Ask Caryn – April 2011
Pear Shape Advice for Wedding Outfit
Dear Caryn,
please can you help me with my fashion query.
My son is getting married in America at the end of October.
I am a pear shape and a size 20. What should I wear, the wedding is at 4.30pm.
Aiso what clothes could I take for our short stay there, we are hoping to visit a few places whist we are there as we havn’t been to this part of America before(Maine, Augusta)
Regards
Anne
Hello Anne
Thanks for getting in touch. I’d go for a neutral coloured and figure skimming silhouette. You could either opt for a tailored A-line dress, a top and skirt with an a-line or fluid fabric or a top and wide leg/boot-leg cut trousers. Top off any of these looks with a loose-cut knee length coat left open. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with a coat that has a strong colour or rich texture which will also help to give your outfit an individual twist.
The slight flare of the trousers or the soft a-line of the skirt/dress will balance out fuller hips. Drawing the eye up to an exposed shoulder is a great balancing trick. If you don’t want to bare a shoulder, a great piece of jewellery at the neckline (either a brooch or a necklace) will be as effective. Whatever you wear on top, make sure it’s slim and cut close to the body to best balance out a fuller-cut lower half.
In terms of what to pack to wear for your stay in Altanta then I would pack a mini capsule wardrobe – a few pieces that can be mixed together to create different looks depending on the occasion. Accessories will be key here and really make a difference to your look plus items such as scarves are very versatile and easy to pack. I would look to take items such as an a-line skirt that works for day but can be jazzed up, a pair of trousers, a jacket that will work with your skirts and trousers, one lightweight cardigan, a dressy top, a selection of simple t-shirts and a pair of flats and a pair of heels
I hope this helps. Have a great time at the wedding.
Curvy plus and leggings?
Hi Caryn and gang…
Love your stuff so you were first point of call for my question. I am a tall curvy and currently just in the plus range (no delicate flower here!). Anyhow I usually do the wide legged pant, fitted top and jacket which looks quite sleek at any size between size 10 or 16! But I am feeling a bit bored at change of season. I see the tunic dress over leggings look around and would love to do something a little different. I know there have been so many discussions about leggings over the years, particularly for us over 40s and yes people are coming around. BUT my legs are enormous, bubbly logs with no ankles, scars on ankle from operation, knees that bubble over the chunky calf (did any other 8 year old wish for skinny legs rather than to be a princess? I did with my cousins!!!)… Even with a knee length tunic, the knee ride up when walking and then the chunky lower leg PLUS a loose-ish fitting tunic is questionable. My logic and your principles would say NO, so I guess I have the answer. So do you confirm that would be case, and then would you have some other ideas to vamp things up a bit. The reality is the extra weight that popped on a year ago has not budged so I can either buy some new clothes and act and feel good, or continue to wear strained seams and feel miserable. Thanks so much!!
Jen
Hello Jen
Thanks for getting in touch and for your kind words. The advice we give at howtolookgood.com is to enable you to understand what works for particular body shapes but ultimately down to your own sense of style and what makes you feel comfortable and (most importantly) confident. It sounds from the way you describe leggings on your body that you don’t feel that they will make you look the best you can. There is always a way round these things though. Why not try a narrow style tunic top over straight cut trousers or over your wide-legged trousers to give this type of look a fresh spin. Plus this sleek, minimalist silhouette is one of the hottest looks on the catwalk season. Just take a look at the Calvin Klein and Celine shows to see what we mean. The line of the silhouette will create a streamlined effect and deftly skim over curves. Just make sure the trousers are flat front.
Also when purchasing new clothes, bottoms in particular, look for pieces that have drape and stretch for a skimming (never tight or clingy) fit. The difference in fabrics that drape over your curves, mould and hold you in slightly, versus stiff fabrics that bunch and create sharp horizontal creases in considerable.
I hope this solves your dilemma!
Mother of the Bride Style Advice – What to Wear with Red Hat
Hi Caryn
Your website is a great inspiration for a lot of women. Thank you!
My question is:
What color outfit should I look for to go with a red hat (which I found and looks perfect on) for my daughters wedding in England in September.
She has a ivory gown, bridesmaids are Sage and Groom some kind of brown suit, very earthy colors.
I have been told to wear a long outfit, hat and bag.
Please can you give me some advice, I would be truly grateful.
Thanks
Jan
Hello Jan
Thanks for getting in touch and your kind comments. Well you know what they say about a lady in red and so why not team red dress teamed with your hat to make a strong stylish statement. Opt for accessories and shoes in a different colour though as one hot statement is enough.
Alternatively black and red make a striking combination. Black can be a little harsh for a wedding but you could always team a black dress, skirt or trousers with a red jacket (or even the other way around – black jacket over a red dress or skirt). Navy also looks great teamed with red and could be a great alternative to black.
This spring/summer season is going to be all about colour and we witnessed some Yves Saint Laurent 1970s colour combinations such as pink and red. If you like strong colour then you could try a pink top and red skirt or a colour block dress.
I hope this helps. Enjoy the wedding.
Cover Up Options for Dress
What is the best cover up to wear with a v-neck, sleeveless gown?
Hi there
There are plenty of options but why not try a bolero jacket (can be matte or sparkly and sequined depending on the gown), a stole or a wrap such as a pashmina.
How to Accessorize Dress
Hi,
I would really appreciate any advice!
