How to Dress for Your Body Type Part 1 of 4

Apple Body Shape

As an Apple, you have soft feminine curves and a much-envied bustline–not to mention great legs! That’s why you want to draw attention toward those A-plus attributes. To do that, choose simply designed clothing that visually lengthens and elongates your generously rounded torso to give you the appearance of a slimmer figure.

  • Full face and neck
  • Broad shoulders and upper arms
  • Full, shapely bust
  • Soft, full and undefined waist
  • Narrow hips and thighs
  • Flat derriere
  • Shapely legs
  • Tendency to wear weight in the midsection

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You’re The Top

Wrap-around and fitted tops look great on you, as do color-block blouses and dresses that give you the illusion of an hourglass figure. Blouses with an empire or cinched waistline are also flattering, as are V-shaped, scooped-neck and sweetheart necklines that focus on your lovely bust line.

Choose darker colored tops to minimize your tummy width. If you insist on tops with pattern, choose those that are darker around the midsection to divert attention away from your middle. And get thee to a consignment shop with any ribbed or cable knit sweaters or those with turtlenecks, boat necks or crewneck lines that visually increase your bust size.

All items are from Nordstroms.com

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As for jackets, try a camisole or tank top paired with a matching or belted jacket to create the illusion of a smaller waist and slimmer tummy. All jackets should fall below the waist or to mid-thigh, never at the widest part of your hips, and they should be worn open to create a beautiful vertical silhouette.

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Skirting The Issue

Play up your great legs with A-line skirts, tulip skirts or short skirts that are at least 1 to 5 inches above the knee, fitted at the waist and flare toward the hemline–all provide a visual waistline. And soft textured materials like chiffon and silk are ideal for a feminine silhouette.

Dresses and tops should have strategic gathers under the bust to direct eyes to your waist. Avoid baggy shapes and those with shoulder pads or puffy sleeves that visually increase your shoulder and arm size. And stay away from bold patterns, large checks and light colors above your waist.

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Bottoms Up

Boost your bootie with jeans or pants that have a flat front and a rise slightly lower than your natural waist. In jeans, look for a light wash color in a boot cut or flared leg style-no tapered legs–with back pocket flaps to give your derriere some curve and give you a longer, leaner look. Too-tight pants and jeans or those with a pleated front will add inches to your tummy. And high waisted pants will throw your figure out of proportion.

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Stepping Out
And you can, in style! Chunky-heeled shoes, wedges and sleek shoes with thick heels are ideal, as they help balance your figure. If you are a shorter Apple, pointed-toe shoes will give you a long, leaner appearance.

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Stay Tuned 

If your body shape resembles a Pear, Rectangle or Hourglass, stay tuned for next week’s newsletter when we’ll share the most flattering wardrobe tips to help you sharpen up your shape.

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