As a plus size apple-shaped woman, you are known for generous curves. Meanwhile, you might also notice that a lack of waist definition and a bulging tummy can make it challenging to find your style. This is a comprehensive guide to help you fully understand your strengths and weaknesses, and find the most flattering clothing for your shape accordingly.
Characteristics
- Typically have a full midsection area which means the plus-size apple shape is characterized by a tummy bulge.
- Nicely shaped legs which are usually slim
- Round and wide shoulders
- Full bust
Celebrity examples
Below are examples of celebrities with plus-sized apple body shapes.
- Amy Schumer
- Oprah
- Drew Barrymore
- Kate Winslet
- Mindy Kaling
Below are the best clothes for plus-size apple shapes.
Below are the best outfits for plus-size apple shapes.
Here are the different ways you can style your clothing to make your unique features pop.
Tops
The plus size hourglass shape usually comes with a little muffin top, which means you have to consider this when choosing suitable tops for your body shape.
What to look for
- Wide and low necklines draw attention away from your full midsection area
- It’s okay to wear tops with subtle details around the neckline
Ruched top
The best feature of ruched tops is the slimming effect. For plus size apple shape women, a top that has a natural slimming effect on your body is a must-have as it helps to streamline your silhouette while you look amazing. Since you’re likely on the heavier side, be sure to choose ruched tops that are not too tight on your body frame.
Peplum top
Peplum tops usually have a round neckline with a slight flare towards the hips. It’s perfect for hiding your belly bulge easily without hiding other amazing assets on your body. However, it’s important to pay attention to the length of your peplum top. It should be long enough to conceal your muffin top but not extend too much below your waist.
A-line top
A-line tops also have that relaxed and loose feel that hides your muffin top without adding extra bulkiness to your body frame. It’s stylish and effortlessly elegant, both great features for plus size apple shape women.
What to avoid
Avoid tops with high and narrow necklines like turtlenecks as this creates an unbalanced figure and makes you look extremely bottom-heavy. Don’t wear crop tops or tight-fitted tops as well.
Jeans
When shopping for the right jeans for plus size apple shape, your attention should be on styles that conceal your muffin top rather than emphasize it.
What to look for
- Styles that create the illusion of a defined waistline
- Jeans that create a new silhouette and minimize your tummy bulge
Flare jeans
How would you love to create the illusion of having longer legs? Well, as a plus-size woman, there’s a high chance that you’re on the petite side. If this describes you perfectly, you’ll love flare jeans and how they spice up your overall body outlook beautifully.
Straight leg jeans
This style of jeans has a slimmer fit without being too tight on your body. The advantage of wearing straight-leg jeans as a plus size apple-shaped woman is that they won’t hide your elegantly shaped legs. Instead, it will accentuate them and draw attention away from your tummy bulge. To fully enjoy the benefits of straight-leg jeans, it’s best to choose those that have high-rise and a cropped hem.
Bootcut jeans
The perfect jeans for plus size apple shape should have a flat front with a wide waistband that flattens your midsection without adding extra bulkiness. Bootcut jeans can do this, especially as they balance your slim legs and wide torso. It’s best to opt for bootcut jeans in darker colors and with little to no details.
What to Avoid
Overall, plus size women should avoid skinny and baggy jeans. Specifically for the apple shape, you should avoid styles that draw more attention to your tummy bulge and are uncomfortable on your body frame like low-rise jeans.
Pants
Check out this impressive selection of pants for the plus-size apple shape.
What to look for
- Pants that highlight your slim legs
- Pants that don’t create a focal point around your midsection as these will make your waist appear wider
Pleated pants
Pleated pants can be that casual wear you throw on for a fun day out with friends or a relaxing evening after a long day at work. These are tailored with subtle pleats around your waist area to encourage an elongated look on your legs and a flatter stomach. With this, you can easily take care of your muffin top, especially when paired with a v-neck top.
High waist pants
High waist pants are always a win for plus size apple shape women. These can be tailored to give an elegant and sleek fit on your body frame. However, the high waist style is the most significant here. This gives a gentle snug fit on your body, highlighting your shapely legs and sitting firmly on your waistline where there’s no extra bulk around your tummy.
What to avoid
To avoid a lot of attention on the lower half of your body, don’t wear brightly colored pants. It’s no secret that people would notice the lower half of your body more if you put on yellow pants on a brown top, compared to putting on brown pants on a yellow top.
