Back in law school, we had to wear gowns, and picking dresses to wear under them was honestly a nightmare.
I’d just walk into a boutique and grab whatever everyone else was grabbing, and it was almost always a horrible fit – nothing sat right, nothing felt like me.
It wasn’t until I finally figured out I had an apple body shape that things started making sense.
Once I knew that, picking dresses got so much easier, and now I mostly stick to dresses that actually flatter my body.
That said, body shape is really just a guide – if there’s a dress you genuinely love, wear it!
It just helps to know your shape if you’re trying to highlight a feature you love or feeling a bit conscious about one you’d rather not draw attention to.
Every dress on this list is one I actually own and wear on repeat, all picked up during a closet overhaul I did a while back.
I’ve added shopping links under each one so you can grab it wherever you like to shop, plus what I love about each piece.
17 Dresses for an Apple Body Shape
1. Empire-Waist Maxi Dress
This dress might be the single most reliable piece in my closet for an apple shape.
The seam sits right under the bust, so the rest of the fabric floats loosely all the way to the floor without touching my stomach once.
Mine is a soft jersey knit with a gentle drape, which keeps it from looking stiff or overly formal.
A surplice V-neck at the top adds a little length through the chest and softens the whole neckline.
I love that I can eat a full dinner in this dress and never once think about how it’s sitting on my body.
It works dressed up with sandals or thrown on with sneakers for a casual day.
The gathered waist also means it’s genuinely forgiving if my weight shifts a little from week to week.
This is the dress I recommend first to any friend who says she doesn’t know what to wear for her shape.
Where to Buy
- Empire waist maxi dress – Nordstrom
- Empire waist jersey maxi dress – Nordstrom
- Long sleeve empire waist maxi dress – Nordstrom
- Empire waist maxi dresses – Nordstrom Rack
- Empire waist maxi dress – Amazon
2. Wrap Dress
A true wrap dress is one of those pieces that was basically invented for an apple shape, so I don’t take mine for granted.
Mine is a soft matte jersey that ties at the side, which means I can adjust exactly how snug or relaxed it sits.
The wrap front creates a V-neckline and a genuine waistline in one move, no separate belt required.
The skirt falls in a gentle A-line from that tied point, so it skims over my hips instead of clinging.
I always double-check the wrap sits securely before I leave the house, since a little gap is normal but too much isn’t what I’m going for.
It photographs beautifully because the diagonal lines are so naturally slimming.
This dress transitions from work to dinner without any real effort on my part.
It’s the one dress I’d replace immediately if something happened to it.
Where to Buy
- Printed classic wrap dress – Amazon
- Linen wrap dress – Amazon
- Flowy long sleeve wrap dress – Walmart
- Wrap dresses – Nordstrom
- Wrap dress – Nordstrom Rack
3. A-Line Shift Dress
This dress is proof that simple doesn’t mean boring, especially when the cut is doing this much work.
It’s a shift silhouette that skims straight down from the shoulders with a slight A-line flare, never once touching my stomach along the way.
Mine is a structured cotton blend, enough body to hold its shape without feeling stiff or costume-y.
The round neckline keeps things simple, so I usually add a statement necklace to bring some attention upward.
There’s no waist seam at all, which sounds counterintuitive but actually works in my favor since nothing is cinching anywhere unflattering.
I pair it with a wide belt on days I want a defined waist, or leave it loose on days I don’t.
It’s an incredibly easy dress to just put on and go, no adjusting or tugging required.
This has become my uniform for any event where I want to look effortlessly done up.
Where to Buy
- A-line shift dress – Amazon
- Shift dresses – Nordstrom
- Shift dress – Nordstrom Rack
- A-line shift dress – Walmart
- A-line shift dress – Kohl’s
4. Faux-Wrap Midi Dress
This dress gives me every benefit of a wrap dress without the small anxiety of it coming undone during the day.
The wrap front is sewn permanently in place, so I just slip it on over my head and I’m done.
Mine is a rayon blend with a smooth drape that skims rather than clings anywhere through the middle.
The crossover V-neck adds length up top while the fitted waist seam does the actual defining work.
It flares gently to a midi length, which hits at the most flattering point on my leg.
I’ve worn this dress to weddings, to the office, and to a random Tuesday dinner, and it’s worked every time.
