Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

November

Long Cardigans

Long Cardigans - do they suit pear-shape bodies?
Thank you,
Clare

Hi Clare.
I like your straight to the point approach. Here’s mine!

The majority of long cardigans in your stores at the moment are lightweight, straight cut boyish styles. Steer clear!

They simply cling and emphasis the width at your hips.

Go for a chunkier knitted cardigan where the hems drapes at different lengths, to create less focus at your hips. I’ve found one for you at Debenhams in our shopping mall called "Dark purple ribbed cosy," have a look.

Can I wear off-white to a cocktail party?

Hello there,
Please let me know if I can wear off-white for a cocktail party (7 to 9 PM). It is Fall already.
Thank you.
Janete

Hi Janete

Of course you can wear off white, however be careful as white and off white alone can look a bit bridal! Also you don’t leave yourself with many shoe options if you choose an off white dress as light shoes are the only way to go.

If you already have your dress then how about adding a bit of colour? Autumnal colours work well; red/orange would be a gorgeous tone to choose for accessories. Check out Coast in our shopping mall and look at the "rosetta bag" for inspiration.

Western Wedding

Hello,
My name is Belen, and I really need help with this one. We live in California, and my sister is getting married here at a working farm and it is Texas-Western theme. I need help finding a cute outfit since I'm 6 1/2 months pregnant and most maternity clothes are still kinda big for me. Most girls are wearing jeans with cowgirl like shirts. I want to find something that shows my cute belly and goes with the theme. Do you think a black dress and cowboy boots will do it, or you have any better idea???

PLEASE HELP!
Thank you,
Belen

Dear Belen,
You can easily wear what you friends are wearing too?!

These days maternity ranges have everything you need. Choose a pair of maternity jeans first. (Maternity jeans have buttons at the waist or hip that you can make smaller or bigger depending on the size of your bump). A great pair of jeans like these will look fashionable and will see your through to the end of your pregnancy.

Then wear with a long line camisole or vest which will give you coverage over your tummy – you can make it as bright a colour as you like for an attention seeking look. Now tie a check shirt in a knot, just under your bust. Check shirts are very fashionable at the moment so there will be plenty in your favourite stores. This item doesn’t need to be a maternity garment at all.

Add a large funky hipster belt (you may need one larger that your usual size) finish with the classic cowboy boot and you are good to go!

Have fun

Advice on work wardrobe

Hi Caryn,
Please give me some guidance in where to go from here. I turned that lovely age of 40 last week on the 11th September. I have always struggled with my wardrobe, sometimes I have managed to get it right and other times I'm sure would be classed as disasters. I am for the first time in my life working in the corporate world so am again in unfamiliar territory. Turning 40 and facing the fact that while I am not going to dress as an old granny, I have to consider I am not 20 any more. Working in the corporate world for the last year and enjoying my new found class is making me realise I want to learn how to dress more sophisticated and classy.

I am not good with accessorising and just need to have someone to help me figure it all out. I am 5,1 and about 55kg's (trying to lose about 2 to 3 kilo's). I have read your profiles and I think (This is where I am not sure)

I am petite/ top heavy.

Please, Please, Please can you help me get it together when it comes to what I'd like to call my wardrobe.

Cheers
In need of help
Tracey

Hi Tracey,
You are at such an exciting stage in life and you want your image to match the way you feel. I can’t not recommend my e-books here, both the ageless style and petite and top heavy shape discuss everything you need to know.

But there are plenty of tips I can quickly give you now to get you started! My first is think of your working look as your careerwear wardrobe.

Now invest in core pieces that are classic and good quality.

Basics such as a pencil skirt or an a-line skirt are your starting point. Go for a solid colour but not too dark because you are top heavy (maybe camel or grey). A stretch style that sits on the knee will be the perfect length for you. I discuss this in my body shape e-book. Now add a classic shirt that has also a stretch fabric, and as you are top heavy a wrap style in a darker colour like charcoal, aubergine, navy will work wonderfully. Bravissimo in our shopping mall have branched out into tops and jackets for curvy bustlines if you have trouble getting the fit from standard labels.

A pair of wide leg trousers to balance out you top half is also good for the office and worn with a wrap or v-neckline top extremely flattering.

Your choice of coat will pull together these styles so make sure you colour co-ordinate everything. A classic shape such as a trench coat that will create definition at your waist will be most flattering or a three quarter length trench style to elongate your body.

Principles in our shopping mall have a red version of the style I’m talking about – it’s called the "petite red trench coat".

Don’t overdo your accessories. A simple focus like a chunky bangle. (I explain why chunky jewellery is so important for top heavy shapes in my e-book) and a stylish bag that is practical but also not oversized (I also talk about proportions too), will be enough to pull your look together.

Heels are good to add height and sophistication. Go for a chunky (not to high) court shoe style to elongate your legs.

Now you are ready for that boardroom!

Mature Student Fashion

Hello I wonder if you can help.

I am about to start a course at university this autumn. As a mature student, I'm 40. I'm not sure what to wear. I have seen that the majority of students wear very fashionable clothes or jeans. I gave up wearing jeans when I gained weight a few years ago, as I'm now size 16. I will be spending some time teaching, attending seminars and conferences. I like smart clothes but don't want to stand out too much or look like everyone's mum!
Thanks
Kim

Hi Kim
Congratulations on going back to university! I totally get what you say.

Smart/Casual is definitely the look you need to achieve. Easy going separates that have a loose sophistication like a good pair of loose bootcut cords or fabric trousers, funky shirts and tops and a great on trend jacket like a pea coat that will work over everything will be great for you.

Go for styles that suit your bodshape. You don’t say how tall you are but I’m thinking you want to play down your curves and achieve a more unisex style.

Do pick clothes that are fun and colourful though with the odd quirky t-shirt thrown in and invest in a few longer length scarves that will create vertical lines through your middle to create elongation, plus they are a very popular style. You want to look like you can be part of the crowd and find others to make friendships with and clothes will be a helpful way of telling others something about your personality.

One great website, I’d like to recommend that will do that look rather effortlessly for you is Boden in our shopping mall who offer a great selection of such clothes which will ensure you blend in.

But don’t rule out jeans. I think they can be every bit as flattering for curvy thighs – it’s just a matter of finding the right style ilovejeans.com in our shopping mall not only have a huge range of jeans for all shapes and sizes, they also have a style finder when you type in your requirements. And don’t forget to check out the “Tummy Tuck,” brand which are very flattering and their best seller.

Advice on WHAT SHAPE AM I?

Dear Caryn

I need help but can’t decide which e-book is for me.

I’m a young 47.
Weight 8.5st, height 5ft4, bust 30F, size 8 on bottom, 10-12 on top, I have broader shoulders than hips, with a well defined waist.

I’m not good in skirts, can’t get the right shape, so rely totally on trousers.
I look terrible in black so avoid it.

I can’t decide which shape I am or, should I just go for the 40+ Agless Style e-book?
I most want to know most about capsule wardrobes and dressing in your own style (which I seem to have temporarily lost).

Many thanks
Phil, Glasgow

Hi Phil,

Well both books are very different! But I think it is the body shape e-book that would answer your immediate questions as this one will help you to discover and maintain your image.

The standard top heavy book is your best choice. Although the top heavy element refers to bosom, it will still address even up your proportions.

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.

I know it will help you to rework your look, enjoy.