Last Updated on May 16, 2023
Reckon you’ve got an apple shaped figure?
People with this body shape usually have a large bust, with wider shoulders, narrow hips and a fuller midsection, so if that sounds like you, you may be an apple.
Also known as an inverted triangle, this shape is shared by celebrities including Kate Winslet, Drew Barrymore, Oprah, Liz Hurley, Catherine Zeta-Jones and many more – so if you identify with the apple, it’s fair to say you’re in great company.
If you’re in the market for a new dress, whether it’s for a summer holiday, wedding or a simple day dress, there are more than a few styles that look incredible on you.
Anything that emphasises the shoulders, bust, and neckline is usually a good choice. V-necks, square necks and strapless designs that highlight the collarbones work super well for this shape, while anything that highlights the waist is also thought to suit apples.
Chances are you have great legs so apples often wear shorter dresses too.
However before we go any further, it’s important to iterate our attitude to fashion. First and foremost, you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, confident and like you. It’s about taking the elements of fashion you love and running with them.
So take our advice with a pinch of salt. There are a few styles of dress that are commonly worn by apple shapes, but if you don’t want to wear them, don’t!
There are now also plenty more body shape theories, including the Kibbe. This is a more detailed analysis of body shapes, so it’s worth checking out!
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Which dresses look best on an apple shape?
A-line Dresses
A-Line Dress, £79, COS – buy now
Blue Long Sleeve Swing Mini Dress, £47, River Island – buy now
Structure A-Line Dress, £44.95, NA-KD – buy now
A-line dresses have a full, round skirt that flares from the waist down. These highlight the waist, while skimming over the hips and mid-section.
Wrap Dresses
Jacquard-weave wrap dress, £29.99, H&M – buy now
Collared Wrap Midi Dress, £95, & Other Stories – buy now
Wrap Dress, £89, Arket – buy now
The wrap dress is one of the most flattering designs for apple-shaped body types. It wraps around the body, emphasising the bust and waist.
We love this wrap dress from H&M, but if lime green isn’t your bag, it also comes in black.
READ MORE: 17 Killer Zara Dresses On My Wishlist Right Now
Empire Line Dresses
Green Zola Midaxi Dress, £99, Nobody’s Child – buy now
Pinacolada Floral Print Midaxi Dress, £70, Dawn O’Porter X Joanie – buy now
V-Neck Puff Sleeve Midaxi Waisted Dress, £95, M&S – buy now
Empire line dresses look great on pretty much everyone, including apples.
They highlight the waist, while flowing over the lower body. I particularly love this style, as it’s effortless and super comfortable.
Bias Cut Dresses
Bias cut slip midi dress in green, £34, ASOS – buy now
Ruffled floral dress, £35.99, Mango – buy now
Hera Navy Polka Dot Dress, £125, Kitri – buy now
Bias cut dresses are a fantastic choice for apple-shaped body types due to their inherent ability to drape and skim over curves.
The diagonal cutting technique of bias-cut garments creates a beautiful, fluid silhouette that highlights the waistline and elongates the body, accentuating the feminine figure.
Shift Dresses
Shift dress, £125, Me+Em – buy now
Linen Rich Knee Length Shift Dress, £27.50, M&S – buy now
Pure Linen V-Neck Knee Length Shift Dress, £125, Jaeger – buy now
Shift dresses are typically short and hang straight down from the shoulders.
This shape, which was particularly popular in the 60s, is one of the chicest dress types on the planet, and another one that apple shapes are often seen wearing.
READ MORE: 5 Dresses Pear-Shaped Women Always Stick To
Main photo credit: Shutterstock
