Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

August

Styling tools for a top heavy shape

Hi Caryn,
Help please – I’m so lost I’m 33 and work in a very fashonable environment in a web Market research company. I feel like I don’t belong as all the other girls dress so well all the time. I have bought your e-book (top heavy) and have tried to follow the advice but still have no idea of what to get when I go shoping.

I would like to get a capsule wardrobe that is fun and reflects my personality. At the moment my clothes are mainly black and shapless. To give you some more details about myself, I’m 1.48m, weigh 60kg, size 10 bottom and size 14 top. My main problem is that my top size (bra size is 32H) is too big for my height. I have a few pairs of high heels but I never put them on as I don’t feel confident in matching them with my clothes. I have even considered having an operation to reduce my brests, but would like to try all options before going down that road. Please, please help me as I really don’t know what to do.
Many thanks,
Ana

Hi Ana
I am sorry you find it hard to find fashionable garments in petite sizes. These companies often tend to offer only standard sizes in petite ranges (mistakenly assuming that petite height means petite all over).

It all makes life more difficult, but not impossible there are some good brands/retailers out there that do offer clothes that are on trend and fashionable: Evans, Bhs and Next , you’ll find these in our shopping mall and do use Bravissimo for tops. I have some specific autumnal tips to guide you.

By reading our e-book you will know that open-necked shirts and v-necklines are good options to flatter your bust area and waistcoats are great for hiding a large chest too. Avoiding heavy sweaters and t-shirts, horizontal striped tops, fussy frills on shirt fronts, large floral and check patterned tops, bulky shapeless items, high waisted trousers and skirts or finally boxy jackets.

So moving onto your new fun capsule wardrobe, I have listed out key clothing items and related them to Autumn trends to make it easier for you to put into action straight away.

A day and evening dress
A great place to start shopping is to check out Next, they have one of the biggest ranges for petites that cover the key trends. One theme for Autumn is Gothic romance, cream or black lace as the main detail which is definitely not boring. This is a good option to show off at work and then carry onto the evening too as it will come across as smart and trendy. Check out the lace fit and flare dress, it has a v-neckline and a-line flare skirt to compliment and balance out your top half.

Trousers, feminine blouse and waistcoat
Wide leg trousers are great to balance out your top half and spot on the Autumn's 40's trend especially when worn with a blouse and waistcoat. You can find examples of the trousers and waist-coat in Petite Affair and for a blouse that will suit your shape try Debenhams and check out the blouse called Petite black flower print top, which has a deep v with a pussy bow detail. Alternatively  if you want more colour check out the fun red print blouse called the petite red spotted dress.

Jeans
You definitely need to invest in a good pair of jeans, again you could go for a wide leg trousers and wear with the blouse and waistcoat or a why not consider a jean with a flare both will look great with a wedge shoe for the office or high heel at night. Try Dorothy Perkins and click onto their mid wash super flare jeans that come in short length.

Classic shirt and jacket
On top of these items for your capsule wardrobe look for a classic white open collar shirt, a v-neck light weight jumper, a single breasted smart jacket. All these items can be mix and match with each other.

Accessories
Remember too that any of these items can be jazzed up by contrasting accessories such as a chunky bangle/cuff or oversize bag, again great to help your proportion.

Happy shopping.

Premium clothing ranges for curvy shapes

Hi there.
I am sure that you are inundated with questions! But when oh when will someone create beautiful clothes for women who are a size 18?

I adore Whistles, Nicole Farhi, Hobbs, Alice Temperley etc., but I find that designers seem to think the only way forward with the fuller figure is tents!

I have had five children, I know that is no excuse, but, the old tummy isn’t flat, but I still want to wear fab clothes.

