and they think everyone sees what they see.
If this sounds like you, I have the following suggestion:
When choosing flattering clothes for apple shapes, opt for styles that highlight your lovely legs or curvy chest.
Take a look below to discover the most flattering styles for apple shapes, and experiment with them to find what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your skin.
most flattering dresses for apple shapes
Fit & Flare Dresses
The most flattering dresses for apple shapes include wrap, A-line, and empire-waist styles. The wrap dress is probably the most flattering style ever made for any body shape, as it defines the bust line while creating some “breathing room” through the middle. The A-line skims the tummy and flares at the hem, keeping your body looking balanced. Whilst the empire line is fitted through the bust, which then highlights the smallest part of the top of your body.
tops FOR An apple shaped body
Move the Focus!
Tops that flatter an apple’s body shape are styles that draw attention away from your middle section and focus on your chest and arms. They skim over your belly therefore moving focus elsewhere. The best tops for this are empire-waist, fitted under the bust, and flaring out like an A-line. Wrap tops to bring definition to your chest and a V-neck or scoop neckline to draw the eye up and create a slim-lined look. Just as a quick pointer – a v-neck is the most flattering neckline.
jeans FOR An apple-shaped body
Denim Styles
When choosing denim styles, opt for styles that will create a longer look. Skinny jeans, though highlighting your great legs, will draw focus to your belly. Straight-leg, bootcut, and wide-leg jeans work well for your shape as they create balance. High-waisted styles are also a good choice as they fit well around the waistline.
skirts FOR An apple shaped body
Skirt Finds
Discover the best skirts for apple-shaped body types that will flatter your figure. To keep your body looking balanced, you need skirts with an A-line, a bias cut/asymmetric hem, and fullness towards the bottom of the skirt. A high-waist skirt will also sit better on your belly. As you have enviable legs, try a shorter skirt for a change.
jackets for an apple-shaped body
Tailored Styles
If there’s anything that you splurge on this year in the style department, choose a well-cut blazer/jacket. It’s probably one of the best investments. Styles for you include single button with or without a collar – even flared styles really look great. A boyfriend or relaxed style works as it falls straight from your shoulders. Longer styles look good as they draw attention away from a belly.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
An apple body shape means you carry more weight around your middle. You typically have a fuller belly, a great bust, defined shoulders, and slimmer hips, arms, and legs. Your assets are your legs, your chest, and your shoulders. The goal when dressing an apple shape is to draw attention to those assets and away from the mid-section.
The most flattering clothes for apple shapes are styles that skim over the belly rather than cling to it. You want to draw the eye upward toward your bust and shoulders, or downward toward your legs. Wrap styles, empire waists, A-lines, and V-necklines all do this really well.
Three dress styles work especially well for apple shapes:
- Wrap dresses: These define your bust while giving room through the middle. They are genuinely one of the most flattering styles for an apple figure.
- Empire-line dresses: These are fitted under the bust and then flow outward. They highlight the smallest part of your upper body and skim over your belly beautifully.
- A-line dresses: These skim past the tummy and flare gently at the hem, keeping your whole silhouette looking balanced.
All three move the focus away from the mid-section and toward your best features.
Look for tops that draw attention upward and skim over the belly. Good options include:
- Empire-waist or baby-doll tops: Fitted under the bust, then they flare out like a mini A-line.
- Wrap tops: They define the chest and create a flattering V-shape at the neckline.
- V-neck and scoop necklines: These draw the eye upward and create a longer, leaner look. A V-neck is honestly the most flattering neckline for this shape.
Avoid tops that are very fitted or cropped at the waist. These will cling through the belly rather than skim past it.
Choose jeans that create a longer, leaner line. Good options include:
- Straight-leg jeans: These create balance and draw the eye downward.
- Bootcut jeans: The slight flare at the hem balances the fuller mid-section.
- Wide-leg jeans: These work well and show off your legs.
- High-waisted styles: These sit well at the waistline and give a cleaner line through the belly.
Skinny jeans are worth being careful with. They highlight your great legs, but they can pull focus back to the belly area. If you love them, pair them with a longer, flowing top.
Your legs are one of your best features, so skirts are a great choice. Look for:
- A-line skirts: These skim past the tummy and create a balanced silhouette.
- Bias-cut or asymmetric hem skirts: These add gentle movement and draw the eye away from the middle.
- High-waisted styles: These sit better across the belly than mid-rise styles.
- Shorter styles: Because you have great legs, a shorter skirt is absolutely worth trying.
The key is fullness toward the hem, not through the hip.
A well-cut jacket or blazer is one of the best investments you can make for your wardrobe. Great styles include:
- Single-button blazers: These create a clean, elongated line without adding bulk.
- Peplum styles: The flare at the hem adds shape and draws attention away from the belly.
- Relaxed or boyfriend-style jackets: These fall straight from the shoulders, which skims past the mid-section rather than cinching through it.
- Longer jacket styles: These draw the eye downward and away from the belly entirely.
Style Tip: Very structured, double-breasted or boxy jackets add volume through the middle rather than reducing it.
Move the focus. You have a great chest, lovely shoulders, and enviable legs. Dress to show those off. When you choose styles that draw the eye upward to your bust or downward to your legs, the mid-section becomes far less noticeable. It is not about hiding your shape. It is about celebrating the parts of it that you love.
Body Shape Magazine
Let’s start with something easy so we can get to know each other better. I enjoy reading magazines, and I hope you do too. Here is a copy of one that I’ve created. This is usually for sale, but since this one is a back issue, I am putting it up here for free. Check it out.
