The Apple & Inverted Triangle Thread

[Frostycake]

I can't see any recent threads on this topic so thought I'd start one.

For those of us who are 'blessed' with top heavy figures - whether that is in the form of big norkage or broad shoulders - and don't have the worry of big bums or saddle-bags perhaps a bit of a tummy though

It seems really difficult to find style/fashion advice for non-pears, which doesn't focus on how to hide your bum, hips, thighs, legs, so I thought I'd even out the playing field.

I thought we could have lists (god, I love lists) on which shops and makes or styles are 'apple' friendly (both high street and online and both cheap and expensive, so come and add your favourite apple/inverted triangle friendly shops, web sites, blogs, online retailers (in this and other countries) so that we have a one stop shop resource for all things apple/inverted triangle.

here's what I've learned so far which has helped me find my kind of clothes.

Boden: Bistro crops are perfect for apples as they have a larger waist than you'd expect for the hip size and the legs are narrow.
Topshop: Kristen jeans / leggings are perfectly cut for apples
DKNY/Donna Karan - everything fits.
Monsoon - great if you avoid the over-bedazzled stuff
Phase 8
FatFace
The White Company
Biubiu
Saint Bustier
dd-atelier
Pepperberry
Joules
Ralph Lauren
PURE
COS
Other stories
White Stuff

My favourite blog is styleisalanguage simply because they show stylish, beautiful women of all ages. I also like theschoolrun and wearingittoday (WIT). I know a lot of Mumsnetters don't like WIT but I like her simply because she looks normal and un-model-like so I can imagine wearing what she's wearing. I also like doesmybumlook40 but I'm not that fashionable and fear I may look quite mad if I tried to emulate her look. (I look middle-aged whereas I don't think she does due to being thin and wearing dark sunglasses)!

I'm not sure, I think I want a bit of warmth but not as heavy as a winter coat.

quirkychick I think it is a body type thing. I carry weight round my middle too, and my muscles build up quickly with weights or body weight work (especially thighs and forearms for some reason).

With me, some of it is just frame- wide shoulders and broad back, narrow hips etc. But also I read up a bit about the effects of very low carb dieting and/or fasting on some women. The advice there was that some women respond to very low carb dieting and/or fasting/long periods without eating in a certain way. Basically, yes they lose weight, but their testosterone production increases, leading to tendency for weight to be stored round the middle rather than lower body, and also with an increased ability to build muscle.

People who are sensitive to fructose will also develop an increased tendency to put weight on round the middle rather than on the hips/thighs. Most people can't absorb more than 25g of fructose at one sitting, and lots of people have a lower tolerance than that. So eating loads of fruit (or foods with processed fructose in them) can also increase the amount of weight put on round the middle.

My personal experience was totally counter intuitive to a lot of current dietary advice. The really surprising thing was when I cut back on fruit and went a bit higher carb. And higher carbs with white rice and white potatoes, not things like sweet potatoes and whole grains. That alongside green leafy vegetables and low fructose vegetables has really seen a shift in my shape- much better hip to waist ratio.

*peacoat, obviously

Interesting, Moustache, as I do low carb and have fasted in the past too! I don't massively low carb now, though, and I too have read that fasting for some women is not great. I think I had more of a waist when I did v low carb/fast. I have always had this shape, really, but more of an apple when I put on weight. I don't eat much fruit/fructose either, I've always been more of a veg eater than fruit. I like green leafy veg too. I have scales which measure body fat and my visceral fat is quite low, so it's not really fat around my middle. I just have quite a straight/inverted triangle shape. I agree that you have to tinker with your diet to find what suits you.

How about this Dancergirl ?

I'm not sure how old you are, what your style is and if you're large/small busted, have a belly or not, have long arms or not but this style is very flattering for those of us who carry weight above the waist rather than below it.

I'm 43, inverted triangle shape with medium bust and shoulders wider than my hips.

That's nice frosty but I think I want something a bit more substantial, eg to wear now in this sort of weather when it's not warm enough for a spring blazer.

Maybe peacoat style as quirky suggested.

Laughing at Married's 'melting ice-cream' thighs. That's a good underwear/swimwear/nightwear site.

I just think I have a strange body shape and I'm destined to struggle to find things which fit and flatter in a world geared up to supply those women who have no curves or who have standard hourglass/pear-shape curves.

You are the same shape as me Dancergirl and just a touch younger.

I would wear that jacket say, next month when it's warmed up a bit.

At the moment, I'm wearing a couple of Zara leather jackets, one black, the other blue. The extra large fits perfectly. I can zip it up and the sleeves are long enough amazing!

