Fellow apples- how can we get a waist?

[kazzawazzawoo]

I'm an apple shape, size 12 - 14, measure about 32 inches round the waist.

Any ideas how best to look like I have a defined waist or even how to get one?

When I lose weight it goes from my bum first.

Is there any shape wear that will help? I have shape wear from M&S but couldn't wear it every day all day, I just wear it for special occasions because it's tight.

I'm jumping on board here, but I DO need diet refinement.

I cannot even contemplate Low Carb ) vegetarian, don't like butter/marg and gallstone so have to avoid fat)

But the GP told me today to cut out fibre.
I'm going to starve aren't I?
Even now my stools are loose (TMI) so if I eat more veg/fruit I'll never be off the loo.
But if I don't , my bowels will go static.

I can't bear anything round my waist a the moment.

I'm an apple if I don't work out and eat low carb. Fat accumulates around waist, back, armpits and chin.
What works for me-weight training (I lift heavy). Squats, step ups. You could try lunges, split squats all weighted. Pull ups, deadlifts. Sprints.
Eating-low carb high fat high protein.I don't eat wheat. Gluten makes me flabby. Apple types may also be stressed as cortisol encourages stomach fat. So try to avoid stress! Easier said than done!

The Callanetics exercise classes have exercises that encourage waist definition.

Also - I once had a session with an image consultant. I'm not an apple, but I didn't know how to dress for me and now I do. They advise you on the best style for your shape, which makes it easier to choose clothes that make you look good.

Do you have a photo Nanny?

No I hate photos of myself!
Another idea for dressing our apple shapes - if funds permit find a local dressmaker and ask her to make a toile (thin fabric mock up of dress etc) to fit your body and then have a couple of dresses made up or if you can make them up yourself. Or trousers.
I am going to do this for a simple shift pattern that actually fits my short body, heavy bust, apple waist and narrow hips. I can do dressmaking but can't make a paper pattern to fit myself exactly.

I should add that you might not want to take style advice from me as I am 57!

Storynanny, I'm nearly 50, so quite happy to take style advice from you - or anyone!

The fit and flare dress I mentioned above was sort of this style, but longer - below knee length, fastened the entire length with press studs and in navy. Doesn't sound great, but was very flattering.

That dress is really nice kazz but I would change the buttons (though for the price, that's perfectly do-able and would make it unique)

Can I be the first to say don't try losing weight in order to get a waist.

All clothes appear to be cut for apples these days so if you are an hourglass or pear, you will find that nothing fits and the waist on trousers or jeans is always about two sizes too big for clothing that fits on the hips.

70is, sadly I no longer have the dress Don't know what happened to it but it just disappeared during a house move I think.

It really suited me and was very flattering and I'm on the lookout for something similar. The problem is I don't suit a high crew neck, so need a lower scoop to balance my 34FF boobs, I like the fit and flare style, but I like the length of mine too, which was mid calf.

I don't know, Ilkley, I got down to a 10 on the bottom, a few years ago and even ended up trying on men's jeans in a futile attempt to find something that didn't look like jodhpurs on me.

I find trying to create a waist if you don;'t have one makes it all look worse Skim your worst bits is my advice and avoid anything where the belt is the feature ie shirt dress mac etc

The type of fit and flare dress that I like the best isn't the usual kind -which has a flat cut bodice with darts for the bust and another piece of material for the skirt , which is cut on the bias.

It's the kind with princess seams all the way down, the front is all one piece of fabric. Perhaps one of you dressmakers could explain this better, or even tell me the proper name for this style of dress please ?