How to dress an apple shape
You carry more through the middle, often with a full bust and shapely legs. The key is drape, length and a little structure.
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If you're an apple shape, sometimes called round, you carry more of your weight through your middle. Your waist isn't much smaller than your bust or hips, and many apple shapes have a full bust and legs worth showing off.
You might find that tops fit your shoulders but pull at the middle, or that waistbands dig in. That's the clothes, not you. With a few simple ideas, getting dressed feels comfortable and easy.
If you're not sure yet, our body shape guide explains how to measure.
The big ideas
- Fabrics that drape. Soft, fluid fabrics skim your shape and move with you.
- Long, unbroken lines. Open layers, V-necks and one-color outfits create a long, clean line.
- Show your legs and neckline. These are often your best features.
- Comfortable waistbands. If it digs in, it's the wrong fit, not the wrong body.
Tops
V-necks and scoop necks open up your neckline and draw the eye up and down, rather than across.
Tops with a soft drape, like a relaxed blouse or a jersey top that skims the body, are comfortable and flattering. Hip length or a little longer usually feels the most comfortable.
Empire-line tops, which are gathered just under the bust and flow from there, show your bust and drape gently below.
Wrap tops can work well too, especially ones with a soft fabric and a tie at the side.
Bottoms
Straight-leg and slim pants show off your legs. Mid-rise often feels more comfortable than very high-rise, but try both, since this varies from person to person.
Flat-front pants with a smooth waistband, or a comfortable pull-on style, keep things neat and comfortable.
Pencil skirts and straight skirts in a fabric with a bit of stretch flatter your legs. Pair them with a longer top worn out, not tucked.
Dresses
Shift dresses that skim the body without a defined waist are a great choice. So are empire-line dresses and A-line dresses that flow from just under the bust.
Wrap dresses in a soft fabric can work beautifully, with the tie sitting at your side.
Shirt dresses worn unbelted, or with a loose belt sitting a little lower, are a relaxed everyday choice.
Hemlines at or just above the knee show off your legs.
Layers
Long, open layers are your best friends. A longline cardigan, a duster coat or an open blazer creates a long vertical line right down the front.
Single-breasted blazers worn open look sharp and polished. Double-breasted styles can feel busier, so try them on before you buy.
Coats that skim rather than belt, in a straight or slightly A-line shape, create a long, clean line.
Shoes and accessories
Pointed-toe flats and heels lengthen your leg line. Block heels and loafers are great everyday choices.
Long necklaces draw a vertical line down your front. Statement earrings draw attention to your face. A long scarf left hanging open works the same way as an open cardigan.
A sample apple capsule
- V-neck knit sweater
- Soft, drapey blouse
- Empire-line top
- Straight-leg dark jeans
- Slim tailored pants
- Knee-length straight skirt
- Shift dress
- Longline cardigan
- Single-breasted blazer
- Straight coat
- Pointed flats and ankle boots
- A long necklace and a long scarf
Three outfits to try
- Weekend: a V-neck knit, straight-leg dark jeans, a longline cardigan and ankle boots.
- Work: a soft, drapey blouse worn out over slim tailored pants, a single-breasted blazer worn open and pointed flats.
- Evening: a shift dress, a long necklace, pointed heels and the straight coat on top.
It's about comfort
There's nothing you need to cover up. These are simply ways to make clothes feel comfortable and look the way you'd like. If you love a cropped top or a belt at the waist, wear it with confidence.
Shopping made simpler
The Capsoire quiz is coming soon. With an apple result, it will suggest V-necks, shift dresses and long open layers in the size and budget you choose.