If you have an apple body shape, you probably struggle to find dresses that fit both your top and bottom (they're always too loose on your hips if they fit your shoulders), and if you do find a dress to fit you, you lose all your curves and your waist doesn't appear to be defined.
Well, if any of those frustrations sound all too familiar, you're in the right place!
I’m a Personal Stylist. For the past 20 years, I have been sourcing gorgeous capsule collections that make apple-shaped women like you look and feel amazing.
So, I know exactly which dresses will fit you best and look best on your apple body shape.
This post not only shares my tried-and-true tips for choosing dresses for an apple-shaped body, but it also shows you over 100 (yes—100!!!!) dresses that look good on an apple-shaped figure. After you've finished reading it, you will…
More importantly, you'll be able to make a more educated decision about the dresses you wear, making shopping and getting dressed easier and more enjoyable!
This post is quite in-depth, so if you’re looking for something in particular, check out my table of contents below and skip straight to the answer.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product via these links I will earn a small commission. This does NOT make the price higher for you, and I NEVER link to products that I wouldn’t recommend to my clients, or purchase myself. What is an apple shape body?
Before you begin looking for the right dress for your apple shape, it's a good idea to check that you do, in fact, have an apple shape. If you don't, my tips and advice in this post won't help you.
I've listed the core characteristics of an apple body shape below, I recommend having a read through them before you go any further:
Apple body-shape characteristics
Some of the characteristics listed overlap with other body shapes, most notably the column/rectangle body shape and the hourglass body shape.
So, if you only recognize some of those characteristics, it might be that your shape aligns with a different body shape.
If that's the case, here are three things you can do to figure out precisely what your body shape is:
four ways to find out what your body shape is
- Take my FREE body shape quiz here
- Purchase a Body Shape Analysis for only $27 and I will tell you exactly what your body shape is!
- Read this blog post that shares some reasons you might struggle to identify your shape and three exercises that might help you.
- And read this blog post,it gives you an overview of all 4 of the primary body types and shares a few things you can do to uncover what your body shape is
what to look for and what to avoid when choosing dresses for an apple shape body
An apple body shape looks absolutely gorgeous in a dress; it’s just that right now, you don't know what to look for (or what to avoid)!
You’re choosing dresses that you like the idea of, or that look great on someone else, but you aren’t considering what the shape of the dress will look like on your shape, so the dresses often don't fit right or don't look as good on you as you had hoped they would.
Here are some key things to look for and avoid so you can start to choose dresses that enhance your best features, look great on you, and fit your personal style...because you shouldn't have to sacrifice your style for fit!
What to look for when choosing dresses as an apple body type
What to avoid when choosing dresses for an apple -shaped body
sixteen things to consider when choosing a dress for an apple-shaped body
1/ choose dresses that have an empire waist
An empire waist is a waistband that sits right under the bust, which is typically the narrowest point in most body shapes.
By choosing a dress that has an empire waist, you will be drawing the eye to a narrower part of your frame, which will give you a curvier silhouette and a more defined waistline. It will also draw the eye up and away from your middle.
Oh, and they also elongate the legs. They’re quite possibly the most flattering style of dress for any woman! This dress is a great example of an empire waist dress
2/ opt for low necklines
A low neckline draws the eye in and down, helping to slim and narrow broad shoulders. Other great necklines are scoop, plunging, and sweetheart.
3/ look for dresses that have volume below the waistline
As an apple body type, your hips are narrower than your shoulders. If you want to create a more balanced frame, you need to broaden your hips a little, which in turn will balance your upper body, full chest, and broader shoulders.
Dress styles that have volume below the waist are one of the best ways to do that - they'll add weight to your hips and butt to broaden them and balance your shoulders. They also create a curvier silhouette that has a more defined waist.
The most flattering style of dress like this is one that tapers in towards the bottom, the perfect example being a tulip skirt like this dress, or a wrap skirt like this dress.
4/ dresses that cinch you in are the perfect match
I know that apple shape figures have a tendency to avoid dresses that have waist detailing or belts for fear that they highlight their lack of waist definition, but that fear is unfounded!
