How To Dress Apple Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

How To Dress Apple Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

The Apple body shape is also commonly called the round body shape or the O-shaped body.

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Apple Body Shape Characteristics

  • Disproportionate body shape
  • Wider top body half than the bottom half
  • Fuller midsection, lack of waist
  • Smaller hips and thighs
  • Slender legs and ankles

If you carry most of the weight in your midsection, and your waist is wider than your hips and bust, you likely have an Apple Body Shape.

Since the midsection carries most of the weight and is fuller than the shoulders and hips, the lack of a waist is an area of concern.

If you have this body type and are willing to create a better proportion, aim to create the illusion that you have a waist.

Clothes That Flatter An Apple Body Shape The Most

Underwear & Shapewear

A good push-up bra will help to lift a bust and create a separation between the bust and midsection. Invest in good waist shapewear. This will help cinch and minimize the midsection.

Tops

As apple-shaped women commonly have a curve on the top and a lack of a curve below the hipline and have no waist, it is best to create the illusion of a waist.

To achieve that, the best is to choose soft and light material fabrics so they don’t add bulk to the upper body. Choose tops with no detail around the midsection, straight to slightly fitted cut that will cinch at the smallest part of the waist.

Tops with lower open necklines are the best. Lower scoop V-neck tops are excellent for elongating the neckline and drawing attention away from the midsection. Empire line designs are also great for drawing attention to the bust.

For tops, it’s best to end no lower than at the hip length. Apple body-shaped women typically have beautiful, slender legs. Show off your beautiful features to draw attention from the midsection.

Trousers

This is where this body type women can choose garments with more detail and emphasize those beautiful legs. As the bottom part of the body is less curvy, the best is to select trousers with some embellishments and draw attention away from the midsection. The most flattering apple body shape trousers are wide-legged flat-fronted side fastening designs. They help to avoid extra bulk around the midsection area. The wide-leg designs balance the broader upper and narrower lower parts of the body. They could be low-rise cargo, capri, or cropped designs. These will help emphasize the beautiful legs and slim ankles.

Skirts

Like trousers, choosing low-waisted flat-fronted fastening to the side skirts is the best. Pencil skirts always work well for an apple body shape. Flared, pleated, or swing skirts also look good as they nicely balance the figure.

Dresses

The best dress designs that flatter an apple body shape are empire line, shift, and wrap dresses, which could also work. However, the best is to keep the waist free from details and embellishments, not to add extra bulk.

Again, just as for tops, open necklines are the best. Low scoop, V-necklines will elongate the upper side of the body and steer attention away from the midsection to the bust.

Jackets & Coats

Carefully selected coats and jackets are a great way to disguise the areas of concern. For an apple body shape, it is always best to emphasize the narrowest point of the torso under the bustline. Therefore, the button under the bust, single-breasted, empire line, and tie belt just under the bust wrap designs work particularly well for apple body shape types.

Wear coats and jackets open to elongate the body and get a slimming effect, especially if there is a contrasting color underneath that works well.

Colors, Prints & Patterns

It is great to play with colors, prints, and patterns to help to balance the proportions.

It is best to wear darker colors on the upper body, the darkest tones around the midsection, and brighter shades, prints, and patterns on the lower body. This will help to minimize the upper body, cinch the waist, and emphasize beautiful legs.

Learn more about Wardrobe Color Palette and Personal Style in the articles below:

Footwear

Since an apple body shape typically has slender legs and ankles, a wide variety of footwear could be chosen. Still, wedge or chunky designs are the best to balance out the heavier top.

Accessories

It is best to choose exciting statement pieces to complement decollete and create interest in the bust area, but be careful not to clutter. Apple-body-shaped women often wear open necklines. As the bust is usually open, it already makes interest, so wearing earrings, necklaces, and bracelets could be too much. The best is to wear one or the other so as not to clutter the look.

For example, wearing only longer earrings and a ring or only longer necklaces and a bracelet will be enough to compliment a beautiful bust and add sufficient character to the look.

Tip: The longer earrings or necklaces give the face and bustline a slimming effect.

