Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

February

Hi Caryn,
I'm a petite, 4'11", size 8 or 10 (usually) but I have a 32 F bust, and small hips 34", 30" waist, a pretty odd sounding shape, but it looks better than it sounds!

I have real problems getting something to fit all over! As I have three weddings this year, and I need lots of ideas can you help me?

I am 56 but look younger...and certainly feel about 35, I want something pretty and feminine... maybe dress and coat/shrug/jacket..I don`t know where to start...so I look forward to your reply.
Hilary

Hi Hilary
Separates could be a good choice for you. In particular try a pair of wide leg trousers which are very fashionable and will help to balance out your top half. Check out Next in our shopping mall who have a white line trouser for £25, wear with a gorgeous silk or chiffon blouse, try Next, Principles and Marks and Spencers in our shopping mall for choices. Don't go for anything too frilly or fussy as this will only make your bust area look bigger. Finish off the look with a clutch bag and heels.

Alternatively if you prefer a dress check out the Winona silk print dress from Monsoon in our shopping mall. It has straps so you can wear a good supporting bra underneath. The black bow just below the bust will flatter your figure and show off the slimmest part of your body which is just under the bust. The all-over print helps to proportion you body. It's a colourful print without being too over the top.

Team with a simple tailored jacket to add a bit of structure and Contemporary chic appeal to your outfit. Check out Principles in our shopping mall and go to their petite section, they have a gorgeous tailored black rochette jacket.

I am 52 years old, 5ft. 8ins, size 10, skinny and rather shapeless. I have a boy figure, flat bottom and small breast which have sagged with age. I am short waisted and although I have long slim legs I avoid wearing skirts as I am conscious of my thin ankles and varicose veins.

I have two teenage daughters and a son and they are often critical on my lack of style.

I have been married for 27 years and am currently going through a divorce; I am looking forward to a new start and I feel a new wardrobe would complement the new me!

I would really appreciate your advice and guidance.
Regards
E.

Hi E
The best place to start is with your underwear. Go and get a proper bra fitting at your local Marks and Spencers and tell them that you want to buy a push up bra, in fact I suggest buying a selection with matching briefs. This will not only support your bust and give you a cleavage but also help you to feel sexy!

You don't have to avoid wearing skirts due to your ankles and varicose veins, instead in the winter wear opaque tights with a pair of gorgeous flat boots that you can wear under the skirt or with jeans. In the spring/summer check out Marks and Spencers in our shopping mall who sell support tights with a slight sheen which will add a natural glow and help you to feel more confident.

Now to help you on your way with your wardrobe start with updating your keys items that I am sure have become shabby and out of date. Such as your jeans - check out ilovejeans.com in our shopping mall who have a huge selection of jeans for all sizes and shapes. Shop for other basics such as a fitted stretch shirt, a long cardigan that you can wear over tops and with a belt to add style.

Start to experiment when trying on garments, don't stick to your usual styles and shapes. Take a friend or your teenage children and get them to pick out items and try them on - you need to think outside your box, and think about adding colour and lots of it! You'll be surprised that wearing colour will make you happier, give you confidence and get you noticed.

Consider belts too which come in various colours and textures and worn on the waist or hip will definitely flatter.

Finally, go and treat yourself to a new haircut and facial!

Hi,
Please could you advise me on the best dress for me, I'm 39, with a very strongly built hourglass figure, (was a gymnast so sway back as well) but 5'2" with short legs, 36D chest and broad shoulders. Size 12-14 chest, 8-10 waist, 10-12 hips.

I've ordered some mallard green long suede boots from Duo to fit my calves and am going to a posh do with my BF's ex-wife's family (she won't be there, they didn't approve of her affair).

I've a dark messy bob, light olive skin and green eyes, (irish/spanish/jewish). I always feel I look odd and live in jeans, the boots mean my legs can be covered but I still need to cover my biceps.

Many thanks,
Bo

Hi Bo
To soften your broad shoulders you should go for v-neck or halter necklines. Biceps can easily be covered by a soft cardigan or bolero or loose fitting blouse; check out Principles petite collections for choices on blouses and try Coast for boleros. You'll find both in our shopping mall.

