How to Dress an Apple Body Shape Over 50
Understanding and knowing the most flattering way to dress your body shape is an important tool to help you look your best. Fashion is a personal choice and way of expressing herself that every woman should feel empowered to make. These suggestions are not meant to imply that one body type is preferable to another because there is no “perfect” shape. If this is your silhouette, and you want to dress in a way that adds balance to your silhouette, here’s how to dress an apple body shape over 50. I’m not a fan of using fruit names to describe silhouettes, but it’s commonly understood, so here we go.
Apple Body Shape Characteristics
- no defined waistline
- you tend to gain weight around the midsection
- your shoulders and hips are relatively balanced
- you can appear top heavy
- often have a shorter torso
- slim legs and flat backside
- average to large bust
- upper back and ribcage appear wide
Apple body shapes differ from the inverted triangle silhouette by the shoulder width. Both have a wide upper body, but inverted triangles have noticeably wider shoulders and narrow hips. It’s important to note that apple body shapes come in all sizes and are not all plus-sized. Menopause causes many women’s waistlines to get thicker (I know mine sure has), so you may benefit from some of these styling tips to balance the shape of the apple body type.
How to Dress an Apple Body Type
If your goal is to highlight your best assets and downplay your least favorite, read on for a few styling ideas to help visually balance your proportions. This means de-emphasizing your mid-section and avoiding any unnecessary bulk for the apple shape. Avoid extraneous details from your hips to your bust because they draw attention to your midsection. Adding fullness and curves to your bottom half helps balance your midsection.
Column of color dressing is especially flattering on an apple-shaped body. Avoid horizontal stripes in tops and jackets, which make you look wider. Your legs are often fabulous, so consider skirts.
Skirt Styles for Apple Figures
A-line and full skirts that don’t cling are very flattering. Asymmetrical, softly structured, and wrap skirts also work well. Avoid tiers, ruffles, and gathered skirts which add fullness around the waist. Knee length is universally flattering.
Best Tops for Apple Body Shapes
Baggy, shapeless clothing that covers everything tends to make you look larger. There’s no need to hide your beautiful body! Instead, opt for clothes in slightly structured, soft fabric that doesn’t add excess bulk around your tummy area. Avoid clingy tops which accentuate your midriff. Choose tops that skim in lightly textured or patterned fabrics that help downplay a larger tummy. Straight, trapeze, a-line, swing, wrap, and tunic tops are your friends. Fit and flare and peplum tops give the illusion of a waist and are also a great option. Tucking in your top draws attention to your waistline. Instead, aim for tops that end below your hip line.
Best Necklines For Apple Shape
Scoop and deep V-necks are great for you because they elongate the look of your torso and draw attention to your face. Be aware that high, narrow, and turtle necklines will make your bustline look larger. A low v-neckline can be your most flattering. Look for embellishments around the neckline that draw the eye to your pretty face.
Not an apple? Read The Best Neckline For Your Face and Body.
Jeans and Trousers for Apple-Shaped Bodies
Look for bootcut, wide-leg, or flare legs that add balance to your wider torso. Skinny jeans or pants do highlight your fabulous legs, but they also make your torso look larger by comparison. Look for pants with a side zip or flat front. Pleats and visible gathers add extra bulk around the midsection, which is the opposite of what you need to balance your proportions. Wide-leg flowy pants are fabulous on the apple body shape.
To create visual balance with the apple silhouette, aim to draw attention away from the widest part of your belly. Belts can be tricky because they visually draw the eye so opt for ones that match your pants or dark shades which visually recede.
Jackets and Coat Shapes for Apple Body
Single-breasted jackets and coats are best on apple shapes. Avoid double-breasted and wrap coats that have an extra layer of fabric and add unnecessary bulk to the tummy area. Belted coats are also not your friend.
Softly structured jackets that are worn open, conceal the sides of your torso, making it appear slimmer. Avoid puffer jackets and vests or the quilted look.
General Guidelines
All women benefit from wearing a properly fitting bra, but even more so for apple body types who have a full bust. An uplifting bra will provide a space between the bottom of your bust and tummy, which looks slimmer than one solid midsection. Many of you had some great bra recommendations, so I’ll be sharing a round-up soon. Eye-catching accessories will draw the eye to your best features. Scarves, necklaces, and earrings are great for drawing attention to your face.
These proportion ideas can be helpful for many body shapes, so if you want to detract attention from your mid-section, these will work for you too.
Are you an apple body shape? Please share in the comments what you like to wear to flatter your shape.
I’m 74, 5.3, 145 lbs and have the large breasts, short waist and great, slim legs. I love dressing nicely and dressing up. After a variety of surgeries over the past few years I decided to ditch bras in favor of Honeylove’s Crossover Cami. What a difference in my comfort, look and how my clothes fit me. I wish I tried this years ago. I used to be a Talbots only shopper when I was working, transitioned to JJill after retirement/pandemic era and now I’m enjoying Chico’s and Ann Taylor Weekend styles.
Thanks Paulette.
The explanations of what an Apple shape is was very helpful. But I was very disappointed in the pictures. The models have no apparent apple shape and are very thin. Please give more real to life example if you can. 🙂
Another Apple Body here … a young 71, 5.3, with a Winter complexion/hair. When working, I was the queen of Talbots skirts, with mainly black or navy tops to minimize my large bust and give the illusion of a longer waistline.
I retired in January right before the pandemic and became a big fan of JJill’s comfortable and casual styles, but I do still shop at Talbots and Chicos occasionally.
My question is about bags for Apple bodies. I always carried a small Coach tote style bag, large enough to slip in a folder. Once the pandemic hit, I was retired so I started using my small’ish Coach crossbody bag that I bought for traveling, and never stopped using a crossbody bag.
