Ask Caryn – March 2011
Summer Wedding Dress
I’m 53, 160cm and standard curvaceous. I’m marrying in the summer and was wondering if the ‘two birds’ dress, which is advertised as a bridesmaid dress, would be suitable for me to wear (calf length) in an ivory or light grey metal. I would wear the bandeau with it, and the dropped shoulder style wrap. I LOVE your site.
Ceejay
Hi Cee,
How very timely we have just come back from the National Wedding Show where we have styled lots of brides this week.
The two birds dress comes also with a matching bandeau as you mention which would give you extra coverage and make the dress seem more bridal demure. This dress is so versatile of course it could work as a bridal dress, the designer would be delighted to know this so why not take a photo of yourself for her files.
Have a wonderful day and thanks for your comments on the site.
Advice for Pear Shape
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
How to Layer
Hi Caryn,
I was hoping you might be able to help me on this one.
You see, I have two things that I’ve really wanted to try for a while now but not quiet sure how to style it or have the confidence to pull it off. But I think you might be able to come up with something.
The first is wearing shorts over Jeggings (denim leggings). These are very popular at the moment and Im tired of wearing them the same old way, so I thought try pairing them with shorts. Just not sure how.
And the second is layering a t-shirt over a long sleeve Check/Plaid shirt.
I think with winter here this would be the perfect time to try these. But unfortunately I don’t know where to start. Would you have any advice for me? I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Sarah
Hello Sarah
Thanks for getting in touch. When it comes to layering the key is to not go too bulky. So look for fine lightweight pieces and don’t go overboard on the number of layers – three is probably more than enough. Neutrals work well and if you want to use standout colour then keep one statement item as your focus.
With regards to shorts and jeggings, opt for a pair of jeggings that are almost legging like! You want them to be as fine as possible so not too look too wide. Match the colour of your jeggings to your shorts or if you want to go for a different colour or textured short then tone the rest of the look into your jeggings and make the shorts the statement. Shorts and jeggings will look chic with knee high or ankle boots. Keep the look layered all over so loosely layer the top half too and cinch your waist if you need that extra definition. Opposites work well so you could try a loose blousy top with a structured waistcoat or a fitted t-shirt with a slouchy jacket. Also different textures always work well with layering so put sequins, velvet, lace, fur etc into the mix.
If you want to layer a t-shirt over a shirt then go loose – look for something slouchy or off the shoulder. You could also try a fine, gaping knit.
Why not go through your wardrobe for any layering pieces that you have such as fitted long sleeve shirts, blouses, tunics, long sleeved tops, blazers, vests, sweaters, scarves, tights, shorts, leggings/jeggings, dresses, cardigans and jackets. On a quiet day play dress up in the mirror – mix and match these items together and see where it takes you…
Good luck!
How to Dress if Petite and Top Heavy
Hi, I’m Liz Wright & I’m an 18 year old in need of some help.
I’m 5ft, petite, however I am big busted. What do I wear?
I’m bored of wearing the same boring clothes & need a change!!
What clothes would flatter me? And what do I wear when I go out in the
evenings etc?
If you could help me, then that would be fantastic 
Thank You
Liz
Hello Liz
Thanks for getting in touch. With regards to dressing a fuller bust it’s all about diversion tactics. When making the most of a glorious bust remember that shoulders are key. Naked shoulders will divert attention from a large bust (but make sure you have adequate bra support – a well-made, properly fitted bra will give you the support you need and you can minimize your shape the way nothing else can). Your neckline is also a great proportion adjuster – v-necks and open collars slim and lengthen the torso and can help to minimise the size of your bust. Also a body-skimming silhouette is kinder than a baggy one. If your bust is bigger than you’d like it to be, draping it in voluminous layers is not going to make it any smaller.
You don’t specify whether you are top heavy in that your top half is bigger that you bottom or whether you also have a curvier bottom half. I would suggest investing in one of our ebooks which will show you how to choose clothes to suit your individual body shape and also how to appear to taller.
I hope this helps.
How to Style High Waisted Skinny Jeans
What do I wear with my skinny high waisted jeans ???? x http://www.newlook.com/shop/
womens/jeans/high-waisted-skinny-jean_211409440 I need a pro opinion, HELP!!!
Hi Chloe
The styling possibilities are endless. A top tucked in and cinched with a belt will add a little va va voom to a casual look. A top with a little added volume will create sexy curves and add a feminine touch to your jeans or a printed silky blouse, this will glam up your blues in an instant.
Jeans with a simple tee, a blazer slung over the top and teamed with a pair of heels is a look that is effortlessly and endlessly chic. You could also try experiment with this season’s bright colours be it with a top or coloured accessories.
Take a day when you have some time and create your own styling kit of all your accessories and shoes etc. Experiment with different combinations of tops that you have and try your different accessories with them to see what you like and what you don’t.
Styling Advice for Pear Shape
Hi, I really need some advice and REALLY hope u can help!…?
I’m a 34 yr old mother of 3, my body shape is standard pear shape, im 5’6 and weigh 12 stone. I seem to wear the same sort of clothes all the time and I’m looking for a change as what I wear is sooo outdated!!!…at the mo I always wear long slouch tops that cover my tum/bum, boyfriend style jeans and desert boots!! I know, know its bad!!!….
