Dressing for your Apple Body Type

February 23, 2010 in Articles by catherine | No comments

BY CATHERINE CASSIDY

Apple might be one of the more frustrating body types. Especially when you gain weight, as the majority of it hits your waistline.

Your body has it’s narrowest point above the natural waist, at the ribs. You also probably have pretty rockin’ legs!

A few celebs with Apple bodies:

Catherine Zeta JonesJessica Simpson


Their keys to successful style:


Create the Illusion of a Waist
Empire waists are perfect for apple bodied women. Your rib cage is your smJennifer Hudsonallest part, so this is the best asset to accentuate (aside from your legs!) to create the hourglass illusion of a waist.

The second best for you are wrap tops and dresses. These don’t fit too tight and the way they wrap across your body creates the look of a beautiful waist and perfect curves.

Remember: No matter your size, it’s all about balancing proportions to create the look of that perfect hourglass ideal shape (which, by the way, only about 2% of women have the luxury of flaunting).

Add a belt
Here I go again! But, yes, a wide belt at the waist works to create your waist. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me! If you’re not comfortable wearing a belt just yet, try a belted jacket (and if even that’s too much for you, simply a tailored jacket).

Joie Tunic

Lengthen the Torso
Wear tops that fit your figure – skimming the body. Definitely not tight, but not too loose either. Ideally, this includes a v-neck as well as a bit of tailoring to keep a shape and structure. This tunic from Joie is an excellent example.

Dark on Top
Wearing darker colors on top is an instantly slimming trick. Of course, this means you have to work your legs – so accentuate those great legs in lighter color skirts, pants, and denim. You have the luxury of wearing whatever color you want on bottom b/c you have such great stems.

A-line Dresses & Skirts
Goes back to three things I’ve highlighted – skimming your top half, empire waists, and accentuating your great legs. Need I say more?

Skinny Pants
Be careful of wearing anything too skinny as you’ll look out of proportion, but you can wear the skinny pant with boots look quite well. Or, skinny pants with great, chunky heels. But please, no skinny legs with flats. It just looks like you have chicken legs! Instead, definitely look for slim fitting or straight leg pants that, again, accentuate your great legs.

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