Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

What to Wear to a Wedding

Hello
My sister is having an evening wedding reception at the end of May & I don't know what to wear!! I am only a size 6 & 5'2" & don't feel comfortable in shoes/sandals & would like to wear boots with a calf length dress. Would this be too much? I'd also like to wear either a pink or black dress which adds curves as people are always commenting on how 'thin' I am.

Please help!!!
Thank you.

Boots to a wedding especially in May worn with a dress will look odd. If the lack of support in shoes bother you why not try a wedge which is more comfortable and will give you the height and the stability, there are so many around in the high street. If you need a specialist fit then look in our petite section in the shopping mall.

Gosh it’s irritating when people feel they can comment on your shape, but you can easily use a few of the features I outline in my body shape e-book for Petite slender. To add curves to your petite frame go for the garments that have volume such as ruffles, a tulip shape dress or an a-line dress in particular one with an all over print on it. What this will do is give you and hour glass figure as long as you make sure you pick a design that has definition at the waist.

Check out Principles in the petite section who have a print embroidered prom dress with a big bow detail or Warehouse who have a fabulous black twist bow mini prom dress, not specifically for petites, however it is short in length and comes in a size 6 so worth trying on. The bow is over the bust area and adds volume and perceived height. Great with simple accessories and pumps.

Miss Selfridge also have a short pink polka dot tier dress currently in store great for adding volume and glamorous for a wedding.

Al these dresses will need a wrap or cropped jacket and that can add extra volume.

Final tip – there’s nothing like dressing up at a wedding so why not invest in a fascinator, available from department stores like John Lewis in our shopping mall - great for adding height and a bit more colour!

Enjoy that wedding.

Modern Looking Suits for Petites

Hello Caryn

I bought your e-book for petite pear shaped recently and have had a great time reading, discarding and window shopping.

I really went to town on the discarding part and now find I have the 'opportunity' to build my capsule wardrobe virtually from scratch.

I really need 2 suits I can wear to work and want to buy classic styles in good quality, however I don't want to look over dressed to work, just smart and efficient. I have looked on your 'shopping mall' section and tried Petite Affair but as you say in your book, it's better to try on these types of clothes and order the more basics online. I would also like to get that elusive pair of jeans that every woman should have in her wardrobe.

I am 54 years old and I normally wear trousers but am not averse to wearing the right skirt. I am petite, size 10/12 with a pale complexion with blonde highlighted hair. I live in Scotland which isn't renowned for its fashion shopping. Can you help?

Regards, Irene

Hi Irene
Well congratulations. I’m delighted that you are re working your image. I know you will have great fun shopping for the clothes you need, now that you can identify which shapes will work for you.

Check out Next in our shopping mall as they are great for tailoring and do an excellent directory service too. They also have a sizing chart at the back or their directory to help you get the correct fit if you really cant get into one of their stores.

As you have our e-book you know that for you body shape you know that wide legged or bootcut are the best shaped trouser for you to flatter your bottom half.  Grey is very much in fashion at present and looks great with alot of colours. Next petite section have a grey suit that they call "grey textured jacket and trousers" which is ideal as it has pocket details around the waist line area which will latter and bring attention to your waist area and the trousers are classic bootcut.

Check out also Debenhams who have a gorgeous ivory jacket that is ivory with black piping detail and is belted you could team the jacket with either ivory or a black trousers depending on whether you are going to work or going to a special occassion. It's classic with a modern edge twist.

Regarding your jean question I recommend that you go for a mid rise jean to flatter your pear shaped figure, avoid skinny leg and instead opt for a slim bootcut in a dark denim. I know that ilovejeans.com who are also in our shopping mall have been searching for the perfect brand for a petite figure and should be introducing a new brand in the next couple of months, they are also introducing a brand called "Little in the middle" at the end of this month which are great for pear shaped women. They currently have in stock a brand called J Brand which comes in a bootcut jean for £125 and is for petite, pear shaped figures - worth trying out. Many sites now accommodate the fact that you have to order more than you need to try on and most have a good returns policy.

You could also check out Dorothy Perkins who do a blue bootleg jean in their petite department and are a good fit for a high street brand, you can also order over the internet.