I can’t wear heels as I have such wide feet they are so uncomfortable I’m in agony, I’ve lost all confidence in my body shape and although I know I need to diet it’s never gonna be a overnight change like clothes can be..I also can’t show my legs as they are covered in scars…things arent looking good are they!!….but i feel sooo old fashioned and feel my children are embarrassed to be seen with me, I also dont want to look like mutton dressed as lamb!….any ideas…PLEASEEEEEE!!!!!….
Kerry xxxxx
Hello Kerry
Thanks for getting in touch. It’s really just a case of cranking the style dial up a notch and making a few subtle changes to give your look a little fashion edge without pushing you totally out of your comfort zone.
For example instead of jeans and a slouchy top work a long-line tunic over trousers, a key silhouette for this coming spring/summer season. This look takes minimal styling so you’ll look effortlessly put-together and chic without even trying! The tunic will deftly cover your bum and tum but it will still give you shape and definition which is more flattering than covering up in baggy clothes which only serves to make you look bigger than you are.
You can wear pumps with this look or you could also try a wedge. Wedges are making waves this season and are actually very comfortable and give your feet room to breathe. New Look has a range of wide fit wedges as do Simply Be. Duo is a specialist retailer in wide (and narrow) fitting shoes and they stock a whole range of fashion styles. You can find details for all of these brands in out footwear shopping directory.
Also think about other laid back yet luxe pieces such as the maxi dress/skirt and the 70’s flare. These kinds of pieces will cover any lumps and bumps and elongate legs whilst keeping them under cover. They’re easy to wear but have inherent style. Team them with simple tops and knits to keep the look sleek and sophisticated and use lighter/brighter hues to balance out your bottom half. Wear with boots/pumps now and sandals come summer.
I hope this helps.
Dress for Leavers Prom
Hi
I’m in serious need of your help. I’m 16 so I don’t know if you can help but my friend recommended you.
I have my leavers Prom coming up and still haven’t found a dress. I’ll put this bluntly, I have never worn a dress before, I don’t know where to start looking and have a problem finding anything that fits properly and looks nice on anyway. I was wondering if you would be able to help me?
I don’t really follow favourite celebrities style, although I do like Kat Von D and Fearne Cotton’s style. Also I can’t say I follow fashion really, I’m normally either in sports gear or school uniform; if I’m out I usually wear skinny or baggy jeans and a hoodie or my brothers shirt. I guess it’s more college wear really.
Personally I enjoy wearing baggy jeans more than skinny, and hoodies are what I normally have on. Oh an I like work boots, I can tuck my jeans into them . I’m only about 5′ 4″; size 8 top and bottom; I have quite big shoulders from swimming and other than that I’m equally proportional.
Best wishes to you too,
Eva x
Hello Eva
If you’ve never worn a dress before then I think it is best to ease yourself in gently and go for something relatively simple, yet still pretty. You can always add in accessories if you want to jazz up a little more.
You are equally proportional so look for a dress that draws focus at the waist – one that is nipped in at the waist, can be defined with a belt or has a distinct empire line which defines the waist. This will give your body outline a little more curve to it and show off your waist. Because you are petite you could look for a dress with a waistline higher than your natural one (empire line) to help to elongate your body and give the impression of longer legs.
A tulip skirt dress will look great on you as there is a little volume at the hips which means it is a litle more comfortable to wear especially as you are not used to wearing dresses and the shape at the hips will also balance and draw focus away from your broader shoulders. Plus a tulip dress has a cool, laid back edge that isn’t overtly girly.
If you go for a tulip dress or shorter empire line dress then choose one that is a little above the knee will help to give the appearance of a longer figure. If you don’t want to go short then a maxi dress that falls to the floor can elongate your silhouette especially if teamed with heels and if it has that higher waistline.
I would go for a solid block colour which will help to elongate your body and also keeps the look chic. Stay away from very busy prints as you don’t want to get lost in the pattern. If you do want to add a little personality then you could add a statement necklace or earrings to your look. You could also look for a dress with embellishment but look for detail that is centred rather than anything that is at your shoulders.
Because you say you bigger shoulders from your swimming, look for a dress with an asymmetric neckline, sweetheart necklines, low v-neck, sleeveless low wrap neckline or a sleeveless round neckline.
I know this is a lot of information to digest but hopefully it gives you the elements to look for in a dress to find one that suits you. A few dresses we have seen are a black ponte dress from Dorothy Perkins, Mauve belted sash drape dress from Debenhams, a rose chiffon maxi dress from Topshop and an exclusive cut out puff ball dress from ASOS.com actually has some great options in its petite range. These dresses are all quite simple but you can add in accessories to make them extra special.
Also go on to www.shopstyle.com, type in what you are looking for and they will display a whole range of high street options so you can have a good search to find dresses that you like. Try search terms like ‘petite dresses’, ‘tulip skirt dresses,’‘asymmetric dresses’, ‘empire line dresses’ etc.
I hope this helps.