Best To Avoid For An Apple Body Shape

Avoid high necks and tight-fitted designs as they only accentuate the disproportionate figure.

Avoid any additional detailing around the midsection, such as gatherings, pleats or ruching, embellishments, horizontal prints, and fastening belts at the widest point of the midsection.

Light colors add fullness, so avoid light colors on the upper and midsection areas. 

Avoid high-waisted skirts and trousers designs. They make the midsection look bigger.

Regardless of your body type, remember every shape has its best and less than the best features. No matter what best features one has, we all are beautiful!

Understanding your body shape and choosing clothing that flatters YOUR figure will make you look great, but the most important thing is to wear attire that makes you FEEL good and accentuates YOUR best features.

Examples Of An Apple Body Shape

Visit M·style alley’s Pinterest board to see Apple Body Shape examples:

Apple body shape examples #Apple body shape examples #Apple body shape

Ready To Transform Your Wardrobe?

Dive into the life-changing experience with the UNIQUE YOU Minimalist Wardrobe Planner Workbook. (Re)discover your Style Personality, create a Wardrobe Color Palette, and build a Minimalist or Capsule Wardrobe that reflects YOU. This step-by-step, easy-to-follow workbook is your path to curating an organized and functional wardrobe that will bring joy, peace, and confidence into your daily life!

Wardrobe Planner Workbook #Wardrobe Planner Workbook #WardrobePlannerWorkbook

Start transforming your wardrobe today!

How To Dress Hourglass Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

How To Dress Hourglass Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

The Hourglass Body Shape is also called an ‘X’ shape, ‘Coca-Cola,’ or ‘8’ shape due to its resemblance to the number 8 or the curves of a Coca-Cola bottle.

5 most common Body Shapes for Women Hourglass Body Shape #hourglass body figure, #hourglass body shape

Hourglass Body Shape Characteristics:

  • Proportionate body shape
  • Shoulders and hips are roughly the same width
  • Well-defined, small, often high waist
  • Curvy bust and curvy hips

If you have a well-defined waist and your hips and bust are roughly the same widths, you likely have an Hourglass Body Shape.

Since this body shape is proportionate and has a smaller waist, it is often the most desirable figure women wish for. Women with this body type can wear almost anything, look great, and usually are happy with their figure. Women with an hourglass body shape often are willing to show off their feminine beauty. Therefore, it is expected that they seek to narrow their waist and create curves even more.

However, not everyone is the same. Some women are modest and do not feel that comfortable showing full-on curves.

If you have this body type and are willing to slim down your waist and create curves even more, aim to create the illusion that you have a slimmer waistline, fuller bust, and broader hips.

If you have this body type and are willing to show less of your curves, there is no need to worry about creating the illusion mentioned above. Just aim to wear less fitted clothing.

Clothes That Flatter An Hourglass Body Shape The Most

Underwear & Shapewear

If you are one of those hourglass body shape women who like to accentuate the waist, it is best to choose a good push-up bra and waist shapewear. This will define the waistline and create the illusion of a fuller bust and slimmer waist.

Tops

Following naturally balanced proportions is the best way to dress this body shape. Fitted, belted, or wrap tops that show off the waistline are the best to flatter an hourglass body shape figure, define the waist, and embrace beautiful feminine curves.

Open deep necklines such as a scoop, oval, rounded, jewel, sweetheart, or V-neck will add length to the bust area to accentuate the bust. It is best to unbutton the top when wearing shirts to create a V-neck. It will flatter the neckline more.

Choosing less open necks and semi-fitted tops is best for those who don’t want to show off their bust. Choosing tops that end right at the hipbone is best to soften the curve around the hips.

Trousers

If the goal is to keep body shape balanced, keep trousers harmonized with a top, avoiding creating a disproportion.

Women with hourglass body shapes can wear various designs of trousers: mid-waist loose fit, wide leg, flared, or slightly tapered. High-waisted designs are better for those who have a long waist.

If you prefer to show curves less, choose less fitted designs.

