Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin, Melissa Dick and Kathryn Byrne.

May

Dear Caryn,
I've bought a gorgeous cream and navy blue dress for a wedding, but am struggling to find fashionable navy sandals or navy bag. Can you recommend anywhere? I am considering wearing black shoes instead, but then am unsure of which colour for a hat and bag.

Please can you help.
Thanks,
Lee

Hi Lee,
Navy will be a hard colour to track down and while I might be able to find the one pair for you ˆ it may not match up with the rest of your outfit.

Consider these two other options, firstly red. There are so many red shoes and bags this season because it was a colour featured by catwalk designers. A trip down your local high street will reveal loads of red flats, wedges and heels. This will give your outfit a contemporary spin. A red hat might be too much if you do not enjoy being the centre of attention but a red fascinator (mini headpiece you wear to the side of your head) or a silk flower in red would balance you out perfectly.

Secondly cream. A more conventional choice and possibly more suited to your style and of course a wedding, you will find again a wider choice. Use cream throughout for bag and hat too. Please be sure to use our footwear directory in our virtual shopping mall for research. There are many online retailers there who just might have the answer without you having to move from your seat.

Enjoy your day.

Hi.
Please Please could u help me. I am a size 22 & 40 GG in the bust. I am going 2 my brothers wedding in the end of June but just can not find any thing 2 wear & also do not know were 2 start. I am only 30 years old but all I have seen so far is for the older lady. I also live in Barnstaple in Devon & we do not have alot of shop here for a bigger lady. I want 2 look nice for once. So could u please just give me a helping hand. Thanks.
From
Jo.
XX

Hi Jo,
You don’t say who you have tried or what your budget is but I want you to start with Evans because we have been involved in the training of Evans staff recently to help them act as style advisors to their customers. Firstly go on to their site www.evans.co.uk and find out where your nearest branch is. It must be a large store with a good choice of stock.

I suggest a bias cut dress and a jacket that will pull in your waist and give you great definition. It will work beautifully to create shape for your body in photographs too.

Another very important point is stick to one colour grouping to elongate the body. You do not have to wear dark colours for this to be effective. A grouping of light colours will be just as effective. What counts is that you don‚t cut your body in half with different colour breaks. Keep accessories in the same colour.

Next crucially important point is that you get your underwear fitted. You could find that a better and correctly fitted bra will give you a more sexy shape and help you again to define your waist. Evans have trained bra fitters and go up to and do sizes 40 G and H it may be that you are nearer a 38 H.
Another tip to give you confidence is to invest in a pair of Spanx these are the long line pants that all the celebrities wear under their diaphanous dresses to give tummy, hips and thighs a smoother more toned look. These can be got from www.figleaves.com

I know you will look fantastic and more importantly feel fantastic when you have covered all the pointers I list here
Let me know how you get on and whether you need a further steer.
Caryn

Dear How To Look Good
I have purchased the e-book - Tall and pear -shaped
I would have liked to have seen more pictures showing what to wear. It would give me more idea of where I'm going wrong! e.g what colours go together best, smart/casual outfits for work (I can do smart but the environment I work in does not warrant a sharp suit) I work in an office for the local education dept and always seem to wear black trousers, a different coloured top everyday and flat black shoes.

I find that what I do have in my wardrobe have been impulsive purchases (lucky buys 'cos they are the right inside leg length - 36" ) some I wear and some I don't - some still have the labels on them

I have lots of clothes from Dorothy Perkins' tall section and many expensive purchases from Long Tall Sally but I still don't seem to get it quite right - I am a size 10/12, 6' 1", size 8 shoe

My wardrobe consists of a lot of black and many pairs of trousers. Lots of casual stuff

Also, as my partner is shorter than I am, I tend not wear heels (although I do possess some)

I want to look feminine but not too girly!

I am 42 next week and would have thought that I would have found 'my look' by now but alas not!

