Late 40s, apple shape: what on earth to wear in the summer?

[VikingNorthUtsire]

I've never been great with clothes. Throughout my life, my summer go-to has mostly been dresses - fitted over my (medium) boobs, loose over my (barrel-shaped) midriff and (flat) bum, and showing off my legs which are undoubtedly my best feature. I'm 5'6" and size 12ish except for my waist which is probably a 16 at least (and I know, this isn't a healthy shape - I run and exercise a lot but appreciate I probably also need to lose a bit of lockdown weight)

The last couple of years I have really struggled to find anything which suits me when the weather turns warm. Shorter styles with bare legs look too young on me now (also really out of proportion) while anything below the knee (including maxi dresses) makes me look matronly. I struggle to wear anything with a visible waistband as my middle is so wide, so while I love harem pants and long skirts on other people, they emphasise my widest area and I feel huge.

Around the house I'm very happy in shorts and a T-Shirt but can't find a look that works for my age and shape when I'm out in public.

If you're a similar age and shape, what do you wear in the summer?

White linen straight/ looseish trousers and dark vest (with sheer shirt on top? ) See Next

Or how about a Tiered v neck dress
www.jigsaw-online.com/product/tiered-t-shirt-dress/J42279_BL030

White stuff do knee length jersey dresses which are forgiving around the middle

Cropped jeans with linen blouse

@Wagsandclaws where is the pink dress from please? I like the look of that

Ps you look lovely in the photo!

Slightly fitted Knee length shirt dresses - if they have belts then don’t tie them around your waist just double back through the loop and tie at the back

And fitted stretch cotton shirts with slightly cut off jeans or knee length denim skirts. Would also work with longer shorts if you like those.

@KeyboardWorriers it's from joules, they usually do one in some form or the other every year.

I also just bought this silk shirt dress with a drawstring waist from pure collection in silk ( it was in perfect condition on eBay ) I'm so excited for the warmer weather to arrive!

Look for Butterflies and Lions on Instagram - she is similar in age/shape and quite edgy - might give you some ideas

I'm a size 18 apple and basically live in shirt dresses of varying lengths all year round.
I ditched jeans a couple of years ago.
I found them hot and uncomfortable and made my top half look bigger as I never quite got the tops right .

Also apple shaped and varying in size from 14 to 18, so never thin. In the summer I wear my shorter dresses/tunics over cropped well fitting jeans/jeggings. Or big shirts over t-shirts over cropped jeans. Instead of skirts I look out for dresses which can be dressed down, whether its a shirt-dress with a jumper over the top, or a pinafore dress with a stripey t-shirt underneath.

Monki for jumpsuits and shirt dresses. I started looking at them after seeing them on TV. I’m really pleased with the fit.
I wear vintage kimonos as jackets to add interest.

Shorts with a bandeau loose top? You need to show off your legs!

Thanks everyone who has taken the time to answer. It's funny isn't it, in my head shirt dresses are an absolute no-no, all bosom shelf and straining buttons with stick-like legs poking out the bottom. But I'm not sure whether I've ever tried one on! I will definitely seek some out to try, hopefully in a real shop.

I'm also thinking some good, high-waisted shorts (my instinct is to pair with a loose trapezey top, but will that ruin the nice lines of the shorts? I guess only trying on will answer). And some dresses with shape and structure around the boobs so they don't hang off them like a paper bag.

I am an apple, size 10/12 and short and I do look dumpy if I don’t dress to show of my good bits. I think I will always wear my skirts and dresses short and to hell with people that think I am too old for it.
Quite like my boden bistro shorts ( shortest ones) worn with and oversize shirt. Last summer I wore a few jumpsuits with a biker jacket ( one without pockets on the front).

Watching with interest as I am also an apple shape; very happy in winter clothes but warm weather is trickier.

At the moment I have about half a stone of lockdown weight to shift, but even at my slimmest my waist is not my best feature. I'm not expecting to ever tuck anything in!

Viking, I think you are on the right lines with a trapezey top over slim shorts or slim cropped trousers; in fact I found a brilliant long straight bias-cut skirt with slits up the sides (much nicer than it sounds I promise!) and I wear that with a trapeze-shaped top. i think it works well.

I really recommend French Connection's popover shirt which is a great cut to wear over slim or skinny jeans. It would work with longish shorts too. It's an oversized shirt but cleverly cut to curve back in over your bum at the back; it's very flattering. I have it in two shades of blue chambray as well as white. It's great over a vest top on cooler days and on hot days because it's loose it still feels cool. I wear it with the sleeves turned up to just below elbow length and it's just about the most useful garment I own.

Another mention for the Next linen shift dresses. My friend - who would describe herself as a "wee barrel with good legs" wears these all summer and looks great in them. I thought they were much more expensive than they are. In fact, inspired by this thread to think about summer clothes, I've just ordered the green palm print one for myself.

By the way thank you to the PP who mentioned Aspiga. The dresses look brilliant. Very tempted!

I’m an apple too , watching with interest
Funnily I have a couple of those next shift dresses they make me feel both put together and casual, also wear skinnies ( I know but I Loooove them ) with nice skimming tops with enough fluidity in the fabric not to hang from the boobs and make me look pregnant, watching the drawstring waist dress idea too , never considered that .
Have a very pretty wrap dress maxi for bbq’s ( remember them ? ) which works well

I’m not usually an Insta fan, but there is one stylist I follow who is an apple. Her name is Emily Innes, used to be part of the Susie clan but don’t let that put you off

I am a size 10-12 apple, in my late forties, and have just bought this, which I think looks OK? I am small busted though. www.joules.com/Women/Clothing/Milana-Print/Dropped-Waist-Jersey-Dress?size=12&id=213280|REDSPOT|12

I usually wear a loose or relaxed fit top with slim trousers. But am loving some of the Next dresses recommended on here and will probably buy one or two. Also I would not have thought a drawstring waist would have looked good-I avoid anything waisted- but that Joules dress really appeals!

I have found some wide leg dungarees which are really flattering on my apple shape. Bought a size up and they are just the right level of baggy.

here

I try to wear tops that skim over my middle with trousers, shorts or skirts that do not have a fixed waist, so they don’t cut in.

I also like jumpsuits, but some styles are flattering, whilst some are just the opposite! So I go for wide leg, sleeveless in float fabrics,

Magic trousers rolled up and magic shorts are so so flattering with halter style tops and Bardot style tops - but again a drapey v neck t for a more casual look.

I also like a tight knee length jersey tube style skirt (with Lycra) with a drapey v neck t- shirt over.

I also find wearing a shoe with just a bit of height, even an inch platform or wedge just makes me look so much better.

I also bought lots of these hareem jumpsuits last year in various colours as they hid a multitude of lockdown sins!

What exactly are magic trousers and can anyone recommend a particular (cheap) brand please?

Also could someone recommend some jeans to suit an apple shape? I often wear skinnies under a long top which looks good but they fall down because they are stretchy and I have no hips. And I don't like wearing belts.

I get mine from an online boutique
Www.Manamou boutique.co.uk
Theirs have a yolk at the back too and give a great fit, spandex rather than Lycra. £25. Please try them, I love them

Sorry, that's www.Manamou.co.uk
I just checked

OP: Kit and Kaboodal should have a lot of clothes that would work.
I'm taller but apple shaped (size 18) and I order loads of tops from them.

@ConnieDobbs I've had quite a lot of success with higher waisted jeans with some stretch. They don't seem to slide down as much as the ones which are supposed to sit on or below my (non-existent) waist. Currently wearing M&S Sophia straight legged jeans in several different colours and hoping they don't discontinue them!