Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

December

I have been inspired by your "How to Look Good if you are 40+" e-book to be the elegant woman in the cafe who sits quietly reading her newspaper! My problem, however, is finding smart clothes that fit. My profile:

Age: 58
Height: 5feet 5inches
Weight: 7 stone
Tummy: Flat
Bottom: Flat
Bust: Small

Tops are not so much a problem but size 8 bottoms (skirts and trousers) in brands like Wallis, Planet, Jaegar, Hobbs, etc are all too big. I can't buy petite bottoms in smaller sizes as they are not long enough.

Please help as I am getting quite desperate looking round the shops every Saturday and coming home with nothing.
Many thanks.
Mary

Hi Mary,

I'm glad you enjoyed 'How to Look Good at 40 plus'

Now you have the motivation, it sounds like the key thing for you is understanding your body shape. You are standard and slender and there are many tips for creating a more curvaceous looking body in my body shape books.

It seems to me though that your first problem is fit. So let's address this here.

The shops you are visiting at the moment are age appropriate but you don't have the typical body shape of a middle aged women - yours is much more youthful. So you need to look in shops that have a demographic that is aimed at a more youthful shopper with a less 'roomy' cut.

Zara and Mango are two good places to start. Topshop and Miss Selfridge are other places you might look. Once in, you will find other women your age and shape in there too. Gap is a great place for jeans as they offer a great range of smaller sizes in various leg lengths. Get an assistant to help you find the right size. I'm guessing you will be 2R - this means a UK 6 regular leg. They come up rather big.

Once you have found a retailer who gives you a good fit, stick with them and develop a relationship with shop assistants, find out when new stock is in and use them as you would a boutique. Shops are much more geared up to creating personal relationships.

Get yourself properly fitted in a bra - you say you are slight but I bet (because most women aren't) that you aren't in the right size. You could come down a band width and go up a cup size this would give you better shape. And when it comes to this season's knee-high boots which are fantastic with a skirt you need to make sure you have the correct width fitting around your slender legs. Duoboots.com have a huge range of fittings at high street prices.

Debenhams have a styling service which I highly recommend and they will do the bra fit also. It's completely free you just book a time and brief the the stylist and they will bring a rail of clothes to your own private dressing room. If you haven't tried this it's a must. Not all stores do this so ring your local branch for confirmation.

As you have a success with a retailer keep note, take the number of the branch and a name soon you will be working the high street just like a professional stylist!

Enjoy your new approach to style.

Hi,
I am a 5ft tall woman size 22, sometimes size 24. As all petite ranges I have seen stop at 18, what book should I go for the petite one or the fuller one.

Thanks, Jackie

Hi Jackie,

The e-book will tell you everything you need to know about dressing your bodyshape and I advise petite fuller. However we don't list stockists in this. You will find these in our shopping mall.

Petite ranges often end at UK size 18 which is frustrating for you. I'm presuming you are from the UK so labels which go up to UK 24 are Evans who have a petite range, Anne Harvey who also have a petite range and Petite Sophisticate who are a US company who deliver to UK. Check out Duo boots who will also fit to your calf width with a shorter cut.

Best wishes

P.S. I would also love for you to tell me where you have found a good fit, maybe there is a specialist retailer you know of that I haven't got in my directory

Hi I don't feel good with my shape.
PLEASE HELP my measurements are (These are with no clothes e.g. help with gel bras and waist cinchers). Bust 34 (measured including bust), Waist 31.5 HIPS, 35 THIGHS 34 hope I've measured the right way.

Hoping you can help
Angela, age thirty eight

Hi Angela,

You already sound like a great stylist to me. We all need to use little tricks of the trade like waist cinchers and gel filled bras, yes even celebrities!

So you have already understood the need to give your bust fullness and pull in your waist. At 38 you are also coming to a stage when clothes that have worked for you, perhaps don't seem sophisticated enough.

First your body shape. Unfortunately it's always hard to work with just measurements alone. I really need to see your shape. You don't say what height you are. My guess however is that you feel that your body doesn't have enough definition - bust smaller than you'd like, waist bigger than you'd like. In my books I tell you which clothes to prioritise because there are drawings but here I cannot write enough to be truly comprehensive. However my best tip is empire line dresses and tops that will create definition around your bust and cover your tummy. I wear these a lot because I like the style. No one can tell what shape my waist is and no one will be able to tell yours either. Prioritise designs that have good fit round the bust but have extra fabric like ruffles and frill as these will give you more fullness.