The fabric also happens to be incredibly forgiving after a big meal, which matters more than I’d like to admit.
This is a dress that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting without ever looking like it’s trying too hard.
Where to Buy
- Faux-wrap dress – Amazon
- Faux-wrap dress – Amazon
- Faux-wrap dress – Walmart
- Faux-wrap dress – Nordstrom
- Faux-wrap midi dress – ASOS
5. Fit-and-Flare Dress
I underestimated this silhouette for years before I actually tried one shaped for my body.
The bodice is fitted through the chest and shoulders, then releases into a flared skirt right at the natural waist.
Mine is a ponte knit, structured enough to hold that fitted shape up top without pulling anywhere across my midsection.
The flare starts exactly where I want the visual narrowing to happen, which makes a bigger difference than I expected.
I keep the neckline simple, usually a scoop or a round neck, so the silhouette itself gets to do the talking.
It hits right at or above the knee, which keeps the proportions balanced with my legs.
This dress makes me feel instantly polished, even when I’ve thrown it on in under two minutes.
It’s become my go-to for anything from a work event to a casual dinner out.
Where to Buy
- Fit-and-flare dress – Amazon
- Fit-and-flare dress – Nordstrom Rack
- Fit-and-flare dress – Kohl’s
- Fit-and-flare dress – ASOS
- Fit-and-flare dress – Target
6. Shirt Dress with a Tie Waist
A shirtdress can go either really flattering or really shapeless, and the tie waist is what tips mine in the right direction.
Mine is a crisp cotton with a button placket down the front and a fabric belt that cinches right at my natural waist.
I tie the belt loosely rather than tight, which still creates shape without digging in anywhere uncomfortable.
The collar and button-down top keep it looking classic and a little sharp, almost like a blazer and dress in one.
It falls in a relaxed A-line below the tie, so my hips and stomach get plenty of room.
I roll the sleeves for a slightly more relaxed feel when I’m not trying to look too polished.
This dress works as easily with sandals for summer as it does with boots and tights in the fall.
It’s one of the most versatile pieces I own, genuinely wearable for almost any occasion.
Where to Buy
- Sleeveless tie waist shirtdress – Nordstrom
- Tie waist linen shirtdress – Nordstrom
- Drop shoulder tie waist shirtdress – Nordstrom
- Shirtdress – Old Navy
- Tie waist shirtdress – Amazon
7. Off-The-Shoulder Dress
I was skeptical about this neckline before I saw how much attention it pulls up toward the face and collarbone.
The neckline sits in a structured band just below the shoulder, which stays put without needing constant adjusting.
Mine is a soft ponte knit with enough stretch to fit securely without feeling restrictive.
The body of the dress skims loosely from the shoulder down through the waist and hips.
I love that so much of the visual interest happens up top, which is exactly where I want the focus.
It hits at a knee length that keeps the proportions balanced and easy to walk in.
I pair it with simple jewelry since the neckline itself is already doing plenty of work.
This is a dress that makes getting ready feel a little more like an occasion, even on an ordinary day.
Where to Buy
- Off-the-shoulder dress – Amazon
- Off-the-shoulder dress – ASOS
- Off-the-shoulder dress – Free People
- Off-the-shoulder dress – Nordstrom
- Off-the-shoulder dress – Target
8. Sweetheart Neckline Dress
This neckline does more shaping work up top than almost any other detail I’ve tried.
The curved sweetheart line follows the shape of the bust and tapers into two soft points, which naturally narrows the visual width across my chest.
Mine is a fitted crepe through the bodice that then releases into a fuller skirt at the waist.
The contrast between fitted and flared is exactly the shape I’m always chasing for an apple body.
I usually add a light cardigan or shrug for daytime, since the neckline can run a little more formal on its own.
The fabric has just enough structure to hold the sweetheart shape without needing boning or extra support.
It’s a dress that photographs beautifully from every angle, which is rare enough to be worth mentioning.
I reach for this one anytime I want to feel a little more glamorous than usual.
Where to Buy
- Sweetheart bodycon midi dress – Amazon
- Sweetheart neckline dress – Amazon
- Plus size sweetheart neckline dress – Amazon
- Sweetheart neckline dress – Nordstrom
- Sweetheart neckline dress – ASOS
9. Swing Dress
A swing dress is such an easy, breezy option, and it happens to be genuinely flattering too.