Wrap dresses are also good for your shape as the wrap automatically creates a deep v so eyes will go to your cleaveage and the wrap tie will show off your waist. You should invest in a good lift bra check out Marks and Spencers or Rigby and Peller for bras that will fit you, look fashionable and actually support and lift your cleavage to wear it should be. Good underwear will enhance your gorgeous curves, there is s vast choice of brands in our underwear shopping mall in our shopping mall.

Why not try a printed dress such as the one by Freemans in our shopping mall. It's from Principles and is called the leaf print dress. The all over print is fun and the colours will look great with your green boots.

Hi Caryn,
I'm sure you have had this one before but what do I wear to a wedding in Feb????. My husband is the best man my 3 year old the page boy. The wedding is, lets say laid back, nothing formal about it, the bride is wearing Ivory with a bolero jacket and the men are in grey suits, white waistcoats and cravats, groom as white waistcoat and claret cravat. We have been asked if we would like photos taken (my husband, son and myself) so I would like to look in keeping !!! with the men in my life but I do not know where to start. I'm 5ft 4in and by the time the wedding comes along I hope!!! to be around 11st 6lbish I have broad shoulders and my hips are about the same width so I'm square with a bit of a waist but no bust to speak of. I did think of getting a personal shopper at a large Debenhams store do you think that might be a good idea??? any advice would be greatly received

Kind Regards
Deborah

Hi Deborah
To soften your broad shoulders choose halter necks or V front necklines. Invest in a push up padded bra to help give you a cleavage. Check out Figleaves in our shopping mall and look up the Splendour backless bra, which is great for halter necks, or the Wonderbra sleek chic smoothline bra.

To balance out your figure go for A-line dresses.

I have looked around and found a dress that i think will look very stylish on you and suit your bodyshape. It's from Debenhams too, who are in our shopping mall.

It's called the purple spot dress and is £70. Don't forget to wear with a push up bra. It has claret undertones so will go perfectly with your husbands and sons outfits.

You could accessorise this with a waist belt and high, sexy heels and a clutch bag. To stop you feeling the chill at night buy a purple, claret or black bolero to keep warm and to complete the look.

I highly recommend the Personal Shopper services at Debenhams. Jane and I have sent many people to this successful service including my Mum!

Enjoy the wedding.

I would be grateful for any tips on how my daughter can dress to take account of her disfigurement.

Three years ago she almost died under the wheels of a lorry but her life and her right leg were saved. However she has been left with a very disfigured right leg from thigh to knee and an enlarged right calf due to circulation problems. She has to wear a compression stocking on that leg which doesn't lend itself to skirts, sandals, etc.

I am particularly interested in two things:

How to disguise the different shape of her thighs
How best to cope with swimming pools/beaches when everyone tends to stare

My daughter is 32 and expecting her first baby in the summer.

Many thanks
Sue

Hi Sue,

Congrats for the news of your daughters' pregnancy.

Long skirts and trousers are both a classic staple for this season but because they are a classic look they will always have a fashion currency that you daughter can use to her advantage.

There are plenty of maxi lengths this summer, which when worn with flat sandals have a wonderful loose boho feel. Loose cottons will be comfortable and airy.

For a more formal look (and while it's cold) the loose fit wide leg trousers are perfect. If her skin is irritated by the fabric she can always look for a pair that are lined. Or she may choose to work with a dressmaker to create the perfect pair or at least line a pair she has bought.

With a swimming costume the best thing is a sarong tied loosely at the hips to flap around her legs or for total coverage a long kaftan. There are also long tiered skirts which look great with a costume. The Next directory which you can access through our shopping mall has a great selection of these in their new catalogue in the swimwear section which I rather like the look of.

P.S You will also find a great selection of maternity wear in our shopping mall and a free e-book you can download as a present to your daughter on the home page!

Hi
I wonder if you can help me. I am a size 12 and am searching for good looking trendy jeans to fit my size 34 inch legs. I don't want the highest of fashion as I am 47 but I don't like the frumpy look of the M&S or Long Tall Sally. Can you suggest any brands I could look out for please? I am going to New York soon and wondered if I should look there.