Shopping is another important thing to approach. Again in my books I talk about this but here's another a short tip to you: work out the gaps in your wardrobe but be brutal. Which clothes do you wear and need more of and which clothes do you hold on to that actually aren't doing anything for you because you never wear them even though they look nice on the hanger.

As we get older we need better quality in our wardrobe and less of it. Better to have a great garment that fits and flatters your shape than three that look cheap and don't. Fabrics are important things to consider too. Good quality, well finished materials in colours that have a compatibility with your complexion are crucial.

There is so much to say here because your question is a rather big one, so I'm sorry I can't do it justice in the way you would like. I've enclosed my guide to which body shape you are. Maybe you can get someone to treat you. The great thing is that you have decided you would like to feel better in your clothes and you can. Believe me you can.

Dear Caryn

I'm not sure about my body shape and what to wear without looking like mutton. I am 43, 5ft, usually size 12 with 32/34DD, 29"waist, 37" hips, thighs 21" and 29" inside leg.

I want to wear fashionable clothes, however I always feel fat and frumpy. What shape am I and do you have any style tips.

Thanks
Debbie

Hi Debbie,

Well Debbie your measurements say you have great long legs if you are on 5'. So these are a real asset.

It's always very hard to define someone's body shape without seeing. I have enclosed my guide for the body shape books at the end of this reply which should help.

I have also written another e-book about looking good at 40plus, this also addresses the things you are feeling.

I've included a small extract below which I hope will be of help too.

My quick tips on looking fashionable with out looking mutton are..

1.Educate yourself about the trends and then buy a more classic version. If polka dots are in buy the shoes not the dress.

2.Choose fabrics for their sophisticated finish. Look for something that has a complexity to it rather than a flat dull finish.

3.Colour needs to be more subtle. Less bright. Simplistic primary colours only look good on children.

4. Go for a statement piece of jewellery to give drama rather than lots of little pieces dotted about your body making you look like a Christmas tree with flashing lights.

5. Spend as much as you can on classic well cut garments that will lies in your wardrobe for many seasons.

6.Now add a touch of high trend like a current print or colour or neckline but buy this cheaply and donate after a season.

7. Accessories - make these the funky up the minute things that other women will notice

Tool 6: Get the fit.

The fit of a garment is vital whatever your budget for clothes - either an expensive or a budget item can look awful if they don't fit properly. Find a brand or a label that gives you the fit and donÕt waste your time on others. This is an interesting topic and whenever I talk about it on TV, women are often surprised to discover how retailers approach size.

So let me explain. Each retailer has it's own customer profiles. Marks and Spencer have a vast remit and so the first time I worked with them they had five different female profiles. Suffice to say most stores have one and they have a very intricate picture of who she is and what she looks like. A store that has at its heart a young seventeen year old, will cut their size 12 differently to a retailer who has a late thirties, career minded core customer. Why? Because our own bodies are not the same shape now as they were 20 years ago, so it makes sense that shop 'A' has a leaner fit and a smaller waist for each size.

Shop 'B' that attracts an older customer must allow for her thicker waist and possible curvier thighs in each size. Can you see then how in different shops your sizes may vary? We actually put this to the test on Live TV recently and our 'tester,' ranged from a 10 and 12 in some shops through to a size 16 in others. Added to that, one store alone will be receiving clothes that have been manufactured all over the world, so even within the shop, the sizes will vary.

But how can you tell if you have a good fit? First of all your clothing should gently skim your body. Anything that is oversized will conceal any definition, making you look like more a sack of potatoes and anything that is too tight will cling to your body like a second skin, which is not the job of clothes when you have seen more than twenty-five summers!

Look for fit issues by checking these areas in the mirror carefully.

• Around the armholes. Is there any puckering or pulling?

• Wherever buttons or fastenings meet. Are the areas between the fastenings exposing flesh?

• Across your tummy. Is the garment riding up stretching or loosing its shape?

• Across your behind and round your crotch. Trousers that are too tight pull and crease around the crotch. The eye will be immediately drawn here and you just donÕt need that.

• Around or across your bust. Does it make your breasts a strange shape when fastened? Is it riding up over the bust because there isn't enough fabric in the design?

• Across your back. It may be making tramlines in a fleshy back or not allowing you to swing your arms freely.

Caryn's call to action: Make life easy on yourself and build up knowledge of the shops or labels that give you a good fit. Then avoid the rest; this will drastically reduce your shopping time and your frustration levels.

Hi Caryn

I am 5 ft 1 and a pear shape, I love your ebook and am following it to the letter.

