5 Flattering Work Dresses for Apple Shape Figures
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.
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!
Rent the Look
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Tart
Leota
Style with…
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.
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.
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.
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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!
Rent the Look
Adrianna Papell
Gravitas
Tart
Style with…
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.
