Best Dresses for Apple Shape That Fit Like a Dream

Struggling to find the best dresses for apple shape? Discover styles that flatter your curves and highlight your best features.

Hey, girl! Let’s talk about the apple body shape — the often misunderstood, yet oh-so-fabulous figure. Whether you have a wider midsection, narrow hips, or legs for days, you’re rocking a unique shape that deserves to be celebrated.

Finding the perfect dress for your apple body shape doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. Let’s decode the style secrets and turn your wardrobe into your best friend.

What is an Apple Body Shape?

An apple body shape is all about the upper body. If you have a fuller bust, broader shoulders, and a wider midsection, you might be an apple. Think of celebs like Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet. They’re apple queens who know how to flaunt it. What are your best features? Those killer legs and the ability to turn heads with the right overall look.

Highlighting an Apple Body Shape (And Common Mistakes to Avoid)

Styling for an apple body type means working with clean lines and flowy fabrics to balance proportions. Let’s break it down:

What to Highlight

• Legs: Show off those gorgeous gams! Mini dresses, skinny jeans, and strappy sandals are your BFFs.
• Bust: A scoop neck, wrap dress, or empire waist draws attention upward and away from your midsection.
• Shoulders: Details like wide necklines, shoulder pads, or subtle embellishments create interest in the right places.

What to Avoid

• Clingy fabrics: Say goodbye to fine jersey or anything that hugs your tummy area too tightly.
• Horizontal stripes: These are not your friends. They’ll make the wider midsection more noticeable.
• Delicate fabrics: Lightweight, flowy materials might create unwanted volume around the lower body.

Apple Body Shape Dresses Checklist: Your Perfect Picks

Out To Brunch

Dinner Date

To The Office

Best For NYE

Best Style Dresses for Apple Shape

1. Empire Waist Dresses

When it comes to flattering an apple body shape, an empire waist dress is a no-brainer. Sitting just below the bust, this style draws attention to your upper body while gracefully skimming over your midsection. The elevated waistline elongates your torso and emphasizes your best features—hello, fabulous bust and killer legs!

Opt for flowy fabrics like chiffon or crepe for a dreamy, feminine look. Whether you’re heading to a wedding or a casual brunch, an empire waist dress is the perfect dress for looking effortlessly elegant. Pair it with strappy sandals or wedges for a complete outfit that screams confidence.

2. A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are the MVP for creating balance and proportion. With their fitted bodice and gently flared skirt, they define your upper half while adding volume to your lower half. The result? A perfectly balanced silhouette that’s both comfortable and stylish.

Choose options with vertical lines, diagonal patterns, or subtle ruching to add dimension. A-line dresses also work beautifully with layers like trench coats or double-breasted jackets for cooler weather. Whether you’re dressing up for an event or keeping it casual with flats, the A-line dress is the most flattering way to feel fabulous.

3. Wrap Dresses

Let’s talk about the magic of the wrap dress. This iconic style is a game-changer for apple body shapes. The cinched waist and adjustable tie highlight the narrowest part of your torso, creating a flattering hourglass effect. It also lifts the bust (thank you, V-necklines!) and skims over the tummy area, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.

For added flair, go for bold prints or darker colors that complement your personal style. Whether it’s a chic office look or a fun night out, the wrap dress has you covered. And yes, your great legs will thank you.

4. Shift Dresses

If comfort and style had a love child, it would be the shift dress. Its relaxed fit makes it a great option for days when you want to look chic without trying too hard. Perfect for skimming over your midsection, the shift dress balances your figure while offering a polished, minimalistic vibe.

Choose styles with wide necklines or shoulder details to draw attention upward. Pair it with strappy sandals or boots, depending on the season, and add a touch of glam with statement earrings. From casual errands to dinner with friends, the shift dress is your wardrobe’s best friend.

5. Peplum Dresses

Let’s hear it for the peplum dress! This style is a great option for creating curves in all the right places. The structured flare detail at the waist adds definition and creates the illusion of a slimmer midsection. It’s like a magic trick for your silhouette—poof, instant hourglass vibes!

Pair it with strappy sandals or simple denim styles for a look that’s polished yet playful. Bonus points for choosing one with vertical stripes or darker colors on the torso to further elongate your upper body. Peplum dresses? An apple body type’s best friend.

Key Styling Tips for Apple Body Shape

1. Patterns and Textures: Use diagonal lines, bold prints, and textures to distract from the tummy area.
2. Belts: Cinch it! Place a medium to wide belt just above your natural waistline to define your shape.
3. Necklines and Sleeves: Wide necklines and low necklines draw the eye upward, balancing your look.
4. Colors and Fabrics: Stick to darker colours for the midsection, but feel free to experiment with different colors on top.
5. Hemlines: Choose dresses that flare out slightly at the bottom to create balance.
6. Avoid Common Mistakes: Skip tight-fitted shirts or fine jersey fabrics—they’ll hug all the wrong places.

Outfit Ideas for Apple Body Shape

Fashion For Thought

When shopping for the best dresses for an apple body shape, remember this golden rule: confidence is your ultimate accessory. No matter how stunning the dress, it’s how you feel in it that truly makes a statement. That being said, there are a few things to consider to ensure you find the perfect dress that works for your unique shape.

First, prioritize fit over trends. Look for dresses that skim over your midsection without clinging. Think A-line, empire-line, and wrap dresses—they’re designed to highlight your strengths, like your bust and legs, while creating a flattering silhouette.

Avoid fabrics that are too clingy or delicate; instead, opt for structured or flowy materials that balance your shape.

Necklines and details matter. A V-neck or scoop neck elongates the torso and draws attention upward, while embellishments on the shoulders or neckline create visual interest away from the tummy area. Dresses with ruching or diagonal patterns are also your secret weapons—they distract and disguise.

When it comes to color and pattern, darker tones on the midsection work wonders, but don’t shy away from bold colors or prints. The trick is balance: pair a vibrant top with a neutral lower half or vice versa. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a medium to wide belt slightly above your natural waistline for definition.

Finally, remember your personal style. You don’t have to follow every rule to a T—fashion is about experimenting and finding what makes you feel your best.

Whether you’re rocking a maxi dress with a flowing skirt or a tailored shift dress for the office, the right dress is the one that makes you stand tall and smile wide. So go ahead, find your perfect fit, and strut your stuff!

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