My problem is that:
a) I can't wear heels and struggle to make a good outift look great. I have a muscle disease which means that I can't wear heels about 1 inch and need straps on them to keep them on my feet. I also need to keep my feet warm due to the same issue

b) Where can I get shoes that are suitable? I am currently looking to make and design my own but it is a little further ahead in the future.

Please help

Thanks
Sara

Hi Sarah,

I'm so glad you have found the e-book helpful.

OK. Down to business. Whilst a low ankle boot is not an item I would normally recommend because it can foreshorten the leg, you have extenuating circumstances here and there are ways we can make it work for you!

This season the shoe boot is a great fashion item which is worn with pencil skirts, it encloses the foot and laces or straps around it. Your foot will be totally secure inside and of course you can wear it under trousers. Some have heels but some don't. If you choose black leather and then wear thick black opaque hosiery you will counterbalance the fact that the boots cut you across the ankle. The black right the way up the leg as you know from your ebook is a good device for lengthening limbs. This look is also very current for this season just look in the magazines. Bertie have done a lovely version with low subtle wedge heel that is in the shops now.

Before you try on, buy yourself a leather padded insole, or lambs wool insole to soften the sole for your foot and keep you warm. You may need to buy the shoe half a size larger to be really comfortable. These are available from Timpson which is a national shoe repair chain.

These insoles will also work well with other choices of shoes. The 'Mary Jane' Style court shoe with strap across is another one I would recommend. Most have very low heels. And Next Directory (you can find them in our Shopping Mall) have an ankle strap ballerina style pump with no heel. I know I say don't do this in the e-book but needs must! Buy in black leather or in black patent for a very on trend look.

Hope this helps.

Hi Caryn
I give up! I am really struggling to find a great pair of jeans. I'm happy to spend around £100, even £150 for a good pair but have had no luck so far. I'm a size 20 , 5 foot 3 with a waist of 45 inches and hips of 51 inches. I also have quite a swayed back, so am used to things being tight across my belly and big gaps at my back. I know I want some darker bootcut jeans but just want somewhere in London where I can try them on. Please help?
Jo

Hi Jo,

Of course you know that many high street labels go up to a 20 but few have a petite fit too and none offer premium.

Aha, there is a market here I think. In our jeans section in the directory you will see the people we list with their sizes. I know of made to measure jeans makers but these are not at the budget you name. I wanted to give you Felicia's contact thought in case you decide to pursue it in future. I have worked with her and her jeans are great www.ajkwafo.com

I phoned many department stores and some specialist stores but uncovered nothing. So then I decided to make it a bit of a mission because really it should be easier than this shouldn't it.

Tummy Tuck jeans are fantastic for the figure and go up to a size 20. I described your shape to Sarah at Medici who stock the largest range of Tummy Tuck and she felt she would be able to help. They don't do a petite fit but I think the most important thing here is fitting around your hips and thighs. I've used tummy tuck on makeovers and they are very good. I told her your name and she is expecting you to call. She is based in London of course. They are a small shop specialising in these jeans and she said she would be on hand to help. Call +44 (0) 20 7436 2882 they are at 17-18 Margaret St., London W1 (just behind Oxford street).

And I know of premium jeans make Jessica Svoboda at www.svobodastyle.com where you can order jeans in curvy sizes. Plus size designer Anna Scholz recommended her last time we spoke. Svoboda jeans go up to 58" hips and are in premium denim. However, despite saying that they stock in Selfridges London.

When I just rang the press office I was told they have never stocked her. But keep her site as a contact.

Give me your feedback it can help others too.

Dear Caryn,
I wonder if you could help me? Next May 2008 I will be turning 40, also my second Son will be making his Holy Communion. My problem is I haven't a clue what to wear, the Holy Communion will be on during the day, then at night I hope to have a party of some kind, or at the very least a few drinks! During the day I'd like to look stylish not to much and not to little, and at night I want to look drop dead gorgeous but not mutton dressed as lamb, it would be great to turn a few heads! I'm 5'6" a size 8,10 or 12 depending where I shop, no boobs and hate my legs, like long skirt/dresses and have yet to find the perfect jeans! Can you help? Thank you from a desperate mother of four!
Shona

Hi Shona
You are going to dazzle. And once you have chosen your clothes to flatter your shape you can relax and enjoy the rest of the event.

As it is in May, how about something chic and lighter in colour for the day? Coast in our shopping mall have a gorgeous cream pair of trousers (Zosia) that you could team with a pretty blouse, in particular one with slight ruffled or frill detailed which they have too. The ruffles will even up your body symmetry and give you a look of fullness around your bust. When worn with a heel this look is classic and classy. Think Bianca Jagger.

