Plus size/apple shape - what clothes have you bought recently?

[Phillister]

I'm 5'4" and an 18/20; always carried a lot of weight around my stomach but since perimenopause that's expanded even more so I'm completely barrel shaped round the middle now. I've always found clothes shopping just horrendous and stressful so I do it as little as possible - but I now need to buy a few things to get me though the autumn/winter.

So has anyone of a similar size and shape bought anything recently they'd like to share? I must have tried on about 50-60 jumpers and tops this week and haven't been able to keep even one. It feels like tops are getting ever shorter and I just couldn't contemplate that look.

I am the same shape and size but shorter than you. I have bought some stretchy black wide leg cords in petite length from Next which are lovely and comfortable around the waist but still have some structure and shape to look nice for work with a smart longish but fitted jumper.
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su263031/b48720#b48720

I am also finding that long skirts with a tucked in T-shirt look nicer with a shorter length cardigan, but the skirt skims over the tummy area, I have a nice one from weird fish in nice autumn colours. can’t find a link to that though.

I have bought some nice jumpers in hollister that are a longer length and over size, come in nice colours and great quality.

https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/uk/p/oversized-v-neck-sweater-57703819?categoryId=91208&faceout=life&seq=02

I mostly wear midi dresses with little cardigans (usually hollister or fat face) or a jumper over, I like Joules, Barbour and Tommy Hilfiger for dresses as they seem to be a good fit on me (generous on tummy but the right shape so I don’t look pregnant, I need the waist to be on the waist and preferably a short dress or a tie waist.

Hope that is helpful ☺️

Thank you! None of those brands would have been on my radar at all (apart from Next!) so will check them out.

I've just bought these jumpers...
Model in the brown one is 5'4 and a 16. Model in the pink is 5'2" and a 12 for reference. Both jumpers come in lots of colours, I'll wear with Next coated leggings and boots.

Thank you!

Have a look at Kit & Kaboodal, Laundry B, Kimble Clothing. All "made in Italy" brands that are cut to flatter. I am not plus size but my cousin is and she wears clothes like this very well.

I wear tunics as dresses but I'm shorter than you.

Basically seasalt needle cord ones that are petty straight. Structured bra with a hint of padding so they stick out more than my tummy and dresses than hang skimming over my tummy.

I'm very apple shaped with a big waist and small hips and moderate boobs. I have several of these in different colours. https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E469419-000/00?colorDisplayCode=55&sizeDisplayCode=003

The pleat is very good for giving swingy-ness without adding a lot of fullness. It's a style that they keep repeating, so if there isn't a colour that you like now, try again in a month or so.

To be honest, I find that the big, flowy, swingy tops often paired with a narrow leg that are meant to hide everything just emphasise my current apple-ness.

I've worked out that for me, I have to emphasise my lower half - so wider leg/flared skirt/dress, and keep my top half neat, plain, dark and tailored. For me, it makes for a much better silhouette.

I also work messily during the day, so soft jersey dungarees with a 3/4 sleeve tee shirt are my uniform!

@Zepper I totally agree and I always dress exactly like this. A line skirts and wide leg trousers are my friends. Fitted plain tops too. I have loads of the Marks and Spencer 3/4 sleeve slash neck jersey tops. They go with everything and are very slimming.

I think they're probably considered a bit frumpy, but I love weird fish starshine jersey dresses on my 18/20 5'4" frame. I've got nice legs but am basically a barrel on legs.

I live in my pleated ( like really pleated , maybe 50, wide legged pants. Super soft and comfortable and worn with a simple top and boots. Wash and wear is a bonus. Never crinkle. Can't find a link though.

Is that this one? I might throw a couple into my bag - I haven't spotted them before, I do like the look of them.

I buy my stuff from scarlet and jo and Eleventh Avenue LTD and Rock those Curves and Lagenlook all worth a google!

I would imagine you would need to balance out your top area with floatier bottom. I think leggings with a baggy top might emphasise the apple shape. You’d also want to avoid any fabrics that are really heavy and patterned. Opt for lighter fabrics. Have a read thru this guide theconceptwardrobe.com/build-a-wardrobe/apple-body-shape

@Zepper yes those are the ones. I have most of the darker colours and also some striped ones. They go with everything and give you a good shape because they are fitted. They are my uniform!

Same size and shape: I have just bought the Jasper skirt from Never Fully Dressed I it is the best piece of clothing I have ever owned!

I bought this jumper and blouse yesterday because I actually was in a real shop, both of them are far better colours in real life.

The blue jumper looks great with my jeans (I'm wearing it today) it has little side splits and the blouse is a slight swing shape which I'll wear untucked with last years leather wide led crop trousers.