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Summary:
- an apple shape body type is defined as having a large bust, broader shoulders, a less defined waist, hips that are smaller than the waist
- the best wedding dress shapes for an apple shape body type include the a-line silhouette and ball gowns
- a corset style or heavily structured bodice will add visual interest and give waist definition
- apple shaped women should stay away from the halter neck line which will thin the upper torso and lose balance
- it is a good idea to try on different styles to find the most flattering silhouette that highlights your favorite features
Looking for wedding dresses for an apple shape body type?
Apple-shaped figures typically have a full chest, narrow hips, and a fuller midsection. They may have a larger bust, broad shoulders in line with the hips, or the hips are smaller than the waist. Slender legs are also generally part of this shape.
Once you have determined this is your overall shape, the next step is to think about the parts of your body that you love and want to feature! Most brides (and women in general) focus on what to hide instead of highlighting their best features. In your wedding dress on your special day, this is the time to show off! It’s easy to do by following this advice.
Knowing your body type is crucial when trying on wedding dresses and finding your perfect wedding dress will be a breeze when you know what dress features to look for! Here we will give you everything you need to know about wedding dresses for an apple shape body type.
Balance For An Apple Shape
The upper body and lower body need to be in balance with a defined waistline. An apple shape is round, so we need to
If you have a full bust, start with a good bra! This will give lift and create more definition between the bust area and waistline. A tightly fitted bodice will help define and highlight the mid-section.
Next, choose designs with waistlines that will pull it in and visually make it appear to be the narrowest part. Avoid excessive fabric and details around the waist.
Silhouettes For The Apple Shape Body Type
A-line and ball gown shapes are great for apple-shaped bodies. These will cinch that waist and add fullness to your lower half. A full skirt with a split can show off your legs, too!
Column or sheath style tend to be shapeless on an apple body type, however, if this is your personal style, look for a wide neckline and a detailed bodice. A vertical pattern of embellishments will give the illusion of curves and elongate the body. A well structured trumpet fit with a defined waist and a subtle flare will work nicely, and a V-neck or a sweetheart with off the shoulder straps will provide the perfect balance.
Best Necklines For An Apple Shape
The choice of necklines is very important. The V-neckline (or plunge) is incredibly flattering by creating a vertical line that draws attention away from the midsection. Other great options are scoop and square necklines as they open up the chest, and sweetheart neckline is gorgeous and will make your waist will appear smaller.
Avoid a narrow or high neckline (like a halter neckline, middle below) as these will make your waist seem larger.
As you can see in the photos below, the halter neckline thins out the top and will then make the bottom look out of balance. The sweetheart, plunge neckline and V-neck are much more in balance.
Sleeves
A strapless dress is great on an apple shaped figure, as long as you have a supportive bodice or proper shape wear to keep the bust in place. With a strapless, you could add pretty spaghetti straps or light off the shoulder sleeves that will add a perfectly balanced look and draw attention to your upper arms. Cap sleeves are also a great idea, these flatter the arms and draw attention away from the waistline by adding volume to the shoulders. Wider illusion straps on a V-neck will do the same. If you want a dress with a long sleeve, avoid heavy fabric that will add bulk, instead opt for illusion with some light applique and embellishments at the wrist.
In both photos below, the bodices provide a defined waist and openness at the chest, and light and airy sleeves that balance the hips.
The Apple Shape Body Type & Accessories
Your veil should be fingertip or longer. Elbow length will create a line across the waist and take away the definition.
Have you considered a belt? A narrow belt will do a lovely job of highlighting the natural waistline without adding bulk! Try different thicknesses on to see the difference.
For jewelry, a drop necklace will draw the eye to the upper chest; a choker up to the face. Either will work nicely!
Chances are you also have great legs with an apple-shaped body. They go together! This is where you can add a little height and show those legs off with a slit skirt and a great shoe. Wedges are always recommended due to stability and comfort. With a slit skirt, especially in flowy fabrics, you can give a little peek-a-boo while twirling the night away!
On your wedding day, you want to feel like a princess. Whatever your body type (apple, hourglass, pear shape, athletic builds), there is a dress with the most perfect features for you. Start with identifying your shape, then must haves in your dress, and the body features you want to show off. Share them with your bridal stylist and let her show you the different wedding dress styles that match your wish list.
Keep an open mind and realize the right wedding gown maybe a style you had not considered!
Our stylists are great at helping to identify the best wedding dresses for each body type. Whether a ball gown style with a voluminous skirt or a slimmer gown with the lengthening effect of a plunge neckline and subtle curve, the right wedding dress for your big day is waiting for you.
About Us
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo is owned by Franco and Wendy Salerno. We founded the store in January, 2013 with a mission of running an honest, kind, and family-oriented bridal and tuxedo business. The name is a combination of our two daughters, Daria and Deanna. Today, our business is a Bucks County staple and the go-to place for wedding attire. Our long-time employees are kind, genuine, and truly part of the family. The lasting relationships we have made with customers, vendors, and designers are something we are truly grateful for.
Our store received national recognition in July, 2025 on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. In 2024, Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo was named a Top 100 Small Business in America by the US Chamber of Commerce. We have been featured by Apple.com, ABC National News, TLC’s “Say Yes: Wedding SOS”, the Wall Street Journal, Square, and Axios. We are approaching 1,000 Google reviews with a 4.9 rating, and listed in the Knot’s “Hall of Fame”.
Locally, we are active members of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the Montco Gateway Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce), and the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce serving on committees and as board members. Franco was Treasurer, Executive Committee member and a Board member of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce and their 2024 Mitchell-Conner award winner. He was also a board member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce for many years. Wendy is a former Chair of the Women In Business, awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, and named a 2025 Bucks County Parent Woman of Influence. Our daughter Daria is a former wish granter for the Make-A-Wish® foundation. We proudly partner with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Angel Gowns, Wish Upon A Wedding, and donate to local schools and community band, choir, and theater programs.