Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Sharon Tyler.

July

Advice for Pear Shape - Help Me Please?!

Hi Caryn!
I just have to say that your site is great! I was so relieved to find you since I've been looking for something like this :)

It's a very necessary job you are doing.  

I'm a 17 (going on 18) year old girl from Norway. I have no idea how to dress! So, could you please help me, just a little bit?!

Well,first of all. Is it possible to read your books on the Internet or do I have to buy them? It's impossible to do the latter. I'm going to risk posting my question(s) anyway.

I'm an hourglass/pear. Actually no idea, small breasts, small shoulders, a very defined waist and very stout thighs (which means they have the size of logs). I'm not a tall person, barely 160 cm, the sort of girl who never will be pretty, but always cute. Could you please give me some tips about what to wear, all sorts of clothes. Here in Norway the weather changes from heavy downpour to brilliant sunshine all the time so I need everything.

If you answear this mail I will be you forever grateful!

Sincere regards
Elizabeth 

Hello Elizabeth
Thanks for your lovely message and I am really glad that you are enjoying the site. Of course I can give you some tips on how to dress for your shape; from the information you have given it sounds to me like you are pear shaped.  What you want to do is even up your body symmetry, minimizing the bottom half of your body and maximizing the top half. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Never try to make a straight line out of ample curves so choose fitted or figure-hugging designs. Try and go in and out a bit: thinner at the waist and narrower at the knee.
• Look for tops that create extra volume and therefore enhance the top of your body. Choose anything with frills at the front, ruching or loose fabric gathers.
• Choose darker coloured bottoms.  Lower-waisted bottoms, which de-emphasize the curve of the hips. Straight-leg, flat-front trousers work well as well as A-line skirts and dresses as they slim your hips and take inches off the thighs.
• Boot-leg cut jeans worn with a heel will enhance the length of your legs and also balance out your silhouette.

There is certainly not the space to give you full advice here so that is why I would recommend my ebooks which really do give you an extensive array of knowledge and learning about how to dress for your shape and also how to create a wardrobe of staple pieces that will work for you. You do have to purchase the ebooks and they do come with a money back guarantee if you are not totally satisfied.

Advice for Fuller and Curvy Shape

Hi
I am a Swedish woman living in UK since 1999.

I am now going to my son’s wedding in Sweden. The invitation stated: kavaj, in Swedish which means an easier and informal but still smarter way of dressing. I think the translation is jacket.

But what should I wear?
I have been seeking high and low in Bolton but cannot find anything that suits me.

I am the bodyshape no-one ever talks about, quite big boobs, wide shoulders and hips with a bit (but not "well defined") waist, about size 16, slightly shorter legs than upper body. Total length 165 cm and 53 years old. I can't wear very high heels after an skiing accident 8 years ago (knee and ankle problems).

My hair is almond spice and blue eyes.

It is very easy to read all the advice and so on, but where can these clothes be found???? As well as I never find my size...or colour. I like blue the most.

HELP!!!! needed urgent.
Thanks in advance
MonaLisa

Hello MonaLisa
Thanks for getting in touch. From what you say it sounds like you have a gorgeous fuller and curvaceous figure so you should consider simplicity, subtle sexiness and a little structure. 

Choose gently fitted (not skin-tight) designs. These will make your body seem streamlined and shapely. Look for tailored pieces like fitted shirts, straight skirts and trousers and wrap dresses. Do look for clothes that create a waist therefore accentuating your bosom and hips and making the most of your curves. Your clothes should also be sleek – frill free and not overly adorned and also pick a basic palette. Solid hues in lights and darks will serve you well. This is only a starting point so why not take a look at my fuller and curvaceous ebook where you can get extensive information about how to dress for your shape and how to create a wardrobe of pieces that work effortlessly for you.

Also take a look at our fuller shopping directory on our website for brands that cater for a fuller figure and will have some options for your Son’s wedding. Take a look at the Boden, Debenhams and Next websites which have occasionwear sections and have some great dress and separates options.  Alternatively you could try a more specialist wedding outfit designer such as Clariscia Gill.

