The Caribbean Woman: How to Dress Your Apple-shaped Figure

by Lou-Ann Jordan Mar 4, 2024

Findyello article on Caribbean women body shapes with image of apple and a measuring tape wrapped around it

The Caribbean woman loves to dress just as much as any other woman. We love the feeling of being ‘well turned out”, and we’re not above basking in the glare of such admiration.

You know, it’s when you get those quick, furtive looks or when you’re openly ogled. Usually, you draw the attention of onlookers because the fit of your clothes accentuates your strong attributes while camouflaging other areas.

For some, dressing impeccably is easy, and for others, it’s a challenge. Yet it isn’t a skill exclusive to fashion models, people in the fashion industry or those ‘into’ fashion. It’s possible for ‘laypeople’, like you and me, to adopt this kind of know-how. It’s quite simple really. You need to dress to suit your body shape, and the first step in doing so is identifying which is it.

Fashion experts classify body shapes into approximately 12 groups. However, some of them overlap. In this series, we’ve teamed up with Image by Anastasia Nicole’s (IBAN) founder, Nicole Thomas, to walk you through five of them. If you’re unsure which category you fall into, then stop and look at our first two articles on the hourglass and pear-shaped physiques.

In our article on the hourglass figure, we provide tips on how to determine if your figure fits that category and ideas on how this much-idolised body should be dressed. Additionally, similar tips are shared in the follow-up on how to dress your pear-shaped figure. Today, we explore the apple-shaped figure.

The Apple figure is also referred to as the Oval body shape, and it’s easy to see why. With the identifying markers being a large bust, a small hip, and a full stomach area, the body’s form does appear oval. For those with an apple figure, your shoulders and hips are approximately the same width. Also, you are likely to have rounded shoulders, and you may appear somewhat flat. Your waist is usually wider than your shoulders and hips. Often, your best asset is your slender, shapely, killer legs. Overall, the apple body shape needs balance. Therefore, the aim is to create symmetry by elongating the torso, creating the illusion of a cinched waist, and showing off those legs.

How to identify your body shape?

In determining your body shape, we look at the relationship between the shoulder, waist, hip, and bust. Grab a tape measure and note the measurements of your shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. Pay attention to which area is the largest. Remember, if your shoulders and hips measurements are similar but your mid-section is larger, your figure will likely be classified as apple-shaped. So, are you an apple?

Findyello article on Caribbean women body shapes with diagram of apple or oval figure — Apple Figure Diagram

How to dress an apple-shaped silhouette?

We’re on to the fun part now—dressing to suit your figure. As we mentioned briefly, the goal is to create the illusion of a more defined waist by de-emphasising the midsection. Wearing V-necked and U-necked tops or belted dresses and blouses is a good idea. Let your tops taper at the waist. When selecting bottom pieces, you can add trousers and skirts with embellishments and pockets that add curves to your figure. Also, A-line dresses should be a favourite; you can wear them alone or paired with a structured jacket.

It’s important to note that you should avoid any clothing that is too tight, shapeless, or that draws attention to your waist. Additionally, stay clear of boxy clothing—toss such pieces as they will not flatter your silhouette.