Best Dresses for Apple Shape: Flattering Picks

If you have an apple body shape—characterized by a fuller midsection, rounded shoulders, and slimmer legs—finding the perfect dress can feel challenging. But with the right styles, you can create a balanced, elongated silhouette that highlights your best features. According to stylist Stacy London, "The goal is to draw the eye vertically and create definition where you want it."

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best dress styles for apple shapes, from everyday casual looks to special occasion glamour.

Understanding the Apple Body Shape

Apple-shaped bodies typically carry weight around the midsection with broader shoulders, a less-defined waist, fuller bust, and slimmer hips and legs. Celebrity fashion examples include Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, and Rebel Wilson—all of whom masterfully dress their apple figures.

The key to dressing an apple shape is creating vertical lines, defining the smallest part of your torso, and showcasing your legs—one of your best assets.

Best Dress Styles for Apple Shapes

1. Empire Waist Dresses

Empire waist dresses are a game-changer for apple shapes. The seam sits just below the bust—typically the narrowest part of an apple body—creating a defined high waistline before flowing gently over the midsection.

Fashion expert Trinny Woodall notes, "Empire lines are incredibly forgiving—they give you a waist where you might not naturally have one and skim over the tummy beautifully."

Look for empire dresses in flowing fabrics like chiffon, jersey, or silk blends. Avoid stiff materials that might add bulk.

2. Wrap Dresses

The iconic wrap dress—popularized by Diane von Furstenberg—is universally flattering but particularly excellent for apple shapes. The V-neckline elongates the torso, while the adjustable wrap tie allows you to cinch at your narrowest point.

The diagonal lines created by the wrap detail draw the eye across the body rather than straight down, creating a slimming optical illusion. Choose wrap dresses in medium-weight fabrics with a bit of stretch for the most flattering fit.

3. A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are apple-shape essentials. They're fitted at the top and gradually widen toward the hem, creating a balanced silhouette that doesn't cling to the midsection.

According to image consultant Gabrielle Arruda, "A-line cuts are perfect because they create movement away from the center, balancing wider shoulders and fuller middles with a gentle flare."

Opt for A-line dresses that hit just above the knee to show off your legs—often an apple shape's most slender feature.

4. Shirt Dresses

Shirt dresses offer versatility and structure. The button-front creates a vertical line that elongates the torso, while the collar frames the face and draws attention upward.

Choose shirt dresses with a defined waist—either built-in or added with a belt at your natural waist or just above. Leave the top few buttons undone to create a flattering V-neckline. Look for styles in crisp cotton, chambray, or lightweight linen.

Necklines That Flatter Apple Shapes

The right neckline can make or break a dress for apple bodies. Here's what works best:

**V-Necklines:** Create vertical lines that elongate the neck and draw the eye downward, making the torso appear longer and leaner.

**Scoop Necks:** Show off your décolletage while providing a flattering frame for the face.

**Sweetheart Necklines:** Balance a fuller bust while creating an elegant, feminine line.

**Avoid:** High crew necks and turtlenecks, which can make the torso appear shorter and wider.

Fabric Choices Matter

The fabric you choose is just as important as the silhouette. Fabric texture affects how a dress drapes and how your body appears.

**Best fabrics:**

• Jersey knit: Has natural stretch and drapes beautifully without clinging
• Chiffon: Light and flowing, creates elegant movement
• Silk or satin: Skims over curves with a luxurious drape
• Ponte: Structured but forgiving, holds shape well
• Modal blends: Soft, breathable, and naturally flowing

**Avoid:** Stiff fabrics like heavy cotton, thick knits, or anything with excessive embellishment around the midsection.

Occasion-Specific Dress Picks

Work Dresses

For the office, opt for structured yet comfortable styles:

• **Tailored shirt dresses** in solid colors or subtle prints
• **Ponte A-line dresses** with three-quarter sleeves
• **Wrap dresses in professional fabrics** like crepe or matte jersey

Pair with a structured blazer that hits at the hip to create definition and elongate the torso.

Date Night Dresses

For romantic evenings, embrace feminine details:

• **Wrap dresses with flutter sleeves** in jewel tones or rich prints
• **Empire-waist midi dresses** in flowing fabrics
• **A-line dresses with sweetheart necklines**—perfect for showing off your décolletage

Add heels to elongate your legs even further and create a stunning overall silhouette.

Casual Weekend Dresses

Comfort meets style in these relaxed options:

• **T-shirt dresses with a defined waist**—add a belt for structure
• **Jersey wrap dresses** in fun prints or solid basics
• **Shirt dresses in chambray or cotton**—roll up the sleeves for a casual vibe

Style with sneakers or flat sandals for effortless weekend chic.

Wedding Guest Dresses

Make a statement at weddings with these elegant choices:

• **Flowing chiffon empire-waist maxi dresses**—ethereal and romantic
• **Sophisticated wrap dresses in luxe fabrics** like silk or satin
• **A-line cocktail dresses with embellished necklines**—draws the eye up and away from the midsection

Choose rich colors or elegant patterns, and accessorize with statement jewelry to complete the look.

Styling Tips to Enhance Your Look

Beyond choosing the right dress, these styling tricks will maximize your apple-shape assets:

**1. Strategic Layering:** Add a long cardigan or duster coat to create vertical lines that elongate your frame.

**2. Monochromatic Dressing:** Wearing one color from head to toe creates an unbroken vertical line—incredibly slimming.

**3. Show Off Your Legs:** Don't be afraid of above-knee hemlines. Your legs are likely one of your best features!

**4. Add Definition with Belts:** If a dress lacks structure, add a belt at the narrowest part of your torso (typically just under the bust or at your natural waist).

**5. Vertical Details:** Look for dresses with vertical seams, button fronts, or stripe patterns that draw the eye up and down rather than side to side.

What to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what works is understanding what doesn't:

• **Clingy fabrics:** Bodycon dresses or anything too tight around the middle
• **Drop-waist styles:** These add bulk and shorten the torso
• **Horizontal stripes across the midsection:** They widen the area you want to minimize
• **Excessive detailing at the waist:** Ruffles, bows, or embellishments draw attention where you don't want it
• **Shapeless shift dresses:** Without definition, they can make you look larger overall

Finding Your Perfect Dress with LOOQS

Shopping for the perfect dress can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find styles that flatter your specific body type. That's where LOOQS comes in.

LOOQS uses AI-powered technology to help you discover dresses that complement your apple body shape. Simply upload a photo or enter your measurements, and get personalized recommendations for empire waist, wrap, A-line, and shirt dresses that will make you look and feel amazing.

Whether you're searching for workwear, date-night glamour, casual weekend comfort, or wedding guest elegance, LOOQS filters through thousands of options to show you only the styles that will truly flatter your figure.

Ready to transform your dress shopping experience? Try LOOQS today and discover dresses that celebrate your beautiful apple-shaped body!