How Often Do You Update Your Style Books?

Hi
I purchased your style book for standard pear shape over a year ago and was wondering how often you update your style books? Also as I am creeping ever closer to 40 I was wondering if I should consider your ageless style when it is time to update my style book?

Also what are the "rules" for attending a summer church wedding in France i.e I assume that I should avoid black, should cover my shoulders and wear a modest dress (i.e. not above the knee or showing too much clevage)?

Kind Regards
Nicole

Hello Nicole
Thanks for getting in touch. I haven’t updated my style ebooks yet but the ageless style ebook would be a good compliment to the ebook you already have.

As with regards to the wedding in France I would say that you are probably right with your assumptions but that it might be best to check with the hosts of the wedding (Bride’s parents) just to clarify.

Buckingham Palace Tea Party

Dear Caryn,
 
My husband and I have been invited to the Queens annual tea party at Buckingham Palace.
 
I have purchased the most divine full length satin maxi dress. Very classy and I feel perfect for the day however it is strapless. Is this acceptable?

I am not blessed with a big set of boobs so all my bits won’t be spilling out over the lawn but maybe I should take a shawl.

Look forward to your reply,
Helen

Hi Helen,
It’s very simple these days. But I have just checked with the Palace to confirm, after all I don’t want to steer you wrongly.

There are not colour specifications you can wear black therefore and the specification is just ‘a day dress with hat’. As you are an apple shape I would suggest an empire line which will give you fit around the bust and then gentle flare and coverage over your tummy. I would team that with a lightweight frock coat that matches one of the colours in your dress. Try Wallis or Monsoon in our shopping mall.

As far as hats go a fascinator is perfectly acceptable. It is a smaller version of a hat that is pinned to your hair. If you can wear your hair up this will look more sophisticated. You can get these from most department stores.

You don’t need to wear gloves and you can wear your uniform but without your medals! Ring the Palace number if you have any other dress code questions. 020 7930 4832

Gypsy Skirts for Middle East

Dear Caryn,
 
I'm 23 and of a medium-petite frame sized 8 on top, 10 bottom. I travel to the Middle-East every year to spend the summer with family. As I have to wear a headscarf over there, I need to find clothes that are appropriate (long, neck covered, and full length sleeved) but still make me feel good and look trendy. Do you have any recommendations of anywhere that would stock appropriate clothes, as im having difficulty finding long gypsy syle skirts this season.
 
I look forward to hearing from you,
Thanks for your help!

Hello there
Why not try a maxi dress – they are a big trend this season so you will look stylish as well as on trend. What is more, they are abundant on the high street so you will have plenty of choice. Take a look at New Look, Miss Selfridge and House of Fraser in our shopping mall for some great tropical print (another big trend this season) options.  Most of them do not have long sleeves but you could team them with a long sleeved top worn underneath.

Halter Dress Cover Options

Help! I have a wedding to go to in less than 3 weeks and am at a total loss as to what to wear with a halter dress I'll be wearing. I get chilly very easily, so I need something to wear with the dress if  I need it. It is a semi-formal wedding, and the dress I bought is a black, ruched halter dress (it looks just like Marylin Monroe's well-known white dress). This is the dress. Please help me! I've been trying to find something to go with it for weeks, but really don't have any idea what would look good.

Hi there
Why not try a sharply tailored jacket - just make sure you keep it feminine and choose one with a curved shape.  Firstly,  have a look in our shopping mall, Marks & Spencer have some great coloured options. You could also opt for a long single breasted coat - one that has a slim and figure hugging cut. Boden, Lk Bennett, Hobbs and Coast as have options worth checking out.  Alternatively a shawl or a shrug is always a good practical option.  Monsoon, Coast and Wallis have some lovely shrug options and try John Lewis or Debenhams for shawls in an array of colours.