Apple Shape: How to Highlight Your Best Features

If you’ve been following along, we recently discussed body types in How to Identify Your Body Type in 3 Simple Steps. I’m excited that everyone enjoyed the series on how to dress for each shape! The key to looking and feeling your best is all about creating balance, accentuating what you love most, and embracing your personal style with confidence. We started the series with the “Rectangle Shape,” and I hope those tips helped. Today, you’ll learn how to highlight “Apple Shapes” best features so you can feel amazing in every outfit! This is a shape I hear about all of the time from my sister. She fusses when I choose items for her and says I don’t know the struggle, lol.

In case you missed the other “body shapes” posts:

• Inverted Triangle Shape: Balancing Broad Shoulders
• Hourglass Shape: Styling Tips to Highlight Your Curves
• Pear Shape: How to Balance Proportions with Style
• Rectangle Shape: Adding Curves with the Right Clothing

Here’s another post you might like: How to Dress When You’re Between Sizes

What is an Apple Shape?

If you’re an apple shape, that means you tend to carry more weight around your midsection, with a fuller bust, a less defined waist, and slimmer arms and legs. You might also have broad shoulders, and your tummy is usually the first place weight shows up. Sound familiar?

The good news is that apple shapes have killer legs, a gorgeous bust line, and a naturally balanced look. You just have to know how to dress for it! The trick is about creating balance, elongating your torso, and playing up your best features, whether that’s your legs, neckline, or curves. You can highlight what you love and feel amazing in every outfit with the right clothing choices. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

How to Highlight Your Best Features as an Apple Shape

1. Show Off Those Legs

If you’re blessed with slim legs (which many apple shapes are), show them off! Opt for knee-length or slightly above-the-knee dresses and skirts. A-line or fit-and-flare dresses work well because they create a beautiful shape without clinging to your midsection.

Style Tip: Nude or skin-tone shoes help your legs look even longer. It’s a little trick that works wonders!

How casual and chic is this! The lightweight fabric is comfy and moves with you, making it a great idea for active days. The drawstring waistline gives a flexible fit without clinging to the midsection, which is a big plus for apple body shapes. The mini-grid print adds some visual interest, while the flirty side slits help create the illusion of longer legs. Pockets? Yes, please! Pair it with a fitted top to balance the looser skirt and create a flattering look that works for casual outings or sporty adventures. FYI, my sister LIVES in skirts like this.

For apple shape Gurls who love a pop of color, this patchwork skirt is a must! The structured fit and side zip closure gives definition without clinging to the midsection. The bright, multicolor design adds movement and interest, drawing attention AWAY from the waistline while keeping the silhouette balanced. The 19.5-inch length is just right—hitting above the knee to show off those legs! Pair this with a fitted top or structured blazer to keep the look polished. I mean, it goes with everything!

2. Emphasize Your Upper Body

Apple shapes often have gorgeous shoulders and décolletage, so don’t be afraid to show a little skin in a classy way. V-necks, scoop necks, and wrap tops are incredibly flattering because they create a longer, leaner appearance. Avoid high-neck tops that can make your torso look shorter and add bulk where you don’t want it.

Style Tip: A wrap-style blouse or dress cinches you in at the right places without adding unnecessary volume. You can find some of my favorite wrap dresses here!

A dreamy choice for apple shapes, this shift dress blends charm and comfort in the best way! The wrap waist detail gives the illusion of a more defined midsection, while the flowing shift silhouette keeps things relaxed and flattering. The v-neckline is perfect for elongating the top half and drawing attention upward. Not every skirt HAS to be short. The below-the-knee length of this dress gives a polished look, and the chic side tie adds just the right amount of flair.

Here’s another wrap dress at an affordable price point. I love that PrettyGarden has lots of great prints to choose from. This has all of the right elements – a wrap tie, v-neck, and a great slit to show a bit of leg. The flowy fabric keeps things comfortable and breezy, perfect for summer days or beach vacations. Pair it with sandals for a casual look, or dress it up with heels and bold accessories!

3. Find the Right Waistline

Since apple shapes don’t have a naturally defined waist, the trick is to create the illusion of one. Empire waist tops and dresses are your best friend because they highlight the smallest part of your torso while giving you room to breathe. Avoid anything too tight around the midsection—fitted but flowy is your sweet spot.

Style Tip: If you love wearing belts, go for ones that sit higher on your waist rather than right at your natural waistline. A thin or medium-width belt works best—stay away from thick belts that can cut you in half.

Gurls, this dress is a stunner! The twist empire waist detail cinches at just the right spot, creating a gorgeous drape that flatters the midsection. The V-neckline draws attention upward, elongating the torso, while the bias-cut midi skirt flows beautifully over curves without clinging. Long sleeves with button details add a touch of sophistication, making this dress perfect for work or an evening out. Whether you choose Twilight Navy or a rich Velvet shade, this dress is a confidence booster!

I LOVE this color. The draped front and crossover bodice create a soft, flattering look that skims over the midsection without clinging. The kimono sleeves add an elegant touch while providing ample coverage. This V-neck blouse is perfect for layering under a blazer for work or pairing with jeans for a casual-chic vibe.