Please help! Can you point me in the right direction?
Yours waiting patiently
Kath

Hi Kath,
Thanks for your letter to ask Caryn, let me add my thoughts to your quest for the right image for you.

Firstly you have fantastic proportions - supermodel in fact. Celebrate your natural elegance with these following tips.

At the moment you are wearing black trousers and a different coloured top which although quite rightly creates a colour break through the centre of your body and therefore a foreshortening effect is a simplistic tool that you could build upon. For example take a wrap dress and wear it over your trousers for a much sexier approach you will also be drawing the horizontal line much lower down your body. You can then work with this style to add a contrasting colour layer over the top for a more dressed up feel so that the body starts to have more horizontal breaks.

A word about your black trousers, you want to look more feminine but black trousers always look very strict. How about varying the fabrics, textures and colours? Start to look at tweedy styles and neutral colours like taupe, khaki, grey etc. when they have both a colour and a texture they instantly become more feminine. Knitwear too has a sensual and tactile effect so instead of plumping for plain lycra tops with no features choose a soft knit.

This seasons horizontal stripes are everywhere and perfect for you because they will work as a great visual tool to reduce your height. Try a red and white striped nautical camisole with white jeans or a striped sweater like the delicious design in the Boden catalogue, which should also become a valuable resource for you (they have longer lengths as well as standard cuts and are perfect for your shape) Click here to visit our shopping mall.

Investigate dresses on their own. This is the season of the dress and there are many shapes to choose from. Avoid the empire line which will draw the eye higher up the body and choose a dress the has a focus lower down. I have seen lots of style that have rouching and a rounded buckle at the hip - these would be perfect for you. Add a colourful trench coat over the top for a classic but playful and feminine look. Flats are of course the look of the season but I think you can‚t go wrong with the classic heeled boot or a small heel.

It sounds to me like you need to confidence to enjoy colour and print these two things alone will give you an effortless femininity. Add also texture to any outfit you are building and this approach will see you through each season. After all the clothes change each time but your approach to style must remain the same that way you can become more confident about what suits.

I would define your perfect look as groomed, sophisticated, sleek and with a touch of spontaneous colour - you should never aim for girly or pretty it’s just too simplistic and best left to petite twenty somethings.

A proudness in your ability to create a classic and well put together mix of neutrals, colour texture and print will in itself be a great look that has other women admiring your style. Start by getting rid of anything that looks too strict, stern or austere from your wardrobe as soon as you can.

I have just bought a lovely buttermilk coloured outfit for my daughters wedding. I am anxious not to look too one-coloured and would appreciate some advice on what colour hat/bag/shoes would compliment the outfit.

I am fair haired, fair skinned and 5’ 4” tall - Size 10.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Sally

Hi Sally,
Any bright or dark colour will be causing the eye to jump all over the body and not create the right look which must be serene, slick and considered.

At 5’4” you also need to keep within the same colour grouping to give your body a sense of elongation, however I agree that a whole creamy outfit will look too bridal.

Dove grey, mushroom, dusky pink, pale creamy pink, pale heather, lilac even a pale creamy blue or creamy green would all work well of course it depends what you are able to find doesn’t it?

I would start with the bag and shoes since these will need to have a strong colour relationship. It may be then that your corsage and choice of hat or fascinator, maybe even jewellery can also have a colour relationship so that way you are not trying to find three clothing items to match exactly.

A large department store and a colour swatch of your outfit would be the best way to approach this. I hope this helps.

Hi Caryn
We have been in touch before and you helped me with advice on post-pregnancy clothes and breastfeeding tops. Now I really need your help!

My partner has just booked a holiday to Cyprus for mid-May and has decided it's time we got married (have been engaged since I was pregnant)!

So I have only a few weeks to find a gorgeous wedding dress. It will be a civil ceremony on the beach and very low key with just us and our 16 month old son Jack!

