Apple shapes - what suits you?

[confuseddoiordonti]

Hi,
Am an apple shape and have fallen into an empire line / smock rut. Most fashion advice seems to be more geared towards hiding big bottoms etc and apples seem to be sidelined. My bum is curvy but very toned (lots of dog walking) but my stomach is not, and neither are my upper arms.
So, to give me some inspiration, can any fellow apples point me towards shapes that would be worth looking into (other than bloody smocks and empire lines!)

Thank you!

in that case i think you need one of the more jersey type viv dresses, extra drapey. i have a spanx slip which is sometimes reasonably comfortable. i love tk maxx too....

Okey doke - will keep eye out for the more drapey styles! Shame I am allergic to changing rooms really, but that's another issue entirely

Am also apple shaped and was looking at this dress today and couldn't decide if I liked it or not. Opinions please. The pattern is a bit much but I think the shape might be ok. I'm not in the VW league I'm afraid, a bit more high street is my price range

Hi Gibbering, I take it the dress is a wrap style dress? I have a dress a similar shape but feel a bit like humpty dumpty in it, although that may just be me. Many go on about how wrap dresses suit everyone etc etc so I may be wrong.

Quite like the pattern TBH.

i like that m & co one. wrap dresses are generally good, define your waist more.

Ah. I have no waist...

how tall are you confused?

It is a wrap style, it sort of pulls up to the right (the model's left). Might go back and have a second look tomorrow. Anything that helps define the waist - which is sadly my largest, post pregnancy body point - is good

i am a lollipop ( apple on a stick)and also wear lots of drapey jersey. i have 3 VW Anglomania dresses, all bought in the sale for about £90-100. Its a lot but i have worn them so much and they don't date

i also have a few from Phase Eight ( but not the stripey janice one as the pattern is too much for me and the navy blue one is very thin fabric)

i never wear empire lines, smocks or tunics as they fall from my boobs and make me look huge.If they are tight they cling to my fat tummy.

i try to wear fitted clothes that balance out my weird proportions (top heavy).

i understand the urge to wear tents to hide the lumpy bits but you must FIGHT it

cheaper version of the purple fulfilment dress & in a more everyday fabric

five foot four, Hoxton

well i am a bit taller than you but not loads.

I'm fighting the tents, Kristingle, I'm fighting it!

Oh I look like a sack of potatoes in anything belted so avoid at all costs.

This is a great thread - I have never been on this section of mumsnet before.
What I have been missing...I love everything you have linked to tracybath and hoxton chick and could run to a couple of things as 'investments' - if there is anything else you think would be good for size 12 apples it would be much appreciated.

I have a lovely Anglomania dress - 48 quid in Selfridges sale a few years ago so they do reduce them. It takes a stone off you. I am ok in suits and smart dresses but struggle to escape mid 90's student casual otherwise. Not a good look at 30 odd with two small children. Any ideas much appreciated.

there's lots of viv stuff in the my wardrobe sale

Oh, I bought that phase 8 dress linked to earlier, but the plain navy version and not only did it arrive today, but it's super flattering. Thanks tracey!