Skirts

Skirts are similar to trousers. Choosing the ones that accentuate the waist without adding heaviness to the bottom and are harmonized with a top is the best. Flat-fronted, pencil, and wrap designs are the best options for hourglass body shape women to flatter curves.

If you prefer to soften the curves, choose less fitted skirt designs.

Dresses

To flatter an hourglass figure, embrace curves with fitted dresses that show off the waistline. It is best to choose styles that define the waist: corset, body-con, wrap, and belted designs are perfect. Avoid choosing too busy garments, as a curvy figure already gives lots of character to the look, and too busy fabrics and patterns could be too rich for this body type.

For those who prefer to show curves less, choosing muted and darker colors for a dress or at least for the upper and lower body is best.

Jackets & Coats

Same with jackets and coats. Anything fitted and belted will work beautifully on an hourglass body shape. Single-breasted, trench, coachmen, and A-line design jackets and coats are the best choices.

Choosing less fitted designs is best for those not keen on showing curves.

Colors, Prints & Patterns

A wide variety of colors is available for an hourglass body shape. There are no restrictions on wearing a color on this well-proportioned figure. Color-blocking will work nicely on this beautiful shape. Play and experiment with which colors you like best.

Learn more about your Color Palette and Personal Style in the articles below:

Footwear

Pointy-toe flats, high heels, or wedges accentuate curves and complement the overall look. They will help elongate the legs and create a more slender appearance, especially if the same footwear color is chosen as the bottoms.

Accessories

Of course, belts are the number one accessories in this category for the hourglass body shape as they define the waist and help to embrace a curvy body shape.

Otherwise, keep the jewelry minimal. It could be too rich for the fuller top part of the body if used too much. If you like, scarves are an excellent option. Wearing a scarf around the neck adds a pop of color or pattern to an outfit and makes it more interesting.

Best To Avoid For An Hourglass Body Shape

Avoid baggy or shapeless clothing that hides beautiful curves.

Avoid low-rise skirts, jeans, and trousers designs. They tend to make hips look more prominent, as well as heavy detailing, embellishments, or side pockets around the hip area. Rich detailing and embellishments are not needed on the top either, as this body shape is beautiful naturally. Extra detail will only add unnecessary bulk to the look.

Regardless of your body type, remember every shape has its best and less than the best features. No matter what best features one has, we all are beautiful!

Understanding your body shape and choosing clothing that flatters YOUR figure will make you look great, but the most important thing is to wear attire that makes you FEEL good and accentuates YOUR best features.

Examples Of An Hourglass Body Shape

Visit M·style alley’s Pinterest board to see Hourglass Body Shape examples:

Hourglass body shape examples #Hourglass body shape examples #Hourglass body shape

Ready To Transform Your Wardrobe?

Dive into the life-changing experience with the UNIQUE YOU Minimalist Wardrobe Planner Workbook. (Re)discover your Style Personality, create a Wardrobe Color Palette, and build a Minimalist or Capsule Wardrobe that reflects YOU. This step-by-step, easy-to-follow workbook is your path to curating an organized and functional wardrobe that will bring joy, peace, and confidence into your daily life!

Wardrobe Planner Workbook #Wardrobe Planner Workbook #WardrobePlannerWorkbook

Start transforming your wardrobe today!

How To Dress Rectangle Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

How To Dress Rectangle Body Shape And Flatter Your Figure

The Rectangle body shape is also called Athletic, Straight, Banana, Square, Slender, or Lean. It may also be called the “H” shape because the shoulders and hips are approximately the same widths, giving the body a straight, rectangular appearance.

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Rectangle Body Shape Characteristics

  • The bust, waist, and shoulders have roughly the same widths
  • Little to no waist definition
  • Straight bust, hips, and bum
  • Minimal curve throughout the body

If you can relate to the characteristics above: your shoulders, waist, and hips are roughly the same width, and you don’t have a well-defined waist, then you likely have a Rectangle Body Shape.

Since the upper and lower parts of the rectangle body shape are well-proportioned and create a balanced silhaouette, the concerned area is typically the waist. Rectangle body shape women often seek to break the rectangular physique and create a curve to narrow and define the waist.

