Dressing with a bigger belly is about creating flattering silhouettes that highlight your best features while ensuring comfort and confidence. The goal isn’t to hide but to dress in a way that boosts your confidence and showcases your best qualities, from rocking skinny jeans that flaunt those slender legs to choosing V-neck tops that enhance the bust area. The best and simplest way to camouflage a wider midriff is to layer your top with a structured jacket, which draws attention away from this area and creates curves in the right places. Here are 20 thoughtfully curated outfit ideas that embrace your beautiful shape while creating stunning, confident looks.
1) Empire Waist Dress with Cardigan
[Image: Flowing empire waist dress in navy with lightweight cardigan and comfortable flats]
Image Reference: Empire waist dresses available at retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and specialty plus-size stores
An empire waist dress that cinches right under the bust is a great choice for women with an apple-shaped figure, creating a high waistline that’s incredibly flattering.
The fitted bodice under the bust creates definition while the flowing fabric skims over the midsection without clinging. Navy provides sophisticated color that works across seasons.
Add a lightweight cardigan for layering versatility and comfortable flats for all-day wear. This combination works for casual outings, work settings, or social events.
2) V-Neck Top with Straight-Leg Jeans
[Image: Deep V-neck blouse in emerald green with dark straight-leg jeans and ankle boots]
Image Reference: V-neck tops available at retailers like Ann Taylor, J.Crew, and contemporary fashion brands
A fabulous neckline style for the apple-shaped body is the low V-neckline, which draws the eye upward and creates elongating vertical lines.
The V-neckline enhances the bust area while straight-leg jeans show off slender legs. Dark denim creates clean lines while the fitted top provides structure.
Ankle boots add sophistication while maintaining comfort. This combination works for casual Friday, weekend activities, or dinner dates requiring polished comfort.
3) Structured Blazer with A-Line Skirt
[Image: Tailored blazer over fitted camisole with A-line midi skirt and pointed-toe pumps]
Image Reference: Structured blazers available at retailers like Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, and professional wear brands
The best and simplest way to camouflage a wider midriff is to layer your top with a structured jacket that creates curves in all the right places.
The blazer provides structure and draws attention to shoulders and bust while the A-line skirt creates balanced proportions. The fitted camisole underneath maintains smooth lines.
Pointed-toe pumps elongate legs while the structured silhouette creates professional polish. This combination works for business meetings, presentations, or formal events.
4) Wrap Dress with Statement Jewelry
[Image: Burgundy wrap dress with flowing skirt, statement necklace, and nude heels]
Image Reference: Wrap dresses available at retailers like Diane von Furstenberg, Ann Taylor, and dress specialists
Wrap dresses naturally create empire waistlines while the adjustable fit accommodates body changes. The V-neckline is universally flattering for apple shapes.
Burgundy provides rich color while the flowing skirt creates movement without clinging to the midsection. The wrap style defines the area just under the bust.
Statement jewelry draws attention upward while nude heels elongate legs. This combination works for special occasions, dinner dates, or professional events.
5) Tunic Top with Leggings
[Image: Flowing tunic in printed fabric with black leggings and comfortable sneakers]
Image Reference: Tunic tops available at retailers like Soft Surroundings, Chico’s, and comfortable fashion brands
Women with an apple shaped body have slender legs that they can show off, and leggings are perfect for highlighting this attractive feature.
The tunic provides comfortable coverage while the flowing silhouette skims over the midsection. Prints add visual interest while black leggings create sleek lines.
Comfortable sneakers maintain the casual aesthetic while providing all-day support. This combination works for errands, casual outings, or relaxed social activities.
6) Peplum Top with Straight Pants
[Image: Fitted peplum blouse with high-waisted straight pants and low heels]
Image Reference: Peplum tops available at retailers like White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, and contemporary brands
Peplum styles create defined waistlines while the flared hem adds volume at the hips, creating balanced proportions that complement apple body shapes.
High-waisted straight pants elongate legs while the peplum top creates curves at the hips. The combination balances the silhouette beautifully.
Low heels provide comfort while maintaining elegance. This combination works for business casual settings, lunch meetings, or sophisticated social events.
