How to Dress an Apple-Shaped Figure

culled from:http://fashion.about.com

 

Do you have an apple-shaped figure? The apple shape is round in the torso with a thick middle and has smaller legs and arms. 

When it comes to finding clothing for your body shape, this is one of the more difficult shapes to flatter. Looks that are too voluminous will only make you look rounder, while clothing that is too tight won't flatter you either.
The goal is to use clothing and accessories to balance out the proportions of your body.
If this is your shape, you can still dress for body type, by following a few tips:

• Create the illusion of a waist. Opt for visual illusion of a waist. You can do this either by choosing a style with a set-in waist, by adding a belt or looking for some sort of styling element -- such as beading or tucks at the waistline -- to create more of an hourglass look and make the waist look smaller. Melissa McCarthy's black banding at the waistline (see photo) is a great example of how to make this visual element work for apple-shaped figures.
• Raise the waistline. An empire waist hits higher on the figure and creates a longer, leaner line in the torso. It also hits at a smaller area — right below the bust — for a slimmer look. The trick to doing this without making it look like a maternity look is to choose a raised-waist style that is sleek, not full, below the empire waist.
• Wear the full-over-slim look, with caution. When you are already larger in the torso, the last thing you want to do is exaggerate that with a full tunic over leggings. Instead try a look that has slim — but not skin-tight — bottoms. You can visually balance a tunic look by choosing white or bright bottoms that are bold enough to be in proportion to the tunic.
• Show some skin. Fight the urge to cover up every inch because showing skin can be very flattering. Try a cold-shoulder silhouette or wear a skirt to show your legs. Don't be afraid to wear sleeveless, even if your arms aren't perfect.
• Try a neckline that visually elongates. A V-neck top is flattering for the apple-shaped figure. A deep U-shaped neckline can also be flattering -- the idea is to choose a neckline with a vertical element to keep the eye traveling up and down -- instead of horizontally -- to make you look taller and slimmer. 
• Use a wrap silhouette. A wrap dress is ideal because it accomplishes two things: a v-neck and an illusion of a waist.
• Look for tailored pieces. Fight the urge to always dress in soft, flowing pieces. A tailored jacket, pant or even a shirt with some structure can add the elements to balance out your figure.
• Choose mid-rise jeans. A mid-rise jean will provide plenty of coverage in the rear; low-cut jeans will make a heavy middle spill over the top.
• Opt for face-framing features. Whether it's a draped neckline or dangling earrings, seek out looks that bring the focus up to your face.
• Don't be afraid of prints. Bold florals or strong geometric prints can be a great figure camouflage. The trick is to choose prints with minimum background showing (the more spacing between the print, the larger it will make you look.
• Add a strong vertical element. Whether it's a dangling scarf or a long duster jacket worn open over pants and a top, a single strong vertical element creates a much more streamlined silhouette.
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