I have another Zara knitted jacket which zips up but is a bit longer in different shades of grey. It is pannelled and again, has the correct shoulder width and arm length for me in an XL. Even my GP admired it and asked where it was from

I also find that Tommy Hilfigger (size M or L) fit well, as does Tom Tailor which is a German brand so more suited to teutonic types!

Dancergirl I am the same as you and Frosty then. Medium bust, straightish body with wider shoulders. Quite tall 5' 7" and currently size 10/12, but sometimes more of a 12. I have been living in a short parka or on warmer days a biker jacket. I have an ancient topshop double-breasted tweed jacket that I sometimes wear. It's a 14 to accommodate my shoulders. Needs layering up as unlined. Would a warmer version work? I know double-breasted is usually a no but it is fitted and buttons are covered so looks quite slim on top.

How about a single-breasted mac/trench, Dancergirl? Lots of bright ones around and they flare out a bit at the bottom. Always makes me feel quite glamourous!

I'm quite tall too (5'10" in heels) so can get away with longer coats. I'm wearing a pea coat at the moment (black) with a variety of bright scarves. I also like princess cut coats (gives me a waist while skimming over the non-existent fecker).

I have a short trench too (dark blue) but I tie the belt at the back like a tie so it lies flat. I'm not a fan of belts as it tends to highlight the fact I have no waist to speak of.

I agree with layering (vests, jersey tops, then jacket) for this awkward inter-season time.

I can highly recommend the 'My Shape Stylist' App for iPhone/iPad. It goes into great detail to assess your body (shoulder width, height, weight, neck length, leg length etc.) and then recommend shapes which suit you and clothes available to buy. 'Tops' are free but access to dresses costs £2.' It is very good though and still in development with other clothing retailers and websites.

I was assessed as an inverted triangle but the recommendations for 'Apple' were very similar (focus on the bottom, skim the middle, keep it plain on top).

I was assessed as an inverted triangle but the recommendations for 'Apple' were very similar (focus on the bottom, skim the middle, keep it plain on top).
This!

For the summer I do love a maxi, but the proportions/style (especially empire) are all wrong on me. I've found that a straighter cut maxi skirt with a skimming top or vest is much more suited.

Bearing in mind I'm probably a lot older than most of you, but this type of thing ....

I have always fancied a maxi, but when I try them on, they make me look like a tent !

Can anyone link to a nice not too short peacoat?

I can't wear belted jackets at all, they just seem to emphasize that I have no waist at all. The nicest coat I've had for a while has been one from Per Una a bit like this Sadly now a bit tatty and too small.

I had a lovely maxi from warehouse that was kind of great and so drapey in at the waist and then long with a gathered neck (not describing it well). It shrunk after one wash and became like a column dress. Not flattering!

I have a t-shirt style long one but it looks better with a short cardi or other layer on top to distract from the straight up and down look.

*grecian - I hate autocorrect.

If you are prepared to buy something a bit for pricy than the high street, I recommend Ischiko and Rundholz as designers worth looking at. I have that classic apple shape (size 18) no waist etc.

For summer I have just bought this I'm currently wearing it with a long sleeved T shirt underneath but this will be jettisoned once the weather warms.

Yes a trench or mac may be a possibility.

I have a very old Boden rainy day mac which has seen better days and isn't very stylish!

I love that slug but always find things that a line out at the bottom can be hit and miss.....is it kind of straight down?

For summer beachwear I wear a lot of long v neck tshirt dresses
I have good legs and arms and the t shirt hides the lack of waist/arse

I have the marks Peacoat here

Yup, straight up and down. It wasn't cheap but It does have the advantage of being adjustable when you've eaten a lot

It looks perfect!
I'll try to buy
Hurrah

I'm an apple!! skinny legs and arms, large of nork, 5'8" and my weight goes on my middle.

this thread has some great tips :)

ronald I was in M and S today and saw a camel trench coat on a model, looked really nice. I am tempted! I think it was this one:

www.marksandspencer.com/buttonsafe-pure-cotton-mac-with-stormwear/p/p22357925

They also have this in lots of colours but I'm not sure if I'm brave enough:

www.marksandspencer.com/single-breasted-tipped-belted-mac/p/p22237654

There's also a Mint Velvet one but not sure if too short and too light in colour:

www.johnlewis.com/mint-velvet-belted-trench-coat-stone/p1899581

Arming my place.
Am in love with my new high waisted, straight leg jeans from jasper conran at debenhams.