I will end on this note, I would love to own a pair of Levis, but if you are over a 14 forget it! Ah! the thought of Levis and a white t-shirt what are designers thinking of? In this day and age the nation is getting fatter, but designers seem to cut smaller.
HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!
Janet (50)

PS This is the problem we have, my daughter got married last year and I had set my heart on a beautiful Alice Temperley dress, as she only cuts dresses to a 14 I rang them and asked for one to be made, yes they said that was no problem, it would be around £2000, fine I said , when I gave them my size they said they didn’t have the templates to makes dresses over a size 14!

I wondered was it they didn’t want somebody size 18 wearing her styles or that they really are not made to measure?

Hi Janet

Don't worry there are designers out there who very much cater for the real women. Check out Anna Scholz in our shopping mall. The designer herself totally understands the curvy figure as she has one herself and has a great collection ranging from brightly  print dresses, lace tunic tops (perfect for the A/W's gothic romance look) and gorgeous tailoring and coats - all cut from sizes 12-28. Alternatively Caroline Charles who also caters for size 18 and for A/W has some great evening wear dresses and tailoring.

For denim try either svobodastyle.com who have a selection of jeans that go upto size 24, or www.ilovejeans.com in our shopping mall who do a great style called the tummy tuck jeans. I would recommend you go for a jean in a dark denim with a bootcut or slight flare, as these will be the most flattering to your bodyshape.

Invest in your body and make relationships with retailers who stock your size let them know you have money to spend get them to put you on their email list. There are many boutiques who stock fuller sizes exclusively, some are listed in our shopping directory under fuller. But while I’m at it let me just tell you that I have a premium collection for Simply Be where the design and price range is more exclusive. Check out my new party dresses on the site right now.

Styling tools if you are petite and pregnant

Hi Caryn
Although I think I normally know what suits my bodyshape of petite and pear-shaped, now that I am pregnant everything just looks wrong. My bump is already huge (I’ve put on 10 inches round my waist, all up front), and I’m not even due until December! And my boobs, although bigger than ever, are still only a B-cup and are dwarfed by my belly.  

With my first pregnancy I just wore whatever I could find that fitted, but I just looked rubbish and as a result felt rubbish too. I’m on a pretty tight budget, so I need to find clothes that are pretty versatile and can be dressed up for work or dressed down for weekends. They also need to be practical for running round after a toddler. Please help.
Thank You
Esther

Hi Esther
Start by investing in a good pair of denim maternity jeans, Top Shop do a great range of jeans and currently sell a dark denim flare that is practical and very stylish and can alternate between day and evening depending on the top you put with it. The jeans are low cut so sit below your belly and are extremely comfortable.

For your top half invest in tops that not only have a good stretch but also are empire line cut or a-line to flatter your expanding stomach and breasts. Check out Harry Duly who are great for stretchy, comfortable tops or Isabella Oliver who sell such tops as a striped babydoll  a-line top and ruched tops that will also flatter you shape. Bumps maternity wear.com also have a good selection of empire line tops that are at very reasonable prices. All are in our maternity shopping section.

For dresses again go for one with an empire line detail and a-line skirt. Isabella Oliver have a stylish dress that I think is perfect for you called the Monaco dress as it can be dressed down in the day with sandals and up in the evening with accessories and a small wedge shoe.

Capsule clothing for a petite shape

Hi
I recently celebrated (yes I did celebrate) my 60th birthday and desperately need some advice on what to wear to suit my unattractive body.  I am not even sure what my body shape is.

My measurements are 41" bust, 36" waist and 44" hips, wow is that scary. I am 5ft 3" tall and weigh 12 stone 4 lbs.  I range from size 14 to size 16 depending on the time of day and the make of clothes. I know I need to lose weight as I am in the obese range. But - what clothes do I avoid and what can I wear to make me look and feel better? I desperately need a make over and or advice please.
Thank you in anticipation.
Chrissie

Hi Chrissie
You are a sexy, curvy pear shape. Yes you can loose weight but fundamentally your body shape will remain the same. Congratulations by the way on your 60th birthday. Now is a great time to take stock of your image.

It's about accepting what you have and working with it. Our pear shape e-books give great tips for creating a new look but here are some tips to be going on with.

