Want to have better success in assembling the perfect working wardrobe, where all pieces work together?

Identifying your body shape is key to creating a working wardrobe. If you know what works well on you, and which shapes work together, you'll have better success when you venture out to shop. This week we're focusing on the apple shape.

Apple = Average to full bust, voluptuous waist, narrow hips and lean legs.

If you’re an apple, you are mostly evenly proportioned, but carry a bit of extra weight around your middle. Perhaps you’ve started a family, and have had trouble shifting the last of the baby weight. But never fear! Apple body shapes have plenty of style solutions to utilise – it’s all about making the most of your fabulous legs and arms, and cleverly camouflaging your midsection.

This season, look out for floaty tops such as Witchery's petal front, or Jeanswest Ruffle front top. Say “That’s a wrap!” with a Zipper shoulder cardi from Witchery, a Floral Kimono from Topshop, or one of Taking Shape's many cleverly cut floating tops. 

Wear these over bottoms that make the most of your trouble-free legs. Slim, tailored pants work a treat – even go to town with patterns and colour! Country Road, Witchery, and Birdsnest all stock legging, jeans and pants to suit. Highlight your ankles with Sussans tailored mens style pants. Or go skinny with Jeanswest jeans or leggings. 

A chic, well-made jacket can provide the perfect structure and pull the whole look together. Get a sharp silhouette with this pink architectural style from Sass & Bide. Elle Macpherson is a fan of this chic investment piece! Drapey and longer-line jackets and cardis that don't meet in the middle, and better yet, angle in towards the waist are a worthwhile investment. 

And for a dress that will take you from work to after-hours, be on the hunt for chic stomach-skimming design. Leona Edmiston, Jag, Leina Broughton, Moss & Spy, all make dresses from jersey or woven fabrics that work well on apples. A good dress should be comfortable, and also lengthen and smooths the silhouette, providing an even proportion.

Top 10 tips for apples

1. Disguise lumps and bumps with floating tops that fall from the bust line to the hip.

2. Layering an open waisted jacket over a fine, skimming top creates a flattering silhouette.

3. Accentuate slim legs with tailored pants, pencil skirts, or other taperering skirts.

4. Avoid jackets that button close, or have too much extra fabric around the middle.

5. Choose dresses that drape gently from shoulder to hips and draw in at the knee.

6. If you love floating dresses, go for those that are only slightly fuller.

7. A knotted middle can do wonders to create the illusion of a waist.

8. Undergarments are a worthwhile investment.

9. Cheat with optical illusion dresses, that are darker on the hips than the middle and "create" a waiste.

10. When layering stick to fine and light fabrics.