The best skirt shapes are either a-line or pencil (great for showing off curves). Go for a solid darks or neutral colour to flatter and keep brighter colours and details to your top half. Check out Debenham’s pencil skirts and in particular a navy belted skirt that could be dressed up or down.

I hope this gives you a good plan for starting you new wardrobe. Enjoy your new look.

What to Wear to Prom

Hi my name is Brittany,
I just got the prefect dress for Prom this year and I have a question should I wear gloves and if yes what colour? My dress is a light yellow, it’s strapless and I have no clue if I should go with yellow or white gloves or no gloves at all?
Please Help

Hi Brittany
It's your Prom and you want it to be a special evening and to look as glamorous as possible whilst also fitting in.

If your light yellow dress has little fuss and detail on it then yes you can definitely dress it up with a pair of black long matt satin gloves (short look too casual), just ensure you wear matching black shoes to co-ordinate the look.

When wearing gloves the trick is not to wear any jewellery like rings or bracelets over them, but alternatively wear the jewellery around your neckline so you are not over dressed. Final tip is to take them off when you are eating!

Enjoy your Prom

How to Make Stylish Choices After Having Three Children

Hi Caryn,
I am wondering if you could give me some pointers. I am 27 and just had my 3rd child. I feel young, but my body looks more like a woman who's in her mid 30s.  I am pretty tall (5'9" or so) and slender.  I have large breasts (G cup) after nursing my three children...and of course, I have a baby  belly.

I'm just not sure what kind of clothes would look best on my young but motherly body.

Thanks!
Erin

Hi Erin
As a busy, young mum you need clothes to be practical as well as stylish, but let’s start from the inside out.

The first step is to go and get your bra correctly fitted. If you are still breast feeding then you obviously need to still wear a soft bra. If however you are bottle feeding then you can invest in a good underwired bra to give you lift. Check out Marks and Spencer in our shopping mall who offer an excellent service.

Once measured you can then buy bras that are supportive but also sexy. In particular M&S sell a bra called Ceriso DD-G Embroidered Trim, it's underwired and structured for support and enhanced shape and a great colour too!

Try also a high waisted knickers- again Marks and Spencers who do a range called Magic they are actually sexy teamed with a matching bra. More importantly they will help to sculpt your body, giving you shape and confidence. Try their ‘bodies,’ which also work well with dresses.

Next invest in a good pair of jeans; as you are young you can easily wear the latest jean trend - the kick flare. You will probably find that you still need to wear maternity jeans, so if this is the case check out TopShops maternity range who do a gorgeous pair of them. ‘I Love Jeans' is a great website and one you can use to research your jeans solutions. Another label I’m always raving about is the ‘Tummy Tuck’ jean you can get these from the above site and having tested them on a few make-over features, I know they work.

For your top half you need to minimise your bust area, avoid fuss such as ruffles and go for tops to flatter such as v-neck, scoop neck or wrap style. Printed tunics are good for you as they look Summery and fresh over a pair of jeans - perfect for spring, and great for covering a tummy, but check that the design gives you fit around the bust – some are rather gathered and smock-like and will make you look bigger.

When it starts to get warmer check out handkerchief halternecks which are also good for you as they will flatter both your bust area and draw attention to the central fold detail, and therefore act as a distraction from your middle area. Warehouse in our shopping mall have a printed version you can easily wear with a cardigan to tone the look down.

Dresses are also very much on trend now with the emphasis being on floral, feminine dresses that are A-line in shape so will skim your body. Dress down with a pair of footless tights and flat pumps. And add layers such as cardigans, denim jackets or wraps for warmth.

The Parka is still around and Oasis have a great version that you can throw onto any of the looks above and look stylish. The selection of pockets also makes it extremely practical!

Finally finish off any look with bright accessories, such as a big bangle and long beaded necklace or scarf.

Remember you’ve been out of the loop for a while (occupied by much more important things) so do a little research on our site by looking at the high street images we post for spring and summer. Here we talk about each trend and it’s suitability for body shape. This will acclimatise you before you go shopping.

How to Dress for Uneven Body Symmetry

Hi Caryn
I am looking for a smart dress for a party, problem is I am size 12 on top and 14 on bottom, therefore nothing fits properly. Can you tell me if there is a company that makes dresses for people of my shape
Mary

Hi Mary
The majority of women are a different size top to bottom, it's about choosing the correct style to work with your body shape.

