Fall is here, and with it we’re digging the color red (and its derivatives), fab knits and collars that take blouses from blah to BAM! We’ve rounded up designer takes on these three trends, adding in more affordable outfits picked to flatter circle body shapes.
Circle shapes, commonly referred to as “apples,” tend to be slim or narrow everywhere but the belly. So show off your legs and hide your middle with some strategic style options. Think drapey knits, red empire-waist dresses and loose-fitting blouses that offer a little more room where you need it.
Not sure of your body type? Take our Body Type Quiz to find out.
1The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim. A sleek cape is a brilliant way to disguise a thicker waist. This sophisticated style is narrow across the shoulders—to highlight off your slim upper body—but hangs loose around the area you’re trying to disguise. Hello, new fall jacket!
2Your way:
We love the versatility of this knit poncho—belt it high to accentuate your narrowest part, pair it with a skirt and you’ve got a fashionable work look. Toss it on over a T-shirt and wear it with jeans for a lunch date with the girls. Either way, you’ll feel comfortable and stylish. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Banana Republic gray pullover sweater poncho, $130, black leather skirt, $198, faux fur scarf, $69.50 and tall boot, $225, Banana Republic
3Your way:
Listen up, circle shapes: A drapey sweater will be your best friend when the temps start to dip. Look for a style that’s warm, but not too bulky, and that hangs just right in front to camouflage any belly bulge. Just add your favorite skinny jeans, a thin shirt and you’re good to go.
Sunday snap closure draped sweater, $88, anthropologie.com
4Your way:
Nothing says fall like a fair-isle sweater. Circle shapes should look for a looser-fit style that can be paired with skinnies to show off those thin legs. The colorful pattern on the sweater causes just enough visual confusion to disguise a thick middle. Warm, cozy and cute? Yes, please.
Old Navy fair isle crewneck sweater, $29.94, boatneck T-shirt, $12.50 and Rockstar cord, $34.50, Old Navy
5The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Jill Stuart. Forget “Fifty Shades of Grey.” This season, red ruled the runways, ranging from subtle wine hues to the brightest screams of crimson look-at-me wow! The long jacket on this merlot-family suit provides just the right coverage to whittle a middle.
6Your way:
Dress for success in head-to-toe soft tones of red with this coat that manages to look slim and flowy at the same time. Toss it on over skinny pants and a classic sweater for an office look that commands attention.
Banana Republic crimson wrap coat, $225, turtleneck sweater, $59.50, and Sloan slim ankle pants, $89.50, Banana Republic
7Your way:
A sweater dress in a circle-friendly silhouette can be a fab addition to your fall wardrobe. This style features a flattering V-neck (to draw the eye up) and an empire waist that shows you off where you’re skinniest. Flirty enough to wear out, but easy to dress down? Winning.
Asos Curve knit dress, $61.57, asos.com
8Your way:
It’s definitely the season to dare to be the lady in red. This ruana looks luxurious—and so flattering—when belted below the bra line. Add in a soft cashmere sweater and slim trousers in tonal fire engine red and expect to stop traffic—in a really good way.
Talbots leather-trimmed ruana, $199, Audrey cashmere sweater, $139, Marianne ankle pants, $99, Talbots.com
9The trend: Hot under the collar
The runway: Marni. The basic white blouse gets a cool, edgy update with the simple addition of a black collar and cuffs. Wear the blouse loose and pair it with fitted slacks, jeans or a skirt for a trendy look that suits circle shapes.
Your way: Ring around the collar looks stylish when a contrasting color is used to punch up a basic shirt. All you need is your favorite pair of black pants to give an artistic vibe to your wardrobe staples.
10Your way:
Ring around the collar looks stylish when a contrasting color is used to punch up a basic shirt. All you need is your favorite pair of black pants to give an artistic vibe to your wardrobe staples.
Mossimo Supply white blouse with black collar and cuffs, $19.99, Target
11Your way:
By now, circle shapes should know an empire waist is your friend. Toss in a shiny, glittery collar and all eyes will be on your pretty face, while the black shape of this party dress helps hide any figure flaws. Holiday party outfit? Check.
Kate Spade jeweled collar Kimberly dress, $548, katespade.com
12Your way:
Circle shapes are wise to show off their slim legs with a flattering mini dress. The black stitching on the peter pan collar of this pretty number adds interest up by your face and the loose shape provides a little wiggle room. Say it’s a cooler evening out? Just pull on your black opaque Spanx and get ready to wow on date night.
Tinley Road A-line mini dress, $79, piperlime.com
