Characteristics of an apple body shape include a round, full upper body and thin, shapely legs. There’s no distinct waistline, so the area under the breasts is the slenderest point, which is why it’s worth accentuating.

What kinds of basics to choose

V-shaped necklines for dresses and tops are the ideal choice, as these help lengthen the upper body. Wear soft, fine materials instead of thick ones when it comes to tops. With dresses, however, aim for thicker materials as they are better at holding together/tightening your figure, helping to conceal the incongruities under your dress and minimise a fuller waist. Longer-length clothes that come down to your thighs or buttocks are great choices, as are shorter blazers and jackets, unbuttoned or zipped halfway up.

• V-necked, overlapping or larger, round cut necks, flowing beneath the breasts
• Longer-length shirts and tunics
• V-neck, flowing dresses; straight cut or with tailoring line just below the breasts
• Upper body pieces should be dark monochrome or with small patterns
• Slender or straight-cut blazers that don’t accentuate the waist
• Flowing cardigans or sweaters
• Straight cut or slightly widetailored trousers
• Tight trousers; leggings only with tunics, longer-length tops or dresses
• Straight or flowing skirts