Many thanks for your help.

Kind Regards,
Fiona

Hi Fiona

The following brands offer good fitting, and non-frumpy high street jeans for extra long legs :

Dorothy Perkins Tall Collection up to 36"
Miss Selfridge up to 35"
Tall Girls.co.uk up to 38"

Check out department stores such as Selfridges, who have a great range of designer jeans for longer legs, in particular look for the following labels:
Roberto Cavalli up to 37"
Stella McCartney up to 39"
Rock and Republic up to 36"
Radcliff
Bobby Stretch 36" Tall Jean
Blue Misfit skinny leg jeans by Goldsmith
Sass and Bide
Superfine
J Brand
Tsubi

Take a look at our jeans section in the shopping mall.

If you fancy something completely tailored for your shape and length then check out Selfridges in our shopping mall again as they offer a service called Bodymetrics Made-to-Measure Jeans (only available at present in their London branch).

Bodymetrics is an extraordinary way of buying made-to-measure jeans, offering extraordinarily good fit. Their jeans consultants will help to design the most flattering jeans for your size, shape and style.

How do they do this?
The Bodymetrics service at Selfridges 'scans' your body capturing over 200 measurements and produces a 'digital replica' of your size and shape. This scan is then used to produce jeans which are tailored to the exact lines of your body. The jeans can then be ordered in a selection of fabrics, washes, fit, rise and cut. Definitely worth if you can afford it.

Dear Caryn,
My husband and I are going on a 3 night / 4 day city break to Madrid in the middle of Feb. Due to some airlines now charging for hold baggage, we are aiming to take only 1 medium sized suitcase between us. (A feat that has never been managed before, due to my obsessive over-packing habit!).

Could you please advise on a suitable capsule wardrobe for myself for sightseeing / evenings out, to avoid taking unnecessary clutter and to leave my poor husband with some room in our suitcase?!

FYI I am a young-looking 33, 5'2" size 8 - 10.

I look forward to your suggestions.

Best Regards
Clare

Hi Clare
Many women over pack when off on a holiday and end up usually wearing the same five items throughout.

Knowing what to pack is easy when you know how! What you need to think about is key pieces that you can dress up or down, practical pieces for the day and a few glamorous pieces for the evening. Accessories need to also be carefully considered to help achieve different looks.

To help you I have listed items that you should take and why.

1. Jeans - great for travelling in and practical for a casual day look or with a sexy top and heals for an evening look.

2. Cardigan for the day and night time chills.

3. Coat - keep you warm in day-evening.

4. Light knitwear - easy to pack and can be worn over a vest or shirt. Go to our shopping mall and open onto Boden who have a good choice of colourful knitwear and cardigans.

5. Blouses - check out Principles in our shopping mall who have a great selection of gorgeous blouses such as a beaded tunic top that will look great in the day or evening.

6. Pumps - practical for sight seeing in the day.

7. One pair of heels or a wedge shoe - glamorous for the evening

8. Glam top (see point 1)

9. Another pair of trousers - try a wide pair, again can be dressed up or down.

10. ONE of your favourite dresses to wear in the evening or maybe dress down in the day with the pumps.

11. Colourful shawl - keeps your warm during the flight and in the day, and add a bit of colour to any evening outfit.

12. Sexy underwear- check out figleaves in our shopping mall and Marks & Spencers.

Accessories - keep to a minimum and take only what you really need such as: a pair of sunglasses, one colourful necklace to dress up a day outfit, bangles if you wear them can dress up an outfit as can earrings.

Points to note
Check with your hotel if they have a hair dryer in the room, saves you taking your own.

Don't worry about an iron as all hotels have one you can borrow. If for any reason you cant get hold of one when you need it - hang the item you want to iron and place it on the shower rack and turn on the hot shower, close the door and the steam that builds up with get rid of your creases!

When packing put shoes on the outside and then roll up your garments which help to prevent a lot of creases happening and help on space.

Decant all your shampoos and conditioners etc into small plastic bottles to save on space.

Finally remember a small bag for the evening.