The best dresses for apple-shaped women

Finding your perfect dress can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But knowing your body shape is similar to going into that haystack with a metal detector: it makes your search so much easier! While there are numerous sub-factors—like your height, physical proportions, and skin undertones—that all come into play, knowing your overall body type can help you narrow down the dress lengths, cuts, and features that will help you look your best before you even hit the fitting room. When you’re looking for the best dress for apple-shaped women, Macy’s has you covered.

How to identify an apple-shaped body

Let's take a deeper dive on tips to find the best dress for apple-shaped women. Think of an apple: it shapes at the top before rounding to its widest part and then tapering at the bottom. Like the namesake, women with an apple shape tend to be wider in their midsections while tapering on their upper and lower thirds. Women with this body shape may have broader shoulders, lack a defined waist, and often have narrower hips and slender legs. Knowing how to dress an apple-shaped figure is all about defining the midsection and flattering those narrower thirds.

Dress styles that flatter apple shapes

One of our top fashion tips for apple-shaped women is to shop for dresses that define the waist. You should also look for ways to accentuate your shoulders, neckline, or legs. This can be done through jewelry and accessories, or through the cut of the dress itself. There are a variety of dress styles that naturally complement this body shape, including empire waist dresses, A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and more.

Empire waist dresses

An empire waist dress that cinches right under the bust is a great choice for women with an apple-shaped figure. The dress’s cut naturally defines the waistline, and since many dresses with this cut feature more open necklines, this style draws the eye to the bust, which is often an ideal feature to accentuate on this body type. Since the dress flows out from just above the natural waistline, it defines the waist without emphasizing the middle curve, making it one of our favorite slimming dresses for apple shapes.

A-line dresses

One of the most important keys to dressing an apple-shaped body type is knowing how to balance your proportions with a dress’s features. An A-line dress understands the assignment, cinching in the middle and flaring out to create balance that widens at the top and bottom. Suppose you’re debating between an empire waist vs. A-line for apple-shaped figures. In that case, there is one main difference: while A-line dresses create a more defined silhouette, an empire waist dress tends to work better for romantic, flowy vibes. While both have their place, A-line dresses tend to be a bit more versatile in a wardrobe, easily flexing from work to play.

Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses are among the best waist-defining dresses for apple body shapes. With a simple tie mechanism, you can place the waist wherever it flatters you best and cinch it to exactly your size. Additionally, wrap dresses often feature a V-neck, which draws the eye exactly where it should go for this body type: up. To get the most impact from this type of dress, pay attention to the fabrics and skirt cuts. The best fabrics for apple-shaped body types are those that offer some structure and flow, rather than clinging. For example, avoid thin jersey fabrics, which can hug in an unflattering way. Also, stick to skirts that flare out from the wrap, rather than hugging in like a pencil skirt; the latter will draw the eye away from those narrower thirds.

V-neck & plunging-neckline dresses

The best necklines for apple-shaped women are those that draw the eye to the chest and collarbone. Dresses with plunging necklines and V-necks do this beautifully. Unlike high-neck halters or full-coverage dresses that diminish this body type’s shape, dresses with open necklines draw the eye up to some of the apple shape’s best features. V-neck and plunging necklines are easy to style with statement jewelry as well, further enhancing the style’s impact.

Shift dresses

Shift dresses are a staple in many closets because they’re incredibly versatile. Since they taper in just a bit at the midsection, they check the box on defining a waist but do so without being overly clingy or snug. Shift dresses tend to end just above the knee, which is a great length for apple-shaped figures since it plays up the calves and legs. The one caveat is that, for this dress shape to work, it needs to have an open neckline, like a V-neck or square, rather than a high round neck or boatneck.

