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 ā¦
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 š ?
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. Iām 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.
You look absolutely gorgeous as always, Janet x
Nawww Renee you are a sweetie! x
Looking good Janet! I agree, we all need to dress for our shape, and mine has certainly changed a bit in recent years (a bit of apple has crept in to replace the waistline – eek!). I find wearing well cut fabrics very flattering, particularly those which gather to the side at the waist. As I’m a little short, wearing the same colour/pattern top and bottom – or a dress – is also flattering. Wear what works for your figure and you’ll feel great! š
Exactly! And as my mate Nikki at Styling You always says – if you don’t LOVE it (on you), DON’T buy it!
I am a huge off the shoulder girl. It reminds of when i was younger and makes me feel more attractive. Love the jacket in pic 2
I wasn’t sure at first but when I actually tried it on, I loved it! And would you believe the jacket only cost me a couple of bucks at the op shop?! š
You provide such great advice and back it up with proof! Go girl! Denyse x
Great tips Janet.
I’m not an apple shape. I’m not really sure what I am to be honest. More pear than anything else, but I don’t have the small shoulders and narrow back of a lot of pear shapers. I honestly hate shopping these days. I can never find things I like.
I would say you are a perfect shape, don’t need to worry about any of this! xxx
Thanks for the tips! I’m always struggling as an apple. I’ll refer back often.
Happy to help! I’ve learned to accept that I will always be an apple shape, so instead of whinging about it, I’m going to embrace it and pass on my hard won experience!
Janet, you’ve just become my style guru!! I am old enough to accept that my apple shape is here to stay as well. I’ve just turned 60 and do not want to be invisible (or sloppy) and find your posts very helpful. You look great!!