APPLES - please help me with work clothes - have just tried on about 20 things in COS and decided I look like a brick in everything

[pollycazalet]

Am stuck. Am an apple, good legs, thick middle. At the moment am down to one pair of skinny black trousers and various tops. Am desperate.

Where should I be looking? i need to be smart-ish but not suits.

I like that reiss dress I could wear that when at my slimmest but any extra weight sack of spuds

Oh, and what Datahub said about tapered trousers and Ravello tops (which are gorgeous!) - I have these and they fit like a glove and look so lovely!

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_038010300660_-1

In fact now they're on sale I may buy another pair...

Lovecat - those are all too waisty for me

Totally agree about the belts. I look awful with a belt most of the time. And I'm sick of skinny jeans atm its a very hard shape to dress.

although that Reiss dress is gorgeous. Also - arms.....

Angeltulips - where do you get your dresses from?

I find 'waisty' things give me the illusion of a waist when I don't actually have one - also the underwear beneath helps!

I think once you find what suits you you stick with it and just vary elements as fashions come and go as so many things are automatic no. Most clothes suit classic pear with small boobs. I used to give things a god more when i was younger in spite of myself really but now I am nearly 50 and I just avoid about 70% of stuff.

Oly4 I will have a look at French connection - I used to shop there all the time but have got out of the habit. Used to be good for apples.

Have ordered ravello top to try - thanks Datahub (although am more often cold than hot at work).

The Reiss one is surprisingly flattering on - it sort of flows rather than bunches, if that makes sense. I know, seeing it online I'd have dismissed it as not for me, but actually trying it on in the shop, it's really lovely :)

on top get a marks crew neck black cashmere cardigan.
it will be your best mate ever

nb pollster, this seasons is a bit bigger than usual

Noddy - I think you;re right and I am great on clothes outside work but have just lost my ability to find stuff. Am late 40s. ideally i would like to be able to do dresses for work as simple but am finding really hard to find anything at all to buy.

Have also just ordered a pair of trews from finery

www.finerylondon.com/uk/products/carmen-peg-trousers

a go not a god!

I haven't shopped at Boden for years. Think I have a voucher (Johnnie trying to tempt me back by DCs even grown put of Johnnie B stuff now)

Control pants. Ones that go up to your bra.

unless you are a size 8-10 wont they make you look HUGE?

Don't do control pants. Am not fat, just apple shaped. i.e. not much waist, big boobs.

i will tell you another surprise I had - next wool suits. I have to wear one occasionally and the black one i got was AMAZING - nice stretch in it. great fit. SIze down for the trousers

www.next.co.uk/x5572s3#422165x55

ha! They may well do data but have a similar pair - have small flat bum and thin legs, plus scrawny ankles.....

The top would suit me but not teh trousers

REALLY like that suit

me too ( and Noddy)
they are very voluminous around the midriff

my black one makes me sigh with pleasure after sitting being VERY serious in it for 7 hours at a stretch. NO give at all in it