For the evening check out Next in our shopping mall who have a great purple dress with a bow detail at the top which is also great for your figure, as this will create volume around your bust area too. The floaty dress which comes below the knee will help to slim down legs and you could also wear a pair of high gloss controlled tights to help this too. If there is still a chill in the air wear a simple fitted black bolero which you can buy quite easily on the high street at the moment, check out in particular in our shopping mall John Lewis, Coast and Monsoon. Wear with a pair of glam shoes and accessorise simply with a clutch bag.

Alternatively if you really don't want to show your legs then go for a printed maxi dress, still very much on trend next Spring, take a look at the great selection at Monsoon. The 'Paris' print dress is a statement look without being over the top and is elegant too. It has a ruched v-neck detail to help again add volume around your bust area.

When you are trying on in Monsoon you will probably need a size smaller than you usually take as they cut very generously.

Have a lovely day.

Dear Caryn,
I'm 24, 5'11, size 10-12 and not very confident with my body. I'm loooking for a classy and sexy black dress to wear to a christmas party soon. I've never worn a little black dress before (i'd really love to) and even though my friends say I have the perfect figure, i find it difficult to confidently make decisions about wearing something different. I also have size 8-9 wide feet, which is part of the problem because i find it difficult to find nice shoes to go with such dresses. Can you advise on how i should wear a little black dress for my height and possibly where i could get some lovely sandals with the tinyest heels to go with it, as i'm really not comfortable in heels.
Many thanks
Catarina

Hi Catarina

With your gorgeous height and figure you can definately go glam, think about the hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman and Claudia Schiffer who both look fabulous in long semi fitted dresses when walking down the red carpet.

First of all checkout www.gorgeouscouture.com - I love this company and have used them many times in styling shoots. They will do you a longer length too if you need it. Click on to their celeb dresses to see ideas for noticeable horizontal features that I explain below and then click on the celeb to see the dress. I saw some great ones to suit you worn by Kimberly, Rachel and Zoe

There are styling tools on clothes that you can begin to prioritise. Just look for contrasting details, any change of colour from one part of the body to another will foreshorten you as will any noticeable horizontal lines that a on the garment. Things like bows around the waist will also help your body proportions, or a deep v neckline. Check out Coast in our shopping mall, whose long dresses will work for your height. They have a halter neck deep v dress called Pru, or alternatively the Lorela maxi dress the is made from duchess satin and has a contrasting bow detail around the waist.

For shoes check out our shopping mall there a lots of shoe e-tailers who sell larger sizes (we list their larger sizes in the write up). Barefoot Tess have some fantastic patent pumps.

Finally, invest in some control underwear. Gone are the days when these were old fashioned, instead they can easily be worn in secret, ensuring comfort, complete control and definately confidence. Check out figleaves in our shopping mall who offer a complete range. Just ensure if you are going for the fitted look you don't go for ones with the short style, as this will show through, instead opt for high waisted knicker style.

Let me know how you get on.

Hi Caryn,
I'm asking your advice on behalf of my Mum. She spends hours traipsing round shops looking for tops that fit and rarely comes back with anything. She is 61, about 5' 4'' or under and a size 18 on the bottom half. She has a large bust in comparison to her overall size so has to buy a size 20, although she doesn't actually look particularly overweight. Do you have any ideas as to which high street stores may have smart/casual clothes to suit. Hope you can help!
Many thanks
Isabel

Hi Isabel

I have found the pefect site for your mum which will stop her traipsing around the shops. It's called www.fiftyplus.co.uk and ranges from sizes 12-34. They have a huge range of smart and casual wear.

Wallis and Monsoon are two retailers I recommend for fit. Although Wallis go only upto a size 18 they are worth trying for dresses and tops as they generally come up slightly bigger than other retailers so she might well also fit their size 18s. Plus they have a petite range too. And Monsoon go up to a size 22 but their sizing is also cut generously, so she may find she only needs a size 18.

Alternatively go to our shopping mall and check out Windsmoor, they do a great range of high quality smart and casual from size 10-24. If your mum finds she needs petite cuts (at 5'4" she is classed by retailers as standard) is more on the petite size e.g 5ft 3 and under, then check out their sister brand Precis Petite for bottoms (as they only go up to size 18) and then try Evans (also in our shopping mall) for dresses and tops as they also do a petite range.

Empire lines that define the bust, and v-necks are good tools for a curvy bust and you could also suggest that she puts a copy of our e-book on her Christmas list. She is a standard top heavy shape. I know we could really give her some valuable styling tips to help her feel more confident when shopping.