Styling a Petite Apple Shape for a Woman Over 50

I’m in my 70s, not skinny, petite at 5’2″, and am an apple shape. The four basic body shapes in fashion are apple, pear, rectangle, and hourglass. An apple shape carries weight in the stomach and has either large or small breasts and slimmer hips. Many have great legs. Think of Catherine Zeta-Jones or Drew Barrymore.

Most women who are in menopause or beyond become apples even though they were previously rectangles, pears, or hourglass shapes. Our hormones, stress, and other factors cause belly fat.

You can get an idea of your body shape if you check out an online body shape calculator, Officially, I come out a rectangle because I have broad shoulders and not much waist definition. I was skinny as a rail as a kid and was a rectangle but over the years my tummy grew so I have morphed into an apple shape.

Do you know your body shape?

Determining your correct body shape can be tricky because there are many factors to calculate such as height, waist placement, leg length, etc. For the most part, you can figure it out based on your measurements. You can also go more in-depth by taking a Kibbe body shape test which features 13 shapes but I prefer to KISS – keep it simple sweetie.

Most women’s clothing at stores is designed for tall, thin, and rectangular-shaped models. Their hips and bust are similar in measurement without a clearly defined waistline. A slim rectangle has a boyish, or athletic body and can wear almost anything. Think of Jane Fonda or Cameron Diaz. But, when a rectangle puts on some weight, it’s easy to look like a sausage without proper styling.

Pears have narrow shoulders, slim arms, a smaller bust and waist, larger hips, and sometimes thicker legs. Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez are pears and often accentuate their voluptuous butts.

Hourglass figures have ample busts, tiny waists, and curvy hips. They have what is known as “the perfect figure.” If you remember, 36″ x 24″ x 36″ was considered ideal when we were growing up. Think Mae West or Lynda Carter.

The tummy that doesn’t budge

I have a protruding tummy. It started growing in peri-menopause and no matter what I do, it won’t go away. This is common for older women especially if they have endured some stress over the years. Stress creates cortisol that results in belly fat.

But that doesn’t mean we need to wear maternity blouses!

Most of us big tummy gals buy oversized blouses to cover up our protrusion but they make us look bigger than we are and sometimes even pregnant. (at 60+ HAH!)

A peplum blouse, if situated in the right position, can also give the illusion of having a smaller waist. I was so excited when I found this peplum blouse by Grace Karin on Amazon. It’s the perfect style for my body shape. It’s available in several colors and I will be buying more.

To divert the attention away from your tummy area, your best bet for a top is one with a V or scoop neck, preferably with an embellished neckline.

When you show off your best assets especially if you have ample cleavage, it distracts from your tummy. I miss the days when I was a 32B but I doubt I will ever see that again

Wearing a long vest is a stylish move.

Create a Column of Color

When you wear a dark color on the top and bottom, you can contrast it by wearing a lighter blazer, vest, cardigan, or jacket to give the illusion of a column of color.

Here is a light-colored top and bottom with a dark blazer by Lilysilk.

A dark color doesn’t need to be black. You can create the same illusion by wearing navy blue, dark maroon, dark green, chocolate brown, or charcoal gray. Dark colors are receding and camouflage the tummy.

A tailored single-breasted blazer does this beautifully as a double-breasted jacket can add bulk. Wear it open rather than buttoned.

A French tuck is your friend

For a long time, I didn’t believe a French tuck would work with my big belly. But after watching stylists working with petite apple shapes, I realized it’s a better look. A tuck creates an optical illusion that makes your legs look longer. If you wear a tailored jacket over a blouse or sweater slightly tucked in front you will look less pregnant and classier.

Another trick to hide a big tummy is wearing dark colors or the same color on the top and bottom like the jumpsuits below.

You can also add a jacket or cardigan over a matching top and bottom to further break up the wideness of your tummy area.

Finding dresses to fit an apple can be a challenge

An A-line shift, empire waist, or wrap dress will usually work well for an apple shape. Apples often have great legs but it is best to stick with knee-length dresses because they’re classier on older women.

Other ways to disguise your middle

Breton stripe shirts are French and chic but if you are an apple shape it’s better to wear vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones. Choose thin stripes over thick. Sometimes diagonal stripes or optical illusion patterns will slenderize your waist but if you aren’t careful they can accentuate your stomach.

If you have a large bust wear a blouse with an open neck and no pockets at the bustline.

A long necklace or scarf can also divert attention away from your stomach.

Wrap tops and tops with ties at the bottom are great for hiding tummy bulges.

Petites of any body shape should avoid large prints and stick with small floral or geometric prints. Large prints make you look larger all over.

Below are examples of flattering tops for Apple Shapes

What are the best pant styles for apples to wear?

Apple shapes look better in high-rise pants because they have tummy control. Mid-rise pants slip down on me and expose my muffin top. I usually go for boot cuts, slight flair, or sometimes a skinny cut. Most apples have nice legs so skinny jeans can work. It’s the best style to choose if you wear a full top because it balances your outfit.

Petite apple shapes should avoid pleats, big pockets, or protruding zippers. Side zippers are best. Wide-leg pants descending from a wide waistline can make you look boxy especially if you are short.

Apple shapes with large busts often need to purchase a larger blouse size than their pants. It all depends on the brand and cut.

Shopping for Petite styles online

My favorite online stores that have a large selection of clothing for Petites include:

• Macy’s
• Nordstrom
• Land’s End

What are your biggest obstacles to buying clothes? Please leave a comment below.