how to look good: ask caryn. fashion advice, high street and designer clothing, fashion directory, body shape clothing tips

Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin, Melissa Dick and Kathryn Byrne.

December

Hi,
I have a question. I am looking to buy a wrap top. However, most of the wrap tops in shops I have seen so far have too low a neckline at the front to be worn without something else underneath. Can you recommend any shops that are selling wrap tops at the moment that are not so low cut and can be worn alone. Many thanks.
Lynette Slator

Dear Lynette
Boden will be the perfect place for you. They are a brilliant mail order company who specilize in classic designs in beautiful bright colours and gorgeous fabrics all at high street prices.

They have a knitted ballet wrap priced at £49 in loads of gorgeous colours, another style that might be good for you is the corsage wrap priced at £59 again it is available in varying colours and designs.

Go straight to the howtolookgood Shopping Mall for a direct link to the Boden website.

Hi
I really need help. I have put 20kg on in the last 2 years. I weigh 78kg and am 5 foot 3 aprox. I have been feeling really bad about myself but realize i have to make some changes and am ready to do so. I would like to start socialising again without feeling fat. Could you please advise some fashion hints to help me look ok in the meantime - something funky and fun would be good.

Thank you so much for your help.
regards
jo

Dear Jo,
Its amazing what the right underwear can do for you. Investing in some great 'body sculpting' lingerie will have you looking and, most importantly, feeling fantastic. Have a look at a fab website called www.maidenform.com. The Flexees range will be particularly good for you, as they create a fabulous smooth body line.

Accessories and shoes are also a great tool in updating and putting the fun factor in to any outfit. Experiment with colour in tights, jewellery and shoes.

Chunky beads can look fab as can funky belts and jazzy handbags, and don't forget, a gorgeous pair of heels can give you the instant glam factor, perfect for your new social life!

Hi, myself and my daughter are 6 ft tall and both have 36" inside leg measurement, we have approxthree shops we can shop at, top shop, dorothyperkins (which is a bit too old for my daughter whois 18), long tall sally. Is there anywhere else we can go for clothes and keep up with the trends.
thanks
Julie and Natalie.

Dear Julie and Natalie,
Zara will be excellent for both of you, spot on for high fashion with inside legs on all trousers measuring 36 inches as standard. They are spot on in the style stakes and offer fantastic value and a no quibble returns policy.

Taillisime also cater for tall ladies like yourself and are pretty good for fashion items. They are part of the French based La Redoute catalogue group and are definitely worth a look.
Go to our Shopping Mall to find links to find your nearest store for Zara and for more information on La Redoute

I do hope this gives you a few more options. Let me know how you both get on.

Hi Caryn,
I wonder if you can help me. I'm desperately looking for a floaty type chifon kaftan evening (knee length) dress that is a little fitted around the stomach with flary elbow-length arms and a glamarous low neck 'butterfly' shaped front.

If you have any idea of what i am trying to describe then i would be so grateful if you could let me know where i can find this type of design in
London.
Many thanks,
Trisha

Dear Patricia,
There is a company called Sexy Kaftans that sells really stunning kaftan tops and dresses. Launched in 2003, they source all their stock from St Tropez, St Barths and Monaco. Nothing is mass produced therefore guaranteeing relative uniqueness and excellent quality, designs and colours are updated and changed throughout each season. They have a brilliant website, www.sexykaftans.com which is easy to use and delivers within 7 days.

On the hight street; the Matthew Williamson Butterfly range available exclusively at Debenhams has a lovely multicoloured kaftan style top in at the moment, Monsoon would also be great for what you are looking for, they have loads of beautiful styles in this season, in particular there is an amazing green coloured silk kaftan style dress with fabulous gold embroidered detailing. Some of the styles may be on the short side but teamed with a pair of skinny jeans it gives an instant updated alternative to the look.

Go to our Shopping Mall for links to both Monsoon and Debenhams.

Dear Caryn
I've been looking for the perfect pair of tan/camel leather knee high boots with a maximum heel of 3" but with a narrow calf width of 12.5". I just can't find them anywhere as most boots are too wide around the calf.
Hope you can help,
Abi

Dear Abi
A fab mail order company called Duo will be able tohelp you with this. Specialising in calf fitting boots they offer over 20 different widths in sizes 2 to 10 with loads of great designs to choose from, plus they are the same price as many high street sold boots with prices starting from £90.

Go to the Shopping Mall on my howtolookgoodwebsite for a direct link to Duo.

Hi,
I'm a bit of a rock chick and I've just started an office job. Although the dress code is not completely formal, I can't go in wearing skinny jeans and ripped t-shirts. I'm 5ft 3inches and a size 8.
What can I wear with out completely losing my identity?
Christina

Dear Christina,
A great way to bring your personality into office wear is by the subtle use of strong accessories, belts, earrings, shoes, bags, and an on-trend over coat in he winter months can all help to jazz up a uniformed work look.

