Body shape
Apple
This is your palette
Softest through the middle, often with fine shoulders and legs. Long vertical lines and open necklines do most of the work.
The rule
Verticals, open necklines, and nothing that grips at the waist.
Pieces that work
- Long open cardiganAn unbroken vertical the length of the body
- V or scoop neckLengthens the upper body
- Straight-leg trouserClean line from waist to floor
- Empire-line dressFalls from above the waist
- Longline blazerFrames without closing
- Fine knit, not chunkyVolume without bulk
- Pointed shoeExtends the leg line
Small adjustments
- TopsOpen the neckline and let the length run past the widest point. A half-tuck at the side ends the top where you choose rather than where the hem happens to fall.
- BottomsA flat or soft waistband that sits without gripping, then straight from the hip down. A tapered leg puts the width back.
- OuterwearLong, open, unbelted. A coat you never fasten is a vertical the length of the body.
The other six – foundations, one-pieces, beachwear, shoes, bags and accessories – are in the shape book that comes with the subscription.
What to skip
Waist-level belts, cropped boxy tops, clingy jersey and high crew necks that shorten the neck.
How to find your body shape
Stand in front of a mirror and compare three widths: shoulders, waist and hips. The quiz shows four outlines and asks which is closest to yours, then your height and size, so the advice fits your build as well as your line.