If you have this body type and are willing to create a more defined waistline, aim to create the illusion that you have broader shoulders and hips and a slimmer waist.

Clothes That Flatter A Rectangle Body Shape The Most

Underwear & Shapewear

To create the illusion of a broader upper body part and a slimmer waist, create a volume using a good push-up bra to lift your bust and invest in a good waist shapewear to cinch the waist down.

Tops

The best tops for the rectangle body shape are the ones that cinch in the waist and add volume to the upper and lower body parts. They should finish at the hip level. The peplum tops are a perfect choice! Shirts or loose blouses at the top and bottom also work well when belted, compressing the core.

Details and embellishments on garments add volume to the body shape, so if you want to create a fuller bust and shoulder, consider pieces with a lot of detail at the upper part of the body. Tops with various embellishments, frills, bows, ruffles, pockets at the bust area, pleating, and lace are great for creating a broader upper part illusion. To create the illusion of a smaller waist, ensure these details are at the bust and shoulders level, not at the waist.

Trousers

A rectangle body shape can wear almost any design of trousers, so it all depends on preferences. Many slender-shaped women like adding fullness only at the top. Any slim fit, skinny, straight leg or cigarette designs suit this body type. But if you want to create fullness at the bottom, choose those that add volume to the lower body, such as flared, wider-leg trousers from flowy or pleated, softer fabrics.

Skirts

Just like trousers, rectangle body shape women can wear almost any skirt. It depends on whether they want to define their beautiful figure at the lower part of the body or create a volume. Tight fit, such as pencil skirts, will highlight the figure. Designs like an A-line, tulip, or flared and flowy will create a curve and defined waist.

As mentioned, garment details add volume, so choosing detailed designs like pleated, gathered fabrics in bright colors will add volume to the lower part of the body if that is your intention.

Dresses

To create the illusion of curves, the best is to choose dresses that cinch at the waist and exaggerate the top and bottom parts of the body. Darker colors around the waist or belted dresses will help define the waist. Again, peplum, belted, compressed waist designs are a perfect choice.

For events, empire lines, wrap dresses, and halter necks look fabulous on a rectangle body shape! Styling with prints, florals, and any fluid fabrics like chiffon will add femininity and create the illusion of a curve.

Jackets & Coats

When looking for outerwear, defining the waist is still a priority. So, anything with exaggerated and inflated shoulder embellishments on the bust is an excellent choice.

Tailored double-breasted cuts are the best to broaden shoulders and bust. Anything with pockets, flaps, and exaggerated lapels on or above the bust line will work great. Designs with darts at the waist helps accentuate the feminine shape.

Choose longer jackets and coats. They should end below the waist so as not to reveal core fullness. It’s even better if there is some flare at the hipline. This will add volume to create a curve.

If cuts are not tailored, the best is to use belts to define the waist.

Colors, Prints & Patterns

Since the aim is to cinch the waist, the best is to wear darker colors around it. Anything brighter and lighter in color will add fullness, so for a rectangle body shape, it is best to use lighter colors for the upper and lower body parts.

Using blocks of contrasting colors is also great for breaking up the angular shape.

Prints and patterns are great to add tension and distract from the lack of curves.

While choosing colors and style, never forget your style personality and select items according to your color palette and personal and lifestyle preferences.

Learn more about Wardrobe Color Palette and Style Personalities here:

Footwear

Ballet flats, pointed-toe pumps, strappy sandals, or lace-up boots are good options to complement looks. But generally, with a rectangle body shape women can wear any style of footwear.

Accessories

A belt is the number one accessory for a rectangle body shape. It is suggestible to use belts on any piece of clothing: tops, trousers, skirts, dresses, and even when layering… adding belts to cardigans, jackets, and coats will help cinch the waist.

A character necklace is an excellent choice for accessories such as jewelry. A layering one works very well in particular.

Best To Avoid For A Rectangle Body Shape

For rectangle body shape women, it is best to avoid anything shapeless, baggy, and boxy…

If the intention is not to reveal the lack of curves, avoid cropped tops, jackets, and coats ending above the waist.

