Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

March

Petite top heavy

Hi
I'm in desperate need of your help!

I'm having quite a bit of trouble in working out what clothes will suit my body shape. I have tried looking through your e-books but I'm quite a hard shape to work out! Well firstly, I'm only 5ft2 and a size 8 bottom half so I guess you could say I'm petite.. However, I have size 34F breasts, far too large for my small frame! I feel as though most things I wear make me look too top heavy and therefore feel frumpy or as though the tops of my arms look large. PLease help me by just giving me a few hints to let me know what kind of styles would suit me best. I like to show a bit of cleavage, but I'm aware that too much is NOT a good look! I've been searching for help for a while now to no avail, so anything you can suggest I'd be extremely grateful!
Thanks
Karly

Hi Karly
Choose fitted tops with a v-neckline or wrap style tops as these will work to define your upper body. Adding volume or hiding behind baggy tops will only make your bust area look bigger.

Now add volume to your body half to balance out your bodyshape; you can do this in the shape of a flared skirt, printed or a brightly coloured skirt. Check out Principles Petite in our shopping mall who have a good choice of skirts to choose from.

Fuller top-heavy

Hi
My brother is getting married in May and I really want to help my mum feel great for the day. Mum is between a size sixteen and eighteen with big boobs, and her stomach is somewhat of a problem area but she has slim legs and arms. Really could do with some advice. The wedding is in the Czech Republic so it might be quite warm.
Thanks
Sophie

Hi Sophie
Your Mum's body shape is fuller top heavy.

I suggest going for something that shows off her slim legs and compliments her cleavage such as a wrap style dress or wrap style top. Check out Beatrice Von Tresckow who have colourful wrap tops that will look great with a flared skirt to create balance. Alternatively try a wrap style dress which the designer Diane von Furstenburg set the trend for this style of dress. You can check her website out in our shopping mall or alternatively check out Monsoon or Marks & Spencer who offer a cheaper version.

If your Mum opts for the wrap dress she should definately invest in a Spanx slip dress available in our shopping mall at Figleaves. They are comfortable and great for creating curves in the right places and will help her to look her best for the photographs.

Petite wedding gown

Hi Caryn,
I hope that you can help me. I'm 5 feet 1 inches in height, weighs about 120 lbs. I am looking for a wedding gown reminiscent of the fashion dating back to the 1960's. The black and white ball gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in Sabrina comes to mind.

I'm curvaceous although my waist is thicker than what's proportioned for an hourglass figure. With that in mind, will I look good wearing an ankle length column dress that fitted at the bodice and a chapel train to go with that gown or will this look truncate me and make me look shorter and rounder? What are my options in terms of gown length, gown silhouette and still achieve that 1960's look? I would really appreciate your input on this?
Thank you so much.
Grace

Hi Grace
Why not consider an empire line as the line makes brides look taller, also very 1960's. Or alternatively a bustier with an empire line that you tie at the back help to pull in and give you a waist

Wear with a A-line skirt as the volume will give the appearance of a smaller waist. Black and white or monochrome is also very much on trend this year.

On your special day as you will be having lots of photos taken if you do plump for a column dress think about investing in a pair of 'Spanx' control underwear available from John Lewis or figleaves.com both are in our shopping mall. These will help to pull in your waist area too giving you the shape you want for photos.

Have a lovely day.

Longer length jeans

Hello
Please help, I have been looking all night to try and find jeans that will fit. I would like blue jeans 34 inch bootleg which are not low rise. Where do you go?? Please help
Thanks
Suzanne

Hi Suzanne,
Go straight to our 'jeans' shopping mall and click onto ilovejeans.com, they are a site dedicated to selling jeans.

In particular check out the brand Paige, which have a great style called "Hidden hills" in eyeshadow which is a bootcut jean with a crease on the front. The rise is 9" with a wide waistband and double button fastening for comfort. All Paige's jeans go to 34" length.

Miracle strapless bra

I'm going to a formal dress occasion later this year and will soon start hunting for a dress (I don't own even one!). I'm thinking of looking for a strapless one, but I'm a bit busty so am not comforable going out without a bra! I'm a DD so I can't use an invisibra and when I've used strapless bras before I ended up hitching them up all night. Are there any types that I should look for that will provide enough support?
Thanks,
Claire

Hi Claire
Go and get yourself fitted at your local department store such as Debenhams or Marks & Spencer before you start. Both offer a free advisory bra measuring service as cups sizes can change depending on weight loss or age.

Once you know your size invest in a seamless bra that has adjustable straps, lace will be too fussy and show through many dresses. Two places I would highly recommend for a good underwire bra are both in our underwear shopping mall - Marks and Spencer or figleaves.com, in particular figleaves do a range by Ultimo called Miracle D-G strapless bra for £26. A good fit and brand should stop you pulling up the bra all night.

