Apples and A-Lines

Transcona Shannon

I usually try to wear a pencil style skirt/dress because I find the more fitted bottom helps to minimize my bigger mid section. Does an a-line shape skirt work on a petite apple as well? Or would that just make my lower half look wider all the way down?

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Do you have one to show us, front and side? That might be best.

In my experience (though I am not an apple, so take this FWIW) A lines vary in their workability. The cut varies in width, which matters, and also, the fabrication makes a difference. Stiff ones are tougher to wear (for me) than softer ones.

When I was a curvier hourglass with pear tendencies I LOVED A lines. Now that I am a much more rectangular hourglass, they have to earn their keep, and they don't, always. But they are wonderful when they do work because they're so comfy, and in summertime they just let in the breezes.

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I don't have one to show unfortunately - it's just more of a random (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....pple-skirt) question kind of, something I've wondered about. My Shabby Apple skirt experiment got me thinking about it and how pulling in the width on the sides really helped balance me out (it's at the tailor's now). So then I wondered if this is the only skirt shape that works for me.

13 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

Shannon, as another apple-ish type, I know I look just AWFUL in an A-line silhouette! Not to say it can't be done, but I think a slim, pencil-type shape is generally much more flattering.

I'm always drooling over cute little dresses with an A-line skirt, but I've come to realize that they unfortunately just don't do me any favors. Sigh!

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure... I guess I would approach with caution. I only have 1 A-linish skirt that I wear now. It is my silk midi. It has a beautiful drape, which helps it not stick out too much.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ressy-week

I should note that this is styling attempt #91.5 that finally let me leave the house feeling confident in a midi.

I would always wear something short that emphasized my waist with a look like this. I wouldn't do volume over volume here. I've done this skirt with my shortie denim jacket too.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

As a fellow apple, I'm a total fan of pencil skirts too! But I have some A-line skirts and they seem to look OK on me. I think the trick is to keep the top fitted and waist defined. You definitely could rock A-line skirts, especially fit and flare dresses!

http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....s-together
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....inted-midi

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13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

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Thanks for the visuals Rita and Natalie - very helpful. It looks like the success of an A-line depends on the fabric (re: stiffness vs drape), the fit at the waist, length of the skirt and what you pair it with.

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

As an apple, I'm going to add one other criterion, Shannon --- the exact slope (ie, hemline width) of the A. Which one suits you best will depend on both your degree of appleness and your hip and butt shape, so not a guideline --- but what I'm getting at is that sometimes you can adjust the width of the skirt by taking in the sides to find a more flattering silhouette.

13 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

Shannon - yes it can be done, but it's a depressing search. So many of them do not look good on us apples. (Which is probably why I crave one so badly) I think Angie mentioned in her wedding outfit post about the pleated full skirt that the pleats should be sewn down to a certain length on the body to then flare away at a pleasing angle (slope as MandipaM said) I find I do best with this more of a fit and flare silhouette than a straight A-line, but I'm not dealing with the petite on top of that. Bottom line - it takes some heavy experimenting (lots of trying on) to get it right.

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon I'm an apple and I hardly ever wear an A line skirt. If I do, it tends to be in a stiffer, tailored fabric. Soft and floaty fabric just seems to accentuate my hips and belly. And as much as I appreciate the look on others I don't love the silhouette on me. I think it would suit your retro style tho.

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

I agree with the others, a-lines are tough, but just the right one can work. I think a softer fabrication helps so it drapes more, rather than standing out. Full skirts with a waist band, those are the ones that never ever work for me.

13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Here are some fuller skirts with waistbands--it can be done! Either belting or keeping the top untucked helps keep the tummy in check.
http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/p.....-librarian

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13 years ago

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