Fit-and-flare dresses

Because they taper in at the waist and flare out on both top and bottom, fit-and-flare dresses are fantastic on apple shapes. With the cut naturally bringing balance to the torso, you’re free to play with necklines, lengths, and fabrics. If using this style for a longer dress, opt for something that has a flowy skirt, rather than fabric that hangs or clings. For example, avoid thin jersey that lacks shape and will diminish the fit-and-flare dress’s silhouette. Also avoid other fabrics, like ponté-knit, that cling around hips and legs; the key to making this dress type work is to play into the flare.

The top dresses for apple-shaped women by style

While knowing the best dress shapes is key to choosing the right dress for apple-shaped figures, finding the right dress for the occasion is equally important. From casual dresses to dresses that can transition from the office to evening, and even dresses for specific events, we have you covered. Here’s a quick rundown of some of our top apple-shaped dress picks for every occasion.

Best wrap dress: DKNY sleeveless V-neck tie-waist dress

A great wrap dress can be one of the most slimming dresses for apple shapes—and the sleeveless V-Neck tie-waist dress from DKNY does it beautifully. The bold, large-format print is a must-do for minimizing a larger center, as is the wrap shape that defines the waist. The V-neck flatters the upper torso, and the cinched sleeveless straps show off great arms. The ruffle wrap puts a playful twist on the hem, while opening to an inverted V-shape on the bottom that further plays up this body type’s assets. All in all, we rate this one a 10 out of 10.

Best maxi dress: City Chic plus size Sasha maxi dress

Maxi dresses are a favorite for all body types. The Sasha maxi dress from City Chic does a fabulous job of flattering a plus-sized figure and is a great example of how a maxi dress can work for an apple-shaped body shape. The open, almost square-shaped neckline draws the eye up and frames the face. The tiered skirt works within the general flare shape without adding weight or volume. The tie wrap helps to define the midsection in a subtle way, while also offering versatility in styling. This dress has so many elements that are ideal for the apple-shaped figure.

The top dresses for apple-shaped women by occasion

If you’re shopping for a dress for a specific occasion, you can find exactly what you’re looking for at Macy’s. Casual dresses can be found in a variety of fabrics, cuts, and styles. Find the perfect structured dress to wear to the office along with accessories to take it to happy hour after. And when it comes to the weekend, we have you covered with everything from the perfect party dress to formal attire for a weekend of wedding celebrations.

Best casual dress: kimi + kai Kata fit-and-flare dress

The kimi + kai women's Kata fit-and-flare dress is a prime example of how easily a casual fit-and-flare style shows off an apple-shaped figure. The bright color creates a fun pop, the V-neck flatters the body shape, and the fitted bodice emphasizes the bust. Additionally, the length is perfect for accentuating the legs, and the playful sleeve adds a bit of flirtiness that can be bloused for extra volume.

Best wedding dress: Mac Duggal floral-embellished short-sleeve gown

With so many beautiful dresses to wear to a wedding, it’s hard to pick just one. But it’s also hard to beat the floral-embellished short-sleeve gown from Mac Duggal. This dress hits the mark in so many ways for apple-shaped figures. Its wrap shape skillfully tapers to the narrowest part of the waist, creating a flattering silhouette. The deep V-neck is an absolute yes for drawing the eye toward the bead-embellished banded waistline. Bell sleeves that stop above the elbow enhance the arms, highlighting a narrow spot without adding extra volume. The skirt flares out in an oh-so-complementary way, and the lightness of the fabric creates movement that makes it a perfect pick among wedding dresses.

Best party dress: Mac Duggal plunging ruffled A-line cocktail dress

The little black dress, or LBD, is a must-have in every woman’s closet. The plunging ruffled A-line cocktail dress from Mac Duggal does it right. When it comes to waist-defining dresses for apple body shapes, it’s hard to beat an A-line silhouette. This style tapers in at the waist to give shape, then gently flares to a flowing above-the-knee skirt, adding lightness to the aesthetic and highlighting the calves. Enhanced with a pair of heels, the length makes the wearer appear to have legs for days. A plunging neckline in both the front and back adds a sophisticated touch that flatters an apple-shaped figure, further emphasized by structured folds throughout the bodice. The visually striking vertical lines create subtle length and balance, while the one-shoulder ruffle element builds in volume and interest. Fun meets elegance in this party dress.

