Styling a Petite Apple Shape for a Woman 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 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 to be 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.

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 an 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.
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!)

A peplum blouse can also give the illusion of a smaller waist if designed strategically. 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.

The embellished neckline on this cap-sleeved tunic draws the eye downward and takes the attention off the waistline.

A long vest like the one below disguises a thick waistline.

Below are other 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.

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 an off-white top and bottom with a dark blazer.

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

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.

The best dress designs for petite apple shapes

An A-line shift, empire waist, or wrap dress will usually work well for an apple shape. Even though apple shapes tend to have great legs, 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.

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

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 best 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.

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, 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
• Reformation at Nordstrom
• Land’s End
• Quince
• Everlane
• Madewell at Amazon

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