When you’re living in a plus size, apple shaped body, you learn a thing or two on how to dress your body type. Helpful tips such as what plus size clothing items are flattering on a plus-size apple shape body, best outfits to put together for a plus-size apple shape body, what to wear, and what not to wear. If you’re looking for plus-size style dressing tips, these are some of my Plus Size Fashion Do’s and Don’ts.
I want to start off by saying that everyone has their own unique sense of style. Fashion and style are all about looking and feeling confident in whatever you wear. With that being said, I’m not telling you what to wear. I’m simply explaining the things that has worked for my plus size apple shape body type. If you need a little help on what and how to wear clothes, feel free to take some, all, or none of these tips when picking out an outfit.
Wear the Right Undergarments
Think of your undergarments being the foundation of your outfit. Have the right fitting bra and underwear can make a huge difference in how you look and feel. If you have on a tight bra with thin straps and barely no support, you’ll feel the straps almost dig into your skin in an uncomfortable way. Find a bra that fits you, gives you a lot of support, and go for wider straps. This will also prevent bulges in your back area.
If wearing granny panties is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Find something that is comfortable and high-waisted to give your stomach a bit more support. If you have an apple-shaped body and want a little more of a tight midsection, you put on shape-wear to give your body more shape. I’m not saying you need to wear Spanx every single day because you do NOT need it. Use it for special occasions because you want to, not because you need to.
Balance
This is key when it comes to putting outfits together. You do not want to wear an oversized t-shirt with baggy pants. This whole look will make you appear larger and will just swallow your entire body up. Same goes the other way around. Don’t wear something so tight that you end up feeling uncomfortable to walk around in.
If you have on something that’s a bit tighter on top, pair it with a flowy skirt or a pair of wide legged pants.
If you have a loose top, pair with a tighter fitting bottom such as these Spanx faux leather leggings or skinny jeans (Gen Z can suck it). For a final touch, you can throw on another layer over your top, like a comfy cardigan or vest. This added layer will add a bit of balance from the tighter fitted bottoms.
Flattering tops for apple shape bodies
There are a few tips to keep in mind with what tops to wear. Necklines that highlight your neck and chest area works best. Think of v-necks, square neck line, and sweetheart neck lines.
Wrap blouses, empire waist tops, and tops with a flowy sleeve also look great on apple shape bodies because of how it balances out the rest of the body from the midsection.
Flattering bottoms for apple shape bodies
The most flattering bottoms for apple shapes are anything wide-leg, and flowy. This will balance out the widest part of the apple shape body: the midsection. Wide leg trousers, wide leg jeans, and pleated skirts balances out the midsection.
Related Post: How to Style an Apple Shaped Body
Stick with Solids (ok, here me out)
This is totally a personal opinion (if you love your prints, keep em!). When you have more solid pieces in your wardrobe, it’s easier to create a capsule wardrobe and repurpose those pieces in multiple outfits. I tend to gravitate towards solids rather than printed because it gives a cleaner look. If you’re going for a monochromatic look, think about different fabric materials and textures. For example, a satin blouse, or a leather skirt. Let the fabric do the talking.
I do have a couple of exceptions that make the list, such as polkadots, stripes, and the occasional flannel. I find that some of the crazier patterns can make the outfit look cheap. Solids are much easier to style.
Fabric and Fitting
This goes back to balance. Don’t try to cover and hide your body with oversized clothes. You’ll end up losing your curves and shapes with oversized clothes. Wearing very tight clothes may make you feel uncomfortable. When you feel uncomfortable, you’ll look uncomfortable.
Speaking of uncomfortable, fabric material is just as important. Wear fabrics that flow and drape your body rather than cling onto it. This also plays a role when it’s hot outside. Breathable fabrics such as linens and cotton will feel more comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Final Tips on Plus Size Fashion Do’s and Don’ts
Here are a few more tips on how to dress if you are plus size. I’m always looking for clothes that have unique cuts and shapes to give my body more shape. You can find dresses that have extra fabric around the hip area to give your body a curvier look. Necklines also make a difference. Off the shoulder, wide necklines can give you a wider look. Instead, opt for v-necks and wrap dresses. I explain it all in the video below!