Mine is a lightweight cotton poplin that flares out gently from just under the bust all the way to the hem.
There’s no fitted waist at all, which means nothing is clinging or pulling anywhere near my stomach.
The fabric has enough body to hold its shape and swing when I walk instead of collapsing flat against me.
I like a scoop or square neckline on this style since it keeps the whole look simple and a little vintage-inspired.
It hits right around the knee, which balances nicely with the fuller shape through the body.
This dress is basically a built-in good mood, it’s that comfortable and easy to wear.
I’ve worn it to picnics, brunches, and casual weddings, and it’s never once felt wrong for the occasion.
Where to Buy
- Swing dress – Amazon
- Swing dress – Nordstrom Rack
- Swing dress – Anthropologie
- Swing dress – Etsy
- Swing dress – Kohl’s
10. Princess-Seam Sheath Dress
Princess seams are one of those tailoring details I never noticed until someone pointed out how much shaping they do.
The vertical seams run from the shoulder down through the bust and waist, which creates a defined shape without any actual clinging fabric.
Mine is a structured ponte knit that holds its form through a full day of wear.
The straight sheath silhouette stays close to the body but never tight, since the seams do the shaping instead of the fabric stretching.
I keep the neckline simple, usually a round or boat neck, so the seaming stays the focal point.
It hits at the knee, which keeps everything streamlined from top to bottom.
This is the dress I wear when I need to feel sharp and put together for something important.
It’s proof that good construction can do more for your shape than any amount of shapewear.
Where to Buy
- Princess seam sheath dress – Amazon
- Sheath dresses – Nordstrom
- Sheath dress – Nordstrom Rack
- Princess seam dress – Kohl’s
- Sheath dress – Ann Taylor
11. Kimono-Sleeve Midi Dress
This dress feels like wearing a robe that somehow reads as fully put together.
The kimono sleeves are wide and flowing, cut from a lightweight chiffon that drapes rather than clings anywhere on the body.
Mine has a wrap-style bodice underneath all that sleeve volume, which adds a little waist definition beneath the drama up top.
I love how much attention the sleeves pull outward and up, which balances out my midsection without any real effort.
It falls to a midi length, which feels a little more elevated than a shorter hemline.
The fabric moves beautifully when I walk, which makes even a boring Tuesday feel a little more special.
I usually wear it with simple sandals and let the dress do all the visual work.
This is one of those pieces that gets stopped and complimented constantly.
Where to Buy
- Kimono sleeve dress – Amazon
- Kimono sleeve midi dress – ASOS
- Kimono dress – Etsy
- Kimono dress – Nordstrom
- Kimono sleeve dress – Free People
12. Tiered Maxi Dress
The tiers on this dress break up the fabric in a way that keeps a maxi length from ever looking like one heavy block of material.
Mine is a soft cotton gauze with three gathered tiers, each one a little fuller than the last as it moves down toward the hem.
The waist sits gathered under the bust, so it never sits tight against my stomach at any point.
I love how much movement the tiers add when I walk, it feels a little effortless and a little romantic at the same time.
The neckline is a simple square or scoop, which keeps the focus on all that beautiful movement below.
It works barefoot on vacation just as easily as it does dressed up with sandals for a summer dinner.
The lightweight fabric also means it never feels heavy or overwhelming, even in a longer length.
This has become my favorite warm-weather throw-on dress by a wide margin.
Where to Buy
- Tiered maxi dress – Amazon
- Tiered maxi dress – Free People
- Tiered maxi dress – ASOS
- Tiered maxi dress – Anthropologie
- Tiered maxi dress – Walmart
13. Ponte Knit Dress
Ponte knit might be my favorite fabric for dresses in general, and it happens to be especially forgiving for an apple shape.
It has a substantial, structured stretch that smooths without squeezing, which is a hard balance to find in knit fabric.
Mine has a simple fitted silhouette with a scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves, nothing flashy, just genuinely well cut.
The fabric holds its shape all day, so I never have to tug or readjust anything by the afternoon.
It skims over my midsection instead of clinging to every detail, which is really all I’m asking of any dress.
I can dress it up with heels and statement earrings or wear it with flats and a denim jacket.
