12 best dresses for apple shapes: make the most of your figure with these flattering outfits
CALLING all apples: we've picked out this season's best dresses for apple shapes that will maximise your figure and fit perfectly.
If you're an apple shape, finding the right clothing to enhance your figure can certainly throw a few sartorial curveballs. However, once you know the tips and tricks of what silhouettes work best for you and how to balance your frame, finding the best dresses for apple shapes is easy.
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What is an apple shape?
If you're an apple, you'll typically have a larger bust and fuller midsection, along with slender legs and narrow hips. In clothing terms, this means you may look for dresses that add definition to your waistline, while showing off your favourite features like your legs.
Meet your new style heroes here...
1. Best wrap dress for apple shapes: Mango Print Wrap Dress
- Print Wrap Dress, £59.99 from Mango -
You just can't beat a printed wrap dress for smarter occasions, and this slinky frock by Mango is sure to become a go-to in your wardrobe.
The wrap shape helps to balance your shoulders by nipping in at the waist with a belt and creating a deep V neckline, which draws the eye in and creates a more accentuated waistline. Clever!
Part of Mango's party and events collection, it'll look just as great layered over a roll-neck jumper and worn with knee-high boots for a chic and cosy daytime look.
2. Best little black dress for apple shapes: Friends Like These Lace Yoke Mini Long Sleeve Dress
- Friends Like These Lace Yoke Mini Long Sleeve Dress, £38 from Next -
The little black dress: every woman should own one.
A wardrobe staple for all shapes and sizes, an LBD is a great wardrobe investment. You can rely on this classic dress to last the long haul in your wardrobe.
This one by Friends Like These is perfect for a night out with the girls. Just throw on a blazer and wear it to work beforehand.
The lace overlay and sleeves draw the eye upwards – exactly where apple shapes want it.
3. Best mini dress for apple shapes: & Other Stories's Kimono Wrap Mini Dress
- Kimono Wrap Mini Dress, now £34 (was £75) at & Other Stories -
Kimono sleeves are having a major moment - but apple shapes should make sure they have a few kimono-sleeved garments all the time.
This dress from & Other Stories does work or weekend, with the exuberant sleeve shape helping to balance out an apple figure (the belted waist is flattering too, as is the deep-V neckline).
Add an ankle boot or sandals.
4. Best retro-style dress for apple shapes: Collectif's Dolores Doll Dress
- Collectif Dolores Doll dress, from £69.99 at Collectif -
Drawing attention to your decolletage is a great way of diverting attention from your middle section.
This V-neck, off-shoulder dress from Collectif does exactly that, and it's in a super-flattering 50s shape.
We love the polka dots and the full skirt. We can see this looking as just as good with heels as it does with a denim jacket.
5. Best blazer-style dress for apple shapes: PrettyLittleThing's Blue Gold Button Blazer Dress
- Blue Gold Button Blazer Dress, now £24.70 (was £38) at PrettyLittleThing -
Did you know that Meghan Markle is an apple shape?
Women as slender as the Duchess of Sussex can be apples – it’s about shape, not weight.
The royal knows how to maximise her figure and often turns to blazer dresses.
This one by PrettyLittleThing is perfect because it’ll skim over the mid-section with its gold button detailing but won’t drown out the figure.
The mini silhouette draws attention to an apple's long, slender legs.
You ideally want to take control and define your apple shape in the way you decide; not cover it up.
6. Best 2-in-1 dress for apple shapes: Closet London Blue 2-In-1 Pencil Dress
- Blue 2-In-1 Pencil Dress, £75 at Closet London -
One of Meghan Markle's signature silhouettes is the pencil skirt with knitted top or blouse – and it flatters her every curve.
Make like Meghan in this 2-in-1 dress from Closet London, which is incredibly versatile, and features a stylish jacquard tie skirt and gently flared sleeves: wear it to work and then add some big earrings and a clutch for evening.
7. Best shirt dress for apple shapes: Hush Evana Shirt Dress
- Evana shirt dress, £99 from Hush -
A shirt dress is one of those smart wardrobe must-haves that will take you from the office to dinner.
This leopard print Hush number, however, is a cut above: pair with strappy stiletto sandals or wear it with chunky boots.
With a detachable belt and blouson sleeves, it's a bold take on utilitarian.
8. Best workwear dress for apple shapes: Ted Baker Elynah Asymmetric Peplum Tailored Dress
- Elynah Asymmetric Peplum Tailored Dress, £175 from Ted Baker -
This smart workwear dress is comfortable and flattering, thanks to little details.
The asymmetric peplum waist, short sleeves and tailoring all work to flatter your midsection.
Plus in chic navy, it can be worn with different colours, accessories and layers for a completely different look each time.
9. Best knitted dress: Noisy May Pale Grey Knit High Neck Belted Mini Dress
- Noisy May Pale Grey Knit High Neck Belted Mini Dress, £24 from New Look -
In the colder months, you can't go wrong with having a selection of knitted dresses to wear on rotation – they're an essential whether for work or the weekend.
This mini dress by Noisy May will look ultra stylish on wintry days teamed with tights and boots, while the belted fit-and-flare shape will add proportion to your silhouette. Win-win!
10. Best party dress: New Look Dark Green Sequin Collared Long Sleeve Mini Wrap Dress
Dark Green Sequin Collared Long Sleeve Mini Wrap Dress, £35.99 from New Look -
Party season is upon us, and who can resist the temptation of sequins?
This New Look dress comes in a range of hues, but we're loving this sultry dark green hue which feels decadent and festive all at once.
With a collared neckline and long sleeves, it's perfect for showing off your legs, while the wrap front is perfect for enhancing your waist.
11. Best long dress: Dorothy Perkins Floral Belted Midi Dress
Floral Belted Midi Dress, now £40.50 (was £45) from Dorothy Perkins -
Apple shapes can totally rock a longer-length dress: especially belted designs like this Dorothy Perkins number, which is great for accentuating your waistline.
Part of Kimberley Walsh's edit for the brand, the floral print is bold, statement and sure to add some pizazz to your wardrobe.
Team with ankle boots and a faux fur coat for autumn/winter perfection.
12. Best for layering: Dorothy Perkins Pu Trim Detail Ponte A-Line Dress
- Pu Trim Detail Ponte A-Line Dress, now £55.20 (was £69) from Oasis -
A-line shapes like this mini from Oasis are ideal for channelling a retro 60s vibe, which always looks cool and effortless.
In classic black, it's all about the leather-look trim on this frock: it adds plenty of edge and attitude, along with the exposed zip detail on the back.
Team with a striped roll-neck jumper and loafers for your best beatnik look.
What style dress looks best on apple shape?
The first step to finding your perfect outfit is figuring out your body type. Apple and pear shapes may seem similar, but there are a few key differences.
Apple shapes will tend to carry their weight around their middle, with broad shoulders and a big bust, but in contrast, their arms and legs will be slender.
Pear shapes hold more weight at their hips instead of the waist and tend to be smaller up top.
Can apple shapes wear jumpsuits?
Yes, absolutely! The key to dressing for all shapes is if it makes you feel amazing: wear it. For a more defined waistline, try a jumpsuit that nips in at the waist rather than drapes over it.
Are wrap dresses good for apple shapes?
Apple shapes love a defined waist, and a wrap dress is a perfect way to flatter your figure.
So, if you're looking to flaunt your shape and feel fabulous, check out our selection above, as we've put together the ONLY list of dresses you'll need to own your apple shape.