Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

July

Dear Caryn
I am attending a charity ball in the next few weeks, and I want a dress that is a bit different.

I am a size 12, and would like a backless dress like the beautiful one that was worn by Nicole Kidman in the recent Chanel No5 advert. However, I can't find anything similar anywhere. I only have about £100 to spend although I could probably stretch to a bit more than that for the perfect dress. I would prefer full length and either black, dark blue or deep red.

Are you able to point me in the right direction?
Thank you
Emily

Hi Emily,
My best tip to you is Gorgous Couture you’ll find them in our Shopping Mall. They have the best dresses that have red carpet appeal and are great prices. Try also ASOS.com that also does celebrity inspired dresses but has a smaller selection of eveningwear.

I am new to your site and have read with interest some of the comments from other women that seem to be very satisfied with the advice they have received and thought it worth asking a question myself.

I am a young 56 with modern trendy ideas but today's fashion does not always do me justice. I am a size 12, 34DD bust, 38 hips, flabby tummy and slightly longer than average legs meaning most petite size trousers are too short. I am a professional woman and like smart for work but love casual styles when at leisure.

I would like to know which of your books would probably suit me?
Vicki

Hi Vicki,
You don’t say your height but I am guessing you find standard length trousers too long which is why you try petite.
The book really focuses on understanding the styling tips Jane and I use as professional stylists. I would still advise  a petite book because I give tips on how to elongate and streamline your body. Petite and apple shape deals with camoflage tips for women who have round tummmies and want to draw attention away from that area and Petite and curvaceous deals with women who have smaller waists and curvaceous hips and bust.

Since I can’t see your body it is hard to be prescriptive. But if your tummy bothers you and you sometimes feel self conscious about it then go for apple, otherwise curvaceous. There is a lot of generic information about creating your own style and other sections which all the books have so either way, I’m sure you will enjoy it.

Dear Caryn,
Please help! I seem to keep going round in circles over what clothes I should be wearing. I am 5'7, 11 stone and fairly curvy. For example, to flatter big boobs conventional advice would say wear a v-necked top, however these often make my shoulders look like they belong on a rugger player! To disguise a thicker midriff people recommend a wrap top however these never seem to be big enough to cover my boobs and so the top never looks fitted. I am currently looking to start building a capsule wardrobe but haven't the first clue as where to start!
Helena

Hi Helena
First place to start is your underwear, go to Marks and Spencers (find them in our shopping mall ) and get fitted to check you are wearing the correct size, and buy a plain bra. Keep shapes simple and avoid any bold prints around the bust area. V-neck's and halter necks are good for you especially on a-line shapes. With regards to Wrap dresses go for jersey wraps and buy maybe a size up, you can tie tighter! (again check out Marks and Spencers)you could wear with a camie top underneath and then wear over skinnny trousers to add shape.

Look out also for sleeveless v-neck tunic tops as they will cover your stomach area and top of your thighs and look great over skinny trousers too; you can dress up with heels for the evening or flip flops for the day or wear to the beach. There are lots out in the shops and do try the empire line tunics as they also flattering for the tummy. (check out beach wear departments too). Monsoon have a good selection of them as well as Debenhams, again both available both in our shopping mall

Hi Caryn
I am 5' tall and a size 12/14. I have 2 questions; Can I successfully wear straight legged trousers and if so, what sort of shoes should I wear with them?
Christina

Hi Christina
Yes you can wear skinnies. Wear them slightly longer in length than your would normally buy as this will help elongate your legs, wear definately with high heels in the evening and chunky wedges in the day for a more comfortable look, definately not flats. Check out Grattan in our shopping mall who do a great pair of petite skinny jeans, they have side splits at the bottom which will fall perfectly over your heels to add the illusion of height. Also, look at the Petite offer in our Shopping Mall petite section

I am due to attend my sons graduation ceremony from university in a few weeks , i do not know what to wear can you help? I am 44 size 12 top and size 10 bottom with a bit of a tummy best feature my legs (BUT I AM 44) can't do minis but not an old looking 44.
thank you for any help
Sarah

Hi Sarah
I would say a pencil skirt dress as they are very fashionable whilst also being smart and elegant - a perfect solution for a graduation ceremony. I am loving the Coast in our Shopping Mall. Their choice of fabrics such as georgette and satin and the prints or plain colours they use ensure their dresses look fashionable, smart, expensive looking yet at affordable prices. Coast are brilliant for any occasion-wear. Check out Lenska a monochrome dress with a black waist band to help emphasise the waist.