It travels incredibly well too, since it barely wrinkles even after being packed in a suitcase.
Where to Buy
- Ponte knit dress – Amazon
- Ponte dress – Nordstrom
- Ponte knit dress – Kohl’s
- Ponte dress – Ann Taylor
- Ponte knit dress – Nordstrom Rack
14. Cold-Shoulder Dress
I keep coming back to cold-shoulder details because they add just enough visual interest without adding any bulk.
The cutouts sit right at the shoulder in a fitted band, showing a sliver of skin without exposing anything I’m not comfortable with.
Mine is a soft rayon blend that skims loosely from the shoulder down through a relaxed A-line skirt.
The cutout draws the eye outward, which does a surprisingly good job of balancing a fuller midsection.
I usually pair it with strappy sandals since the shoulder detail already feels a little dressed up.
It hits at the knee, keeping the proportions clean and easy to walk in.
This dress works for warm-weather dinners, casual weddings, or just an evening out with friends.
It’s a small detail that ends up making a much bigger difference than I expected.
Where to Buy
- Cold-shoulder sweetheart midi dress – Amazon
- Cold-shoulder dress – Amazon
- Cold-shoulder dress – ASOS
- Cold-shoulder dress – Nordstrom
- Cold-shoulder dress – Walmart
15. Blouson Dress
This dress has a soft blouson bodice that gathers loosely above the waistband, which is such a genius way to hide exactly what I want hidden.
Mine is a lightweight crepe that billows just slightly over the torso before gathering into a fitted waistband.
The blouson shape adds volume in a controlled way, so it never looks sloppy or overly baggy.
That fitted waistband is what pulls the whole silhouette together and creates real definition.
The skirt below falls straight or gently flared, depending on the cut, and either way it stays streamlined.
I love that this style hides any concerns about my stomach without me having to think about sucking in all day.
It works beautifully for both work events and evening occasions depending on how I accessorize it.
This is a silhouette I actively seek out now whenever I’m dress shopping.
Where to Buy
- Blouson dress – Amazon
- Blouson dress – Nordstrom
- Blouson dress – Nordstrom Rack
- Blouson dress – Kohl’s
- Blouson dress – Macy’s
16. Asymmetric Hem Dress
This dress has a hem that dips diagonally instead of falling in a straight line, and it makes such a simple silhouette feel a lot more interesting.
Mine is a soft jersey knit that skims the body without clinging anywhere through the stomach or hips.
The hemline runs longer on one side, which draws the eye along a diagonal instead of straight across my midsection.
It has a simple scoop neckline, so the asymmetric hem gets to be the one standout detail.
I pair it with simple sandals and let the uneven hem move naturally when I walk.
It looks intentional and a little editorial rather than like a design accident, which isn’t always guaranteed with asymmetric hems.
This dress works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a slightly dressier evening out.
It’s quietly become one of my most-complimented pieces this year.
Where to Buy
- Asymmetric hem dress – Amazon
- Asymmetric hem dress – ASOS
- Asymmetric hem dress – Free People
- Asymmetric hem dress – Nordstrom
- Asymmetric hem dress – Etsy
17. Puff-Sleeve Dress
There’s something about a puff sleeve that makes a dress feel instantly more festive, no extra effort required.
This dress has short, structured puff sleeves that sit right at the shoulder, adding volume exactly where I want extra visual weight.
The bodice is gathered under the bust in an empire style, so the rest of the dress skims loosely all the way down.
That contrast, structured sleeves up top and soft, flowing fabric below, is the exact balance I look for in a dress.
Mine is a lightweight cotton with a small floral print, though I’ve seen this cut in plenty of solid colors too.
I usually leave the neckline simple so the sleeves stay the clear focal point of the whole outfit.
It works as a daytime dress with sandals or dressed up slightly with heels for an evening event.
This is one of those dresses that makes me feel a little more like myself the second I put it on.
Where to Buy
- Puff sleeve empire waist maxi dress – Nordstrom
- Puff sleeve dress – Amazon
- Puff sleeve dress – Anthropologie
- Puff sleeve dress – ASOS
- Puff sleeve dress – H&M
Those are my go-to dresses for an apple shape, and I genuinely love every one of them.
Give one a try and let me know how it goes!
And if you’re still figuring out your shape, check out the post I linked up top first.
