I too have been researching styles that suit apple shapes for my new wardrobe.
In the past I have taken patterns that I like and adjusted the tummy area and it has worked very well, always using separates, trousers and tops. I also have to alter the back seams or if cut on the fold, change the angle of the pattern piece accordingly as I have a narrow back.
I always choose the size that fits my upper bust measurement as this means that the shoulders are the right size for me, and do a FBA if required which usually does.
When making trousers, I always make the centre front longer than the pattern says, by using the slash and pivot method as this gives me the extra space needed in the front, and I have to take in the back seam and sometimes fold the part that covers the backside to lose some fabric here.
So my plans for the new wardrobe include
shirt/blouses with the above adjustments made, and although I love to wear cotton it is unforgiving for a large tummy, so a softer more drapey fabric is better, I have investigated ruffling on the tummy part but my experiments to me emphasise the tummy not disguises it, so I've binned that idea.
I plan to make trousers that are wide legged, which is a shame considering my pins are probably the most lovely and shapely part of me, but if trousers are more fitted on me, it just emphasises the size and shape of my body - a bit like two sticks of celery sticking out of a carrier bag
, boot leg trousers work well on me as well because the boot flare adds balance to the wider middle
If I make skirts, there are two options, one being a fairly straight skirt again with the tummy adjustment by making the centre front longer, and stopping on the knee, and the other which I made for partywear was a lined (attached at the waist only) chiffon skirt with a flirty hem on the knee. The trouble with skirts is that they don't always look so good with the longer length tops that I like to hide my tummy area, although I bought one at Christmas that also had a flirty bottom to it which worked after I had taken it in on the back
No way would I wear something that is totally fitted, you can do 'fitted style' especially at the sides to add shape at the waist, but tight over tummy is a definite no-no for me, but again if the back is smaller (sometimes I find the back of a pattern to be the right size and only alter the front) then the garment is not just tent looking!
Also this type of alteration does not make me look pregnant!
I will add to this cardigans that are shorter than the blouse/shirt, stopping at what would be my natural waistline if only I could find it
I like the look this creates, again a good fit cardi, sewn or knitted, takes the emphasis away from the tummy adjustment made, I don't fasten the cardi, although I do add buttons one, because they can be an embellishment and two, because it gives the impression that I could do it up if I wanted to but choose not to (my cardi's are again often choosen/made to fit my shoulders and back therefore don't look great stretched over my tummy to do up) I also 'fill the gap' if needed with a scarf - I like scarves they are my best friend! Some of the blouses I plan to make have the bow at the neck which I intend to make long enough to act as a scarf down my middle
I do like longer cardi's too, wear them at home all the time, but with the longer tops I think shorter ones look better, as does a waistcoat (when I was younger), and the thing with a long cardi is they can be a bit flowy which is nice in the front and a tent in the back.
I also like plain colours for the trousers and skirts, and cardi's but colourful/patterns for the shirts and blouses and tops, which in warmer weather get worn minus the cardi of course.
When I get my act together I will post some patterns that I intend to use to expand on my 'theory'
I intend to make several of each to mix and match and as my life is mostly casual they shall be made to suit that, although smart is doable too if needed.
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