Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Dresses for Apple-Shaped Bodies

Updated May 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Alex Evenings Compression Embellished Ruched Sheath Dress
Alex Evenings
Compression Embellished Ruched Sheath Dress
Check Price
Best Formal Dress
Bottom Line

This popular design has a ruched asymmetrical waist that helps create an hourglass silhouette.

Pros

Dress and lining are well cut and fit the body well. Discreet zipper is virtually undetectable. Wrap-style V-neck is elegant and accentuates the collar bones. Wearers love the side embellishment.

Cons

A few wearers felt the dress was cut small. Embellishments may impact or limit jewelry options.

Best Bang for the Buck
Amazon Essentials Women's Cap-Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress
Amazon Essentials
Women's Cap-Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress
Check Price
Affordable Everday
Bottom Line

With a faux wrap design and A-line skirt, this affordable style creates a balanced silhouette.

Pros

Made with a soft, flexible blend of viscose and elastane. Tie closure is noticeable but doesn't overwhelm or add bulk to waistline. Skirt drapes over the hips instead of hugging them. Affordable enough to buy more than one.

Cons

Dress doesn't come in many lighter solid colors. V-neck line is somewhat low cut.

Calvin Klein Peplum Sheath Dress
Calvin Klein
Peplum Sheath Dress
Check Price
Most Sophisticated
Bottom Line

Wearers appreciate the quality construction and clean lines of this contemporary peplum style.

Pros

Three-quarter sleeves and boat neckline add to style's elegance. Peplum accentuates the waistline. Skirt is on the longer side for most wearers and has a modest slit. Polyester/Spandex blend is flexible and flattering.

Cons

Some wearers were disappointed the dress isn't lined. Zipper is very noticeable.

Daily Ritual Jersey V-Neck T-Shirt Dress
Daily Ritual
Jersey V-Neck T-Shirt Dress
Check Price
Casual Style
Bottom Line

Casual and comfortable, this V-neck T-shirt dress drapes over the body in a flattering way.

Pros

Versatile style that can be worn on its own, for layering pieces, or as a cover-up. Wearers appreciated the clean, simple lines of this style. Relaxed fit doesn't cling to the body. Lightweight and breathable for warm weather.

Cons

Tapers around the waist, which some wears didn't like. Many wearers also sized up.

Nine West Sleeveless Button-Front Tiered Dress
Nine West
Sleeveless Button-Front Tiered Dress
Check Price
Flowy Design
Bottom Line

Appreciated for its spacious A-line cut, this tiered dress has natural movement and modern flair.

Pros

Drop-waist and tiers give the dress a boho appearance. Can be worn dressed up or down. Is popular for vacation mode. Made from soft, cool-to-touch Rayon. Lightweight and easy to wear.

Cons

Taller wearers may find the dress fits them as a babydoll-style due to the hemline.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

51
Models
Considered
157
Consumers
Consulted
22
Hours
Researched
Category cover