Size 18 Apple Help!

[proseccoandwine]

I need to find an outfit for a pub lunch birthday this weekend - it's with the family but they haven't seen me for ages and I've put on loads of weight and I've no idea what to wear?! I wear the same unflattering skinny jeans and my faithful tops that cover my tum need to be binned as they are falling to pieces. Only ever wear jeans and leggings and both need hoiking up all the time. I occasionally buy dresses but then struggle with footwear/jacket/cardi so give up and put my jeans on! Any advice gratefully accepted - not just for the lunch but some staples for everyday life - I work from home so casual day wear is what's needed, I don't really go out in the evening due to lack of confidence/something to wear! I'm 42, fair skin and resemble a beach ball with legs, arms and head! Thanks!

How about some dark blue straight leg jeans - not skinny but narrow enough to give a slim look then a longer length jacket - fitted but not done up - over a loose white / cream top that skims the tum and rests on the hips. Add a flash of toning colour with a long scarf that hangs over your tum area so it is partially hidden. I always use scarves that way. Team with boots or heels whichever makes you feel comfy. You will feel ok as you are in your comfort zone of jeans but a smarter version.
I am your shape and my legs are good so I try and hide the tum and draw attention to my slim legs instead.

I have to do "casual Fridays" at work a lot, and have similar issues. I wear my slim dark jeans (I have a navy and a black pair) or leggings a lot. I often put a top and jacket/long cardi over it (a la Nowrinkles above) and use scarves a LOT. I have a few long tunics too, that go mid thigh, worn over the leggings - jersey ones that generally are gathered under bust and then fall loose from there, occasionally I'll even wear one of the longer ones over thick tights with heels.

A pair of knee high boots (flat soled) can help make that look too.

If possible, try to bring a similar colour down through your whole body, it can elongate and slim you down. So a navy jacket over navy jeans - top can be white or a colour under that, and scarf can be different too but the jacket will bring the top and bottom together. Or use a scarf similar colour to your legs to allow different coloured top altogether.

An interesting brooch on a jacket (a big bold one) or nice jewellery can draw the eye towards areas that you feel better about too.

And walk tall - if you FEEL confident and LOOK confident, you'll be amazed at the difference in perceptions (I had an event a while ago when I'd actually put on over a stone - but dressed comfortably and nicely for it, gave myself a talking to before I went in, and got loads of compliments about all the weight I'd lost and how well I was looking!!! )

Take your time to do your hair and makeup, so that you FEEL good about yourself, it WILL make a difference.

Thank you so much both can you give me any advice as to where to shop for jeans/jacket/scarf/top - my current jeans are from Next lift and shaped range as they were the best fit and I tried hundreds of pairs - but I checked for straight leg and they're a two week wait. I've tried the tunic thing but I think it makes me look pregnant and I think I need plain tops as just want to blend into the background and not really be noticed - I agree with your feel confident look confident I tell my children the same I just never seem to look nice these days so never feel confident!

Watching with interest - newspaper fashion pages feature suggestions for all body shapes except apple!

Hi, I'm an apple and I've picked up a couple of lovely jackets from Gap. They are jersey blazer types in navy and grey, very flattering as they fit well on the shoulder and back due to the jersey stretch. I layer over a Breton style long tunic, grey long vest or long white blouse.

I get my jeans from an Italian outlet called Rifle, they are a great stretch fit, in dark navy but I'm not sure if the stores are in the UK, but you could try some of the stretch denim at gap also?

I get my skinnies at Primark or DP's as they have a nice stretch fit. I find knee boots distract away from the top half and as my legs are slim I can usually find a nice pair in tan or black to put over skinny jeans under a long top.. Or you could get a pair from Duo, made to measure? They are good quality and very well made.

I do sympathise,its so difficult to find clothes as an apple.I have recently exercised down to a 14 from a 16[maybe 18- though was in denial]I fell in love with M&S pull on jeggings.they have a wide elastic waistband which means they actually stay up and are very flattering and slimming on [in dark indigo and black].I would pair with a matching coloured loose top or a fitted tunic dress [Hush Henley] with a long layered vest underneath[Matalan bottom covering ones].I do use the long scarf trick to disguise, with a blazer or beautiful coat over the top and your nicest boots.

Hi, I feel your pain, as I am a similar size and shape. My fail safe outfit is:

Indigo or black jeggings from M&S (because they are high waisted and don't give me a muffin top)
Black boots with a bit of a heel
White shirt, belly button length, fitted in the waist (H&M or BhS)
Long cardigan from M&S (mine is dark purple)
www.marksandspencer.com/Open-Front-Longline-Cashmilon-Cardigan/dp/B008A313LO
Really nice long neclace (mine is with purple, lilac, and yellow stones on a chain)

When it is too warm for boots, I wear straight leg jeans from primark with wedges and long line tops. Necklaces and scarfs distract too.

Good makeup, nails, hair also give me more confidence for occassions where I want to blend into the background.

Good luck, do let us know how you get on xx

I have a nice casual-ish jacket (sounds like Wallys) from Gap, and a few nice long cardis from M&S and H&M. I got a nice tunic-top from Fat Face (don't laugh!) last week, it's the Pixie face tunic in navy butterfly print - but the core of my wardrobe is actually 2-3 years old and older. I tend to get a lot of plain tops (black, white and navy mainly) from M&S, H&M, and a couple from Lands End when I was in US 18 months ago (I have no idea if LE US is same as LE UK as in Ireland so can't get it here).

And sometimes, not being entirely plain actually disguises more - doesn't make you the centre of attention but it can distract more from lumps. Just get something that isn't too fussy - a single colour pattern on a single colour background works well.