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Original poster

Best type of dresses for those with bigger stomach/ Apple shapes?

38 replies

Sallystyle · 01/07/2015 22:06

I am looking for a few dresses.

I am a size 10 but I have bit too much fat on my stomach and saddlebags right now.

I am looking for something that flatters these areas or at least doesn't cling to them.

I never wear dresses but I want to start. I am also 5ft 1 so need something that won't make me look shorter.

Thank you in advance.

OP posts:
MrsCocoa · 01/07/2015 22:55

Shift?

trappedinsuburbia · 01/07/2015 23:00

I've ordered a halterneck maxi dress from ebay im hoping it will skim over the tummy, I cant link but loads on there for a tenner, I never wear dresses either so not a big loss if it doesn't suit.

BumgrapesofWrath · 01/07/2015 23:03

I'm an apple and I swear by "fit and flare" dresses!

BumgrapesofWrath · 01/07/2015 23:04

(And I find maxi dressed make me look pregnant)

tabulahrasa · 01/07/2015 23:11

Wrap or fit and flare for me.

Brandnewbrighttomorrow · 01/07/2015 23:40

I like empire line - shows off your boobs, comes in close round your ribs then skims over your tummy and hips A line.

Jewels234 · 01/07/2015 23:44

Anything with a waist band does it for me. So rubbish being an apple. My hips are a size 6 and my top is a 10!

FriendofBill · 01/07/2015 23:45

Faux wrap.
Prints.

Sammasati · 02/07/2015 00:10

Some ideas for dressing an apple shaped body here

Empire line is excellent, something that gathers in under the bust at the diaphragm can look very flattering.

With your height vertical stripes may help to elongate your frame. I would keep away from horizontal stripes and fussy pattens, sticking instead to using accessories to add interest, for example a pretty necklace with a v necked top, bangles/bracelet to draw the eye along your arms. If you have slim lower legs then a skirt or dress that comes to your knees would look lovely, maybe with a pair of pretty mid healed wedge sandals.

Can you go to a big department type shop with a friend and have a play with some different styles/pattens/clothing to see how they look on you. You don't have to buy anything, more to get a feel for how different cuts and shapes work with your body.

tabulahrasa · 02/07/2015 00:45

An empire line looks like maternity clothes on me.

Original poster
Sallystyle · 02/07/2015 08:15

Thank you everyone.

That is all really helpful. I will go try some on but I have a good starting point now. I just googled 'fit a flare' dresses and I like the look of them.

OP posts:
SaveOurBogBrushes · 02/07/2015 15:53

As a small size 12 apple shape I'd say no to empire line - Trinny and Suzannah convinced everyone that they were the bees knees and I find they make most people look much bigger than they are. Ditto badly cut wrap dresses everyone insists make their waist look smaller. Ofc you would have to try a few on and see what you think.

There's a certain point on my stomach that if a dress is cut across it it makes me look like humpty dumpty, a little higher and it looks perfect. Never worked out the exact place but that ofc may be different depending on the person.

Try and avoid high necks and I tend to find thicker fitted materials work best in dresses for me.

Hope that helps:)

NomiMalone · 02/07/2015 15:55

Empire line is a godawful suggestion. You will look 5+ months pregnant.

1940's inspired tea dresses with a nipped in waist are what you need. The squared off shoulders and flared skirt balance any tummy.

Will find links.

macaroonmayhem · 02/07/2015 16:10

Like save, I think a lot of it is about the fabric of the dress. If you can find dresses made from ponte (?) fabric, it's extremely flattering, it's like a very thick heavy jersey and I have a couple of dresses in it that are great. It hangs really nicely, rather than clinging. Nothing worse than a thin material showing off every lump or bump! Boden use it quite a bit.

Annarose2014 · 02/07/2015 17:42

2nd vote for shift dresses.

NoRockandRollFun · 02/07/2015 22:42

Cocoon shapes work for me. This sort of shape.... www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Sleeveless-Dress-In-Cocoon-Shape/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2593307

marriednotdead · 02/07/2015 22:49

There were some good tips on this thread a little while back.

tyto · 02/07/2015 22:57

I'm an apple. I've ordered this in both colours as it's amazing on.

This from hush is also nice although I'm not overkeen on the weird hem.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 03/07/2015 07:54

Boxy tshirt shaped dresses, never empire or wrap around shapes for me

SaveOurBogBrushes · 03/07/2015 11:06

CeeCee if you don't mind me asking what dress size are you? I'm an apple but at a size 12 anything boxy just makes me look far bigger than something fitted. But then baggy boxy stuff was fine on me as an 8 when I was 20 so just why I was wondering.

AWimbaWay · 03/07/2015 19:58

I've just bought this uniqlo dress in black, arrived today and I love it, I'm short too and also can't do clingy waist, this skims very nicely.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/store/goods/140355#thumbnailSelect

Original poster
Sallystyle · 03/07/2015 21:41

Oh I think I am going to order that dress Wimba

I also love the one BogBrushes posted. They are all lovely, but those two seem the type that would suit me the best.

I had a look on ASOS and there are some lovely shift dresses!

OP posts:
CookieM0nster · 03/07/2015 23:24

I am a size 14 top and 12 bottom apple and agree with a lot of what's been said - empire with gathers makes you look pregnant, but the empire shape maybe with darts, or cut in slightly just under the bust then flaring out, can be very flattering. Perhaps more of an 'A' line shape than empire?

I have struggled for years to find apple friendly dresses and have concluded that it is a difficult shape to find dresses for and I am better suited to two piece outfits.

I hit the sales today and much to my surprise found this beach cover up dress was actually flattering because it's slightly fitted at the top but skims nicely over my very large tummy. It's probably only holiday wear (or when in the privacy of my back garden!) but it gives you an idea of the shape. www.missselfridge.com/en/msuk/product/clothing-299047/holiday-shop-2796517/prints-4442616/blue-leaf-print-cover-up-4290345?bi=1&ps=200

Good luck in your search!

CeeceeBloomingdale · 04/07/2015 08:13

I'm a 12 too