This is continuation to our articles on how to dress for your body type. In this update article adapted for fall and winter we are going to look at the apple body shape.
As a quick reminder you have an apple body shape when:
- You have no defined waist
- Weight tends to form on the stomach
- Average to large bust size
This is a body shape that often develops after 40 when you start to experience symptoms of (peri)menopause and may gain weight around your waist.
To be honest this is not the easiest body shape to dress as many women with this shape will be well aware of. Some women tend to cover it all up with loose garments, which in most cases is not the right thing to do.
But, you will find that fall and winter can be the best seasons to dress the apple shape because you can play with layers to create long, lean lines and skim over your belly.
What you DO want to do is to create the nicest silhouette possible. For many apples, you can do that by creating the illusion of a waist, highlight your cleavage and create nice vertical lines. I also like the looks of a straight silhouette, but with the use of lots of vertical lines for a long and lean silhouette.
Below are some rough guidelines of what will and will not work for many apple shaped women over 40.
You will also enjoy this video with lots of tips from 40+Style stylist Ruth Essex
Which garments are good for an apple body shape?
Tops
- First of all, since a lot of attention is going to be drawn to the top part of your body, get yourself a well-fitting bra. You don’t want your bust and your tummy meeting each other.
- Tops that highlight your body at the slimmest point which is often just underneath your bust. They should have enough space for your belly but not be too wide.
- Buy t-shirts that are ruched in the middle. This will confuse the eye and you can’t tell that there’s a big tummy underneath.
- Get Tops with a V-neck to break up the size of your chest and create a vertical line.
- Look for tops with a thicker texture that don’t cling so much. Woven tops can be great.
- The best height for tops is just below your hipbone (when worn with pants)
- Patterns tend to look very good on an apple shape body as they flatter and camouflage.
- Tops should cover the whole belly area and end just below the hip bone.
- Choose tailored jackets that have a nice v shape at the top.
- Tops that draw attention to your arms with e.g. flares, a flit or embroidery will draw attention from your belly
- Make sure that the jacket fits the shoulder perfectly, so choose the size for your shoulders, not your belly. If you can’t close the jacket, you can always use a scarf to fill the gap if you like.
- Dresses should have their waistline just below the bust or at your thinnest point.
- Asymmetry in your tops helps to create vertical and slimming lines.
For shoppable ideas, check out this article on the best tops to hide a belly, which features some inspiration if you’re looking for tops to wear for the holiday season.
Fall and winter outfits for apple shapes
As mentioned, fall and winter can be a great season for you if you are an apple shape as you can use lots of lovely layers to draw the attention away from your tummy. Look out for tops with detailing around your neckline and those which drape or have ruching.
Outfit 1:
Bagatelle biker jacket – Karen Kane star sweater – Good American high waist jeans – Madewell boots
Outfit 2:
Karen Kane red top – Eileen Fisher scarf – Good American denim jacket – Liverpool skinny jeans – Treasure and Bond slouchy bag
Outfit 3:
Halogen faux pencil skirt – Gibson striped top – Panacea burgundy earrings – Mercado burgundy clutch – Free People burgundy shoes
Outfit 1:
Vince Camuto ruffle top – Halogen brocade skirt – Wit and Wisdom bootcut jeans – Linea Paolo mary jane pumps – Nordstrom burgundy clutch
Outfit 2:
Willow and Clay jacquard cardigan – Liverpool denim leggings – Gibson navy top – Karine Sultan tassel necklace – Sam Edelman black booties
Outfit 3:
All In Favor wrap top – Hudson denim skirt – RC taupe booties – Madewell navy bag – Ben amun drop earrings
For a long and lean silhouette
- Layer with a long cardigan or a long sleeveless vest
- Make sure the top underneath is not too short
- Try to have v-necklines with your long long jumper or tops underneath the layering piece
- Longer tops and jackets that skim the body can be worn with leggings or skinny jeans
Bottoms
- Get trousers that have zippers at the side to avoid adding extra bumps on the front.
- Trousers should be flared or straight and not cling to tummy or thighs unless you are opting to create the long and lean silhouette using vertical lines (see above). Avoid pleats.
- Also choose jeans that are tailored and either straight or flared. Trouser jeans are ideal.
- Pants with a high rise will create a nice silhouette.
- It’s best to get trousers with some stretch for extra comfort and a good fit.
- Choose skirts that have their zippers at the side.
- Structured pencil skirts work well, but keep them at knee length. Make sure to add the focus to the top with the tips above.
- Make sure that any pleats of skirts start below the belly to avoid adding extra volume.
More ideas for apple shaped women
What not to wear?
- Big puffa jackets
- Big shapeless garments that don’t show any waist or don’t use vertical layers
- Bulky trousers with lots of pockets and zippers at the front
- High necklines (you can wear lighter tops underneath a layering piece as shown in the top image)
- Tight clingy T-shirts
- Avoid wearing everything in one solid color. Better to mix color with a texture or to use several layers in different colors to create vertical lines
For many more tips and images on how you can hide your belly, also see this article.
If you like to go shopping you may also want to check out our article on the best shops for the apple body shape.
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