For office attire try and look for tailoring with those little extra design details, interesting lapels for example and unusual fastenings on jackets.

AllSaints always have fabulous classics - such as a black suit jacket - but with an individual twist, which would be perfect for you.

Also look our for straight leg, fitted trouser suits as an alternative to your skinny jeans. Try teaming it with a white shirt, skinny leather tie, a great belt and sexy heels for a smart, stylized take on the rock chick vibe. Designers such as DKNY and Pinko usually have these suits as a staple part of their collection, expect to pay about £300, but it is worth investing as the jacket can always be worn at the weekend with your jeans and ripped t's for the ultimate Chrissy Hynde
look!

I also recommend having a look at John Richmond's range in Debenhams. His catwalk shows always have a strong rock influence and his diffusion range as one of the designers exclusive to Debenhams is a toned down version of his catwalk collection.
Good luck in your new job!

Do pointy shoes only look good on certain people and body types?
Thanks,
Misty

Hi Misty,
Pointy shoes look great on women of all shapes and sizes, its more important for women to find the clothes that suit their individual body shape, shoes and boots can then be chosen according to the outfit not your body shape.

For advice, hints and tips have a look at my e-books. Each book is written with a specific body shape in mind and is packed full of advice and styling techniques to help you get the best out of your figure, and remember once you have chosen the perfect outfit the fun is in finding the most gorgeous pair of shoes, pointy, round toed, peep toed or whatever!

I have lots of the bohemian, tiered skirts from over the summer, and i'd like to be able to wear them this winter, but i don't have a lot of money to buy new boots. i have some old (good condition) black leather knee high boots, squared heel, squared toe. Will those work with my boho skirts?
Thanks,
Shell

Hi Shell,
Your boots sound fab and will definitely work, invest in some thick tights, a polo neck and a funky belt and you’re all set for winter!

hi
i'm 22 years old and a size 26-28 but finding it hard to find trendy plus size clothes,i'm wanted to find a jumper dress but finding it very hard, do you know anywhere that sell them in my size and do you think they would look ok on a plus size girl,i do carry my weight well because i'm 5'9 tall please please please help me
corinna xx

Dear Corinna,
Unfortunately I can't find a jumper dress but I have however found a gorgeous sequin tunic and a printed wrap dress which both come in various colour ways and reach down to the knee, they could be good alternatives, especially with a fab belt slung low on the hips. Both are available from Simply Be which is great for on-trend plus size fashion.

Another plus size fashion store is Evans which has literally been going from strength to strength each season. They have done the rock chick look really well this autumn/winter with washed out black jeans, stripey tops, and t-shirt dresses. They have some great tiered skirts and cropped cardis in rich reds, plums and greens and loads of wide fitting shoes and boots. Even the jewellery is given a bit of extra length so all proportions work well. Gorgeous!

For both brands go to the howtolookgood Shopping Mall for more information on your nearest stores and links to the websites.

dear caryn,
i am looking for a pair of shoes to wear to my works christmas night out. i am wearing a black pencil skirt and a burgandy halter top but i dont know what to team them with. the only shoes ive seen that i like are 4 inches, and i cant walk very well in heels. please help!
chloe

Dear Chloe,
Great choice of outfit! Pencil skirts are the look of the season and do look fab with a pair of super high heels. However if you can't walk in heels go for the sexy secretary look in a chic pair of sling back kitten heels. Faith have some gorgeous ones in at the moment called the Lara Sling Back, they are priced at £49.99. Go straight to the howtolookgood.com Shopping Mall for a link to the Faith website.

Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin, Melissa Dick and Kathryn Byrne.

Dear Lynette Boden will be the perfect place for you. They are a brilliant mail order company who specilize in classic designs in beautiful bright colours and gorgeous fabrics all at high street prices.

They have a knitted ballet wrap priced at £49 in loads of gorgeous colours, another style that might be good for you is the corsage wrap priced at £59 again it is available in varying colours and designs.

Go straight to the howtolookgood Shopping Mall for a direct link to the Boden website.

Thank you so much for your help. regards jo

Accessories and shoes are also a great tool in updating and putting the fun factor in to any outfit. Experiment with colour in tights, jewellery and shoes.

Chunky beads can look fab as can funky belts and jazzy handbags, and don't forget, a gorgeous pair of heels can give you the instant glam factor, perfect for your new social life!

Dear Julie and Natalie, Zara will be excellent for both of you, spot on for high fashion with inside legs on all trousers measuring 36 inches as standard. They are spot on in the style stakes and offer fantastic value and a no quibble returns policy.

Taillisime also cater for tall ladies like yourself and are pretty good for fashion items. They are part of the French based La Redoute catalogue group and are definitely worth a look. Go to our Shopping Mall to find links to find your nearest store for Zara and for more information on La Redoute

I do hope this gives you a few more options. Let me know how you both get on.

