Apple

There are two things that can drastically change the quality of your wardrobe. One is knowing what your best colors are, and the other is knowing your body type and how to dress it. One of the biggest problems with buying online or buying an item you saw your favorite influencer wear is that they most likely don’t have the same body type as you; therefore, it won’t fit you the same. Today, we’ll be discussing one of the five different body types and the best ways to dress for it. And remember, everybody type has different ways of manifesting. You can wear a size two or a size 16 and still be the same body type.

Today will be all about the apple or round body type. For women who are an apple, this means the most prominent part of their body is the midsection. Their stomach is stealing the show. When you look in the mirror head-on, you know you're an apple if the widest part of your body is around your stomach and sometimes this will also include your breast. The waist is extremely undefined and they hold the majority of their weight in the middle. There are many famous celebrities who are apples. Some examples include

As you can see Queen Latifah is an apple with a midsection that is wider than the rest of her body. Her bust is on the heavier side like some apples have and her hips slim down, making them not the star of the show.

How to Dress This Body Type

As a personal stylist, the main goal when dressing an apple is to create a waist. Once the waist is defined, the rest of the bottom will start to balance itself out. Any dress with a strong, structured, and defined waistline is what we’re looking for. If you hold up the garment on the hanger and it’s shapeless with no waist detailing, then it’s not for the apple body. Textures and designs that pull the waist in are what we want. Rouching in the center of a shirt or dress — a dress with structure — will create a visual sucking-in effect. Something that ties around the waist or bottom with a cinching waistband is a good option. Adding some drama above or below like frills, one shoulder, volume, and color combined with a clean waist puts you in a sweet spot.

Avoid anything without structure or shape. It is not for this body type. Clingy, thin fabrics are not flattering for the apple. And I know you love an untucked baggy shirt, cardigan layers, tent-like cuts, and overall pieces that hide your body. But these silhouettes hurt the apple body type more than help it because it makes the body appear bigger than it actually is.

We love stuff like this for the apple. The outfit on the left is a perfect example of how to create a clean waist while still creating interest on the bottom with all that volume and the top with the texture. The example on the right provides an option for the structure being built into the skirt. The denim naturally cinches the midsection and creates a smooth finish for the middle of the body.

This dress is especially great for bustier women because there’s so much extra room in the bust with all that fabric, yet you can still maintain a flattering waistline from all that lovely rouching. The voluminous sleeves also force the eye to go up, bringing attention away from the midsection.

These tops for the apple… chef’s kiss. Again the rouching is your best friend. It draws the eye in by creating a cinching effect, slimming out that waist. This one is also breezy and comfortable for the days you don’t want to feel compressed. This sweater with a tie to the back is a cleaner example of how a tie can pull the apple’s midsection in. The effect is so smoothing.

One thing to be cautious of for this body type is buttons. Sometimes having a more round and protruding breast and stomach area can cause unflattering pulling and gapping in between the buttons. If you find a piece with stretch and buttons, there will be less of an issue.

Pieces To Avoid

Shapeless items are things to avoid as an apple body type. If it doesn’t have a clear, defined waist, then we don’t want it. This jumpsuit has absolutely no structure, which will allow the midsection is to continue being the star of the show. Similar to the body con dresses you can find everywhere nowadays. These structured dresses are not your friend. Something with a tie, gathering, etc. is more suitable for this body type.

There’s a misconception for this body type that oversized shirts and sweaters will hide the tummy. When in actuality, all it does is make the individual appear bigger than they are. Tent-like tops are not your friend and you have to start avoiding them like the plague if you want to elevate your style. Also, a comfy, stretchy pant is always fun to run errands in but they are unfortunately not very forgiving for the waist. These loose pants do not hold, smooth, nor cinch the waist the way we like. Thicker, more structured waist bands are a more flattering option.

Summary

Remember, every body type has its challenges. All you have to do is learn the tips and tricks to dress it so you can look your best. You don’t have to alter and change your body if you don’t want to. But if you do, then by all means, go for it. In the meantime, knowing what works for your body and what doesn’t for the body you currently have can elevate your style beyond your wildest dreams. The main goal for the apple is to create and define that waist! Once that is down, playing with textures, design, and volume — all the fun stuff — can begin. If you’re still confused about whether or not you are an apple or feel unclear about how to dress your body, then schedule a style session with us today. We’re here to be your personal fashion experts.