Ask Caryn – February 2012
Tips on Shoes and Tops
Hi there!
I read your entire style book for curvy women and it was awesome! Thanks for sharing that, it was very helpful.
A few questions for you:
I wore tall leather boots (the ones that wrinkle slightly at the calves and are kinda slouchy) the entire last winter and just busted them out again this winter. I am fed up with them and would like some ideas on shoes I can wear with skinny jeans during the winter, anything other than boots and ballet flats. I work for a very large global Ad agency, however, the dress cose is very casual, jeans daily kinda thing, especially for my team. So any suggestions you can provide would be helpful (with images if possible).
Secondly, I have the biggest love handles that you probably have ever seen and I cannot tell you how difficult it is to shop for everything. They stick out with almost every semi-fitted top possible and it takes me hours to find just one that fits. Nowadays most of the stores carry tops that have elastic around the waist or elastic at the very end to create a balloon effect, both of which are terrible for my body. So can you please provide some suggestions on trendy, hip, and fun tops I can wear with jeans? Feel free to send me links of tops I can buy online. I live in Chicago, IL.
I am 29, 5’3″, 135 lbs, long black hair, medium skin tone, of East Indian descent. My body type is super curvy with my problem areas being chubby upper arms and a muffin top. My picture below.
Thanks a lot!
Komal
Hello Komal
Why not take a look at our latest trends report from September where we’ve featured the latest shoe trends including the loafer and Chelsea boot which are chic options to wear with skinny jeans. Brogues will also work just as well. Below are some options, all available from ASOS who ship to the US.
In terms of tops, first of all it is worth thinking about control underwear to help to give you a smooth shape and added confidence. 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.
Once you have created a smooth base, choose tops that are fitted around and just under the bust to give you shape and structure but then gently flow over your hips and tummies. An empire line shape which will raise your waist and add height. Below are some examples of the types of tops to look for. Print is also a great way to compliment curves and distract from certain areas.
All tops from www.evans.co.uk.
An empire line maxi dress like this one, also from Evans, will work well for your shape and be dressed down to wear casually by day.
Hope this helps.
What to wear with Camel wide-leg trousers?
I have just bought a pair of camel wide leg trousers. I am 60+! 5`8″ and size 12. Can you advise on best co-ordinating colours?
Regards Joy
Hello Joy
Camel is complimented by a wide range of colours and tones. Tone on tone camels, browns and grey tones is a chic look as demonstrated here by these looks from Elegance (left) and Long Tall Sally.
Camel also looks really chic team with berry and red tones as well as coral, teal, burnt orange and navy. Here are some more images to give you some colour ideas and inspiration. We hope that helps!
Images: La Redoute and Elegance
Pear Shape and Empire Waist top conundrum
Hi Caryn,
In your e-book for standard pear you have that we pear-shaped women can wear empire tops and smock tops. I love these kinds of tops! But my widest area is my thighs (saddlebags) and nearly all of these tops end up covering my best area and ending with a horizontal line across my worst areas - something e-book says we were supposed to avoid?
While I see why empire waist dresses work (I have tons) I still haven’t been able to get the empire waist top to not end at my widest areas. Advice?
Also, what kind of skirt would one pair a top like this with?
I’d LOVE your advice on this. Thanks!
Kate
Hello Kate
When you’re pear shaped it is all about achieving the right length that avoids drawing a line across the widest part of your hip or thigh. Why not try a tunic and you could always have it shortened for the right length for you. Also avoid any tops/tunics that have border patterns at the hemline as this will draw extra focus. A tunic or tunic top will work well with slim straight or boot-cut jeans to flatter and balance out your overall silhouette.
In terms of skirts to go with empire-line tops – a maxi skirt or a pencil skirt could work as long at the top does not have too much of an A-line shape and is relatively streamlined. You could also try a peplum top at high –hip with a pencil skirt.
Best wishes,
