Balanced Style
Often considered one of the hardest body shapes to style, apple-shaped bodies have broad shoulders, a full bust, and lack a defined waist. You can be a size 4 or a size 24 with an apple-shaped body; it isn't dependent on shape. While many style guides focus on camouflaging extra weight, we want to explore how you can feel more comfortable in your body.
1. Elongate Your Torso
The number one tip you will see in style guides is to elongate your torso. Typically, apples lack a defined waist, with shoulders and hips in line with one another like a ruler body type. Open cardigans, mid-rise jeans, and vertical stripes can help elongate your torso.
2. Add Depth
Speaking of cardigans, they can also help add visual depth to your outfit. Many apples shy away from layering for fear of looking too bulky. Done correctly, layering should add depth rather than bulk.
3. Size Up
This is a good rule for any body shape. Always, always, always size up. Not only will you be more comfortable in clothing that isn't restricting you, but you'll be less self-conscious about the way a tight t-shirt fits.
4. Accentuate Your Arms
Apples often have lovely arms and should accentuate their assets. Raglan-style tops will make both your arms and torso look longer. On the flip side, cut-out or sleeveless tops will direct attention where you want it.
5. Open Up
Wide shoulders are often seen as inconvenient, but they can work wonders for opening up chests and collarbones. V-shaped necklines draw the eye upward, which lengthens a shorter neck. Sweetheart, scoop, and strapless necklines are also excellent choices.
6. Accessorize Strategically
Accessories can make a big difference to a simple outfit. As with necklines, you want to go long and linear. Drop earrings can elongate your neck, while long necklaces can elongate your torso.
7. Use A French Tuck
Tucking tops can make you look neat and professional. However, a full tuck is one of the worst things you can do if you have a prominent belly. Instead, do a French tuck with the front bit of your top tucked loosely in.
8. Layer
Like we said, layering can help create a more dynamic outfit from top to bottom. A single-breasted coat without too many details (buttons or belts) will keep you warm and stylish without weighing you down. If you find a cut-away coat, you can really have fun!
9. Skim, Don't Cling
A good rule of thumb is to avoid pieces that are overly clingy. Not only will they be less comfortable to wear, they may emphasize parts of your body you'd rather draw less attention to. Opt for fabrics and cuts that skim over, rather than cling to your midsection.
AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash
10. Go Vintage
If you're an apple who loves vintage clothing, you're in luck! A ton of vintage styles such as a-line and empire waist dresses will flatter your figure. You can also go for a pin-up princess look with a sweetheart neckline.
11. Have Fun With Sleeves
Plain, fitted sleeves will do no favors, so you may as well have fun with your sleeves. Flared, draped, or cap sleeves are all wonderful options. Fun details such as ties and buttons can also draw the eye.
12. Don't Box Yourself In
Because apples lack the defined waists of hourglass and pear-shaped bodies, belted or double-breasted coats are a no-go. Unless the belt is empire style and hits directly under your bust, you're creating a more boxy and severe look than is flattering.
13. Go With The Flow
Flowy fabrics and cuts are your best friends. Now only will the lines of these garments—whichever half of your body they're on—add balance and symmetry to your look, they'll also elongate your body overall. Plus, they're just fun to wear.
14. Take Care Of The Girls
Because apples tend to have bigger busts, it's important to invest in a good bra. An outfit is only as good as its foundations. Don't underestimate the power of a good bra.
15. Show A Little Leg
Apples are lucky as they often have wonderful arms and legs to show off! Luckily, some of the most fun skirt styles are also the most flattering for apples, such as a-line, asymmetric, and wrap skirts. Have fun with length too—wear anything from a midi to a mini.
16. Keep Jeans Dark
While your lower half is generally where you want to focus on color, jeans are the exception to the rule. Jeans in darker washes will be more flattering than those in lighter ones. Additionally, look for mid-to-low rise jeans with a wider leg.
17. Avoid Peplums
We're not sure who came up with the idea that people with larger tummies should have peplums on all their shirts. Rather than disguising your midsection, peplums add extra weight and call attention to your lack of a waist. Down with peplums.
18. Hang Loose
In general, loose clothing will be more forgiving than tight clothing, both in terms of fits and aesthetics. However, the key is to look for loose rather than baggy clothing. Wide-legged pants, flowy skirts, and bias-cut dresses are your friends.
19. Embrace Body Neutrality
It's a long and winding road to body positivity, and many people don't find it helpful. You don't have to love your body, but you should at least make peace with it. Your body gets you where you need to go, and that's enough.
Adenir Figueiredo Carvalho on Pexels
20. Be Yourself
The most important rule of fashion is that you don't need to follow any rules at all! If your style goes against every tip we've shared and it makes you happy, stick with it! Dress for yourself, not others.