4. Choose Flattering Fabrics

Soft, flowy fabrics drape beautifully over your midsection, giving you a smooth, effortless silhouette. Look for tops with structure but a little movement—nothing too stiff, and definitely avoid clingy materials. If you love prints, go for medium-to-large patterns rather than tiny, busy ones, which can make you look larger.

Style Tip: Monochrome outfits in darker colors create a sleek, slimming effect. If you love color, opt for bright shades on your top and keep the bottom half neutral to balance things out.

I think my sister has 1000 tops like this. This flowy V-neck blouse is perfect for apple-shaped Gurls who want a flattering and easy-to-wear top. The ruffle sleeves add a bit of femininity while keeping the arms covered (yay), and the lightweight chiffon fabric drapes nicely without clinging to the midsection. The V-neckline draws attention upward, helping to balance proportions. This blouse pairs well with fitted jeans or a structured skirt for a chic, polished look.

They should just call this the “Lisa” after my sister, lol. The 3/4-length sleeves provide coverage (a must for most of us) while adding a stylish, flowy touch. The double-layered chiffon means a soft, breathable drape that doesn’t cling. NO Apple ever wanted something clingy on the belly! The notch V-neckline draws attention to the face, elongating the upper body for a balanced silhouette. Nice.

5. Layer Like a Pro

A longer cardigan or open-front duster is your secret weapon when it comes to layering! The key is to avoid anything that cuts off at your widest point, as that can draw attention to the areas you’d rather downplay. Instead, opt for longer layers that create vertical lines, elongating your torso and giving your midsection a more balanced look. I also have this cardigan in off-white, and it is of great quality.

Style Tip: You can wear shorter jackets and cardigans, too. Just try to find ones that hit above your waist to enhance your shape in all the right ways!

For apple-shaped Gurls who love a cozy yet polished look, this UGG cardigan is a winner! I have worn these for years, and I like to buy them for gifts because they are just that comfy. The long sweater design offers warmth without bulk, and the button-front closure allows you to wear it open or closed for versatile styling. The ribbed welt pockets add a functional yet stylish touch, while the sleeve length gives that extra coverage many apple shapes love.

Meet your new go-to layering piece! This long, open-front cardigan is lightweight yet cozy. The knit fabric skims over the midsection without adding bulk for a streamlined look. The longer length helps elongate the body, while the side pockets add a practical touch. Whether you throw it over a fitted top and jeans for a casual day out or layer it over a dress for a polished touch, this cardigan is a must-have staple for any wardrobe! This would be good to wear over a column of color!

6. Choose the Right Jeans and Pants

Mid-to-high-rise jeans are a game-changer for apple shapes! They help smooth out the midsection and keep everything feeling secure—no more worrying about that dreaded muffin-top effect. When it comes to fit, skip the super-skinny styles, as they can make your shape look top-heavy. Instead, go for straight-leg, bootcut, or flared jeans to create a balanced, elongated look. Just be mindful of going too wide—overly baggy styles can hide your fabulous legs, which are one of your best features!

I post a lot about jeans here on the blog, so you can find lots of denim suggestions in these posts:

• The Best Denim Jeans For Women Over 50
• The Best Slimming Denim Jeans for Women Over 50
• The Best Tummy Control Jeans For Women Over 50

Style Tip: Dark-wash jeans are always slimming and look polished no matter how you style them.

Love, Love, LOVE Wit and Wisdom jeans. The high-rise waist gives tummy control and shaping, creating a smooth and flattering fit. The slightly flared leg helps balance proportions, making the silhouette look longer and leaner. Strategic fading and stretch denim ensure both comfort and style, so you’ll feel as good as you look. Whether paired with a flowy blouse for a casual day out or a structured blazer for a polished touch, these jeans are a wardrobe essential!

7. Invest in Shapewear

Shapewear is completely optional, but if you love a smooth look under certain outfits, a lightweight shaping tank or high-waisted smoothing shorts can be a game-changer. The goal isn’t to squeeze yourself into something uncomfortable but instead to enhance your natural shape. If you want to try shapewear out, I share some of my favorites for women over 50 here.

Style Tip: Look for shapewear with light-to-medium compression for comfort that lasts all day.

I’m a massive fan of Wacoal and of shapewear, lol, so this is calling my name! This is just beautiful! It also comes in nude, which is helpful. Reviewers say it’s the most comfortable shapewear they’ve ever tried. I don’t own this item, but their bras are always on my Must-Have list. The neckline is perfect since so many of the Apple items are V-neck.

8. Pick the Right Accessories

Accessories are the cherry on top of your outfit! Statement earrings and bold necklaces bring attention to your face. If you carry weight in your midsection, opt for crossbody bags that hit lower on your hip rather than right at your waist.

Style Tip: A structured handbag adds a polished touch and draws the eye away from the midsection.

A statement necklace is a must-have for any wardrobe, and this coin drop piece is a stunning choice for apple shapes! The chunky chain and gold-tone finish draw attention upward, helping to balance proportions beautifully. The old-world coin details add a touch of vintage charm, making this a versatile accessory that pairs well with both casual and dressy outfits. The side toggle closure gives it a modern touch while keeping it secure. Wear this with a V-neck top or dress to highlight the neckline and add a polished finishing touch to any look!

So…what did you think of this series???

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Verse Of The Day

2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
⁷ But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”