Avoid adding anything bulky around the waist, like embellishments, thick fabrics, prints, patterns, or bright colors, as they only add fullness to the waistline.

Avoid tight, slim-fit designs for the bottom part unless the intention is to emphasize the gorgeous bottom figure and legs.

Regardless of your body type, remember every shape has its best and less than the best features. No matter what best features one has, we all are beautiful!

Understanding your body shape and choosing clothing that flatters YOUR figure will make you look great, but the most important thing is to wear attire that makes you FEEL good and accentuates YOUR best features.

Examples Of A Rectangle Body Shape

Visit M·style alley’s Pinterest board to see Rectangle Body Shape examples:

Rectangle body shape examples #rectangle body shape examples #rectangle body shape

Ready To Transform Your Wardrobe?

Dive into the life-changing experience with the UNIQUE YOU Minimalist Wardrobe Planner Workbook. (Re)discover your Style Personality, create a Wardrobe Color Palette, and build a Minimalist or Capsule Wardrobe that reflects YOU. This step-by-step, easy-to-follow workbook is your path to curating an organized and functional wardrobe that will bring joy, peace, and confidence into your daily life!

Wardrobe Planner Workbook #Wardrobe Planner Workbook #WardrobePlannerWorkbook

Start transforming your wardrobe today!

Embracing Versatility: Year-Round Wardrobe vs. Seasonal Wardrobe

Embracing Versatility: Year-Round Wardrobe vs. Seasonal Wardrobe

In the world of fashion, there are two main approaches to how we choose our clothes. The first is to have a year-round wardrobe that is timeless and practical. The second is to have a seasonal wardrobe, which is more dynamic and exciting. Both methods have their own unique benefits and are suited to different lifestyles, climates, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity and versatility of a year-round wardrobe or the novelty and excitement of seasonal updates, it’s important to find the right balance. Let’s explore the world of fashion flexibility and take a closer look at the advantages of each approach.

Understanding the Year-Round Wardrobe

A year-round wardrobe is like a reliable companion that you can count on for its versatility. It consists of essential pieces that are carefully selected for their timeless appeal and ability to transition seamlessly across seasons. The idea is to invest in high-quality basics that form the foundation of your style year after year.

The beauty of a year-round wardrobe lies in its lasting relevance. Instead of following fleeting trends, it prioritizes pieces that can withstand the test of time. From classic denim jeans to crisp white shirts, these essentials serve as the backbone of your wardrobe, allowing you to create countless outfits, regardless of the season.

A major advantage of a year-round wardrobe is its practicality. By focusing on timeless pieces, you can streamline your closet and avoid frequent updates. This not only saves you time and money but also promotes a sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

Furthermore, a year-round wardrobe encourages creativity and versatility in styling. With fewer items to choose from, you are prompted to mix and match in innovative ways, breathing new life into old favorites. It’s about creating a signature style that speaks volumes without saying a word.

Consider a Year-Round Wardrobe if:

  • You are comfortable with the minimalism concept and have no issue with having a small collection of clothes for the whole year.
  • You have already tried a few seasonal/capsule wardrobes that worked well for you. You would like to simplify and have the whole year collection in one place.
  • You have an ample closet where you can fit the whole year-round collection and comfortably have it organized.
  • You want to save time. You’d rather review your wardrobe once a year than quarterly.
  • Your personal style is mostly classic and timeless pieces. Most of the items in your wardrobe suit all seasons of the year.
  • You don’t like shopping and prefer stability. You want reliable, time and quality tested options and don’t mind wearing the same outfit combinations throughout the whole year.
  • You live in a country where the climate is very similar all year round, somewhere that mainly has one or two seasons. Or even the opposite, if you can have “all seasons in one day”, then a year-round wardrobe would suit you perfectly!

In short, ideal for those who like stability and have similar style personalities through all seasons. For those who have ample closets to display the whole year’s collections. It works best in countries with consistent climates.

Embracing the Seasonal Wardrobe

At one end of the spectrum is a year-round wardrobe that remains consistent and doesn’t change much. On the other end is the seasonal wardrobe, which is dynamic and more evolving. It reflects the changing seasons and can accept some new trends and textures.

