What to Wear to a Holiday Party if You’re Apple-Shaped in 2027

Direct Answer

Focus on structured fabrics, vertical lines, and strategic draping to balance a fuller midsection while celebrating your shoulders and legs. For an apple-shaped body, the goal is to create a longer, leaner line through the torso with V-necks, empire waists, and A-line cuts. In 2027, the key is to choose high-waist trousers or midi dresses that skim the waist without cinching, paired with statement outerwear like a cropped blazer or kimono jacket to add vertical interest.

What to Wear

The core palette for a 2027 holiday party leans into deep jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy) and metallic accents (gold, bronze). Essential pieces include a wrap dress from M.M.LaFleur or Ann Taylor that creates a faux-wrap effect with a side tie, and wide-leg trousers from Everlane or Banana Republic that elongate the silhouette. For men, a V-neck sweater from Bonobos or a shirt jacket from Uniqlo works well. Key fabrics are crepe, jersey, and ponte knit—all with enough weight to drape smoothly without clinging. Vertical stripes or color-blocking (dark sides, lighter center) are your best friends.

For Men

Masculine-presenting women — these looks work for you too.

Men with an apple shape benefit from open necklines and straight-cut bottoms that draw the eye down.

Modern Minimalist

Men's · 20s · Holiday Party · $200–$400

Knit polo shirt — Charcoal · Uniqlo V-neck knit polo in heathered charcoal

High-waist straight-leg trousers — Black · Everlane high-waist straight in stretch wool

Chelsea boots — Tan suede · Thursday Boots Captain in tobacco suede

Leather belt — Black · Thin black leather belt with silver buckle

Watch — Silver · Seiko 5 Sports automatic on a black NATO strap

Refined Relaxed

Men's · 40s · Holiday Party · $400–$700

Open-collar linen shirt — Navy · Bonobos weekday warrior in navy linen

Wide-leg wool trousers — Dark olive · Banana Republic traveler pant in olive

Loafers — Dark brown · Cole Haan pinch penny in dark brown leather

Cashmere scarf — Cream · J.Crew cashmere scarf in cream

Cufflinks — Silver · Simple silver knot cufflinks

Classic Elegance

Men's · 60s · Holiday Party · $500–$900

V-neck cashmere sweater — Burgundy · Uniqlo cashmere V-neck in burgundy

Flat-front dress trousers — Charcoal · Brooks Brothers flat-front in charcoal wool

Oxford shoes — Black · Allen Edmonds Park Avenue in black calfskin

Silk pocket square — White · Simple white silk fold

Leather bracelet — Brown · Thin braided leather bracelet

For Women

Feminine-presenting men — these looks work for you too.

Women with an apple shape should emphasize the bust and legs while softening the waist with draping or side ruching.

Festive Flare

Women's · 20s · Holiday Party · $150–$350

Sequin wrap top — Gold · Aritzia Babaton sequin wrap top in gold

High-waist A-line mini skirt — Black · Zara high-waist A-line mini in black crepe

Block-heel mules — Nude · Sam Edelman block-heel mules in nude leather

Statement earrings — Gold · Large gold hoop earrings

Clutch — Black · Small black leather clutch

Polished Midi

Women's · 40s · Holiday Party · $300–$600

V-neck midi wrap dress — Emerald · M.M.LaFleur wrap midi dress in emerald crepe

Structured blazer — Black · Ann Taylor cropped blazer in black stretch wool

Pointed-toe pumps — Nude · Cole Haan pointed-toe pumps in nude leather

Gold chain necklace — Gold · Thin gold chain with small pendant

Leather belt — Black · Thin belt at natural waist over dress

Graceful Glamour

Women's · 60s · Holiday Party · $400–$800

Long-sleeve jersey top — Burgundy · Eileen Fisher jersey top in burgundy

Wide-leg crepe pants — Black · Ann Taylor wide-leg crepe pants in black

Kitten-heel slingbacks — Silver · Naturalizer kitten-heel slingbacks in silver leather

Pearl stud earrings — White · Classic 8mm pearl studs

Cashmere pashmina — Charcoal · Soft charcoal pashmina for drape

How to Adapt by Age

In your 20s, you can play with cropped tops and mini lengths that show off legs, using layered necklaces to draw the eye up. By your 40s, shift to midi lengths and structured blazers that create a clean vertical line, with side ruching or wrap details to soften the midsection. In your 60s, focus on luxe fabrics like cashmere and silk, with wide-leg pants and long-line cardigans that provide coverage while maintaining a graceful, elongated silhouette.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid high-neck or turtleneck tops that cut off your neck and widen your upper torso; opt for V-necks or scoop necks instead.
• Don't wear stiff, boxy blazers that add bulk; choose unstructured jackets or drapey cardigans that follow your shape.
• Skip horizontal stripes across the midsection; use vertical stripes or color-blocking with darker sides.
• Never cinch a belt tightly at the natural waist; instead, wear it loosely at the hip or under the bust for an empire effect.
• Avoid clingy knits that highlight every curve; choose ponte knits or double-knit jersey that skim the body.

FAQ

Can I wear a jumpsuit if I'm apple-shaped? Yes, but choose one with a V-neck and wide legs that create balance. Look for a wrap-style jumpsuit or one with side ties that allow you to adjust the fit. Avoid elastic waistbands that cinch tight.

What's the best neckline for an apple shape? A deep V-neck is ideal because it elongates the torso and draws attention upward. Scoop necks and boat necks can also work if they're not too high. Sweetheart necklines add shape to the bust.

Should I avoid belts altogether? No, but wear them below the bust (empire line) or at the hip to create a longer line. A thin belt over a cardigan or blazer can add shape without cutting you in half.

What shoe height works best? Low heels (1–2 inches) or block heels are comfortable and add height without straining. Kitten heels are a chic 2027 option. Avoid stilettos that can make you feel unbalanced.

Can I wear patterns? Yes, but choose vertical stripes, small-scale florals, or geometric prints that don't overwhelm. Color-blocking with darker shades on the sides and lighter in the center is very flattering.

What outerwear works for a holiday party? A cropped blazer (hits at the hip) or a long-line cardigan (hits below the hip) are both excellent. A kimono jacket with vertical lines adds drama without bulk.

Bottom Line

The key to dressing an apple shape for a 2027 holiday party is creating vertical lines through V-necks, long necklaces, and straight-leg pants. Focus on structured fabrics that skim rather than cling, and use strategic draping (wrap dresses, side ruching) to soften the midsection. With the right silhouettes—empire waists, A-line skirts, and wide-leg trousers—you'll feel confident and festive.

*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*