Short apple shapes - what do wear for a night out?

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I have a couple of nights out coming up including a 40th birthday party and an engagement party (a guest at these btw not the centre of attention). Both of these will be in a local pub so dressy-ish but not eveningy or too formal.

I'm short and top heavy and am feeling increasingly frumpy on nights out. I'm a size 16 but working on losing weight. I got my hair cut recently which was a bad decision as I think it has aged me a bit. I'm 38.

It doesn't help that my two best friends are tall and naturally quite glam. They are both a couple of years older than me but I feel like their mum.

Any suggestions for a suitable outfit? Budget around £100 - I have loads of different shoes so shouldn't need to buy any.

I'm brunette, lightly tanned.

Any help appreciated.

Have you considered a kaftan? Like a nice georgette kaftan with embellishments that will hide the extra flab and make you look fab for the night. Georgette Kaftans

Thanks Anna but I think that would swamp me. I'm 5'2.

I'm usually the one in bright tunic etc and have to urge to look a bit more sophisticated , not sure sophisticated is even possible as a busty shortarse but I can always hope.

hmm. I'm 5'1 and a top heavy 12/14. I almost always wear dark denim, heels and a glam top with nice jewellery and a decent blow dry. Totally agree that a Kaftan is the wrong choice. Top doesn't have to be a tunic, just not sking tight. Go for straight or bootcut jeans. x

Thanks fairylights. Any recommendations for glam tops?

Bump - I'm struggling yoo

Too!

www.east.co.uk/mobile/v-neck-band-detail-dress-red/

Nice shoes, jewellery, blow dry & make-up. This dress has lots of uses & a bargain at 25.

I find these kinds of tops suit apple shapes. As you're busty, you'll hVe to discount the high necked ones, but there are a few there that might do. I'd wear them with skinny jeans and lovely high shoes.

Last sat night I wore from the bottom up:

Navy suede high sandals
Distressed skinnier
A long gold pendant
Navy silk camisole
Fitted white blazer jacket on top

Was v flattering

hi again. No specific recomendations for tops - just go for something a bit sparkly or embellished somewhere, a silky or satiny fabric, like a camisole - sleeves can be tricky if you like to cover your arms but a blazer might work for that. I've always had rounded arms but don't care. I keep the skin i really good nick with a exfolliant and just go with strappy tops (though not spaghetti - you need a really slender shoulder to work those I think). I get most of my stuff from high street and supermarket but when I can afford it I look in Monsoon.

this sort of top works for me (5ft & 16). MV often has quite flattering shapes.

If you are an apple I assume you have good legs. So get them out.

A couple of my failsafe outfits are shiny (wet look if you dare) leggings (husband goes mad for them) with a looser longer top. I have a gorgeous long beaded top and a neon top that both look great with leggings. They are all from river island (inc leggings) which seems to be doing so great going out wear at the mo.

I also wear very short dresses with bare legs. I tend to keep my dresses high necked as the legs are out so it doesn't look slutty but stick a massive statement necklace over the top of them to break it up a bit.

All with stonking great heels.