An instant confidence injection for your self image would be control underwear. Check out John Lewis in our shopping mall and invest in a pair of Spanx pants. They will feel a bit weird to wear at first but believe me they are an instant toner and will pull you in the right places!

Avoid skirts that are as wide as they are long as this will only add more bulk instead go for a stretch pencil/fishtail or slight a-line skirt which you can then brighten up with a colourful top. Never wear skirts that are below the knee or long as this will only shorten your appearance. Check out Boden in our shopping mall who have a skirt called "dark flippy back skirt".

Choose also a slim bootcut jeans in a dark wash, as these are more flattering - examples of these you can find at Dorothy Perkins in our shopping mall who do a good styles in their petite range. Make sure you team these with a tunic that covers the widest part of your hips.

You need to enhance your waist by wearing dresses which maybe have a sash or try adding a wide belt and wear it around the thinnest part of your stomach, this will create a great silhouette. Wear it a little higher (below the bust) if this is the thinnest part of that area.

To also add height wear contrasting necklines and accessories such as necklaces and earring to draw attention up. Avoid anything that is too fussy but at the same time go for subtle details.

For example the gothic romance look is a key trend for A/W and a lot of tops and sleeves will have lace sleeve or neckline details which is perfect for you as it will draw attention up without creating too much fuss around your bust area. Such items will start coming into stores from mid August onward. Alternatively go for pussy bow top in a print, again great for attention to detail at the top half of the body.

Check out Debenhams in our shopping mall as they have a Petite black two in one spotted top, lovely with a black pencil skirt again available at Debenhams petite section.

Dress Code for a Royal Garden Party

Hi
The dress code guide for a Royal garden Party says trouser suit may be worn, do you wear a hat with a trouser suit?
Rowena

Hi Rowena,
Yes you can wear a hat with your trouser suit, however you don’t have to and could go for a more contemporary approach with a fascinator. This is perfectly acceptable. It is a smaller version of a hat that is pinned to your hair slightly to one side.

If you can wear your hair up this will look more sophisticated. Check out John Lewis in our shopping mall or Monsoon who both have a great selection.

Alternatively if you have more to budget check out www.lockhatters.co.uk who do a couture millinery range by Sylvia Fletcher, and click onto her Spring/Summer range - which are truly spectacular.

You can ring the Palace telephone number if you have any other dress code questions on 020 7930 4832.

Dresses for short waisted petites

I am a 33 year old lady who has a hard time trying to find the right dress. I'm 5 ft. 6 1/2 inches tall. As far as my measurements, I'm a 34 (34B) - 26.75 (waist) - 37 (hips). When I wear jeans I usually wear a size 8, sometimes a 6 if they run real big and are the stretch.

As far as dresses, I can wear between a 6 and a 8, once in a while a 4 if it's something like Ann Taylor or the high end brands that run big. I am on the short waisted side. Do I have a pear shaped figure or hourglass figure. What kind of dresses should I look for?
Kristi

Hi Kristi
You have good proportion and overall standard build with a very slight pear shape. With regards to dress shapes I suggest choosing an empire line dress with a slight a-line which will elongate your short waist and flatter your hips or go for a halter neck style that with your short waist.

How to Flatter Top Heavy Bodyshapes

Hello from the US,
I am a 45 year old woman who is not only overweight but so top heavy that I'm ready to do anything to help me look good and regain some modicum of self esteem. I currently have none. To give you some particulars, I weight about 89 kg and wear a UK sized 42 I bra. I'm also 5"4" tall so I'm not petite but rather on the short side of average.  

look stupid I'm so big and it causes no end of trouble. Please do not tell me I need reduction surgery. My health insurance will not cover it and I don't have the thousands necessary to cover the costs myself. I have very thin but well muscled legs and no bum at all. I'll be ordering your book for the full figured in a couple of days but I can't help but feel that it won't help. Buying flattering clothing that doesn't make me look like the pregnant elephant in a circus is my main goal in life. Do you have any ideas? I am really at my wit's end. Did I mention that anything I buy bags in the seat? Male reactions to my appearance are humiliating, demeaning and depress me.
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,
I have also answered a question from Ana with more information pertaining to being top heavy in this same feature so read hers too, but I’m sorry to hear that getting dressed in the morning is such an unrewarding experience. Let’s change that now!