For my sister’s wedding, I’ve found a fantastic dress (a picture of which I hope is attached); a dusky pink, one shoulder, ruched ruffle dress. I will be having my hair done in 1940′s wave style, and love the vintage look. My hair is reddish (dyed), I have olive skin and dark features.
I am having a problem accessorising though! Firstly, I’m normally quite flamboyant when it comes to jewellery/handbags/shoes, am I right in thinking I should opt for plainer styles due to the dress being quite busy?
And what colour should I go for? Black didn’t really appeal to me. I was thinking purple shoes/bag? And jewellery, I presume silver rather than gold although I would prefer coloured (purple again?) vintage/costume jewellery. Also, would you recommend earrings/bracelet/necklace or just one or two of those? I tend to go for bracelets, and hardly ever wear earrings.
Thanks so much, I am happy to stand corrected about any of my assumptions or try something different!
Sharada
Hello Sharada
Thanks for getting in touch. It sounds like you have a strong sense of your own style so you should definitely stick with that sense.
Because the dress is stand out and has the gorgeous ruffle detailing I would let it do all the talking and let it be the main focus of your look together with your hair and make-up. I would keep accessories relatively sleek and simple in shape but you can go for a bold colour such as purple which will work well here. I would stick to shoes and a clutch in purple and opt for silver jewellery. Otherwise the look could start to look too matchy-matchy and often one or two hot colour statements are enough. You say you don’t normally wear earrings but a fabulous vintage inspired chandelier pair in silver or diamante will really show off your vintage hairstyle and complement the romantic feel of the dress. A bracelet or ring will be a great pairing to the earrings or work just as well on their own if you don’t want to go with the earrings.
If you wanted to wear this dress again for another outing then you could also think about accessorizing with some of the beautiful pastel colours around such as peach, peppermint blue or pistachio green. A mixture of pastels is very fresh and very ‘now’ and will still give you that focus on colour but an alternative option if you wanted to style the dress up differently.
I hope this helps. Enjoy the wedding.
How to Wear Maxi Dresses All Year Round
Hello,
I love your monthly e-mails they are a real god send.
I have a couple of maxi dresses and would love to keep wearing them past summer, other than sandals what can I wear them with?
Hope to hear back.
Kel xxx
Hello Kel
Thanks for your email and for your kind words. There are plenty of ways to work your maxis other than with sandals depending on their style and your styling. One of the hottest looks right now is wearing your maxi with ballet flats – just check out the Lanvin Spring Summer catwalk show for inspiration Maxi’s also look great with boots – try a short boot with a heel for a 1970s rock edge or a wedge boot always look great. In fact most boots will work just don’t go for anything too smart or pointy – they key is to keep a laid back, effortless edge.
I hope that helps.
Pear Shape Advice
Hello Caryn,
I do hope you won’t mind a question for some much needed clothing advice. I love your website, and the valuable information shared. Unfortunately, you’ll soon notice from the measurements that I’m from the United States.
In the last year, I have recently lost weight, from 170 pounds to 140 pounds, through exercise and watching what I eat/drink. I am happy with the loss, yet such a frustrating body shape… 5’6”, a size 6 from my hips up to my top, but a size 12 in the bottom, sporting huge saddle bags (a bit of hereditary involved:). I haven’t found a modern “look” for me at age 52.
Any suggestions?
In advance, I am most thankful.
Best regards,
Veta
Hello Veta
Thanks for getting in touch. I’ve mentioned them before but there is a brand called Ardyss which has produced a range of support underwear designed by a doctor which can help to redefine your shape outline. They have a product called ‘The Body Magic’ which is designed to lift your bust and stomach as it flattens and controls your abdomen muscles. It also reshapes the buttocks and helps streamline your thighs and hips.
The fashion team here have tried their products and they really do offer great support! They are quite expensive but worth the investment as they can give you a great base shape and boost your body confidence. Ardyss is an American company and we believe they provide a personal fitting service but you’ll need to check out the local services on offer. Google Ardyss to find their HQ or local distributor and arrange a fitting to try some of their products on or seek advice from a good lingerie boutique for similar products.
Well-fitted, supporting underwear is the key to great style no matter what your size or shape. With regards to finding a modern look the secret is to keep it relatively simple with clean, elegant shapes in muted colours. You can always add in interest with accessories and print and pattern – strategically placed to draw attention away and to certain areas of the body.
You should try a 50s circle style skirt or structured A-line skirt – they’re feminine, chic and the fullness in the skirt will fully disguise your hips and thighs. A plain (not patterned) skirt in a darker colour is best to help minimise your bottom half. Team with a top with attention seeking pattern or frills and a single breasted tailored jacket with an inward curve at the side seams to show off your waist. Opt for tops and jackets in lighter tones and hues, with a stylish print and pattern or embellishment will add interest to your look and also balance out your bottom half. This look will look great teamed with knee high boots (you can get boots in a variety of calf width these days if necessary). Choose boots and tights that are also darker to further minimise your lower half and elongate your silhouette.
In the summer you can go for a lighter toned skirt but just make sure you team with colourful or interesting tops adding volume to your top half! Neck scarves or a statement necklace are classic yet modern touches that will focus attention up top and a skinny belt will help to show of your waist. Wear flesh tights and nude shoes to elongate legs and keep your lower half understated. Also another great option to flatter your shape this summer would also be an empire line maxi dress for a more glamorous yet sophisticated look .
I hope this helps