Best prom dress: Blondie Nites twist-front shoulder-tie glitter gown

Prom is all about playing up your assets with a formal flair. That’s why we love the twist-front shoulder-tie glitter gown by Blondie Nites. This floor-length gown blends elegance with charm for the perfect prom look. A semi-sweetheart neckline draws the eye up, while a twist-front bodice with ruching brings to life one of our favorite styling tricks to flatter an apple shape. The delicate tie shoulder straps frame the face and upper body, adding yet another romantic detail to this memorable prom dress.

Best office-friendly dress: DKNY colorblocked belted sleeveless sheath dress

DKNY's colorblocked dress is stylish, office friendly, and a perfect example of what we’re talking about when it comes to the most flattering dresses for apple-shape body types. Nude color blocking at the sides slims a thicker midsection, while the black blocks structure the look in a flattering way by visually narrowing the torso. The V-neck and sleeveless design naturally broaden the upper third of the body and make this work dress perfect for layering under a blazer. The angled wrap-like shape and side-tie details create visual interest while defining the waist. It’s a look that meets all the criteria in the search for the best dress for apple-shaped women.

The top seasonal dresses for apple-shaped women

Dresses are a year-round wardrobe staple. Whether you’re in the dog days of summer looking for a way to stay cute while keeping cool or looking for the perfect dress to layer up as the weather begins to turn, finding the best dress for apple-shaped women in every season is a must. As the seasons change, you can play with length, neckline, cut, and fabric weight to meet your needs. Here are just a couple of our favorite upcoming seasonal dress picks.

Best summer dress: Tommy Hilfiger printed empire-waist ruffled-sleeve dress

Summer dresses are meant to be fun, flirty, and above all, to keep you cool during the hot months. This empire-waist ruffled-sleeve dress from Tommy Hilfiger checks all the boxes. Layered crossover styling at the skirt’s hem creates a V-inspired slit, mirroring the empire bodice’s V-neckline. The airy motif is further emphasized by layers of ruffles at the sleeves. The perfect mixture of tapers and flares makes this dress one of the best slimming dresses for apple shapes. Throw in the breezy botanicals and fresh color pops, and this dress knocks it out of the park.

Best fall dress: Elan metallic-print fit-and-flare dress

As we look at waist-defining dresses for apple body shapes in the fall season, we’re thinking of styles that work well with layers and pair perfectly with all of autumn’s best boots and booties. Elan’s metallic-print fit-and-flare dress is just the ticket. The cinched waist gives the dress shape, and the V-neck complements apple figures beautifully. Its neutral color palette gives you plenty of styling options, while the metallic finish brings in the warmth the season demands. Wear it with tights or go with bare legs—either way, the short length is ideal for both ankle booties and knee-high boots. Add a long-length coat or belted sweater for cold days, or a short moto jacket for an edgier look, and you have a full outfit at the ready.

Apple-body shape styling tips

Many of the best styling tricks to flatter an apple shape come down to defining the midsection. Any type of under-bust cinching will be your friend. Play up your upper and lower thirds by showing off your collarbone or adding a fun pair of heels to lengthen and flaunt your legs. Statement necklaces set against a deep V-neck are a great way to further draw the eye up. Avoid thick or chunky belts, as they’ll add volume at the midsection—but do make use of more subtle options like chain belts that can help to define your waist. Stay away from high necklines, like crewnecks or halters when possible. Make use of cropped jackets or boleros to build a styled look that flatters your shape.

There are so many tricks to finding the best dress for apple-shaped women. But as always, remember that regardless of your shape, the best dress for you is the one that makes you feel happy and confident. Find the perfect dress today at Macy’s!