Start by investing in some good support underwear, this is truly an instant confidence booster. Check out Figleaves in our shopping mall who do a whole range of shapewear to select from. In particular check out the spanx or the body wrap. This will hold you in and smooth your shape.

Minimiser bras are able to reduce your cup size by spreading more of the breast tissue comfortable under the arm. Make sure your bra straps are also tight enough to give your bosom the lift and shape it needs. Simply Yours and Bravissimo are two great lingerie retailers for you in our shopping mall.

Go for v-neck tops every time in dark plain colours. Make sure they have no detail on them and use  colour and detail in different places (like on your skirt) to deflect interest in your breasts.

Empire line top and dresses in stretchy fabric will give you the coverage and definition you need, if you like to wear colour then add a layer like a dark waistcoat or a cardigan over the top to elongate your upper body and create a minimising effect.

Wrap dresses are great for you body shape too as they will flatter your bust area. V-neck, halter and lower neckline are also good for flattering your bust area. Check out Anna Scholz in our shopping mall who herself is a curvy women so appreciates how to flatter. She has a lot of brightly coloured print dresses that when worn over your new controlled underwear with boost your confidence and really flatter your curves.

Or alternatively go for a halter neck style prom dress such as the one you can find at the moment at Wallis in our shopping mall, it's called the black 50's halter neck dress and comes in a black and white print.

Balance out your top half and show off your legs and in particular your ankles by investing in some cropped trousers. Choose skirts that have a full silhouette to reduce your top heavy appearance. Finally wear a chunkier style of shoes like a wedge as these will help to balance your top half.

Stand in the mirror and style yourself up taking note of the most successful outfits for their ability to a create distraction to another part of your body. Invest in your style by spending time recording what works. You will get the effect you need especially if you take into account all the other tips in the top-heavy e-books.

My Daughters Wedding

Hi Caryn
My daughter is getting married in 4 weeks and I have suddenly had second thoughts about wearing a hat. I bought a beautiful Frank Usher outfit at the end of Feb which I am very happy with.

It is oyster pink & ivory - a strapless satin dress with a lace overlay and sheer long sleeve shrug/jacket.
I am 48 so didn't want to look too frumpy and feel and hopefully look really nice in this. I am 5' 4" and size 14. However my hat is the problem. I bought an ivory organza hat which I though really complemented the outfit but I am now not so sure as the wedding is fast approaching. I went to numerous shops the other day looking for an alternative and saw a fascinator which was on a silver band (better as I have short hair). It is quite mad - it stands quite high to one side, is feather made up of oyster, aubergine & ivory with a few diamonte's too. What is your opinion. Do you think I will look like a 'tiller girl'. Or do you think it is more suited to my outfit than the hat. My outfit is so elegant I don't want to drown it with a hat or look too bridal, but I want to feel special enough as mother of the bride. HELP...(By the way my daughter isn't wearing ivory - she is wearing pale champagne and all eyes will be on her - she looks stunning in her dress)..

Thank you in anticipation
Jane

PS attached picture of outfit but without the sheer jacket & one of me in the hat

Hi Jane,
Great picture!

A fascinator will work so much better. It will make you look taller and more streamlined and is much more in keeping with the dress which has a cocktail feel about it.

Perhaps it’s just a question of looking for another style of fascinator, the one you have seen does sound rather tall for your height, perhaps something that is more subdued and in one colour would be more appropriate as you are Mother of the Bride. All the departments stores do a limited selection but if you look in our shopping mall, you will see special occasion companies who offer larger ranges of fascinators however, I do recommend Familytique.

Have a wonderful day.