Dressing to Suit an Apple Shape

It’s quite common for middle aged women to develop a bit of an apple shape.

As we get older, we tend to become less active, and accumulate more fat around our middles. Added to this is the fact that we tend to gain weight a lot more easily once we reach menopause.

In an ideal world, yes, it would be best if we managed to trim down our tummies – and not just to look good. Visceral fat – the fat around our middles – is linked to heart disease, cancer, stroke, arthritis and type 2 diabetes, to name just a few.

While losing weight (especially from our middles) is a worthy goal, I know from my own “on again, off again” flirtations with exercise and healthy eating, that the reality is: my apple shape is here to stay.

I’m all about “fashion from the real world” – and that includes dressing to suit the body you have RIGHT NOW – even if you are carrying a bit too much around your tum.

So without further ado, here are my tried and true tips, to help you disguise your belly and highlight the rest of your gorgeous self!

Tips for Dressing to Suit an Apple Shape

1 – Draw attention away from your problem area and focus on the bits you DO like – perhaps with a a statement necklace, or by draping a scarf around your neck. Or if you have shapely legs, find a skirt length that suits you – on the knee or above, and WORK IT BABY!

2 – Avoid long, full, gathered or tiered skirts (eg peasant styled). It doesn’t matter how “on trend” they are, they will just make an apple shape look dumpy.

3 – Don’t waist (ha ha) waste your money on belts. You do NOT want to draw attention to your tummy area. Ever.

4 – Empire line dresses and tops can be an apple shape’s best friend, but a word of caution: if not cut properly, they will just make you look pregnant. And nobody likes to be asked when they are due, especially if baby was born nearly twenty years ago …

5 – When it comes to swimsuits, tankinis rule. I look and feel so bloated if I try on a one piece! If you are feeling brave, why not try a bikini 😉 ?

6 – Ruching can help disguise your problem belly. It’s not your tummy – it’s the fabric! Right?!

7 – It’s a fact – darker colours are more slimming. I recently tried on the exact same dress in two different fabrics. One was in a white and pastel print; the other (pictured below) was white with splashes of darker colour. The pastel version drew attention to my tubby tummy, whereas the darker one disguised it and was much more flattering. I was amazed at the difference it made!

8 – Avoid cheap, thin, stretch fabrics – the ones that cling to every lump and bump. With a bit of practice you’ll soon be able to identify them easily, and won’t even bother trying them on. Rather, you are looking for garments that skim and highlight your body.

9 – Finding the right jeans is important – because not only will they flatter your figure, they’ll be much more comfortable to wear. Check out my guide to some of the best jeans for an apple shape.

10 – Fit and flare is your friend. Take a look below, at how a fit and flare dress (sometimes called a skater dress) can flatter your figure (I’m getting carried away with alliteration!).

11 – Off the shoulder – which is a huge trend right now – and halter necks also seem to work magic on your figure, drawing the eye away from your waistline (or lack of it).

12 – And finally – stand up straight! Good posture does wonders for your figure, especially a problem tummy area. I’m not so good at practising what I preach, but I will keep trying! The benefits are worth it.

Do you have any other tried and true tips for dressing to suit an apple shape?

Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT.