Ask Angie: and All Other Ladies Plus Size Help

donna

I have finally decided to post picture of my size 16 plus size apple shape with hope that I can get some recs on what type of clothes I should be looking at for casual wear. Thanks.

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

13 years ago

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from JR

Sheila

Veteran

Your shape looks familiar to me...oh wait, it's the same as mine! I'm not an expert here so will defer to others but wanted to say bravo for posting. I know you will get the advice you are seeking!

13 years ago

Krista

Veteran

I have a similar shape to yours - I follow Transcona Shannon's outfits for ideas for apple shapes. Shannon is a petite apple but she's got serious style and she always inspires me!

For casual wear ideas, I would also search Angie's blog posts on flop-proof outfits and MOTG outfits. They will give you lots of places to start - like dark denim jeans with a mid-rise and a patterned top. Can I suggest that you also post a photo of yourself wearing what you currently wear for casual-wear so that we can give you ideas on what to tweak? The forum will give you tons of supportive feedback.

Welcome to YLF!

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Hi! You've got great legs and slim arms, so I would consider playing those up. I'm not quite an apple, just a pear who's kinda expanded in the middle, so I'll be interested to hear what other people recommend.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great that you posted, Donna. What are your style challenges and are you petite?

13 years ago

donna

Active Member

I am 5'7" and I am lloking for casual jeans and sweaters for fall.

13 years ago

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

I'm normally a pear, but have developed a very apple-y middle over the past year. I'm a size 16/18 and am 5'7. I recently got two pairs of jeans that I really, really like -- pull-on Jag jeans in two styles (Peri and Malia, one from Nordstrom, the other from Nordstrom Rack). They are both straight to slim leg, with one being slimmer than the other, but not quite a skinny leg, and both are a very dark wash.

13 years ago

donna

Active Member

I am also looking for tops and sweaters for the fall. Any recs?

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh! These have been great on my size 16 clients so far:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/wh.....ltback=409

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/no.....ltback=638

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/wh.....tback=1716

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D34

Although it's petite:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/on.....tback=1061

13 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

I am a 16/18 on top, size 12 on the bottom apple. I am 5'5" short waisted with short arms -- making me a petite on top. Anyway, I am not sure what your personal style is but my new favorite go-to outfit is: a super saturated colored cardigan (like fuchsia, kelly green or burnt orange) a white button down shirt, chunky statement necklace and dark washed jeans, straight leg or trouser, and a point-toe ballet flat. for some reason I like this look best when the sleeves of the sweater are rolled up 3/4 length with the shirt cuff peeking out over the edge of sweater sleeve.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I think skinny or boot cut denim in a dark wash, or some color skinny cords. Not sure if you prefer knits or wovens, but I'd do either tunic-length top and long necklace, or a structured jacket unbuttoned on top, with a scarf. Love the ballet flats you have on! In fact, what you're wearing above, if you just throw on a tunic sweater and some jewelry you'd be cute as a button!

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

You've got great shoulder & bust line & legs so I'd go for the straight or slim-line jeans with a tunic style top. I have apple tendencies & sometimes I find a fitted jacket with a little stretch looks much better than a knit on me - it depends on the knit though.

13 years ago

donna

Active Member

Thank you ladies for responding to my question. I look forward to doing some holiday shopping tomorrow. I just have one last question. Do you think with a shape like mine it is better to have my tops and sweaters fall longer ?

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I'm in the middle of reading Wear This Now and here's what they recommend for apples (a generalization but a decent place to start):

Look for: boot-cut or flare jeans, v-necks, single-button jackets, nonskimpy tanks, wrap tops, empire or al-line shapes, sleeveless, slims kirts, tailored blazers, slim belts
Avoid: low-rise jeans, crew necks, bulky sweaters, ruffles, boxy jackets, body-conscious stypes, cap sleeves, full skirts, shoulder pads, wide belts

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Hm, Laura I'm not sure I agree with that. My sis is apple with a large bust and structured jackets are better for her (one button jackets - she would fall out of them). So I thnk it really depends in the specific proportions. Also, she looks fantastic in skinny jeans and has to wear low rise - any higher and they're up to her chin!

Donna, I see a bit of a waist here...I don't know that you have to do long - I would do long over skinnies, but if you choose skirts or bootcut you could do something shorter. The bottom line is the get some clothes and try on lots of stuff. We are always here to help!

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Lots of style guides say boot-cuts for apples but they don't work for me - I feel really boxy in them (but I don't wear heels much). Just try heaps of stuff on & post pictures!

13 years ago

April

Veteran

My appleish size 18 sister-in-law looks great in slightly shaped jackets like these: http://www.coldwatercreek.com/.....earch.aspx

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/.....earch.aspx

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Well, reading further in the book they frown on pencil skirts for pears and I think they look great on me (maybe because I'm an apple-pear fusion). No one seems to agree on anything as far as these figure types go!

13 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I have always looked for long tops that cover my rear, but I have realized in the last few weeks that sometimes this actually makes me look bigger. Maybe it's something to do with my somewhat swaybacked posture making me seem more bulky? I try to aim for around mid-hip most of the time.

For example, recently I bought a mid-thigh flannel shirt, thinking that it would be cute with leggings and boots, but somehow the long length just makes the hip/thigh area look twice as big.

13 years ago

Veteran

I find straight blouses work particularly well for me. By straight I mean with no darts or princess seams, or just a bust dart. They are hard to find right now, but I am so much more comfortable in them. Fitted blouses tend to ride up over my belly and create a balloon effect through the shoulders. If the blouses have a shirt-tail type hem, they work even better.

Anything that creates a strong vertical line is good too, like an open jacket or sweater, the right kind of colour-blocking, a long pendant or rectangular scarf.

And finally, I try to deflect attention upward, with earrings or scarves or cowl necks or breast pockets. That gives visual interest to provide a balance for my tummy.

13 years ago

Category