HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE- APPLE

The Apple shape has typically more rounded upper half, with extra weight around the waist. Legs and hands are relatively slimmer.

Highlight: Legs and hands
Downplay: Waist

The trick is to create an illusion of slimmer waist or hide it and balance the upper half and lower half.

Tops:

Wrap around tops, Ruched tops, detailing on sleeves like gathers, broad cuffs etc., V-necklines, patterns/prints. Go for Woven tops instead of knit/jersey as these have a tendency to cling to the body. Georgette, crepe, chiffon will work wonders to hide that extra flab around your tummy. Wear A-line tunics with leggings or skinny jeans. Try and look for tops that get a little wider around the waist. You can also play around layering with loose jersey long shrug or structured jacket that will de-emphasize the bulk at waist but be careful when layering as it can add volume around mid-section if not done properly. One of the hot trends right now is the peplum top, perfect for the apple. Stock it in various colours and styles as these are available everywhere and you will choice.
Avoid tops in fine knit/jersey fabrics, tops that narrow down or cling to your waist, boxy silhouettes as even though it will hide the waist but at the same time it will make your top half look big and unflattering.

Bottoms:

Pattern/ printed dresses with A-line or flared bottom, wrap dresses, Empire-seam dresses look good. Knee-length pencil skirts are also a good choice. A-line or flared skirts also balance the top and bottom. Wear flat-front pants or knee length shorts.
Avoid fitted jersey/knit dresses, pleated pants. Avoid skinny pants except when wearing them with long tunics as slim legs will highlight the wide waist.

Outerwear:

Try and lay your hands on some structured jackets which create the illusion of a defined waistline. Invest in some good pieces and you will never regret it. Loosely knitted sweaters worn with slim pants are also a good option. Try and avoid tight fitted knit sweaters or cardigans as they tend to cling to all the wrong places. Boxy silhouettes can be worn with belt at the right place.

Indian Ethnic Wear:

Most of the women in India tend to wear either the Salwar-suit or Sari. These, if worn correctly, can be excellent covers for that extra flab. When choosing a salwar-suit, you should go for A-line or empire-seam kurtis. Keep the length long or short as you please. While wearing shorter kurtis try printed ones in chiffon, georgette or light silk. Avoid fitted kurtis in heavy fabrics. Try and wear darker colours on top. Opt for kurtis with heavy front embroidery as it will draw attention away from waist towards the neckline and also break the waist circumference. Wearing contemporary short kurtis that just skim over the waist is a good option esp. when you want to keep it casual and hassle-free. Kaftan style kurtis are a perfect blend of ethnic and contemporary. Mock wrap around kurtis will also suit the apple shaped.

As for sarees, go for light silk or cotton with good drape. Try printed sarees . Bead-work and embroidered sarees will also look good. Avoid plain chiffon sarees as they tend to highlight the waist.

Here are some images of clothing from various brands that are suitable for Apple shaped body type.