How to Dress if You Are a Petite Apple Shape Over 50

An apple-shaped body is a body type where weight is primarily carried around the midsection, with a fuller abdomen, waist, and upper body. People with this shape often have broader shoulders, a larger bust, and slimmer hips and legs. Apple shapes store fat around the stomach rather than the hips and thighs. Think of Catherine Zeta-Jones or Drew Barrymore.

In my younger days, I was a rectangle and thin. But now, I’m in my 70s, no longer skinny, petite at 5’2″, busty, and carry my weight in my stomach. For all intents and purposes, I am an apple shape. There are four main body types: apple, pear, rectangle, and hourglass.

When I used an online body shape calculator, I was determined to be a rectangle, but because my tummy protrudes, I now dress myself as an apple shape. Many women in menopause or beyond become apple-shapes even if they weren’t that way when they were younger. That is because our hormones, stress, and other factors build belly fat as we age.

Add being short to that equation and it’s easy to look like a sausage in clothes

A woman under 5’4″ is considered a “petite.” Fit petites are often defined as gamine and look adorable in clothing. But when stubborn fat builds in the middle it is easy to look like a knockwurst.

Despite carrying extra tummy weight, a petite apple-shaped woman can look flattering and elegant in clothes. The goal is to create a balanced silhouette by elongating her frame and defining her waist.

These seven styling tips will help take the emphasis off a thick waist and make a petite apple shape look taller.

1. V-Necks & Scoop Necks – These necklines create the illusion of a longer torso and draw attention upward, away from the midsection.
2. Empire Waist & A-Line Dresses – Dresses that cinch just below the bust and flow away from the tummy help define your shape without clinging to problem areas.
3. High-waisted, Straight-Leg, or bootcut pants—These styles elongate your legs, giving you a streamlined look. They also balance out a fuller midsection. Avoid low-rise pants that emphasize the tummy.
4. Structured Jackets and Open Cardigans – Fitted blazers and waterfall-style cardigans create vertical lines that slim and lengthen your frame while offering a tailored look.

1. Monochrome Outfits or Vertical Prints – Dressing in one color from head to toe or choosing vertical stripes helps to create a continuous line, making you look taller and leaner.
2. Avoid Boxy & Oversized Clothes – While loose tops may feel comfortable, they can make you look shapeless. Instead, opt for fitted tops with ruching or wrap styles that create a waistline.
3. Choose the Right Fabrics – Medium-weight fabrics with some structure (like crepe, denim, or ponte knit) help create a smooth silhouette, while clingy fabrics may highlight areas you’d prefer to downplay.

There is no need to wear maternity blouses if you have a tummy!

Most of us big-belly 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!)

If designed strategically, a peplum blouse can give the illusion of a smaller waist. I found this peplum blouse by Grace Karin on Amazon. It is available in various colors, and I love that it has a V-neckline.

Tied and wrapped tops are also lovely. They give your waist some definition without emphasizing your large tummy.

Below are blouse styles that look great on a petite apple-shaped body.

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.

Watch this short video to see an example.

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.

You can also wear a light-colored top and bottom with a dark blazer or jacket over it. The model below is wearing a white top and bottom with a navy cotton blazer by Quince

Another way to achieve a monochrome look is to wear a jumpsuit like the ones pictured below.

To French tuck or not

For a long time, I didn’t believe a French tuck would work with my big belly. Many stylists working with petite apple shapes recommend it. A tuck creates an optical illusion that makes your legs look longer. Wearing a tailored jacket over a blouse or sweater, slightly tucked in, will disguise your belly.

However, my tummy really protrudes, and I recently watched a video that said forget that recommendation and embrace untucking your blouse. A French tuck is nice if you have a small tummy, but don’t feel bad about wearing your blouse out rather than in. It’s much more comfortable and will give you confidence.

Petite apple shapes do not need to stick to the rule of thirds. We can do halves just fine, especially with blouses and tops that have finesse.

I found three cute blouses on Lands’ End that are flattering for my petite apple shape. Watch my short video demo below.

To find the blouses featured in the video above, click the links below.

Lightweight Jersey Button Pintuck Top with navy/white polka dots | Lightweight Jersey Pintuck Top in Navy | Elbow Sleeve Lightweight Jersey Side Tie Blouse

Asymmetrical blouses with uneven hemlines can also create the illusion that you have longer legs, especially if they are shorter at the hip.

The best dress designs for petite apple shapes

An A-line shift, empire waist, or wrap dress works well for apple-shaped bodies.

Apple shapes tend to have great legs, but it’s best to stick with knee-length or longer dresses because they’re classier on older women.

This gorgeous silk wrap dress by Lilysilk checks all the boxes for an apple-shaped petite.

Below are more apple-shaped dress ideas.

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.

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

Petites of any body shape should avoid large prints as they can be overwhelming and make them look larger. Stick with small floral or geometric prints instead.

What are the best pant styles for apples to wear?

Apple shapes usually look best in high-rise pants because they have tummy control. Mid-rise pants slip down on me and accentuate my muffin top. I love boot cuts, slight flair, or sometimes a skinny cut. Most apples have nice legs, so skinny jeans can work. You can wear a full top over skinny jeans or leggings because it will balance your outfit.

Never wear a flowy blouse with wide-legged or baggy pants. Wear a fitted top with wide-legged pants or a flowy blouse with narrow-legged pants.

Petite apple shapes should avoid pleats, big pockets, and protruding zippers. Side zippers are best. Wide-leg pants flowing 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
• Reformation at Nordstrom
• Land’s End
• Quince
• Everlane
• Madewell Petite
• Ann Taylor & Loft Petite
• Banana Republic Petite
• J. Crew Petite
• NYDJ (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans)
• Boden Petite
• Universal Standard
• White House Black Market

Outfit Ideas for Petite Apple Shapes

Casual Chic Look

• Top: A V-neck wrap top in a solid color or subtle vertical pattern.
• Bottom: High-waisted, straight-leg jeans.
• Shoes: Nude pointed-toe flats or low-block heels to elongate your legs.
• Layering: A structured, cropped jacket to add definition.

Workwear Elegance

• Top: A fitted, structured blouse with ruching or peplum detail.
• Bottom: High-waisted ankle-length trousers.
• Shoes: Classic pumps or loafers with a slight heel.
• Layering: A tailored blazer in a neutral tone for a polished look.

Weekend Comfort

• Dress: An empire-waist A-line midi dress
• Shoes: Comfortable wedge sandals or ballet flats.
• Accessories: A long pendant necklace to create vertical lines and add elongation.

Evening Out / Date Night

• Top: A draped or ruched V-neck blouse.
• Bottom: A high-waisted pencil skirt or sleek trousers.
• Shoes: Strappy kitten heels to elongate the legs.
• Layering: A chic cropped leather or moto jacket.

What are your biggest obstacles to buying clothes as a petite apple shape? Please leave a comment below.