Best Clothes for an Apple Body Shape—Flattering Outfits and Styling Tips

Wondering how to dress your gorgeous apple body type? With a signature silhouette that includes a fuller upper body, larger bust, and narrower hips, the apple shape offers plenty of stylish opportunities to highlight your best features. Whether you're dressing for work, brunch, or a night out, the key is to create balance and define the waist. 

Using our insider style expertise, we’re spilling on the best clothes for an apple shape—from flattering cuts to strategic styling tips. Consider this your go-to guide for discovering the best style for apple-shaped women that flatters, fits, and feels amazing.

What Is an Apple Body Shape?

An apple body type typically features a fuller bust, a broader midsection, and a less defined waistline. If you have this shape, you likely also have narrower hips and slim legs—two features that offer major style potential. That said, finding the right pieces can be tricky since weight tends to be carried around the midsection. But with the best clothes for an apple shape, it’s easy to highlight your strengths and create a flattering, balanced silhouette.

How to Identify an Apple Shape Figure

Not sure where you fall on the body shape spectrum? Here's how to determine your body shape—specifically, if you're working with an apple body type. If your bust, shoulders, and waist are noticeably broader than your hips, there’s a good chance you’re an apple. Another common sign is a waistline that’s about the same width—or even wider—than your chest. Want to get specific? Measure your hips and compare them to your bust and shoulders. If your hips are roughly 5% narrower, congrats—you’re in the apple club.

How to Dress for an Apple Body Shape

Creating a flattering silhouette for an apple body type is all about balance, definition, and playing up your best features. While styling an apple figure can take a little extra strategy, the payoff is well worth it. 

Here's your cheat sheet for mastering the best style for apple-shaped women:

• Highlight your assets:
  Draw attention upward to your face and neckline or downward to your legs—two of your strongest features.
• Create vertical lines:
  Elongating details like long cardigans, V-necks, or vertical seams help streamline the torso.
• Choose flowy fabrics:
  Soft, draping materials like jersey, silk, and lightweight cotton skim rather than cling, offering movement and comfort.
• Layer like a pro:
  Smart layering adds depth and shape without bulk. Think structured blazers, tailored vests, or open-front cardigans.
• Define your waist:
  Wrap tops, belted dresses, and peplum styles work wonders for creating the illusion of a defined waist.
• Balance proportions:
  Step back and evaluate your outfit from head to toe—make sure each piece contributes to a harmonious, balanced shape.
• Invest in the right undergarments:
  Smoothing shapewear and supportive bras can enhance your figure by creating a more streamlined foundation.

Things to Avoid

Even the best intentions can derail your look if you’re not careful. 

When it comes to curating apple figure outfits, steer clear of these common styling pitfalls:

• Clingy fabrics:
  Yes to form-fitting—no to second-skin. Fabrics that cling tightly to the midsection can highlight areas you'd rather downplay.
• Overly bulky materials:
  Don’t drown your frame in heavy knits or stiff fabrics. Bulky pieces often add unnecessary volume and can make your silhouette appear shapeless.
• Boxy tops:
  While they may seem like a safe choice, square-cut tops tend to emphasize the midsection and hide your natural shape.
• Blocky color contrasts and waist-cut tops:
  Harsh color-blocking or tops that stop at the widest part of your torso can visually cut your body in unflattering ways. Instead, opt for longer hemlines, monochromatic looks, or soft color transitions that elongate and flatter.

The Best Clothing Styles for an Apple Body Shape

Here’s how to flatter your fabulous apple figure with fashion-forward choices. From head-turning tops to must-have accessories, these insider tips focus on creating balance and confidence while showcasing your best features.

Tops

Tops should define and elongate your torso while subtly highlighting your assets. 

Some of the best clothes for an apple shape include:

• V-necks, scoop necks, A-line blouses, wrap tops, and peplum styles—all of which visually shape the waist and draw the eye upward or downward in a flattering way.
• Choose soft, draping fabrics like cotton, silk, and jersey. These flow nicely over the midsection without clinging or adding bulk.
• Avoid high necklines or boxy, structured tops that broaden the shoulders or overwhelm the waist.

Bottoms

Bottoms should balance your proportions and give your streamlined legs the spotlight.

For apple figure outfits, opt for:

• Mid-rise and bootcut pants, which elongate the legs and smooth the waist.
• A-line skirts and wide-leg trousers, perfect for dressier occasions and flattering for creating visual symmetry.
• Skip low-rise pants that cut into the midsection or super-skinny styles that accentuate the imbalance.
• Nix the pleats. Yes, pleats are cute—but on an apple shape, they can add unwanted volume and disrupt the silhouette.

Dresses

Dresses are your best friend when you find the right shape. The most flattering dress shape for apple shape builds in waist definition without clinging.

Try these tips for the most flattering dresses:

• Reach for empire waists, wrap dresses, and fit-and-flare styles that create curves where it counts.
• Look for breathable, body-skimming fabrics like jersey, chiffon, and lightweight cotton.
• Skip straight-cut or boxy dresses—they may look sleek on a hanger but fall flat on your figure.
• Also avoid ruffles, tiers, or extra volume that add width around the bust or waist.

Outerwear

Layering can be a game-changer when done right. 

Here’s how to elevate your look with outerwear:

• Choose tailored outerwear like trench coats, blazers, and belted coats with vertical seams or lapels.
• Look for materials like wool, cotton blends, or tailored knits to add shape without bulk.
• Avoid cropped jackets or puffy coats that concentrate volume at the top half of your body.

Accessories

Accessories should bring attention to your best features—your face, bust, and legs—while complementing your outfit.

Try these tips when picking your next accessory:

• Think long necklaces, statement earrings, and silk scarves that elongate your torso and draw the eye upward.
• Use knee-high boots, wide belts, and elongating details to visually streamline your shape.
• Avoid short, chunky necklaces or oversized bags that add unnecessary volume to your upper half.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s bring it all together with some outfit ideas. Whether you're dressing for brunch, a boardroom, or anything in between, these looks are proof that the best style for apple-shaped women is all about smart proportions, playful details, and a little confidence.