The Midsection Shift: 3 Easy Style Hacks for an Apple Shape

Whether it has sneaked up on you post-menopause, shifted after having children, or simply evolved as you have got older, holding weight around the middle can leave you feeling a bit stuck. I see it all the time. You look in your wardrobe, feel frustrated, and assume it's a styling problem you are just stuck with.

I want to give you a snippet of strategy to help you navigate this. My key word is BALANCE.

If your shape has evolved recently, here are three incredibly easy hacks to apply to your wardrobe this week:

1. Look out for flat-fronted trousers with elastic at the back

When the midsection feels a bit fuller, our natural instinct is to reach for ultra-stretchy, fully elasticated waistbands. However, too much elastic can bunch up and add unwanted bulk right over the tummy.

Instead, I always source flat-front trousers or skirts for my clients that feature an elasticated panel only at the back. This gives you all the comfort you need to breathe, but keeps the front smooth, neat, and beautifully streamlined under tops.

Stylist Pick: The Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant is one of my absolute favourites for achieving this look.

A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant

The A&F Sloane Tailored Pant is an ultra high rise tailored wide leg pant with figure-flattering pleat details, a functional fly and a partially elasticated waistband for ultimate adjustability. This fit is relaxed through the hips, and eases into a wide, full-length leg shape.

2. Leverage clever layering

One of my all-time favourite stylist tricks for an apple shape is using a structured top layer to visually cut your midsection in half.

Leaving a tailored blazer, a longline cardigan, or a crisp, unbuttoned shirt open over your outfit slices beautifully through your midsection. By keeping the layer open, you create two sharp, vertical lines down the front of your body. This instantly elongates your frame and creates a wonderful, slimming optical illusion.

I use this trick all the time with clients to make the waist appear more structured and defined.

Lucy my client loves to use this style hack.

3. Highlight your assets

Every single body shape has its assets. Instead of focusing entirely on trying to hide your tummy by pulling long tops down over the middle area, try to draw the eye to your best features instead.

Use V-necks or a beautiful statement necklace to draw the eye upward toward your face. On the lower half, opt for straight or slim-leg trousers to showcase your legs.

If you love a dress, an A-line or an empire line that skims right over the tummy is your absolute best friend.

Stylist Pick: The Betty Bramble dress is perfect for this, featuring a brilliant waistband and V-neck detail.

Annie Perfect Fit Shirred Midi Dress

Thoughtfully designed, this new shape is a midi length with a v-neck and small decorative buttons.

Soft, stretchy and beautifully flattering, it gives you a comfortable, confidence-boosting fit in seconds.  In gorgeous pink, it's the perfect colour for Summer.

No zips. No fuss. Just an easy, stylish dress that fits beautifully and moves with you throughout the day.

Our bodies change, and that is entirely natural

My ultimate mantra is that our bodies change, and that is a completely natural, beautiful part of life.

Styling an apple shape isn't about restriction or hiding away; it's about making strategic choices so you can step out the door feeling effortless, chic, and completely like yourself.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

Please feel free to send over your specific style questions!

Jess x