the curated column - a blog by Armoire
  • Start Renting
  • Sign In
dresses for apple shape
February 7 2020

5 Flattering Work Dresses for Apple Shape Figures

Armoire Everything, Styling Tips dresses, plus size, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Clothing Rental, winter outfit, work outfits, work style, Work Wardrobe

Not sure if you’re an apple shape? Check out our Body Shapes Guide to find your body type and the figure-flattering styles you need to be renting.


Figure-flattering outfits can play an important role in finding your sense of self-confidence. As an oval or apple shape, your biggest wardrobe worry is likely your midsection. With a rather undefined waistline and a full bust, you’ll want to focus on creating an hourglass shape and elongating your figure. With these 5 flattering work dresses for apple shape figures, you’ll feel like a total Boss Lady all week long.

To start, think about your favorite body part to show off. Is it your long legs? Your Michelle Obama arms? Or maybe it’s your contagious smile? Instead of focusing your mental energy around the parts of your body that you don’t like — say, your midsection — focus on the parts you do. This simple shift in focus can make a big impact on how you feel.

There are three important things to remember when finding styles that work for your figure.

Flattering your shape is all about finding balance. Use your bust, waist and hips to your advantage! Accentuating certain body parts draws attention away from others. Let your favorite body part (and your confidence) shine!

Use silhouettes and lines to draw the eye where you want it. Consider where a garment hits you and the placement of key details like seams, pockets and embellishments. The right lines can help elongate your legs, create an hourglass waist and even make your butt look perky. Yes, please!

Be mindful with color and print. The eye is naturally drawn to bold prints and bright colors. It’s crucial to consider the scale of a print. Large prints and horizontal lines increase volume while small prints and vertical lines decrease volume. Use these to your advantage to shift the attention away from your least favorite parts and towards areas you want to accentuate.

dresses for apple shape

Boost your confidence and conquer your work week in style with these figure-flatting dresses for apple shape figures.


Stylist Tip

We paired each of these looks with semi-sheer black tights to show how versatile this work wardrobe essential can be. Tights are a no-brainer for cold weather, and can help make shorter hemlines office-appropriate in a pinch. If you’re needing an extra confidence boost today, opt for a pair with built-in shapewear. In addition to smoothing out your midsection, control-top tights can help improve your posture, minimize self-doubt and keep panty lines at bay.


Monday—A Flattering Floral Midi

Your Monday attitude (and outfit) sets the tone for your entire week! Starting with a strong look shows your co-workers and clients you mean business. Pairing a feminine floral midi dress with a cape blazer will do just the trick!

Choose a midi-length dress that cinches in at the waist, creating an hourglass figure. Wrap dresses are one of the most flattering dresses for apples shaped figures. If you find the neckline too revealing for the office, layer a coordinating cami or lace bralette underneath. Avoid shapeless midi dresses, which will overwhelm your frame and make you appear larger. Look for these Armoire-approved brands in your closet: Yumi Kim & Tart.

Take a style risk by swapping your boring black blazer for a cape-style substitute. The strong shoulders help define your upper half while the flowing cape makes you feel a bit like Superwoman. Next week, try restyling it with a basic tee and jeans.

Style your look with a pair of nude flats to stay office-appropriate. A boldly colored bag, such as this cherry red adds even more personality to your power outfit.

Consider Monday conquered!

Work Dresses for Apple Shape

Rent the Look

Lauren Ralph Lauren

Tart

Leota

Style with…

Gravitas cape blazer

Nude flats

Pop of color purse


Tuesday— A Sleek Sweater Dress

Your Tuesday calls for an extra caffeine and something cozy. Pair a sweater dress and wool overcoat together to turn a minimalist grey palette into a sleek office-ready look. With a coffee in hand, you’ll be ready to tackle your Tuesday.

When it comes to sweater dresses aim for a relaxed fit. Look for one that skims along your curves comfortably. Avoid chunky knits which make your oval figure appear larger, especially when layered under bulky winter jackets. If you’re opting for a relaxed or oversized shape, take advantage waist-accentuating belts. Look for this Armoire-approved brand in your closet: Boden.

Elongate your legs by pairing black ankle boots with black tights. The continuity of color has an undeniable leg-lengthening effect. Opt for a pointed toe or heeled variety for an even longer leg line.

Stylist Tip: The color black is known for it’s slimming effects. The black side-paneling on this Boden sweater dress flatters your curves by creating the illusion of a narrower frame and hourglass silhouette.

Work Dresses for Apple Shape Bodies

Rent the Look

Boden

Boden

Ali & Jay

Style with…

J-Crew wool overcoat

Black tights

Black ankle boots


Wednesday— A Smart Shirtdress

Flaunt your figure with an empire waist dress that shows off your full bust and great legs. By opting for a style that hits above your natural waist at your rib cage, you’ll call attention to the part of your midsection that is actually the narrowest. The contrast stitching on this shirtdress helps to create a clearly defined waistline. Look for these Armoire-approved brands in your closet: Sarah Alexandra & Zuri.

