How to Dress An Apple Shaped Figure

Apple, pear, rectangle and hourglass are the four general body types for women. If your legs and hips are slimmer than your upper half, you may fall into the APPLE category. The most flattering clothing styles will help you appear narrower in the shoulders and waist, and accentuate your best features, which are your legs and chest. Here are some tips to help you choose the absolute best styles for your apple-shaped body type.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   Victoria's Secret

   NECKLINE. Opt for v-necklines rather than rounded. They will draw attention away from your shoulders.

2. 

   TOPS. A good choice for a top would be one that skims your body and falls straight down past your hips, elongating your figure. Thin layers look good on pear shapes. Try layering a camisole with a long, body-skimming, simple cardigan.

3. 

   ACCESSORIES. Also create slimming, vertical lines with a long scarf or chunky, long necklace.

4. 

   RUFFLES. Ruffles are trendy right now, but be careful where you wear them. Ruffles add volume, so frilly tops will not be as flattering on you as sleek shirts. However, a tiered ruffled skirt may be very complimentary to slim hips and legs, which are charactistic of apple-shaped figures.

5. 

   SKIRTS. Also, in general, shorter skirts are more flattering on apple-shaped figures than on other body types. Flared or A-line skirts will balance out your torso. Choose patterns and bright colors to show off your legs. Avoid straight skirts.

6. 
   Overstock.com

   SUPPORT GARMENTS. Because apple-shaped figures tend to have larger breasts, make sure you are wearing a very supportive, perfectly fitting bra.

7. 
   Banana Republic

   WAIST. Empire-waisted styles look great on nearly everyone, particularly if you are apple-shaped. A raised waist takes attention away from your middle. Steer clear of belts, low-waisted styles, and any clothing that cuts your middle in half visually. Horizontal stripes should be avoided.

8. 
   Old Navy

   PANTS. Choose pants that have a flat front (no pleats)! Pants that have a lower rise than your natural waist are a good pick. Make sure your pants are not too tight (to avoid a muffin top). Since apple-shaped figures have flatter buts than other types, try to find pants that have big back pockets, preferably with flaps. Skinny or tight jeans, and jeans with tapered ankles are to be avoided. Boot-cut or flared leg pants are best.

9. 
   Neiman Marcus

   COLORS. Dark on top and light, bright or patterned on the bottom is flattering to you. Try a patterned skirt with a black top. Or try beige pants with a navy sweater.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminate bulky tops and sweaters from your wardrobe. Puffed sleeves or shoulder pads are not flattering for your figure type. Chunky sweaters are to be avoided as well.

Resources

• My Personal Blog About Fashion!
• TLC's What Not to Wear Official Site
• How Do I Look? with Finola Hughes - Official Site

[buzzard33]

on 9/14/2009 Good article. I never really noticed a rectangular figure, and I am a pretty good watcher. Guess I just never took the time to measure.....lol

Good article and a recom...

[godfather25]

on 6/16/2009 Good tips on dressing an apple shaped figure.