Ask Caryn – October 2011
Choosing a Winter Coat
Hi
I’m having trouble choosing a jacket/coat for the autumn/ winter.
I want something to go with my Mink pencil skirt and cream poloneck jumper (I love polonecks, don’t care if they’re in fashion or not). I’m a tall size 12 (5’10″), if thats any use, oh and i’m 44……
Please can you suggest something for me to try? Thanks….
Yours hopefully,
Stevie
Hello Stevie
Opt for a very simple, minimalist round neck coat that will perfectly compliment your poloneck and pencil skirt look with a nod to the 60s trend that is everywhere this autumn/winter season.
From left to Right: Single Breasted Long Sleeve Stretch Coat, £69.00, Sizes 8-20, M&S; Ellos Three-Quarter Length Jacket, £85.00, Sizes 8-22, La Redoute; Asymmetric Double Breasted Collarless Coat, Sizes 6-16, House of Fraser
Go for something in a cream or camel like this option from M&S which will add a sleek, chic polish in keeping with your aforementioned ensemble.
Belt with a coloured skinny belt (mink perhaps) to give your waist definition, break up a long line and also to add a stylish touch to your look.
The camel cape-shaped option from la Redoute has pocket and button detailing to break up a tall long line.
A navy version would also work so we’ve also found the above option for you at House of Fraser.
Skinny or thick belt?
Hiya
I have a classic hour glass figure, bit chubby (size 12) but still hourglass. I have bought a lovely pencil dress. It came with a thin black belt but i feel it may look better with a thicker belt? I dont want to spoil it and look wrong though. Please can you tell me what sort of belt I should wear with this dress?
Many Many Thanks
Mel
Hello Mel
There aren’t hard and fast rules about what you can put with what – mostly it’s about experimentation and your own personal taste. It does sound like you are you own great stylist if you instinctively feel that the dress would work better with a thicker belt.
We would say, however, that much thicker belts are often thicker in depth as well so can sometimes be more bulky around the waist. Also if they are very wide they can sometimes mask the shape of your waist (the curve) and depending on the material they may not pull as tightly. In that case look for a belt that is/has elastic or similar so that it will curve around your waist and show off your shape.
A skinny belt often works well as it highlights the smallest part or your waist without masking it or adding a volume. A mid-thick belt works just as well though if you prefer something a little thicker.
It’s also worth considering the pattern, style, colour etc to add a little something extra to your look.
How to Look Good on a Bicycle?
Dear Caryn,
I am going on a bicycle ride (London-Amsterdam) where most of the people will wear lycra and unflattering cycling tops. Practical (the dreaded word) and not necessarily, dare I say it, sexy, or cool. Can you think of any alternatives? Tips for both a long distance ride as well as city cycling would be very much appreciated!!
Many thanks and best wishes,
Ania
Hello Ania
Don’t worry you can bypass the fluorescent tabards and lycra shorts (!) as there are a number of fashion-conscious cycle retailers who offer chic yet practical clothes and accessories.
For more typical sporty options with a fashion twist then take a look at www.cyclodelic.co.uk and www.girlsruntoo.co.uk. www.hellojoe.co.uk have a range of stylish high-visibility t-shirts that also won’t look out of place off of the cycle track.
For city cycling think of a more retro vibe – a cape is a stylish wardrobe piece that is also practical for cycling. Team with this season’s 60s-esque slim trouser and brogues. A waxed cape will also keep you extra dry – Topshop have a stylish one as does Charlotte Taylor at www.youngbritishdesigners.com.
Left: Black waxed cape, £75, sizes 6-16, Topshop
Right: Waxed Cotton Ellie Cape, £130, Sizes S,M & L, www.youngbritishdesigners.com
www.bobbinbicylces.co.uk also have some cape and cycling mac options as well as other stylish accessories.
We hope that gives you some ideas.
Shoes for Mother of the Bride with Larger Feet
Dear Caryn
My daughter is getting married at the end of November, which will be a church wedding in Manchester. I have bought a beautiful dress and bolero jacket by Condici in teal and blue but am struggling to find a pair of shoes and handbag. I feel that a pair of court shoes in navy (either leather or suede) would look good but can’t seem to find anything much – it’s complicated by the fact that I have size 9 feet! – and most choice is in black which I don’t think would look right. Can you advise where I might find a good selection of something suitable (along with a clutch bag) or suggest an alternative solution. I live near Cambridge.
Many thanks in anticipation
Diana
Hi Diana
Take a look at Crispins Shoes who specialise in chic, stylish shoes for larger feet. They have a whole range of court shoes in plenty of colour options. Also have a look in our shopping directory for other retailers who offer shoes in larger sizes such as Barefoot Tess who have a chic teal option and Amber and Jade.
Right: St Louis Heel, £61.38, sizes 9-14, available in teal, whiskey, dark taupe and black, www.barefoottess.com
On the high street LK Bennett is a great choice if you are looking for shoes for a wedding outfit. They have a gorgeous teal court as well as some lovely navy options:
From left to right: Balmore Shoe, £195, sizes 36-42, available in teal and burnt orange; Bolton Shoe, £185, sizes 36-42, available in black, navy and damson; Selina Shoe, £175, sizes 36-42, available in black, sage, navy, lipstick and rose, all from L.K. Bennett
We hope that helps.
Elegant Look for Petite Fifty Year Old
Hi
I am 50 and 5’ 2” tall. I weigh under 9 st so I’m not big but I have a tummy. I feel I don’t look good in casual clothes. I dress smartly for work every day but just can’t get my casual look rite. Next year I am sailing on the Queen Mary 2 to New York and I want to look elegant. I will be doing lots of walking but do not want to wear trainers as these make me feel scruffy and frumpy. Can you advise the kind of casual clothes/shoes that would look good on someone my size please.
Thanks
Sandra
Hello Sandra
A casual look doesn’t have to mean scruffy and can still have an elegant polish to it. Why not take your smart work look as a starting point – take elements from your work wardrobe and use them to create casual looks that are more relaxed yet retain a little smartness.
A tailored fitted jacket is a great way to start. A single breasted style that has a gentle waist feature, a good shape to the shoulder will create a fantastic shape for you. A jacket atop a pair of jeans and a simple top is what casual chic is all about. Jeans will also give your thighs a smooth and toned appearance. Choose a boot-cut, wide leg or a flare as the width from the hips will reduce your tummy.
A luxurious shawl collared, long cardigan with a belt feature will also give your body shape as well as looking seductive with jeans.
If you have a pair of tailored trousers in your working wardrobe then try teaming with a more relaxed top that blousons round the waist and settles on the hips. Smock styles will also work well with your shape. Tops with a v-neck will also streamline your shape.
If you have a smart A-line skirt then team with a simple fitted top and the tailored jacket or the shawl cardigan. The width from the skirt will also balance out your tummy.
As for shoes a simple pair of ballet pumps or loafer shoes will be practical and look chic with any of these looks.
We hope that gives you a few pointers to start putting your cruise wardrobe together.