I used to be a size 10 but seem to have got broader across the back since I had Jack and my waist has not shrunk back. So I am probably a size 12 now with a 36B bust, 30" waist and 36.5" hips. I have broad shoudlers but my arms and legs are slim and my lower arms and calves and ankles are probably my best features. I weight around 9 stone and am about 5ft 5.5 so I am not carrying lots of weight but am just not very toned.

I don't have much time to shop as my son hates clothes shopping but have managed to get to Monsoon, Coast, Phase Eight and House of Fraser but have not found anything which is flattering. Lots of things I tried were ok around the hips but too tight on the waist and back/shoulders.

Have looked at your bridal section but even the simple dresses look quite formal for a beach wedding.

I can't get to London to look so need to shop in Norwich or Cambridge or somewhere close by.

I can probaby spend up to £400 or so but would rather spend less. If I need to spend this much then it needs to be a dress which I can wear again.

Please can you help with some suggestions for something off the peg which will flatter my post baby figure and make the most of my best features.

Really hope you can help - am starting to panic already!
Many thanks
Anna

Hi Anna,

Congratulations!!

At the National Wedding Show we find some great designers. One of which is called Joyce Young at ByStorm (www.bystorm.co.uk), Joyce specialises in a Weddings Abroad collection but her prices range from £550. She does lovely contemporary dresses that are great for the beach and has already to wear collection.

As you're shoulders are broad, an A line dress may well offer good balance to your bodyshape as you have slim legs and an Aline skirts always emphasise a smaller waistline. Another company that does great 50's style A line 3/4 length dresses (that could show off your calves/ankles) is called Candy Anthony - www.candyanthony.com. Candy also has a ready to wear collection, from memory these start around £400 and her dresses can definitely be worn again for other occasions. Also, you'll find many other designers in our Bridal section in Virtual Shopping Mall.

Both companies have shops in London, but it may be worth pre booking a cheap train ticket if you can't find what you're looking for locally and you can always find a good local dressmaker if you need to alter the dress slightly.

Hope this helps

Dear Caryn
My son is getting married at the end of August in Tuscany. The wedding is at 5 pm followed by a reception in the grounds of a castle.

I am 58 years old, 5ft 4" size 14-16, short brown hair, hips and tummy my biggest nightmare. People tell me I look 10 years younger than I am and I like stylish clothes. I look better with something that is fitted around the waist.

Could you give me some suggestions as to what to wear? I usually wear trousers but would like a stunning dress. I would really appreciate your help.

Yours sincerely
Rosemary

Dear Rosemary,
Thanks for writing to me at www.howtolookgood.com, here is my answer.

A stunning dress with a jacket over the top is a great choice. The jacket will give you shape and definition for those all important photographs. It will pull in your waist and add to your visual stature. You are after all a very important member of the party.

A bias cut dress with a gentle flare will also give you gentle coverage without feeling tight and uncomfortable across your tummy and hips. Comfort is another important thing to consider.

I want to refer you to the excellent website of Emma Somerset (see below) who features a small range of top designers from Escada to Jenny Packham. There you will see some examples of wonderful dresses under great jackets. I don’t advise that you order off the net in this instance but it will give you a good example of how to wear a look to flatter your shape.

Look for a darker colour dress to minimise your hips and tummy and a lighter jacket (do keep within the same colour grouping though). The lighter jacket at the top of your body will give you balance and draw the eye upwards.

Keep you accessories also within the same colour grouping and light in colour and finally choose a fascinator‚ this is a small arrangement that you wear on one side of your head to create drama, but is not as overpowering as a hat (which, when you are short can sometimes seem too overpowering)

Take a girl friend shopping or try a personal shopper. I really recommend Debenhams. Make an appointment and brief them using the description I have given you - they will fill the room with clothes for you to try on. There is no cost.