A seasonal wardrobe is all about adapting and embracing each season’s unique characteristics. You tailor your style to suit the season, from cozy knits and layering pieces in winter to breezy sundresses and sandals in summer. It celebrates diversity and versatility.

One of the most significant advantages of a seasonal wardrobe is its ability to capture the essence of the moment. By embracing seasonal trends and color palettes, you can give your style a fresh and up-to-date flair. It’s a chance to experiment with different looks and express your personality in new ways.

Moreover, a seasonal wardrobe allows for greater flexibility in response to changing weather conditions. While a year-round wardrobe may excel in consistency, it may lack the adaptability needed to navigate extreme temperature fluctuations. With a seasonal approach, you can tailor your wardrobe to meet the specific demands of each season, ensuring both style and comfort year-round.

Consider a Seasonal Wardrobe if:

  • You may be testing the concept of minimalism or feeling uncertain and overwhelmed as a beginner.
  • You have extra storage space and would like to use it to store clothes that are out of season in order to keep your current closet light.
  • You prefer to only keep clothes in your closet that are appropriate for the current season, while the rest are stored away. You value easy access and a spacious, airy feel in your wardrobe to keep it organized.
  • You enjoy refreshing your wardrobe often, having time for wardrobe reviews, and keeping a close eye on your style journey.
  • You enjoy shopping and prefer a varied wardrobe. You like rotating your clothes frequently to reflect the seasons.
  • You love colors and choose to wear different specific colors based on the season.
  • You live in a country where seasons are well-defined.

In short, Seasonal Wardrobe is ideal if you like to review your wardrobe and style regularly and want more seasonal variety. Store out-of-season clothes separately so your closet only has current-season clothing. Perfect for countries with distinct seasons.

Want to downsize your wardrobe but not sure what type of the wardrobe to choose? Check which suits you best?! Here is the post about Year-Round Wardrobe vs Seasonal Wardrobe or Minimalist Wardrobe vs Capsule Wardrobe! #Year-Round Wardrobe vs Seasonal Wardrobe #Minimalist Wardrobe vs Capsule Wardrobe #Year-Round vs Seasonal #Minimalist vs Capsule

Finding Balance: The Best of Both Worlds

In the ongoing debate between having a year-round wardrobe or a seasonal one, there is no one answer that fits all. The key is to find a balance that suits your lifestyle, preferences, and values. While some people may prefer to keep it simple with a year-round wardrobe, others may enjoy the excitement of updating their closets with each changing season.

Neither approach is better than the other. They complement each other in a harmonious fashion ecosystem. It is advisable to adopt a hybrid approach that combines the best of both year-round and seasonal wardrobes. Start with a solid foundation of timeless basics that form the core of your style, then add seasonal updates to keep things fresh and current.

For instance, invest in classic pieces like tailored blazers, versatile trousers, and crisp button-down shirts that can be worn any time of the year. Then, add seasonal accents such as statement outerwear, on-trend accessories, and seasonal prints to inject a touch of seasonal flair into your wardrobe.

By adopting this balanced approach, you can enjoy the timeless elegance of a year-round wardrobe and the excitement of updating your style with each passing season. It is about embracing versatility, intentionality, and joy in every aspect of your wardrobe journey.

Here is an example of my Minimalist Wardrobe. To thrive in Munich’s dynamic climate, I’ve divided my wardrobe into two essential capsules: the Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe and the Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe. These capsules enable me to seamlessly transition through Munich’s changing seasons while allowing me to enjoy different style personalities in each set of seasons.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. We all have different preferences and live in different environments, so what works for one person may not work for another. Take some time to consider your requirements and choose the option that suits you best.

If you prefer a year-round wardrobe, invest in timeless basics that form the foundation of your style and add seasonal updates to keep things interesting. If you prefer seasonal wardrobes, embrace the dynamic allure of changing styles and trends while ensuring they align with your lifestyle and values. Remember, fashion is about self-expression, creativity, and discovery. Whatever your preference, enjoy the journey of curating a wardrobe that speaks to who you are, season after season.