Dressing the Apple Figure

by Catriona Whitehead

If you carry a lot of weight around your middle, have slender legs, a medium to large bust, and not a lot of booty, you have an Apple shaped figure.

image from: http://www.dummies.com/health/

what-to-wear-if-you-have-an-apple-shaped-figure/

To help you look and feel your best, here are tips on dressing your sweet shape to flatter. 

1. Tops

Should be fitted or flowy, not tight. 

Avoid high necklines. Necklines should be open--scoop neck, v-neck, boatneck, square neck, and off-the-shoulder.

Butterfly sleeves (ones that drape over your upper arm) are best.

Keep stronger details above the bust or below the waist, to draw attention away from your middle.

Tops with empire waists (pulled in right under the bust) are great as well.

 

2. Pants

Flat front--NO pleats!

Opt for ones with pockets on the tush, to add a little oomph to your booty.

Mid to high rise waistband with a straight or slightly flared leg is ideal. Avoid super tapered and super flare cut pants, as they will accentuate your middle.

Hemlines should be anywhere from mid-calf to full-length.

3. Shorts

Cuffed legs (or turn-ups) will help balance your middle.

A little bit of pleating is ok.

High-waisted will provide more comfort and coverage around the waist.

Hemlines should be mid-thigh to just above the knee. Going too short will add to your center.

4. Skirts

Asymmetrical, pencil, slight a-line, or slight bubble are flattering. Nothing too tight or too full, or you'll look larger in your middle. 

Hemlines should be at lower-thigh to mid-knee. Floor length skirts are fine, as long as they're not too full.

A detailed hemline or a slit goes a long way in balancing your shape.

  

5. Dresses

The empire waist dress was made for you! If a dress you like isn't empire, try belting or tying a ribbon just under your bust to create the effect.

Fitted, but not tight. Flowy dresses are fine, but I recommend belting just under your bust to avoid looking like a tent.

Stronger details and patterns should be above the bust or below the waistline.

Hemlines should be lower-thigh to mid-knee.

6. Swimwear

Go for those empire waist tankinis and one pieces, ruffled necklines, asymmetrical hemlines, and high-waisted bikini bottoms. SUMMER!

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial. 

Please visit my website at 365waysayearstylingservices.com if you'd like personal styling assistance.