I just read that crossbody bags are a no-no for apple bodies. How can we make that work for us when shopping and traveling as crossbody is best for security and for shoulder health.
That is a challenge because waist packs are also awkward. When traveling, I think all bets should be off for comfort and safety of our possessions.
I was an inverted triangle but at 66 looking more apple shaped. I’m only 5’1″ and like drop waisted dresses and skirts. Question: I tend to buy pants that are tapered and can tuck into boots, esp winter time. Elasticized ankles or ski-loop pants too. But is this always wrong because look is ‘unbalanced’? As a nurse, uniform pants with bottom draw strings, as I have short legs.
You would have better balance with a straight or wider leg.
As an “apple” I’m enjoying Chicos Juliet ponte knit elastic waist pants. They are comfortable when sitting down and eliminates the saggy butt when standing up. I’m also a fan of Wacoal bras- they are expensive but last for years.
Dear Jennifer
I look forward to reading your posts every morning and appreciate the range of topics that you cover.
I found the article on dressing to compliment your body shape very helpful.
I also ordered the wooden yarn holder/spinner that you recommended awhile back and just love it!
Thank you!
Peggy
Aren’t the holders nice?? I love mine.
I’m a 5’4” apple and really like Talbot’s Hampshire ankle pants. They aren’t too baggy in the leg.
This has been so informative to me. I never really considered my “shape” but since menopause (I’m 67), my weight has stayed the same but my bra cup size has changed immensely, so I have become an apple. I also shop at Talbot’s and JJill, now I know why.
This past winter Ann Taylor carried a few really long cardigan’s and I bought two. They really smooth out my look. I usually wear a turtleneck under or a crew neck. I do not wear blazers anymore. Thank you for your thought provoking information! I appreciate it!
I’m glad this was helpful!
Great post! As we age, we have to not only be mindful of trends – but what shape our bodies are now too…tricky to do when shopping I know! The current styles out seasonly and especially on the mannequins…always look tempting to try on till we go into the dressing room, haha! Then massive disappointment…Knowing what styles look best on our bodies ahead of time and then sticking to those guidelines…save us a lot of headaches as we shop the fashions out now for the changing seasons. Excited to read more about all the other body types too! Always helpful when we gals shop with our girlfriends. Thx…☺️
It can save a lot of time knowing what shapes to look for but when the brands aren’t making many of them it is a challenge.
Thank you Jennifer for this comprehensive article on dressing the apple body shape. Your insight, explanation and info on how to dress this body shape is excellent. I truly hope you will follow this article with future ones on all of the different body shapes. Understanding what your shape is , is only part of the equation. Learning how to dress in the most flattering clothing for you
Is important . Your explanation of why something works or does not work
Is excellent. Karen
I echo all the women who have posted. Thank you. I agree with most that finding pants is the hardest thing. I have the apple shape, 5´ tall, flat behind, but also the hanging apron from C-sections and huge weightloss. Finding pants that fit is exhausting. I like the wide selection of samples that you show as I sticks to the three or four places/brands that I know fit; so my wardrobe tends to be monotonous. Regarding bras – I have Wacoal for almost 15 years and it is well worth chasing sales, scouring racks at places like Nordstrom Rack. The bras offer incredible support, last a couple of years, but are expensive. There are a lot of styles, some are fabulous for me and others that don´t quite do it. Thank you.
I’m an apple and I really appreciate your suggestions. I’ve struggled to find pants that fit in the waist and don’t bag in the behind. I’ve bounced around with different pant styles, but now I plan on focusing on boot cut. I’ve been a fan of V-necks for years and now I know why.
I think I am an apple shape, as I don’t really have a defined waist, larger bust, very short waisted, long (nice) legs. I cannot wear skirts at all (due to my high waist) and dresses that have a “waist/belt” do not work since they fall in the wrong place for me. I also cannot wear button down shirts at all as they pull. I cannot wear blazers at all.
I do still wear skinny jeans, which I think look good on me if they are mid rise. I also wear flare and straight jeans. In the warmer months shorts and either t-shirts (not crew neck) or tank tops.
I went to Soma for a real bra fitting (first time in my life, and I am 68!) I bought a couple of new bras. They are more comfortable than before, but I don’t think any bras are really comfortable.
From the comments it seems that most of us are a bit of one shape and a bit of another. Certainly makes dressing more difficult haha!
I love this post, Jennifer! I’m an apple who didn’t use to be an apple, so it’s so helpful to read your analysis and recommendations. Some of them I’ve come to on my own, but the one about skinny pants is great. I love v-neck tops and now I know why! Thanks so much for your helpful advice. I always look forward to your informative and enlightening posts.
I’m using some of these too b ecause my extra weight has gone right around my mid section.
Great advice. I’m 5’3″ and the COVID 9 pounds I’ve gained have all gone to my mid section. Broad shoulders, large chest, short waisted, strong legs. I particularly love peplum tops, as long as they end mid-hip and aren’t tunic length. They are almost impossible to find. I live in Lands End starfish slim leg pants–stretchy, not leggings, extremely comfortable. Lots of navy, less black. Talbots also has great pants in their T collection. Also recommend T collection for casual tops. I like an interesting print on top with a finished bottom that doesn’t look sloppy untucked. It needs to fit perfectly to skim the waist and not be too long. No tucking in shirts for me any more. I love vests for outerwear, as they add a subtle waist definition.
I love the T Talbots line, The fabrics are fantastic!
Hi Jane, I love the Starfish slim leg pants as well, also the T by Talbots. Ditto about those Covid pounds. I’m working to shrink that apple, but know it won’t go away completely. Love Jennifer’s article today! 😊