How to dress if you're an... apple shape

This week at LittleBlackDress.co.uk we're going back to basics with our body shape special. Take a look at our guide to defining and dressing for your body shape (by the fabulous Wendy Elsmore, celebrity stylist and founder of London College of Style) and keep your eyes on the blog because each day we'll be bringing you more tips and tricks for each shape in the body shape fruit bowl. Today, apple shaped women, read on... YOUR SHAPE Apple shapes are defined by their tendency to carry more weight around the waist whilst possessing toned arms and slender pins in comparison, giving the appearance of a rounded apple atop a pair of legs. Think of the buxom yet leggy Kate Winslet or the sexy and voluptuous Drew Barrymore; they're both apples and proud! If this sounds like your body shape too simply follow Team LBD's top tips for accentuating your best bits and turning that apple in to an apple core… TOP TIPS Left to right: Outsider T-Shirt Tunic Dress, ¬£165; Kate Fearnley Long Buttercup Dress in Red and Pink, ¬£180; James Lakeland Geometric Print Dress, Was ¬£129, Now ¬£65. Highlight your best features! The age old saying, 'If you've got it, flaunt it', rings true wherever your best assets are located and in the case of the apple shape that's below your hemline, your legs. So wear a short dress (we can't recommend this season's favourite shift style enough for your frame) and accentuate your pins. Left to right: Forever Unique Ellie Dress in Black, ¬£220; Aftershock London Askel Dress in Yellow, ¬£101; Roc and Doll Fun and Frills Dress in Grape, ¬£175. If straight up and down shift styles, or loose and flowing mini dresses aren't really your cup of tea why not try a classic empire line design? This style is perfect for flattering apple shapes as they draw a line under your bust and skim over your middle creating a well-proportioned and taller frame. What's not to love? Left to right: Lipstick Boutique Leah Dress in Monochrome, ¬£60; Gorgeous Couture Kourtney Dress, ¬£123.80; Hedonia Ashley Contrast Panel Dress in Coral, ¬£70. Use optical illusions to create the look of carefully sculpted curves with a panelled dress. Popularised by Stella McCartney and favoured by A-list apple Kate Winslet, a dress with darker side panels and a clear shape is one quick way to cheat an hourglass silhouette. SHOP ALL DRESSES FOR APPLE SHAPES. Read Team LBD's guide to dressing for your shape in full here.