From whatever I have read anywhere on body shapes, one thing is clear – health-wise, no body shape is better than the other. People of all shapes and sizes can be healthy or non-healthy as per . But people with a round body shape always despair of their body shape and think that they have the worst body shape of all, health wise as well as fashion-wise. This shape is often called in fruit parlance, an Apple shaped body.
Characteristics of a round body shape are that you may have narrow shoulders or rounded shoulders, comparatively thinner arms and legs, nice and generous bust line, and a generous broadness in the trunk. Your hips may be narrow and the backside can be shapely or flat. And the main thing is that you have more weight settling along your belly, making your waist almost non-existent. You may gain this weight quite easily, with half the effort that other body shapes take.
The beer belly, as opposed to a slender waist that your hand can span, is something many with this body shape want to change about their appearance.
It is easy to reduce the ‘look’ of a broader, wider trunk with some changes in the style of clothing you choose. You just have to create the illusion of elongation, that of a better waist to hip ratio, and draw the eye away from the problem areas with the right clothes in your wardrobe.
Foundation garments
You do not have to squeeze yourself into extremely tight corsets nowadays – we are more forgiving than the people of the past who did this.
But foundation garments or shapewear as you also call them, and correct undergarments inside clothes can work in a similar but more forgiving way to make the body look smaller. They smoothen out all the bulges and gives a streamlined look. Choose the correct size and style. Read more about all kinds of shapewear you can use.
Wear dark colored clothes
Hip length tunics and tops
Tops, tunics and blouses for a round body shape should not end anywhere near or at the widest part of the body ie the waist. Long and shapely tunics in dark colors with an elongating v neckline – my idea of the best top for this body shape. They should be tailored to fit the body (not too tight or not too loose and shapeless).
Clothes that draw away attention
You need to select garments that draw attention away from your bad features like the stomach and shoulders to your best features, like your elegant neck or shapely legs. Using vertical stripes, using embellishments near your best areas, strategic layering etc. come under this strategy.
A V-neckline is preferred whereas a high neckline wide round neckline can further broaden the look of the body. But avoid plunging necklines.
Wide collars or necklines with ruffles should be avoided. Anything that brings the eye to the upper body, including embellishments, puffy sleeves, frills, wide belts also are better left out.
These tunics should not be made of fabrics that cling, or that shine. The fabric should also not be too bulky. Thin clingy Lycra, super shiny satin are some fabrics to be avoided.
Silhouettes
You need to create a silhouette that will create an illusion of height and definition. An empire line silhouette, which emphasizes the smallest part of the body and covers the widest part, your belly, is good. Choose tops and dresses in this style.
Straight cut pants and jeans
A straight cut style is very nice on a round body. The high waisted fitted style can also make the body look taller, and contain the tummy neatly inside.
A-line skirts
At all cost, avoid gathered skirts that will add to the bulk around the body – a Smooth-fronted skirt is any day preferred. A-line skirts can create an illusion of body symmetry.
If you have narrow hips, choose skirts or pants that add volume to this area to balance a round upper body.
Long cardigans or fitted jackets
Three-quarter-length jackets (which end just above the knee – a hand’s length is preferred) which is worn open over a fitted top is a very good look on a round body shape. Hip length is also nice.
The jacket can have a belt, but it should not pull the clothing tight against the body. The color of the jackets is better dark-colored or the same color as the pants.
Structured jackets can also look good on an apple body shape.
Dresses
Shapely (fitting correctly) dresses with a medium flare at the hem is a good fit for someone with a bigger upper body. Below knee length is the best length. This can balance the upper and lower body. Absolutely no gathers at the waist or anything that pulls the material tight against the torso.
Any pattern, embroidery, sequins design should be anywhere else, but on the torso where you do not want the eye to be stuck
If you like short length dresses, go for a mini dress which will show off your shapely legs. Short dresses with a fitted bottom can work.
Clothes that match Accessories
Wearing the same colored shoes or bags with the same tone can give a look of length. Tiny accessories can make your body look larger in comparison
I read somewhere that to improve an Apple body shape, you should avoid all fast food, white bread, full-fat milkshakes, cakes, and all sweets. You mean, stop living! I would rather use shortcuts.
You can also read more tips: How to hide a tummy ; 30+ ways to look slimmer with the help of right clothes.; How to dress if you have flabby arms; How to identify your body shape ; Different body types ; Fashion & style