Hi Caryn, I wonder if you can help me. I'm desperately looking for a floaty type chifon kaftan evening (knee length) dress that is a little fitted around the stomach with flary elbow-length arms and a glamarous low neck 'butterfly' shaped front.

If you have any idea of what i am trying to describe then i would be so grateful if you could let me know where i can find this type of design in London. Many thanks, Trisha

Go to our Shopping Mall for links to both Monsoon and Debenhams.

Dear Caryn I've been looking for the perfect pair of tan/camel leather knee high boots with a maximum heel of 3" but with a narrow calf width of 12.5". I just can't find them anywhere as most boots are too wide around the calf. Hope you can help, Abi

Go to the Shopping Mall on my howtolookgoodwebsite for a direct link to Duo.

Hi, I'm a bit of a rock chick and I've just started an office job. Although the dress code is not completely formal, I can't go in wearing skinny jeans and ripped t-shirts. I'm 5ft 3inches and a size 8. What can I wear with out completely losing my identity? Christina

Dear Christina, A great way to bring your personality into office wear is by the subtle use of strong accessories, belts, earrings, shoes, bags, and an on-trend over coat in he winter months can all help to jazz up a uniformed work look.

For office attire try and look for tailoring with those little extra design details, interesting lapels for example and unusual fastenings on jackets.

AllSaints always have fabulous classics - such as a black suit jacket - but with an individual twist, which would be perfect for you.

I also recommend having a look at John Richmond's range in Debenhams. His catwalk shows always have a strong rock influence and his diffusion range as one of the designers exclusive to Debenhams is a toned down version of his catwalk collection. Good luck in your new job!

Do pointy shoes only look good on certain people and body types? Thanks, Misty

Hi Misty, Pointy shoes look great on women of all shapes and sizes, its more important for women to find the clothes that suit their individual body shape, shoes and boots can then be chosen according to the outfit not your body shape.

Hi Shell, Your boots sound fab and will definitely work, invest in some thick tights, a polo neck and a funky belt and you’re all set for winter!

For both brands go to the howtolookgood Shopping Mall for more information on your nearest stores and links to the websites.

dear caryn, i am looking for a pair of shoes to wear to my works christmas night out. i am wearing a black pencil skirt and a burgandy halter top but i dont know what to team them with. the only shoes ive seen that i like are 4 inches, and i cant walk very well in heels. please help! chloe

Archived 'Ask Caryn' pages:

Dear Lynette
Boden will be the perfect place for you. They are a brilliant mail order company who specilize in classic designs in beautiful bright colours and gorgeous fabrics all at high street prices.

Thank you so much for your help.
regards
jo

Dear Julie and Natalie,
Zara will be excellent for both of you, spot on for high fashion with inside legs on all trousers measuring 36 inches as standard. They are spot on in the style stakes and offer fantastic value and a no quibble returns policy.

Taillisime also cater for tall ladies like yourself and are pretty good for fashion items. They are part of the French based La Redoute catalogue group and are definitely worth a look.
Go to our Shopping Mall to find links to find your nearest store for Zara and for more information on La Redoute

Hi Caryn,
I wonder if you can help me. I'm desperately looking for a floaty type chifon kaftan evening (knee length) dress that is a little fitted around the stomach with flary elbow-length arms and a glamarous low neck 'butterfly' shaped front.

If you have any idea of what i am trying to describe then i would be so grateful if you could let me know where i can find this type of design in
London.
Many thanks,
Trisha

Dear Caryn
I've been looking for the perfect pair of tan/camel leather knee high boots with a maximum heel of 3" but with a narrow calf width of 12.5". I just can't find them anywhere as most boots are too wide around the calf.
Hope you can help,
Abi

Hi,
I'm a bit of a rock chick and I've just started an office job. Although the dress code is not completely formal, I can't go in wearing skinny jeans and ripped t-shirts. I'm 5ft 3inches and a size 8.
What can I wear with out completely losing my identity?
Christina

Dear Christina,
A great way to bring your personality into office wear is by the subtle use of strong accessories, belts, earrings, shoes, bags, and an on-trend over coat in he winter months can all help to jazz up a uniformed work look.

I also recommend having a look at John Richmond's range in Debenhams. His catwalk shows always have a strong rock influence and his diffusion range as one of the designers exclusive to Debenhams is a toned down version of his catwalk collection.
Good luck in your new job!

Do pointy shoes only look good on certain people and body types?
Thanks,
Misty

Hi Misty,
Pointy shoes look great on women of all shapes and sizes, its more important for women to find the clothes that suit their individual body shape, shoes and boots can then be chosen according to the outfit not your body shape.

Hi Shell,
Your boots sound fab and will definitely work, invest in some thick tights, a polo neck and a funky belt and you’re all set for winter!

dear caryn,
i am looking for a pair of shoes to wear to my works christmas night out. i am wearing a black pencil skirt and a burgandy halter top but i dont know what to team them with. the only shoes ive seen that i like are 4 inches, and i cant walk very well in heels. please help!
chloe