Ask Caryn – October 2009
Body shape
Hi I wondered if you could help me figure out my body shape or even what is most flattering for my figure.
I am 5’3″, Short waisted and my measurements are 38-32-40. I have looked through many body shape websites and never been able to really tell what I am.
Thanks
Michelle
Hello Michelle
From what you say it sounds to me like you are petite and curvaceous. I’d recommend that you take a look at my petite and curvaceous e-book which will give you the best advice to suit your body shape. In it you will discover techniques for creating the illusion of height as well as much more like understanding how to give your curves definition.
I’m confident that with your new skills you can select clothes that will work for you by understanding which clothing features you need to look out for. In time you can evolve your style skills, gaining confidence from trial and error in front of your mirror. It’s all about learning what works for you and your body and the e-book will show you how. Also have a look at the Petite section in our shopping mall to find clothes to suit your shape.
30E chest!
Hi Caryn
I’m a 40 year old woman who still feels like a gangly teenager! I used to be very slim, but now I’m a size 10-12 with a thicker waist than I’d like.I also have a size 30E chest, which means I’m quite narrow and petite above the waist, but with boobs! I’m 5′ 7” too.
I really struggle to find clothes which make me feel beautiful and feminine.Somehow things never quite fit me, and because of that I never feel comfortable and confident in what I’m wearing. Low cut or V neck tops are always too low cut for me, and show my underwear, and clothes which cover my rounded tummy swamp me so that I feel as if I’m wearing a sack!
I know that I’m lucky to be tall ish and slim ish, but I sometimes feel as if my chest doesn’t belong to me! I’m sure there are some shops out there which stock clothes to fit me, and I would really welcome some advice before the last bloom of my relative youth has gone!
Thanks Caryn
Clare
Hello Clare
Thanks for getting in touch. Take a look at Bravissimo in our shopping mall.
Their clothing collection is specifically designed for a larger bust while the back, shoulders and waist of the garments are based on standard dress sizes 8-16. Within each dress size there are different sizes to account for the fullness of your bust. They have some really chic and stylish options in particular some gorgeous empire line dresses which will cover your tummy but still go in and out in all the right places.
Advice for daughter
I have a 15 year old daughter who could use some fashion advice. She is tall (5’ 10”), buxom (40D), plus-sized and short-waisted with a classic “apple” build. She sticks to t-shirts and jeans. I have a hard time identifying flattering clothes for her. Can you give some advice?
Loralee
Hello Loralee
Firstly many apologies for the delay in getting back to you, I have been working very hard on a project called All Walks beyond the Catwalk which aims to help women feel better about their individual body shape. There is more about that on my blog and in my newsletter this week.
Your daughter can streamline her waist by creating the illusion of width, volume or visual distraction at her bust and or hips. I would recommend you take a look at my fuller and apple shaped e-book which will show you and her exactly how to do this by indentifying the clothes that can help. I’d also have a look at the Fuller section in our shopping mall to find clothes to suit her shape.
In the meantime a couple of tips for your daughter are that she should:
- Choose clothes that give her body definition, ones with gentle structure and tailoring.
- Try tops that blouson around the waist but settle on the hips.
- Choose skirts and trousers with flare which will work well for her shape as the extra width at the hips will reduce her tummy.
- Make sure she is wearing a correctly fitted bra as this will give her good shape.
I hope this helps.
What colour shoes should I wear?
Hello, my son is being christened on Sunday and I’d like to know what colour shoes to wear. I’m intending on wearing a cream skirt with a blackish/brownish top.
Thank you!
Tamara
Hello Tamara
I’d go for a cream or nude shoe which will look chic and sophisticated but will also help to make your legs look long and lean. Aldo, Nine West and Kurt Geiger have some great options so take a look at them in our Shopping Mall. If you had wanted to add a bit of colour then you can never underestimate the power of a pop-coloured accessory such as a clutch. Hot pink is an instant new-season update and looks great with cream, brown and black. M&S have a cute clutch number. Enjoy the Christening.
General confidence & shape advice
Dear Caryn
Please please help….
I have found your website and found it inspiring.
I have a wedding to go to soon and have purchased a dress but I don’t think I can go through with wearing it! I’m quite happy with they way I look but have not idea of what looks good and what doesn’t.
I have my comfort zone which is jeans & very baggy sweat shirts which my sister is always telling me not to wear. When I do go shopping I find I am still heading for the bigger sizes just to cover up.
Please can you help, I think I’m curvy as got small top half but have wider hips, but then again I might not be. I was hoping you maybe able to help or at least point me in the right direction.
Thank you & kind regards
Ria
Hello Ria
Thanks for getting in touch. A great secret weapon of many women and even celebrities alike is some control underwear in their armoury. There are so many different pieces now from waist cinchers, control pants to full slips and tights – all designed to hold you in in the right places and give you a sleek silhouette. Have a look at figleaves in our shopping mall who stock an extensive range. We all have times where we feel like we need a bit of extra support especially if we are wearing more body skimming pieces and control underwear can really give you the confidence to shine. Once you have you got a good base you can build from there.
I’m not sure if you have bought an e-book but all my best styling tips are in there and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. From what you say I think you are fuller and pear shaped. In this book you can learn how to even up you body symmetry and identify which clothes will suit you.
In time you will gain more confidence and your style skills will develop and you can start adding a little femininity to your wardrobe without feeling that you have stepped too far out of your comfort zone.
Advice on which e-book
Hello,
Your site looks so interesting. I am not so slim as I used to be and I am having a terrifically difficult time looking good.
I am 5 foot four inches with broad shoulders, 39-33-40 and muscular legs. I don’t like heels very much.
My hair is reddish brown and way too short. I love strong colour but have been wearing black and red for far too long. I could really use some expert advice! Could you tell me what e-book you would recommend me to read? Also, I live in the US and would appreciate are there any shops or clothing lines that you could recommend over here. I tend to clothe on a small budget – partly for finances but also since I don’t really have much faith in my choices.
Thank you,
Vivien
Hi Vivienne,
Sounds like you are ready for a change! I don’t have enough to go on to advise you because I don’t know your shape. But I really get a sense of a longing for a new approach to your image Vivienne and I do understand that. You have two choices.
My body shape e-books deal with 19 different shapes and I have put details below of how to choose what’s right for you. Once you can identify your body and learn which clothes will suit you and which won’t, you feel instantly more confident about shopping and styling and you’ll create a working wardrobe that will always serve you well.
I have also written an ‘ageless style e-book,’ this deals with creating or adapting your image after 40. The tools in here are emotional as well as practical.
Come and join us here at howotlookgood by signing up for a newsletter each month, that way you can get my recommendations of what to buy and let me know what book you choose. I’d love to have your feedback.