7) Asymmetrical Top with Skinny Jeans
[Image: Asymmetrical hemline top in soft blue with dark skinny jeans and ballet flats]
Image Reference: Asymmetrical tops available at retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, and contemporary fashion brands
Asymmetrical designs create visual interest while the flowing fabric provides comfortable coverage. The diagonal lines are naturally slimming and flattering.
Dark skinny jeans show off slender legs while the asymmetrical top adds contemporary style. The contrast between fitted and flowing creates appealing proportions.
Ballet flats maintain comfort while keeping the look polished. This combination works for casual dates, shopping trips, or artistic events.
8) Long Cardigan with Tank Dress
[Image: Floor-length cardigan over fitted tank dress with ankle boots]
Image Reference: Long cardigans available at retailers like Free People, Anthropologie, and bohemian fashion brands
Long cardigans create vertical lines that elongate the silhouette while providing coverage and style. The flowing length creates graceful movement.
The fitted tank dress underneath shows shape while the cardigan provides layering options. The combination creates interesting proportions and texture contrasts.
Ankle boots add structure while maintaining the relaxed aesthetic. This combination works for casual outings, creative environments, or comfortable social settings.
9) Off-Shoulder Top with Wide-Leg Pants
[Image: Off-shoulder blouse in white with navy wide-leg trousers and wedge sandals]
Image Reference: Off-shoulder tops available at retailers like Zara, H&M, and contemporary fashion brands
Off-shoulder styles draw attention to the shoulders and décolletage while creating horizontal lines that balance apple body proportions beautifully.
Wide-leg pants create dramatic silhouettes while the off-shoulder top adds feminine appeal. Navy and white create classic, sophisticated color combinations.
Wedge sandals provide height and comfort while maintaining the elegant aesthetic. This combination works for summer events, casual dining, or social gatherings.
10) Button-Up Shirt with Pencil Skirt
[Image: Classic white button-up with high-waisted pencil skirt and pointed pumps]
Image Reference: Button-up shirts available at retailers like Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, and professional wear brands
Buttons should sit below the bust line to create the most flattering proportions. The classic button-up provides structure while remaining versatile.
High-waisted pencil skirts define the area under the bust while showing off slender legs. The fitted silhouette creates sleek, professional lines.
Pointed pumps elongate legs while the classic combination creates timeless sophistication. This outfit works for business settings, interviews, or formal occasions.
11) Flowy Maxi Dress with Denim Jacket
[Image: Empire waist maxi dress with cropped denim jacket and sandals]
Image Reference: Maxi dresses available at retailers like Old Navy, Target, and casual dress specialists
Maxi dresses with empire waistlines create elegant silhouettes while the flowing fabric provides comfort and movement without clinging to the midsection.
The denim jacket adds casual structure while providing coverage options. The empire waistline sits at the most flattering point just under the bust.
Sandals maintain the casual aesthetic while providing comfort for extended wear. This combination works for weekend activities, casual dates, or outdoor events.
12) Draped Top with Cropped Pants
[Image: Draped cowl-neck top with cropped straight pants and loafers]
Image Reference: Draped tops available at retailers like Eileen Fisher, COS, and minimalist fashion brands
Draped designs create soft, flowing lines while cowl necklines add visual interest. The draped fabric skims over the midsection without adding bulk.
Cropped pants show ankles and create modern proportions while the draped top provides comfortable coverage. The combination feels contemporary and sophisticated.
Loafers complete the polished casual aesthetic while providing walkable comfort. This combination works for creative workplaces, gallery openings, or sophisticated casual events.
13) Belted Tunic with Straight Jeans
[Image: Belted tunic dress over straight-leg jeans with ankle boots]
Image Reference: Belted tunics available at retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, and bohemian fashion brands
When a dress has a high waist, it has a stretching effect, which can make your stomach appear slimmer while creating flattering proportions.
The belt defines the area under the bust while straight jeans provide structure underneath. The layered approach creates interesting styling and versatility.
Ankle boots add sophistication while maintaining comfort. This combination works for transitional weather, casual outings, or creative work environments.