Adding a menswear-inspired tweed blazer plays with texture. The heavier weight fabric is perfect for transitional weather, as it can double as both your office blazer and commuting coat. Trust us, a tweed jacket is a piece you put on and instantly feel smarter, sharper and ready to take on your day. If James Bond and Indiana Jones can stylishly sport a tweed blazer, you certainly can to.

For this look, we opted for an office-appropriate pair of black loafers. Minimalist dainty jewelry, such as a set of stacked bracelets, adds a touch of femininity to the menswear-inspired look. Add your favorite lipstick if you’re needing some extra #bssldypwr today.

Work Dresses for Apple Shape Bodies

Rent the Look

Boden

Zuri

Sarah Alexandra

Style with…

Boden tweed blazer

Pointed toe loafers

Layered dainty bracelets


Thursday— A Playful Patterned Dress

Feeling like your work week will never end? Brighten up the office with a playful printed dress. C’mon, it’s impossible not to smile at the tiny rainbows on this Boden midi!

If you’re on the curvier side, it’s best to stick to small scale prints such as this. In general, stick to those that are the size of your palm or smaller. One of the many perks of clothing rental is the ability to try new prints commitment-free. Break out of your comfort zone by trying a print you’d never have purchased. The confidence from nailing your look will power you through to the weekend! Look for this Armoire-approved brand in your closet: Prima Dona.

A chic white blazer and nude pumps keep the fun print office-appropriate. Stick with minimalist jewelry, such as a pair of small hoops, as not to compete with your statement-making look.

Work Dresses for Apple Shape Bodies

Rent the Look

Boden

Prima Dona

Equipment

Style with…

Vince Camuto white blazer

Nude pumps

Mini hoops


Friday— An LBD & Statement Blazer

Celebrate the end of your work week in style with a figure-flatting LBD and a bold blazer. We particularly love this Gravitas number, as it features built-in shapewear to smooth out your curves and boost your confidence.

A brightly-printed blazer adds interest to an otherwise uninteresting outfit. Consider it an opportunity to show off your personality. When paired with minimalist accessories like a basic black ankle boot and black crossbody bag, it’ll really pop. Rent a piece that makes you feel like your most fashionable self! Look for these Armoire-approved brands in your closet: Gravitas & Of Mercer.

This simple LBD can take you straight from your workday to weekend with a few simple swaps. Trade your blazer for a leather jacket, add a red lip and you’re instantly ready for happy hour. TGIF Boss Lady!

Work Dresses for Apple Shape Bodies

Rent the Look

Adrianna Papell

Gravitas

Tart

Style with…

Wildfang floral blazer

Black ankle boots

Black crossbody bag


Thanks to Armoire’s curated clothing rental it’s easier than ever to find flattering dresses for apple shape figures. Take our style quiz to get started!


Header photos provided by Armoire member Kat Eves.

Share

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Related

Meet Mel Carr — A Digital Marketing Expert Powered by Armoire How a Boss Lady Spends Valentine’s Day in Style

Related Posts

jeans_blog_img_12

Everything, Styling Tips

Are skinny jeans out? Guide to the latest jean styles

Everything

Former Amazon retail and logistics expert named Armoire’s Chief Operating and Merchandising Officer

Everything

Microsoft and T-Mobile Alum Named Armoire’s Head of User Experience



Featured Posts

  • small biz sat option 2The Big Economic Argument for Shopping Small this Holiday Season
  • Not sure what to wear? We put together this guide to provide you ample (and easy) ideas for work outfits— perfect for every boss lady.Work Outfits in Under 5 Minutes: 7 Office-Approved Business Casual Looks
  • cropped-bosslady.pngBoss Lady: 5 Ways To Harness Your Power
  • 9 Easy Ways to Join the Sustainable Fashion Movement9 Easy Ways to Join the Sustainable Fashion Movement
  • As an Armoire member, you gain access to an enormous closet without the hassle or cost of ownership. Here's 10 reasons why you should rent clothes!10 Reasons to Rent Clothes

Follow Us

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Trending

  • rent clothesHow to Dress for Your Shape
    August 17, 2018
  • DSCF0492Stop Consigning, Rent Clothes Instead
    April 11, 2019
  • armoire_2_20_2019_136_800x800 (1)Live More, With Less
    March 12, 2019
  • To kick off our partnership with Wildfang, we hosted a panel with the boss ladies behind the brands: Ambika Singh and Taralyn Thuot.Armoire x Wildfang: Advice from the Founders
    November 12, 2019
  • fall-trendsFall Trends: What You Need to Know
    September 6, 2019
Armoire
© The Curated Column from Armoire 2020. Made with ♥ in Seattle, WA.
 

Loading Comments...