As you are a size up on your bottom half choose A-line shape dresses, which will skim over your hips. An A-line is such a flattering shape because no one can know what shape you are underneath.

Check out Coast in our shopping mall who do an array of smart dresses including one called the Bessie dress that has a contrasting belt tie that will focus the attention more onto your waist. Or have a look at the chocolate linen shirt dress by Principles another great company who specialise in designs for special occasions, again you'll find them in our shopping mall.

Belts are also still in fashion and great for pulling in the waist and accentuating your shape. By doing this (drawing in the waist you are also making your top half look bigger by comparison).

How to Disguise ‘Muffin Top’

Hello Caryn! My name is Sarah, I am 5ft 9in and have a bust size of 34F, slim waist and long slim legs, but definite muffin hips so I suppose you would call me apple shaped. Please help as I so often feel a fashion victim or worse still a non entity as it is rare my outfits gel together.

Thanks

Hi Sarah,
You are lovely and tall and have a bust and slim long legs - sounds like a good start! Muffin hips are extremely common and can easily be covered.

Avoid any trousers with a low rise and go for mid to high-rise with a bootleg, kick flare or wide leg. This will cover and support and balance out your hip area. High-rise are very on trend at the moment and will show off your long legs even better. Check out H&M in our shopping mall who have a great high-rise wide legged jean, that is very stylish.

You talk about looking like a fashion victim so I think you mean you don’t want to look like you’ve tried too hard. To avoid this, just keep it simple. For example if you are wearing a pair of wide legged trousers then this is the statement item so the rest of the look can be understated. Focus on a top that helps you to create fit and definition at the bust. It’s possible to make the mistake of putting too many trends together in one look.

To flatter your bust area avoid anything with too much detail or high necklines instead go for a wrap style, deep v, low scoop or button down neckline, look also at A-line shaped tops. Warehouse in our shopping mall have a coral ethnic-print tunic that has a deep V-neckline and is slightly A-line. Team with a simple pair of bootcut jeans for a fresh summer look that is more about effortless style than looking like fashion plate.

The shirt is now also back on trend and you could opt for a longer line one and wear with a low slung wide belt, try wearing worn over a long cardigan - it's a stylish and an extremely comfortable look and will draw attention away from your hip area. Check out Gap in our shopping mall for a great selection of shirts.

Choose dresses that again have the same neckline as above and have a full skirt. Just make sure you show off your lovely long legs!

How to Dress for an Apple Shape

Hi Caryn
I am a 5’ 6” size 14 apple shape and I cannot find dresses that suit me anywhere!  I am going to a black tie party in June and have tried on every type of dress imaginable and they all look dreadful!  Help!
Anastasia

Dresses with empire lines which raises the waist up under the bustline will help camouflage your middle. I’ve written about the marvellous empire line in the first of my blogs under ‘intelligent dressing.’ To see an illustration of what I mean why not have a look?

A dress with central detail will also draw the eyes to your middle. Coast have a dress called the Janine dress, the halter neck effects also soften your upper torso. Invest in a bolero to soften the look. An alternative is also by Coast who have a long maxi dress called the Goddess maxi dress. The deep V- neckline is perfect for you and the colour is outstanding. Wear with a pair of Spanx (support pants – all the red carpet celebs wear them) to help add curves to your figure, these available from a John Lewis or figleaves in our shopping mall. Finally a statement necklace will keep the attention up around your face, will ensure – you are the belle of the ball!

An Ugg Boot Retailer

Hi,
Could you please tell me where to get GENUINE Ugg boots from on the High Street, I would prefer to buy them in a shop rather than online.
Thank you,
Natalie.

Hi Natalie
Here are some suggestions for getting a pair of Ugg boots on the high street:
Firstly try the official Ugg boot website - www.uggaustralia.com. If you select United Kingdom the page will refresh to the UK site, once it has done this scroll down to the bottom and click on 'retail stores' and you can then search for shops/boutiques that stock Ugg boots in your area.

