Apple Body Shape Style Guide
The apple body shape carries weight primarily around the midsection, with a fuller bust and narrower hips. Often featuring beautiful legs and a less defined waist, this shape benefits from styles that create length and draw the eye vertically. Your legs are often your best asset.
Not sure if you're an apple shape? Take our quizApple Body Shape Characteristics
Key Features
- Fuller midsection and bust
- Narrower hips compared to bust
- Less defined waistline
- Often have slender legs and arms
- Broad shoulders and back
Celebrity Apple Shapes
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How to Dress an Apple Body Shape
Create vertical lines with V-necks and long necklaces
Empire waistlines sit above your midsection flattering your bust
Show off your legs with shorter hemlines
Structured fabrics provide support without clinging
Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening effect
Best Clothes for Apple Body Shape
Best Tops
- V-neck tops
- Empire waist tops
- Wrap styles
- Flowy tunics
- Open cardigans
Best Bottoms
- Straight-leg pants
- Bootcut jeans
- Mid-rise styles
- Tailored shorts
- A-line skirts
Best Dresses
- Empire waist dresses
- Wrap dresses
- Shift dresses
- A-line dresses
- Fit-and-flare above knee
Best Outerwear
- Long cardigans
- Waterfall jackets
- Single-breasted coats
- Duster coats
- Open-front blazers
What Apple Shapes Should Avoid
- Clingy fabrics around the midsection
- Belts at the natural waist
- Cropped tops or jackets
- High-waisted pants with tucked-in tops
- Horizontal stripes across the middle
Apple Body Shape FAQ
What is an apple body shape?
An apple body shape carries weight primarily around the midsection, featuring a fuller bust and narrower hips with a less defined waistline. Apple shapes often have slender legs and arms, with broad shoulders and back.
What clothes look best on an apple body shape?
Apple shapes look best in V-neck tops, empire waist dresses, wrap styles, flowy tunics, and A-line silhouettes. The key is creating vertical lines and drawing attention away from the midsection while showing off slender legs.
What should apple body shapes avoid wearing?
Apple shapes should avoid clingy fabrics around the midsection, belts at the natural waist, cropped tops or jackets, high-waisted pants with tucked-in tops, and horizontal stripes across the middle.
How can I dress to flatter an apple figure?
Flatter an apple figure by creating vertical lines with V-necks and long necklaces. Empire waistlines sit above the midsection flattering the bust, while shorter hemlines show off legs. Monochromatic outfits create a lengthening effect.
About This Guide
Classification Basis
Apple body shape classification is part of the five-category system used in fashion styling, based on proportional relationships between bust, waist, and hip measurements.
Prevalence
According to NC State University's SizeUSA study (2004), approximately 14% of women have an apple body shape.
Limitations
Styling recommendations are general guidance based on proportional balance principles. Individual preferences and comfort should always take priority.
External Reference: Wikipedia - Female body shape
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