Waistbands, waist ties, and any other form of structure or detailing that cinches you in at the waist or suggests a waist will make your waist look MORE defined than it is, not less.
5/ look for dresses with a peplum
A peplum (also referred to as an ‘overskirt’) is:
“a flared ruffle sewn into the waistline of a blouse, skirt, jacket, or dress to add extra frill and accentuate the waist” - Masterclass.com
Peplum dresses are my absolute favorite clothing items for creating a more defined waistline on apple body shapes. The added volume below the waist will give the appearance of larger hips. This is the perfect example of a peplum dress.
6/ choose a wrap dress
I I love a wrap dress on an apple body shape - the low, wrap neckline will narrow your broad shoulders and larger bust, and flatter your middle. And the tie waist will cinch you in to create a more defined waistline.
The best wrap dress styles for an apple-shaped figure are those with a fuller skirt—something with ruffles like this will be great, or something that has a tulip style skirt like this.
A wrap dress with a straight skirt is the least flattering, but it still looks good. You really can't go wrong with this style of dress.
7/ use color blocking to create the illusion of a waist
Color blocking uses contrasting (or bold) panels to create shape and interest in a garment.
It’s a powerful tool for creating the illusion of a super-curvy silhouette, so it's a great option for anyone who wants to define their waistline or narrow their top half.
These dresses are great examples of color blocking being used to create a curvy frame:
8/ show off your legs
Apple shapes typically have great legs, (that's why you look so good in skinny jeans!) so why not show them off! Opt for dresses with a slit, or choose a shorter hemline.
The best way to disguise the areas you dislike is to draw attention to the areas you like, your best assets!
9/ look for structure and shaping
If the dress has structure and shaping, it will give you structure and shaping. The dresses below are perfect examples of structured dresses that look stunning on an apple body shape.
10/ belt it
Adding a waist belt to a dress, will give you a more defined waistline and create an overall curvier silhouette.
If you worry that a belt will shorten your torso or make your bust look larger, avoid a wide belt and opt for a skinny/narrow belt instead.
11/ Accessories play a crucial role in pulling together a flattering outfit.
I’ve already discussed waist belts, but other accessories worth using are long, skinny scarves and long, pendant necklaces. Both of these will create vertical lines that draw the eye in and down to narrow your torso.
12/ avoid a dropped waist
A dropped waist sits below the waist (obvs) and draws a line across a narrower part of an apple body shape. This highlights the narrow hips and thighs and enhances the broader top half.
13/ avoid shapeless dresses
Dresses that have no shape will make you look shapeless. They hide your curves and make you look larger than you are.
Sometimes, you can belt a loose-fitting dress to create some shape, but this style of dress is never going to be very flattering on apple shape figures.
14/ Avoid high necklines add weight
High necklines do the opposite of a low neckline; they can make shoulders appear broader, a bust look larger, and a torso look wider. Opt for lower necklines, such as scoop necks, v-necks, and plunging necklines. These will narrow your wider shoulders and reduce weight.
15/ stay away from puff sleeves and shoulder pads
If the sleeves or shoulders have pleating, ruffles, or a puff, they will make your shoulders look broader than they are, which may make you look top heavy or larger than you are on top. If you feel that you have wider shoulders, you might want to avoid these sleeve styles.
You can mitigate this a little if the dress also has a plunging neckline, but if you find yourself focusing on your broad shoulders, you should probably avoid puff sleeves altogether.
16/ make sure the fit is correct
Well-fitting clothing is the most flattering type, so it's crucial that your clothes fit you properly.
If you need some pointers on what to check when evaluating a garment’s fit this blog post shares the 8 most important areas to check. It also includes a free checklist you can download and take shopping with you.
Looking for the perfect cocktail dress for your apple shape?
This blog post shares my tried and tested tips to finding the perfect party dress for your apple body shape, as well as my favorite cocktail dresses for apple shapes in 2026!
the nine most flattering dress styles for apple shape figures
These nine dresses are the most flattering dress styles for an apple-shaped figure.