Kurt Geiger we believe also stock Ugg Boots - the best bet is to check out Kurt Geiger you'll find their website in our Shopping Mall For where their stores are located and telephone them to enquire about current stock.

Office and Schuh on the high street stock Ugg products but the boots/sandals they have may vary from store to store and also as we are entering the summer season Schuh in particular may have more Ugg sandals than boots.

Selfridges who are in London and Birmingham stock Ugg boots although once again we don't know the extent of their range and we also think that Fenwicks stock them - Fenwicks do have stores around the country - see their website www.fenwick.co.uk.

Hope this helps

What to Wear Hourglass

I stumbled across your page as I was looking for information re: clothes to fit my body. I supposedly have what people state is a "perfect female" body in that it is curvy, but I have an impossible time finding clothes that fit me.  At the end of every shopping trip, I end up in tears because I just can't find things that fit me.  My bust size is 34-c/d, my waist is 29" and my hips are 39". I can never find pants that fit the hips and bottom and thighs unless they gap by over 5" at the waist. I was thinking about buying your e-book, but was confused if I'm a "pear" or "curvy”. AND, it appears that you are based in the UK...does the style advice cross the ocean to the USA?!?
Much thanks in advance,
Michelle

Hi Michelle,
I sympathise. Your hour glass body shape is wonderful but most women have thicker waists and the clothing industry caters for them.

First of all the e-book is written for your shape and provides many styling tools and is just as relevant if you are in the States.

Your issue could be more about fit than shape from what you say. I’ve enclosed below a guide to help you decide whether you are pear or hourglass because it’s abut your perceptions but the immediate problem of fit ratio where your hips and waist is concerned re clothing manufacturers is not addressed.

However I have a great steer. For jeans I heartily suggest AJK jeans. Because she has the same body shape as you, this designer has created a design that you can pull in at the waist with lacing to give you better fit and you will find the website in our jeans shopping mall.

And of course there is the low rise jean that will do a better job for you because you can buy it fit your hips and not your waist. As the fashion industry is now introducing high waists for this season don’t delay in getting in a few low rise pairs before they disappear form the shops.

What you need to do is cut out potential frustrations areas so..

Do choose separates like skirts and tops rather than dresses because these will be easier to fit separately. You may find you do have to tweak at the waistband of skirts, but you know most stylists sew or pin clothes to get a better fit because we expect more from our clothes

Garments with some ‘give’ like knitwear will cling round your waist and ease over your bust. Jersey is another fabric to prioritise.

As far as styling is concerned, longer length tops can be anchored in with a great belt this means you can wear tunic tops and you are giving your body shape by defining bust and waist this will always be your priority.

You can afford to wear a big wide belt to balance bust and hips most times. In fact start collecting them as they can help with a variety of style dilemmas – a jersey dress for instance if it has enough fabric to skim your hips, can be pulled in with a belt to create fit.

You will start to get better at recognising what will work for you and my e-book will certainly help you to organise your style and play to your strengths.

I do hope that from here on in shopping becomes more enjoyable.

Caryn says...

If you are not sure what shape to buy, let me help you make up your mind now! First of all it isn't about measurement or size. This book is about how you see yourself let me explain....

Top-Heavy is when your bust measurement is the most dominant part of your body because you have a large and curvaceous bust and smaller hips and/or bottom by comparison. This e-book will help you to balance out your figure using minimising techniques around your bust.

Apple-Shaped is when you have no waist, or perhaps you feel your tummy is larger than you would like. This e-book will help you to streamline your middle and create the illusion of a waist.

Curvaceous is when you have an hour glass shape with large breasts and and curvy hips and/ or bottom. This e-book will help you to understand how to create streamlining effects through your body.

And Pear-Shaped is when your hips and/or bottom are the largest part of your body and your breasts are smaller by comparison. This e-book will show you how to minimise your bottom and thighs.

Finally Slender is when your body is slight with small breasts and hips and/or bottom. This e-book will give you tools for creating more curves where you want them.

If you feel you have a fairly even figure and do not feel curvaceous, but would not describe yourself as slender, still choose this one.

Standard height is between 5' 3" or 157.5cms and 5'10" or 175cms

Anything under 5' 3" or 157.5cms is petite.

Anything over 5' 10" or 175cms is tall.

Hope that helps!