Also, avoid pants that have knots that should be tied at the front. Thick ties at the front of your pants will draw attention to your midsection. If you must wear knotted pants, tie them on the side for waist definition.
Dresses
You can use dresses to create a new silhouette that gives you a curvier outlook. These styles will help you achieve this.
What to look for
- Draw more attention to your best assets like your round chest
- There’s a high chance you have a bigger midsection area, so wear dresses that don’t highlight this
A-line dress
This is a versatile style of dress that’s incredibly flattering for plus-size apple shaped women. The first amazing effect of this dress is that it creates a waist-cinching effect by defining your waistline. Even better, the A-line dress does this without drawing unnecessary attention to your muffin top. The flare is great for hiding your stomach effortlessly.
Shift dress
This is a tailored dress style that’s a great choice as it’s not a body con. It offers the necessary structure for your figure without hiding curves on your body. Since a curvy body frame is not natural for the apple shape, a shift dress is one of the best ways to strike a balance as it hugs your body without being form-fitting. The length is also just right to give a subtle elongation effect on your legs.
Belted dress
For the plus size apple shape woman, belted dresses have a waist-defining effect that will do your figure a world of good. However, you should choose dresses that are already belted rather than using a separate belt. A separate belt will highlight your tummy area since it draws attention to your midsection. However, a naturally belted dress where the belt is the same color as the dress will help you create a defined waistline.
What to Avoid
Any dress that’s too clingy on your figure should be avoided. The plus size apple shape body works best with dresses that don’t draw attention to your tummy bulge. Therefore, avoid bodycon dresses and shapeless dresses without proper waist definition as they will make you look wider.
Skirts
It’s time to take a look at some of the skirts that will make you stand out the most.
What to look for
- Skirts that skim over your figure without clinging unnecessarily
- Emphasize your feminine silhouette
Asymmetrical skirts
Asymmetrical skirts have hemlines of different lengths which results in a slimming effect on plus size apple shape women. Apart from the slimming effect, it also has a lengthening effect that replaces horizontal lines with vertical lines, easily highlighting your shapely legs. Wear this for pretty much any occasion and you’ll look amazing.
Flowy skirts
Another way to properly structure your apple shape is with flowy skirts. They are simple yet elegant enough to conceal your tummy bulge effortlessly. The appeal of flowy skirts is that they don’t add extra volume to the lower half of your body since they are not clingy. Remember that flowy skirts are not the same as loose-fitting styles as you need the skirts to be firm on your waist.
A-line skirts
These skirts draw attention to your slim legs which improves the outlook of your defined waistline. A-line skirts are perfect for creating the illusion of curves which encourages a unique feminine silhouette that makes you look good.
What to avoid
Layered skirts are a bad idea. These are skirts that have lots of fabric layered on each other. The direct effect of this is that they don’t conceal your midsection but would lead to an imbalance in your lower half such that you appear heavier. Layered skirts hide your natural figure. Another skirt style to avoid is the pencil skirt which is too structured for the apple shape.
Outerwear
Choosing the right coats and jackets is critical to flattering the plus-size apple shape. You can definitely find styles that flatter your full bust and emphasize your natural assets.
What to look for
- Jackets that accentuate your waist
- The slimming effect creates a flattering feminine silhouette
Peplum coat
Similar to peplum tops, the peplum coat is an amazing way to give your silhouette more structure. It’s perfect for balancing both the upper and lower half of your body. Peplum coats are also great for creating the illusion of a smaller waist, which gives you a curvier outlook and accentuates your slim legs.
Single-breasted coat
Minimize the volume in the upper half of your body with single-breasted coats. These don’t create horizontal lines that have a widening effect on your body frame. Instead, they are flattering for your body structure and the single column of buttons make the apple shape look more beautiful.
What to avoid
The number one rule is to avoid double-breasted coats. As a plus-size apple-shaped woman, you naturally have volume in your upper body, especially with a muffin top. However, a double-breasted coat will make you look wider and highlight your muffin top.
This style also creates the illusion of horizontal lines across your upper body which makes you look wider. A puffer coat is also not a great idea as it also increases volume in the upper part of your body. This ultimately draws more attention to your midsection and won’t balance your figure.
Of course, these recommendations all hinge on your personal preference. So, while this guide contains all the clothing styles you need to get started on choosing the right styles for your body type, be sure to consider your personal style as well.