They will balance your top heavy frame, create a curvier silhouette, and fit you on both the top and bottom!
1/ a trumpet hem dress is perfect for apples
Dresses with a kick flare, trumpet hem, or mermaid hem are really flattering on an apple-shaped body. They hug the hips and thighs and flare at the hem to create a curvier bottom half.
2/ bias cut dresses showcase apple shape curves
Bias-cut dresses (or slip dresses as they're sometimes called) are a fantastic way to create curves. The bias cut contours and enhances your shape to create a defined waistline and a curvier butt and hips.
3/ empire waist dresses create a more defined waist
An empire waist will draw attention to your narrowest point, just under your bust, making your torso look narrower, your legs longer, and yourwaist more defined.
4/ a blazer dress / tuxedo dress is perfect apple figures
Tuxedo dresses are fantastic for apple-shaped bodies. Their wonderful structure cinches in the waist and creates curves that mimic an hourglass figure.
They have a low neckline that narrows the shoulders and torso, and pockets and buttons across the hips add a little volume and interest and a curvier bottom half. This is a perfect example.
5/ v-neck a line dresses create balance and shape
A-line styles hug the waist and flare out below it to elongate the legs. This will balance your broader shoulders and create a more defined waistline.
The most flattering way to wear an a line dress is to opt for one that has a low neckline, such as v necks or scoop necks, so it flatters and fits your bust.
6/ tulip dresses are the best dresses for apples
These are another of my favorite dress styles for an apple body type.
A tulip dress will hug the waist and add a little volume below the waistline and across the hips and thighs, creating a curvier bottom half, balancing your top half and creating a more defined waistline. If you feel a little self conscious about your tummy area,
7/ a shift dress will fit great
A shift dress looks great on an apple shape (if it has a low neckline!).; for extra points, choose a shift with some waist shaping to define your waist.
8/ WRAP dress
A wrap dress is a great choice for apple shapes, especially if you want to create the look of an hourglass figure.
The neckline narrows your shoulders and flatters your bust and middle, and the tie waist gives you a more defined waistline.
Look for wrap dresses that have a ruffled skirt that adds a little volume around your hips and butt - it will create a curvier silhouette, make your waist look more defined and will enhance your best features.
9/ peplum dress
A peplum dress is THE BEST dress style for an apple shape body. The narrow, structured fit will enhance your curves, and the fluted skirt below the waist (the peplum) will enhance your waist.
what if you dont' like the dresses that work for your apple shape?
II realize that you may not like some clothing styles that work for your apple body shape; you might want to wear dresses with puff sleeves or high necklines. So, I want to caveat what I've just written by saying that the above is just a guide.
The dress styles listed above will fit and flatter your shape, but there is almost always some styling technique or style hack that will help you make an unflattering item of clothing look better on you, so play around and experiment.
And if you want some guidance on how to improve the look of clothing that doesn't suit your apple body shape, check out this post - it shares a multitude of styling techniques to try!
Looking for more help dressing your apple shape?
the best dresses for an apple-shaped body in 2026
All these dresses will fit you top and bottom, narrow your broad shoulders, and create a curvier silhouette. There's a wide range, so hopefully, you'll spy something that fits your personal style!
The best casual dresses for apple figures in 2026
Looking for the best casual dresses for your apple body shape? I've got you! These are my favorite options.
The best maxi dresses for an apple body type in 2026
These are the best long dresses and the best maxi dresses for an apple shaped body.
Don't like those dress styles listed above?
The best wrap dresses for an apple body shape in 2026
Wrap dresses look fantastic on an apple body shape, and they fit you so well, too! Here are my top picks for wrap-shaped dresses for apple body shapes.
The best party dresses for an apple-shaped figure in 2026
Here are some gorgeous party dresses for special occasions if you're an apple-shaped woman!
The best Mother of the bride/mother of the groom dresses for an apple body shape in 2026
There are some gorgeous dress options for the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom.