14) Kimono-Style Top with Fitted Bottoms
[Image: Flowing kimono-style blouse with fitted black pants and pointed flats]
Image Reference: Kimono tops available at retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, and bohemian fashion brands
Kimono styles provide flowing coverage while the wide sleeves create horizontal lines that balance apple body proportions beautifully.
Fitted black pants provide sleek foundations while the kimono top adds movement and visual interest. The contrast between flowing and fitted creates balance.
Pointed flats maintain the elegant aesthetic while providing comfort. This combination works for creative settings, casual social events, or comfortable work environments.
15) Scoop Neck Sweater with A-Line Skirt
[Image: Soft scoop neck sweater in camel with navy A-line skirt and knee-high boots]
Image Reference: Scoop neck sweaters available at retailers like J.Crew, Everlane, and knitwear specialists
Scoop necklines create attractive décolletage while being less dramatic than deep V-necks. The soft neckline flatters apple shapes without being overwhelming.
A-line skirts create balanced proportions while the sweater provides warmth and comfort. Camel and navy create sophisticated autumn color combinations.
Knee-high boots add structure and warmth while maintaining elegance. This combination works for fall activities, casual professional settings, or social gatherings.
16) Layered Tank with Open Cardigan
[Image: Fitted tank top with flowing open cardigan and straight-leg trousers]
Image Reference: Layering pieces available at retailers like Gap, Banana Republic, and contemporary fashion brands
Layering creates depth while open cardigans provide coverage without overwhelming the silhouette. The vertical lines created by the open cardigan are naturally slimming.
The fitted tank shows shape while the cardigan provides coverage and movement. Straight-leg trousers create clean, elongating lines.
This comfortable combination allows temperature regulation while maintaining style. It works for casual professional settings, errands, or social activities.
17) Peasant Blouse with High-Waisted Jeans
[Image: Flowing peasant blouse with embroidered details and high-waisted straight jeans]
Image Reference: Peasant blouses available at retailers like Free People, Anthropologie, and bohemian fashion brands
Peasant blouses provide comfortable coverage while embroidered details draw the eye upward. The flowing silhouette skims over the midsection gracefully.
High-waisted jeans create the illusion of a higher waistline while showing off slender legs. The bohemian styling adds personality and visual interest.
This relaxed combination works for casual outings, creative environments, or weekend activities requiring comfort and style.
18) Wrap Blouse with Straight Skirt
[Image: Silk wrap blouse with high-waisted straight skirt and classic pumps]
Image Reference: Wrap blouses available at retailers like Equipment, Everlane, and silk specialists
Wrap blouses create flattering V-necklines while the tie detail defines the area under the bust. Silk adds luxury while maintaining comfortable drape.
Straight skirts provide sleek silhouettes while high-waisted styles create elongating effects. The combination balances structure with feminine appeal.
Classic pumps complete the sophisticated aesthetic while providing height. This combination works for business settings, formal events, or upscale social occasions.
19) Tiered Dress with Denim Jacket
[Image: Tiered maxi dress with empire waistline and cropped denim jacket]
Image Reference: Tiered dresses available at retailers like Anthropologie, Free People, and bohemian fashion brands
Tiered designs create movement and visual interest while empire waistlines ensure the most flattering placement for apple body shapes.
The tiers add texture without bulk while the empire waist creates definition under the bust. The flowing silhouette provides comfort and grace.
A cropped denim jacket adds casual structure while providing coverage options. This combination works for outdoor events, casual dates, or weekend activities.
20) Tunic Sweater with Leggings and Boots
[Image: Oversized tunic sweater in neutral tone with black leggings and tall boots]
Image Reference: Tunic sweaters available at retailers like Free People, Anthropologie, and cozy fashion brands
Oversized tunic sweaters provide comfortable coverage while tall boots add structure and sophistication. The combination balances relaxed and polished elements.
Black leggings show off slender legs while the neutral tunic provides versatile color. The oversized fit ensures comfort without sacrificing style.
This cozy combination works for casual outings, comfortable work environments, or relaxed social activities requiring warmth and style.
