Dressing for an apple shape

Whatever your shape or size, here at LavenderLime we know that it can often be a difficult task finding the clothing that best flatters your figure. Our ethos has always centred around having fun with fashion and finding the pieces that make you look and feel your best and giving you that extra bit of confidence. One thing that helps when it comes to navigating both in-person and online shopping is to have an idea of our different body types, as this helps to give us an idea of our best features and how to draw focus to them.

We've given you the low-down on the pear-shape body, so today we're looking at another classic silhouette: the apple body shape. So, what is an apple body shape?

Find choosing the right dress to fit and flatter your apple figure a minefield? Whether you’re updating your casual wardrobe or trying to find the perfect partywear for a special occasion, choosing the right cut is key to feeling confident in your choice.

So, what are the best dresses for the apple shape?

While you may be tempted to cover your body with loose garments in the hope to hide and lumps or bumps, in most cases, this can actually be counterproductive and can simply make you look larger. Instead, try opting for one of the following best dresses for apple shapes:

• Swing style dresses

As swing dresses are designed to skim over your stomach and flare out to the hem, they can help draw the eye away from the tummy and towards your slender legs.

• Skater dresses 

A skater dress is the queen of illusion. This classic style is a favourite when it comes to dresses for apple shapes, as the flattering flare out design gives you a nipped-in waist and provides the impression of an hourglass silhouette.  

• Full-skirted & flared dresses 

Similarly, dresses that feature a full or exaggerated flared skirt are also great dresses for apple shapes, as they help to balance out your shoulders by drawing focus to the lower half of the body.  

• Wrap dresses 

Wrap dresses are another winner for an apple shape body, as they can draw attention to your neck and elegant decolletage. They’re also perfect for accentuating your bust while discreetly hiding any bumps at your waistline. 

• Structured shift dresses 

And finally, a classic ‘60s-style shift dress can also be a winning option for an apple body type, as the shape skims past your waistline while highlighting your slimmer legs. To avoid material clinging around your middle, try opting for a more structured material such as natural linen and cotton.

If you have an apple body type, choosing the right pair of trousers or jeans can work wonders for minimising your middle and showing off your slimmer hips while balancing your body's proportions. Often, the main issue for apple shape figures is finding trousers that fit both your slim legs and proportionally bigger waist, but we’ve got some tips to help. As much as it’s important to look great, you want to be comfortable too!

Can apple shapes wear skinny jeans? The answer is yes! You don’t need to avoid skinny trousers if your body is apple-shaped. Skinny jeans and pants are typically cut to hug the legs tightly and will show off your slim legs and narrower hips, which are some of an apple body's best assets. However, when choosing skinny jeans or trousers as an apple shape, opt for ones with a high elastic mix in the fabric content for a more comfortable fit around your middle. A winning look for apple shapes is pairing skinny pants with a tunic or relaxed shirt, as this will both highlight your legs while helping conceal your middle section. These slimming trousers will have everyone envious of your figure!

While skinny trousers are a winner, apple shapes should try to avoid wide-leg trousers or anything too baggy because this will hide your slimmest area and conceal one of your best features. This doesn’t mean you can’t try straight leg, belted or bootcut trousers though.

Whichever style of trouser you opt for, apple shapes need to pay attention to the rise of the trousers and where the waistband hits your midsection. A low-rise trouser will only highlight your stomach, while a high-rise trouser can also accentuate your tummy, rather than conceal it. Instead, a mid-rise trouser provides a smooth waistline.

When it comes to fit, these jeans should be snug enough to give you shape, but shouldn’t squeeze you too tightly. If you find jeans dig in when you sit down, try opting for an elasticated waistband. Finding a comfortable fit will give you even more confidence in what you’re wearing!