The best wedding guest dresses for an apple body type in 2026
Here are my top picks for wedding guest dresses for an apple body shape.
The best summer dresses for an apple-shaped body in 2026
Here are my top picks for summer dresses for an apple body shape in 2025.
frequently asked questions about dresses for apple-shaped bodies
Below are some other questions I get asked about choosing dresses for an apple body shape. If you have any others, let me know by getting in touch here.
what are the best dresses for an apple body shape?
The best dress style for an apple body shape is a tulip dress with a low neckline. This is my absolute favorite style of dress on an apple shape because:
- The low neckline will narrow your broad shoulders and flatter your bust
- They have a defined waist that gives you some definition at your waist
- And (my favorite detail) they have volume and shaping below the waist that adds a little volume and shape to your hips and butt that creates a curvier bottom half, a more defined waistline, and a more balanced frame!
Here are my 3 top tulip dress for an apple body shape:
Want more tips?
Get my Simple Guide To Dressing An Apple Shape for only $65! It will show you exactly what the most and least flattering clothes are for your pear body-shape, so you have some easy rules to follow!
is an inverted triangle the same as an apple-shaped body?
Yes, the terms apple shape and inverted triangle are two different names for the same shape.
An apple shape will have a fuller midsection than an inverted triangle, but their core characteristics are the same.
can an apple body shape wear jumpsuits?
Apple figures can absolutely wear jumpsuits. However, you may struggle to find a jumpsuit that is short enough in the body for you, as apple shapes typically have a shorter torso.
If this is the case, try choosing a jumpsuit from the petite range—it will be cut shorter in the body than a standard jumpsuit.
However, this solution is only for people who are 5”4” or under. If you are taller, the entire jumpsuit will look too short.
The other option is to go for matching separates. You can purchase two different sizes and wear them together. No one needs to know it isn't a jumpsuit.
the best jumpsuits for apple-shaped bodies in 2026
What should apple-shaped individuals not wear?
I don’t like to set hard and fast rules for dressing, as this can feel restricting. However, I do know that it’s helpful to have some guidelines to follow when choosing what to wear.
So, here are some dress styles that you might want to avoid if you have an apple body shape:
Tight tube dresses: hug and highlight narrow hips, but they offer no shaping, so they may make your narrow hips look even narrower. If this happens, your top half will look broader, and your overall shape will look less balanced.
Dresses that have a pleated skirt: These are unforgiving on most body shapes, but particularly if you carry weight around your tummy and middle because all those little pleats at the waistband will add bulk around your middle.
Shapeless tunic dresses: will swamp your frame, hide your waist, and make you appear more top-heavy than you are.
Dresses that have statement shoulders or puff sleeves: Statement shoulders or puff sleeves will add weight to your shoulders, making them appear wider and your hips narrower. Thus, you will end up looking top-heavy.
Oversized dresses:These will swamp you and hide your gorgeous shape. Wrapping a belt around your waist can improve the look, but the volume may make you feel heavier than you are.
can an apple wear high waisted?
Yes, an apple body shape can wear a high-waisted dress - it will elongate your legs and draw the eye to a narrower part of your frame. An Empire waist dress is the best high-waist style for an apple shape.
conclusion
Dressing for your apple body shape doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Once you understand what works best for your shape—like low necklines, structured silhouettes, and dresses that define your waist—you’ll find that shopping becomes easier, and getting dressed feels more fun.
Remember, the key is highlighting your best features (like your amazing legs!) while creating balance and definition where needed. And while this guide offers tried-and-true styling advice, don’t be afraid to experiment and make these recommendations work for your personal style.
If you’re ready to discover the best dresses for your apple-shaped figure, check out the carefully curated selection of 100+ flattering dresses in this post. And if you’re still unsure about your body shape, take my FREE body shape quiz or purchase my Tailor-Made Guide To Dressing Your Shape to get tailored recommendations just for you.
You deserve to feel confident and stylish in everything you wear, but if you don't now, get in touch, I'd love to help!
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