In need of a wardrobe update? Dressing for your body shape is a straightforward way to find styles that complement your figure perfectly. Here are our key tips and top picks for when it comes to dressing an apple shape.
Tip one: invest in good shapewear
Finding confidence in dressing begins with giving your underwear drawer an overhaul. One of the key things for flattering an apple shape is to emphasise your cleavage with a V-neckline, and a well-fitting bra is key for making the most of your assets.
Vercella Vita is one of our favourite brands for lingerie. Their bras offer comfortable control and excellent shaping, often without underwire. If you’re after a little more tummy control too, their high-waisted briefs and slip dresses offer support through your mid-section. A smoother, sleeker silhouette will not only help to improve the fit of your clothes, but it’ll help you feel fabulous too!
Tip two: parade those pins
Apple shapes tend to have slim, shapely legs that are just crying to be shown off. Prints, shorter-cut skirts and straight-leg trousers will be great options for you. Adding a printed skirt or trouser helps to draw the eye to your legs while elongating your body. Women with Control offers an array of colourful trousers in a selection of styles that also boast interior support panels.
When it comes to choosing a trouser fit, straight-leg and bootcut tend to be more flattering than skinny or slim-fit, despite your great legs. Going too narrow in the leg can cause your top half to look unbalanced, while a little bit of volume will help to create a more streamlined figure.
Tip three: go for longline layers
Playing with layers can often be a minefield for apple shapes, as when done incorrectly, they can add unwanted bulk. However, introducing layers into your outfit can help create a leaner, longer silhouette.
Longline duster coats and cardigans will help to draw the eye down your figure, helping you to look taller and slimmer, while sculpted blazers will flatter your natural shape and create the look of an hourglass figure. Any layers that feature draping, ruching or a relaxed fit through the torso can also be incredibly flattering on an apple shape.
Tip four: look for empire lines
Potentially the best cut out there for an apple shape! An empire line creates a higher waistline, hitting just under the cleavage, and tends to be more fitted around the chest before draping down over your mid-section.
By opting for empire line tops and dresses, the material will skim across your mid-section while highlighting your chest and decollete beautifully to help you feel at your most confident. To really amp up your curves, add a belt along the empire line to highlight this narrowed point.
Tip five: dress to impress
Apple shapes, you lucky things, you have so many dresses at your disposal! Your slim shoulders will look great in a strapless maxi dress, while a wrap dress will show off your curves (you could always add a cami underneath for some extra security).
Our top pick for you would be the shift dress. With a retro feel and a flattering straight fit, a shift dress brings the attention to your shapely arms and legs, while skimming over your torso. Plus, shift dresses are a versatile addition to your wardrobe. From summer to winter, casual days to evenings out, it’s a piece you can always rely on.
Not sure of your body shape? Check out our handy guide here.
