If you’re looking for tips on how to dress for your O - otherwise known as Apple body shape then you are in the right place. Famous faces who are apples include Melissa Mcarthy, Drew Barrymore and Adele.
Apples and pears are probably two of the most confused body shapes, as a lot of women who are apples with a large middle think that they are pear-shaped and therefore never seem to find the right fitting clothing.
Apples, or the O body shape, carry a lot of (if not most) of their weight around their midsection and above the waist whilst pears are ‘heavier’ below the waist.
We prefer to call body shapes by letters when you're part of the Insyze app, but we'll refer to O body shapes as Apples throughout this guide.
Characteristics of the apple body shape:
- Broad shoulders
- Flat (ish) bottom
- Average to large bust
- Protruding tummy often known as an apron belly (fat gathers around the midsection)
- Less or no defined waist.
- Hips are narrower than bust
- Hips may also be narrower than the belly
- Slim legs
If you have an apple body shape you want to follow the contours of your body. Highlighting your best features; bust and legs, whilst taking attention away from your problem areas like your belly.
Get more style inspo from Insyze including how to wear a skater dress, see what's on our August wishlist and check out our post on plus-size options at Victoria's Secret.
What to wear for the O (Apple Body Shape)
Tops
Many O body shapes feel self-conscious of their bellies and midsection. As much as we stand for body confidence and wearing whatever you want, sometimes it's just not that easy.
So when you're choosing tops (and dresses), look for loose-fitting fabrics and styles that float over your mid-section. Clingy synthetic fabrics are your worst enemy whilst floaty silks and soft cottons in simple designs will look great on you.
But a word of caution. While you want to avoid clothes that are clingy, anything that's too loose fitting or very baggy can also be a bad choice as these will hang off you like sacks and make you look bigger than you actually are.
Don't be afraid to add a belt or wear a peplum style to add waist definition!
Tops in single, block colours or monochrome shades will elongate your top half while tops in lots of different colours or panels will tend cut your body in half.
Large checks and patterns, as well as tops in pastel colours, can draw attention to your upper body and make you look bigger than you are if they are ill-fitting.
V necklines are a great fit for you as they highlight your best feature (your bust area) however low cut tops that show too much cleavage can look unflattering. Longer length tops and tunics are your best friends as these will skim over the widest parts of your silhouette.
Jackets and Knitwear
Layering is a great look for you and wearing a dark colour on top of a lighter colour makes your tummy disappear (or at least hides it.)
If you have an apple body shape try to find a jacket that skims over your tummy and waist. Longer styles work for you whilst jackets that finish on the waist will make you look boxy.
Stick to sleek trench or duster coats and avoid jackets which are cropped, as this will cut you off round the middle and make you look boxy.
Choose single-breasted coats rather than double-breasted styles.
Double breasted coats draw the eye line to your midsection and can make you look wider than you are.
Dresses
The key when it comes to choosing dresses for the apple body shape is to make it look like your waistline is not at waist level. Dresses with a dropped skirt such as tennis style dress will lower the waistline whilst empire line dresses have raised waists. The empire line trick doesn’t work for everyone though.
Skater, swing and A-line dresses will also draw attention away from your heavier top section, with fuller skirts will balance out your silhouette.
Try to avoid clingy fabrics such as spandex and elastane. Figure-hugging body-cons will highlight every lump and bump
Dresses that have puffy sleeves or have halter neck will emphasise your upper body, making it look wider so are not a good look. Instead, go for a dress which has a plunging or V neckline, these will create angles and make your body look less rounded.
Trousers and Skirts
As an apple, we know that you have some great legs and you should show them off by wearing an A-line or flared skirt. Rock a mini skirt or midi length - your figure is amazing for lots of different styles so don't be afraid to be daring with a cute mini skirt style!
When it comes to jeans and trousers tapered styles are to be avoided as they will make you look top heavy. Instead, opt for straight leg or bootcut trousers. Stretchy skinny jeans can be amazing on your legs, but tight on the belly. Plus size friendly brands include 1822 Denim, Embody Denim and more.
Look for trousers or skirts that are flat fronted, have pull-on styles or trousers/skirts that have a side zip fastening rather than a front zip.
Best Styles To Wear for Apple Body Shapes:
- Empire lines
- Tunics and longer tops/cardigans/jackets
- V-necks
- Patterns to be kept to a minimum on your top section
- Single breasted jackets
- Knee length skirts
- Bootcut or straight leg trousers
What to avoid
Clingy fabrics that make you feel self conscious
Gathered fabrics around the midsection
Short cropped jackets with double breasted buttons
Short sleeves, or sleeves that finish at bust level will direct attention to the bust. If you want to avoid this, choose full length or 3/4 sleeves.
We hope you found this guide to dressing an O body shape helpful! We would love to see your tips so join Insyze and make some Collections of your favorite O body shape pieces to help other women with your shape get inspired.