How Best to Dress an Apple Shaped Body

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Today, we continue our body type series focusing on the apple shape. Check out previous tips we covered for styling a Pear and String Bean.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR AN APPLE: Apple shaped individuals have a heavier mid-section with a wide torso and broad shoulders. They have an average sized bust and an undefined waist. Also, these women have thinner arms and legs with a flatter bottom and hips that are narrower than the bust area. For an apple, draw attention away from your middle section by directing focus elsewhere {upper body or legs} or by creating more definition in the waistline. Don’t be afraid to show off your legs, which often tend to be a great asset for this shape.

Perhaps the apple frame is not your game? Explore each of the five body types here: Pear, Apple, Hourglass, String Bean, and Carrot.

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OUTFIT 1: one // two // three // four // five // six // seven

OUTFIT 2: eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen

OUTFIT 3: fourteen // fifteen // sixteen // seventeen // eighteen

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS/PANTS: Shorter length and high-waisted shorts draw attention to one of your assets–your great legs. Anything cut low at the waist may create a “muffin top” that negatively accentuates your middle section. Pick a cut that nips at the waistline making it slimmer and more defined. Focusing on your legs will help add more balance to your look. Wear pants with back pockets. This will create definition to enhance your flatter bottom and will balance out your waist. Wear pants that are denim or those that include some “stretch” in a trouser cut or boot cut style. Darker colors in jeans are best.  AVOID: Pants that have a lot of zippers in the front will draw more attention to your middle and super skinny styles will make your upper body appear more round.
  1. SKIRTS: Try wearing a skirt that has a bias cut or an A-line; or consider a full circle skirt. You can also wear a trumpet skirt or those with a hanky hem. AVOID: Skirts that are tight around the waist or those which fall at your                                                         natural waist are not flattering.
  1. DRESSES: A-line dresses or those that have an empire waist are fabulous. Consider a shirtdress that has a tie that will ultimately add more definition to your figure. Another strategy is to find dresses with a continuous pattern on it or those with color blocking. AVOID: Dresses with a built in waistline, as it will add unnecessary bulk to the waist.
  1. TOPS: Wear shirts that flow under your bust, or peplum styles that expand at the waist. Wear V-necks and plunging necklines as they can lengthen your body. Strapless, scoop or tops with narrow bodices draw the eye to your bust and elongate the upper body. Tops should fall lower than your hipbone. AVOID: Avoid high necklines and off the shoulder tops that can make your shoulders appear broader. Boxy, baggy or formless tops are not recommended as they make you look larger.Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.25.51 PM
  1. JACKETS/OUTWEAR: The right jacket can help camouflage your heavier midriff. You should wear a jacket that is single-breasted and doesn’t have too many details. Wearing a structured jacket or coat will create curves in your chest and hips and will minimize your waist. AVOID: Double breasted coats or jackets/cardigans that finish at your fullest points.
  1. FOOTWEAR: High heels are a great way to elongate your legs. Or partner nude sandals with shorts to create even more length. Wear platform, wedges, calf-length boots, ballet flats, clogs, and strappy sandals. AVOID: Heavy boots, kitten heels, UGGS or any shoes that make your legs look smaller and draw more attention to the waist.
  1. BAUBLES: Pendant style necklaces help draw the eye from top to bottom creating a leaner overall look. Consider adding a lightweight scarf to add a pop of color on top but nothing too bulky. AVOID: No need to wear elaborate necklaces as you already have a great bust that Screen Shot 2016-04-24 at 10.45.54 PMdoesn’t need more adornment.
  1. ACCESSORIES: Dark colored wide belts are great. Shape- wear, especially “waist clinchers” will do the trick in an instant to define the waist. AVOID: Oversized clutches and shoulder bags are not recommended as they add unwanted fullness to the look.
  1. SWIMWEAR: A halter neck is suggested for swimwear, as it’s able to support a fuller bust. Wear underwired cups and thick straps to help with bust support. Try a tankini or vest zip top that covers the middle and isn’t too figure-hugging. For more coverage, use a sarong. Details on the shoulders draw the eye towards your face. AVOID: Low cut bikini tops aren’t recommended because they accentuate the waist, which isn’t the best feature for apples.

Cheers to a stylish you,

jen young

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