The Ultimate Workwear Guide for Apple Shapes (UK 12–22)
Building a professional wardrobe when you carry weight around your midsection can feel challenging. But with the right pieces and styling strategies, you can look polished, feel confident, and stay comfortable from your morning commute to your evening wind-down.
Understanding Apple Shape Workwear Needs
As an apple-shaped woman, your workwear priorities include:
- Comfort around the midsection – No restrictive waistbands that dig in during long meetings
- Breathable fabrics – Essential for managing PCOS or menopause symptoms
- Professional silhouettes – That command respect without sacrificing comfort
- Easy care – Machine-washable pieces for busy lifestyles
The Foundation: Perfect Trousers
Trousers are the backbone of any workwear wardrobe. For apple shapes, look for:
Best Trouser Styles:
| Style | Why It Works | Where to Shop | Price |
|-------|-------------|---------------|-------|
| High-waisted wide-leg | Creates long, lean lines | M&S | £45 |
| Ponte slim-leg | Stretchy comfort with polish | Next | £32 |
| Tailored straight-leg | Classic and flattering | Karen Millen | £99 |
| Magic wide-leg | Buttery soft, tummy-friendly | Halara | £42 |
Trouser Tips:
- Choose trousers with elasticated back panels for all-day comfort
- Avoid low-rise styles that cut across your tummy
- Opt for a slight bootcut or wide-leg to balance your proportions
Shirts and Blouses That Flatter
The right top can transform your entire look. For apple shapes:
Best Necklines:
- V-neck – Elongates the torso and draws the eye upward
- Wrap style – Creates definition without restriction
- Pussybow – Adds vertical interest and frames the face
Top Picks from UK Retailers:
1. Hawes & Curtis Fitted Cotton Shirt (£48) – Classic Jermyn Street quality with a flattering fit
2. Hawes & Curtis Satin Pussybow Blouse (£48) – Elegant for client meetings
3. M&S V-Neck Jersey Top (£19.50) – Affordable layering essential
The Power of Structured Layers
Layers are your secret weapon for creating a polished silhouette:
Blazers:
- Choose single-button styles that fasten at your natural waist
- Longline blazers create vertical lines and skim the hips
- Structured shoulders balance your midsection
Recommended: Karen Millen Longline Blazer (£149) – Investment piece that elevates any outfit
Cardigans:
- Longline styles create a slimming vertical line
- Avoid cropped cardigans that cut across your widest point
- Belt loosely for waist definition
Dresses for the Office
One-piece dressing simplifies your morning routine:
Best Dress Styles:
- Wrap dresses – Adjustable, flattering, and professional
- Shift dresses – Skim over the midsection without clinging
- Fit-and-flare – Define the waist, flow over the tummy
Top Picks:
- Karen Millen Wrap Midi Dress (£159) – Figure-flattering for meetings
- M&S Jersey Midi Dress (£45) – Comfortable all-day wear
- Halara Everyday Dress (£48) – Built-in shorts for confidence
Workwear for Different Professions
Office/Corporate:
- Tailored trousers + silk blouse + structured blazer
- Midi dress + longline cardigan
- Ponte trousers + V-neck top + statement necklace
Healthcare/Clinic:
- Stretchy ponte trousers for movement
- Breathable cotton or modal tops
- Comfortable flats with arch support
- Easy-care fabrics that withstand frequent washing
Creative Industries:
- Mix Ankara pieces with high-street basics
- Statement jewellery to express personality
- Comfortable wide-leg trousers with interesting tops
Building Your Workwear Capsule
A complete work wardrobe doesn't require dozens of pieces. Start with:
The Essential 10:
1. 2 pairs of quality trousers (one dark, one neutral)
2. 3 blouses/tops in complementary colours
3. 1 structured blazer
4. 1 longline cardigan
5. 2 dresses (one for meetings, one for everyday)
6. 1 quality bag
Budget Breakdown:
| Piece | Budget Option | Premium Option |
|-------|--------------|----------------|
| Trousers | M&S £45 | Karen Millen £99 |
| Blouse | M&S £19.50 | Hawes & Curtis £48 |
| Blazer | Next £55 | Karen Millen £149 |
| Dress | Halara £48 | Karen Millen £159 |
Accessories That Complete the Look
Bags:
Structured top-handle bags add professionalism, while crossbody styles keep hands free. Charles & Keith offers trendy, quality options that last.
Shoes:
Block heels provide stability and comfort for long days. Pointed toes elongate the leg, and loafers offer a polished flat option.
Shop the Workwear Essentials
Trousers:
Shop Wide-Leg Trousers on Amazon
Blazers:
Shop Blazers on Amazon
Blouses:
Shop Blouses on Amazon
Premium Shirts:
Shop Hawes & Curtis Workwear
Dresses:
Shop Wrap Dresses on Amazon
Shop Karen Millen on Debenhams
Jewellery:
- Long pendant necklaces create vertical lines
- Statement earrings draw the eye upward
- Avoid chunky bracelets that add bulk
Final Thoughts
Professional dressing as an apple-shaped woman is about working with your body, not against it. Invest in quality basics, choose flattering silhouettes, and remember that confidence is your best accessory.
You deserve to feel powerful and polished every day you walk into work.
