Newly 40, 5ft and apple shaped - should I just stock up on potato sacks?

[padboz]

is there ANY hope of at least looking 'together', wise ones?

I feel your pain. It annoys me that even when you look at a selection of clothes for your shape there are loads for other shapes and we get 'covered' in long scarves, coats that we mustn't do up and that is about it!!! I am 4 ins taller than you but fed up. I wish I suited pencil skirts as I love them but my tummy is very obvious. I have a few dresses but mostly stick to trousers and tops. Boring.

Funny isn't it? I'm pear shaped and so envious of you apples with your great legs!

Sorry Op, not a lot of help!

Yep, whilst they're far from um, conventionally attractive in the flesh (baggy inner thighs, threadveins and stretchmarks with stretchmarks, thanks to the not-so-wonderful collagen I was born with) my legs do rock a pair of skinny jeans. For my top half, I try to at least find potato sacks with pretty little details like smocking, as well as a neat shoulder-line. And I like a good bra - it's important to me that my boobs protrude further than my belly.

Welcome to the fabulous 40s :-)
I find Mint Velvet great for a 40something apple. They are rubbish, however, if grey and black don't suit you.

I'm jealous of apples great legs too. The world is not ready for the sight of me in leggings or skinnies. I used to be a pear and was a size 16-18 bottom and a size 14 top and finding clothes that fitted was a nightmare. I've had quite a large weight gain recently making me more like an apple with fat legs which I am not proud of and I know its not healthy but for the first time ever I am the same size all over. I know I should try and lose weight but clothes shopping is far easier so I must admit I'm reluctant.
I think OP that you need to take a stylish critical friend whos judgement you trust out with you for a day of retail therapy and let them talk you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to try things you maybe wouldn't usual choose for yourself, you may be pleasantly suprised, also have a look at others who you admire for style and see if any of their looks could be addapted to suit you too.