Hello, my name is Bernadette, I am 18 years old.

My body shape is completely different from the average be it small, or large. I am very short and have extremely large hips, boobs, and bum, and a very small waist, I know that these are features that many women wish for, but these features are so exaggerated that it makes me look like a cartoon!

I dont know what to wear to look good and end up wearing all of my boyfriends tshirts because they cover up my huge hips. please help me!!
Berny xx

Hi Bernadette
Start by stop wearing your boyfriends t-shirts, they are not helping and only making your body look shapeless. You need to start dressing more like a woman and show off your key points, boobs and waist. Fitted or semi-fitted tops that hug your boobs will actually flatter your shape. Opt also for tunics or floaty dresses as these will help to cover your bottom and hips. I have seen a fab dress from Asos (you'll find them in our Shopping Mall) called the pinafore dress which has low scoop neck and also a tie waist just under the bust to bring attention to your small waist, flatter your bust and has a flair that will cover your hips and bum. It comes in great summer colours.

Hello,
I am almost 6' and around 150 lbs., 51 years old. I have had to wear a special stocking on my left leg (to the knee) since I was 16 and have never been able to wear skirts, shorts, etc. during the hot summer months. The fabric on the stocking is very ugly and noticeable.

I feel very unfeminine without wearing skirts and I also get very hot! What can I wear with my height that will make me look feminine and do you know of any toeless support hose that look good? I can wear pantyhose for part of the day if they are very good support.
Thank you!
Valerie

Hi Valerie
As you are tall the maxi length dress is perfect for you and very much in fashion this summer. Look for the companies that specialise in longer lengths to make sure the maxi dress comes down to the ankle. Long Tall Sally (who will ship their products worldwide) have 3 printed ones, you'll find them in our Tall section in our Shopping Mall. As you are tall you can wear the big swirly prints that are very popular this season.
Also, look at their large choice of maxi skirts that are in the sale this month which come in many natural fabrics like cotton, silk, denim and linen which may keep you cooler than wearing manmade fibres.

Sorry we don't know of any specialist support stockings.

Hello my name is Christine; I am 49 years of age very skinny, 5ft 1, and no breast whatsoever, recently had lumpectomy and radiotherapy luckily it was caught in time. I have no waist, a pot belly and I also have scoliosis (curved spine). I have been told many times I have know dress sense and I live in trousers which I feel most comfortable in. I would like to have blouses that fit better over my back but also help me to stop looking so flat chested or any ideas as to how I can make myself look as if I have a little bit up top.

I am very pale in colouring and have mousey brown hair with a halo of grey at the front.

I am not asking for miracles but a little help would be nice, steered in the right direction please.
Christine

Dear Christine
Invest in a good push up bra (check out figleaves in the underwear section in Shopping Mall) or alternatively go for chicken fillets which are gels that you put into the side of bras which will help create a cleavage, you can buy these at most department stores now.

For outerwear smock tops are fun and fashionable and come in lots of different prints. The smock top styles vary but look for the gathering of fabric that fall at the bust area as this will add volume to your bust and hide/fall away from the waist area hence would flatter your shape, being feminine and comfortable at the same time.

Go for bold prints and bright colours. There are nearly 50 different smock tops to choose from at Dorothy Perkins in our Petite section of our Shopping Mall

A blouse style that will suit you would be a fitted style blouse with ruffles at the front have a 'waterfall' effect at the front. Remember to go for bright colours!

Remember to go for bright colours at the top of your body to create the effect of volume and then dark colours for skirts and trousers to create a minimising effect around your hips. This really is a great tool for evening up your body symmetry.