You should also consider halter neck dresses as they are great for fuller cups. A good place to start looking for formal dresses is Coast in our shopping mall.

Large head and how to balance your body

Hello I am 5'4" and 120 lbs, and I have a big head in proportion to my body. How do I dress to minimize this? My shoulders are neither really broad or narrow, and my bra size is 85 (European). I saw a picture of myself in a just-below the knee flared skirt and my head looked so big! My hair is just above my shoulders in a bob.

Please help!
Thanks,
Frances

Hi Frances
To balance out your head you need to add volume. Volume is great when used correctly, it is not about wearing baggy clothes to hide your figure, it is about showcasing your body to it's best advantage.

Wearing volume on your sleeves and cinching in your waist with a belt or high waisted trouser/skirt will help achieve balance and curves. Avoid also wearing anything with a high neck instead go for v or round neckline or unbutton your shirts to show off your neck and front area as much as possible.

If you click onto our shopping mall and go to Marks & Spencer, they have a great blouse that has a bow detail around the neckline too, very on trend and the bow will help to proportion your figure, it is by their Limited collection and called the handbag print blouse. Wear with a pair of wide leg trousers or a flared skirt.

Use large pendants not small chains and get a free consultation from a good hairdresser who will advise you on a good haircut. Your hair will be another useful tool you can work with here.

Short skirts at 38

Hi Caryn I would appreciate your coments on short skirts please. I am nearly 38 yrs, 5ft4 weighing 10st. I wear size 10 skirts / trousers and size 12 tops. My fave look at the moment is a short cord skirt with thick tights and chunky boots, with casual top and scarf but I have today received comments from a work colleague that short skirts should not be worn by somebody who has wrinkles! What do you think?
Fi

Hi Fi
Yes you can wear short skirts as long as they are not too short, I bet you have great legs so enjoy them. Just above the knee is the ideal length that is flattering and most importantly appropriate for the workplace too. Leave shorter versions for your free time.

In the Winter wear with opaque tights. Check out our shopping mall for mytights.com, they have a super pair of thick wool tights by Italian brand they cost around £15 but are totally worth it as they not only last longer than other cotton opaque tights but they are also a lot warmer.

In the Spring wear with sheer tights such as Marks and Spencer ladder resist utra sheer tights also in our shopping mall.

Are cowboy boots still in?

Hi
I've seen a gorgeous pair of cowboy boots that I've fallen in love with. They're quite expensive so want to just double check before I buy them....are they still in fashion and acceptable?
Many Thanks
Amy

Hi Amy
I always think it you like something and can honestly say you have clothes to wear it with and it suits you then why shouldn't you buy it?

My advice is don't go for a bright coloured cowboy boot instead opt for a neutral colour like tan or black as you'll get more wear from them and they will be a timeless classic rather than a fashion trend

Boyish figure at 50

Wow..I am so pleased to have found your site !

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,
You have a standard and slender shape and what we want to do here is give you gentle and feminine curves by picking out clothes that have these features.

Let's talk shape first. Look for tops that have ruffles, frills or other detail a pussy bow would be perfect. I wear mine with jeans because it does adapt but I want you to wear your with a great pair of flared trousers think 40's style. This way you will have the width at the bottom of the trouser making your hips and waist look smaller and your body more curvaceous.

Next think about knitwear and look for a lovely soft wrap or single breasted knitted cardigan that is knee length so that it can be worn with the above but also over jeans. If you can find one that has soft knitted frill round the neckline and front opening this is best because again the knitted frills will add volume and stop you look so straight up and down.

Add boots with a gentle heel to your trousers and these will work well with jeans.

Dresses with frills and ruffles are going to be huge this summer so treat yourself to one that gives you the femininity you feel you are lacking. You can wear this over a pair of white skinny jeans you have the legs and the shape for this look so use it. Strappy colourful sandals are playful and instantly feminine.

A colourful trench coat will really be a great buy because it will go over both the above looks.

Creating a new style and getting rid of old habits is never easy but I talk about creating an image for yourself in my body shape e-books as well as much more so get your 'critical offspring' to club together and get you an e-book from us for Mothers day.

Enjoy your new style.

And finally why not sign up for my newsletter which I will send to you at the beginning of each month. That way I can help you build up a seasonal wardrobe by recommending and discussing the merits of three items to buy each month. I'll keep you effortlessly in the know with my fashion news, and I'll tell you all about what Jane and I have been up to each month. If you want to get closer to the fashion world and even influence it, then visit the home page for your subscription.