Visit www.emmasomerset.co.uk

Please please can u help me, Im getting married in June of this year my mum is a size 30 clothes we have hunted the high st without any success she wants a dress with a duster coat long enough 2 hide her tummy, Evans did do bridal but hav discontinued we hav searched the internet but r very expensive and the designers r not offering refunds if unsuitable please could u help
Depressed bride

Hello lovely bride,
I think there are two options at this point, one is to buy the fabric as cheaply as you can in a sale and have the duster coat made by a helpful dress maker if this is the only style your mother feels confident in.

The other is to help your mother change her thinking by taking her back to Evans who are currently training their staff to give much more hands on styling advice and give them the chance to work with her to help her feel confident about her wedding look, by showing her how to put it together.

My key recommendations are...

Keep the colours to one colour grouping the length of the body for a more streamlined look.
Choose a jacket that will fasten under the bust to accentuate the waist.
Create height by placing a fascinator to one side of the head. (A fascinator is a small headdress that will attach to the hair by a comb).
Choose a bias cut dress to go under the jacket, this will be comfortable and festive.
Choose shoes without an ankle strap to create a longer looking leg.

Tell your mum all Mother of the Brides suffer from panic around their outfit, but with a loving daughter like you to reassure her, I'm sure all will be well.

Hi,
Where can I buy some sexy knee high boots in size 5 for 30cm calves and 40cm thighs?

Thanks,
Skinny leg Sheila x

Hi Sheila,
Let me recommend my favourite online boot store called Duo who offer a range of calf fittings from 30cms to 50cms.

Excellently priced they are around £100 per pair and you will find that there are also calf length styles as well as knee high styles.

I’ve just had a look myself and there are fewer 30 cm fittings at the moment however there are many 31cms and joy of joys there is a sale. It’s definitely a site I know you will want to sign up for a newsletter to be kept abreast of new designs.

Duo are a family run company and you'll find a link to them in the Footwear section in our SHOPPING MALL. Let me know if they were good for you.

Hi Caryn
I will be attending my niece's wedding in September this year. I want to make an impression but find there is nothing between "mother of the bride" pastel dress and coat combo or "too young" floaty tea dresses. Would a long-sleeved wrap dress be suitable for an autumn wedding? PS I am a curvy size 14-16 and 5ft 5".
Thanks
Aunty

Hi Aunty,
But have you tried Coast? The upmarket high street company owned by Oasis there are concessions in the House of Fraser and they are the best place for modern occassionwear. And while you are in there try East and Fenn Wright and Manson also stocked by HOF. All these labels have a sophisticated and individual touch to them, but are contemporary too.

However a long sleeved wrap dress would be thoroughly appropriate and to make it special why not splash out on footwear and handbag. It is all about how you put an outfit together.

Have a good day

I am 63 years of age. I must have tried nearly every hairdresser in my area, but never seem to get the colour I want.

My natural colour before going grey was warm brunette. I am now nearly 100% grey.

My recent venture was to have highlights put in. Either the base colour was too dark a brown - O.K. blonde highlights showed up a bit - Now I have changed my hairdresser (for the 100th time!). She put in 2 shades of blond highlights, but I still look washed out and need more warmth in my hair. Do I try to go back to a lighter shade of brown, do I keep blonde or what ? Can I try a wash-in, wash-out hair rinse like Shaders and Toners.

I am a warm spring season, so ashy and muddy dull colours are not for me.

Please help, I would be most grateful
Angela

Hi Angela,
I'm sorry you are having such a hard time getting the colour right. A good colourist will be worth the money because they will establish the right colour mix. This clearly is something you feel very strongly about and once you get it right you can maintain it with their recommendations.

Lisa Shepperd has won British Colourist of the year many times and has now won British Hairdresser of the Year. Any one in her salon in Kidderminster will be able to help you. Find her at www.lisashepherd.co.uk also there is Carolyn Newman at Charles Worthington (my own salon) www.charlesworthington.co.uk and www.johansford.com these are the best colourists in the business. Your could also try www.goldstarsalons.co.uk maintained by the British Fellowship of Hairdressing to help you locate a good colourist in your area.

Good Luck Angela