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

Hi
I've been looking on your website howtolookgood.com and really need your help!!!! I've just come back from clothes shopping and feel really depressed! I'm very petite (5'1) and a small size 6. Firstly the vast majority of shops do not cater for a size six and those that do, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Warehouse etc, have a limited range and their sizing tends to be larger than average so the clothes are STILL TOO BIG! NOWHERE caters for a size 4 and I seem to be suffering from a lack of places that sell a size 6 that fits - River Island is probably the exception but even then not always.

Please please please help!!! I have looked in the petite section of your website but they mainly start at a size 8. As a 22 year old I would like something trendy, modern and that actually fits - any ideas?
Alaina

Hi Alaina,
I do sympathise. Despite many stores now doing petite ranges, women of five foot and under still find there is precious little for them. However River Island with their shorter lengths and Dolce and Gabbana inspired clothes are an excellent start. Take a proactive role and ask Staff or Store managers when the next consignment of shorter lengths will arrive. Show them you are a discerning customer and ask for a number you can ring to check.

Make yourself known to your local Gap store staff who do do a size 4 in selected items. Since they sell well in Japan they have considered the smaller Japanese women in their cuts. Ask advice as soon as you enter. Gap staff are amongst the best for knowing their product ranges.

I wonder also whether you have tried the Next range available from their directory. The are one of the leading petite ranges and start in a size 6 with leg lengths at 65cms in some styles. I have just perused their Autumn range and they have all the main trends Folk, Victorian and Military covered. You can order a catalogue from the link in shopping mall. Making a look trendy and edgy is also about accessories and the styling itself, this is something your can really excel in.

Think also about teen ranges. New Look 916 are very good and since teenagers now wear very adult styles you will find what you need at a good price. Bhs are shortly to put Tammy Girl in their stores this is also an excellent range.

Keep an eye out for other well put together petite women and compliment them in the street then ask them where they got it from.

Finally a good dry cleaners will offer a shortening service on trousers which may be useful and a dressmaker may turn out to be a better option later in life when you want well made clothes. Once they have your measurements and pattern block (and you shop for fabrics in the sale) you will find a classic tailored suit (for instance) will be a better buy than you think.

Above all don't waste your time on shops that don't give you a good fit. Better to have three outlets like the ones I have mentioned that you can rely upon.

Don't get disheartened, all you need is a bit of tenacity!

I would like to download an ezine for my particular shape but cannot decide between pear shaped and apple shaped. Would you define the latter please? I have a 33 inch bust and 37/38 inch hips (caused by a tummy) otherwise my hip measurement would be more like 36 inches!
Thank you
Mavis

Hi Mavis.
It’s really about which part of you (tummy or thighs - apple or pear respectively) is the most dominant.

Apple shaped women tend to have no waist and a round tummy this can make their middle look sausage-like and the tips in the apple shape help you to create the illusion of a waist (amongst other things).

Pear shaped women have larger bottoms and thighs which in turn makes the bust look smaller. The tips in this book help you to even up your body symmetry and disguise large thighs.

I hope that helps.

Hi
Am trying to find the perfect outfit for my 30th birthday do.

Have bought a 'russian doll skirt' (full acetate skirt with a sash tie at the waist) in a metallic brown/beige colour.

Having problems find the right style, colour top and shoes to go with the skirt, any suggestions?
Kind regards
Vicki

Dear Vicki
A Russian Doll style skirt is a fab addition to your wardrobe and is right on trend for the winter season. I would keep your top simple and stick to the bronze beige colour palette. A slinky camisole style top will look sexy for your big birthday celebrations, Kookai have got some gorgeous ones in at the moment, team it with a cropped military style jacket to finish off the look, there are literally loads to choose from across the highstreet, try on a few to get the right fit for your shape.

For shoes, consider chunky brown boots or some high simple round toed stilettoes heels, have a look at Faith, Schuh and Office for some great choices.

Have an excellent birthday Vicki.

Hi
I'm only 4'11" (60 years old, size 12, very active and like to look good).

Are there any shops or catalogues that you know that stock trousers/pretty skirts to fit my height. Usual 'petite' just swamp me.
Jenny

Dear Jenny,
The best advice I can give to you is to hunt out a good tailor who can do alterations for you. Unfortunately it does of course add extra cost to garments you buy but most petite women find this to be the best, and, in some cases, the only option.

Call the Dry Cleaning Information Bureau on 020 8863 7755 who will be able to tell you who offers the service in your area.

I do hope this helps Jenny, apologies I can't get you anywhere specific.

Hi Caryn,
I recently bought a gorgeous pair of light brown tweedy cropped trousers. However, I am unsure what shoes or boots to wear with them to take me through Autumn/Winter time. I need something flatish and comfortable to wear at uni. Do you have any suggestions?
Beth
Huddersfield

Hi Beth
For the winter the ideal option is mid calf to knee length boots, depending on the length of the trousers. There are loads of suede knee length flat boots around at the moment most notably in Shellys and in Faith, these would also look fab over some drainpipe skinny jeans.

Alternatively, a wedge heel or calf length kitten heel boot would give you a bit of height whilst keeping comfort, just remember that the trousers should cover the tops of your boots where possible to create a cleaner line. Try wearing some brown patterned tights under your trousers, if your boots don't quite cover all your legs when walking its a cute way of adding that extra stylish finish to your outfit.

Have a look at their websites for more inspiration and for your nearest store....
www.faith.co.uk
www.shellys.co.uk

Hi,
I really want a nice pair of boots. I'm tall and my boyfriend is a tiny bit taller so i need tiny heels (under 1.5inches). i love fashion and want to wear them with skirts and jeans. I have looked for ages last year and this year and still cant find any that will be suitable. I want them to be black leather with a low kitten heel, pointed and calf length. But not straight and boring or cowboy boots. Where do i look??? (price range between £60 and £150)
Thank you
Amy, Kent

Dear Amy,
I have had a quick look around a few of my favourite highstreet shoe brands and have struggled to find anything with a 1 1/2 inch heel I have however found a few which might be of interest, they are a bit higher but may be suitable....

Schuh.co.uk are a fabulous store with an even better website. I found a slightly ruched black point boot with a strap detail and a 2 1/4 inch heel for £69.99 style number 140513. They had other options at a similiar heel height but all were fairly plain, certainly worth a look though.

The next place I tried is Faith.co.uk. They have a ruched boot with a kitten heel (no height given) for £60 Style number 892500 called Rumour. They also had a slightly higher than calf length suede boot with strapping detail which I thought looked fab, again no heel height but definately a kitten heel. Price £65 Style number 887077.

Finally, Office.co.uk had a black knee boot, which on first glance looks plain, but, as part of their new range, has a really lovely shape to the boot, especially on the kitten heel. £94.99 Style number 17389000 Name Erica. Another option is a nearly flat knee boot with a turnover detail at the top and a lace up back, its very on-trend and would look great with Russian skirts, drainpipe jeans, cropped trousers and shorts alike. Its worth a look if you fancy something slightly different, Price £59.99 Style number 17384003.

This of course is by no means an exhaustative list, merely a few good options, hopefully one of which will be suitable. Happy shopping!

Im 17 years old and have a very ill proportioned body. My arms are very skinny, as well as my stick like legs. Im a size 10 - 12 around the hips, and a size 8 on the top. Id love some jeans and tops to help give me some curves, i just look so lanky!

Hi,
It sounds like you are an 'Apple' in body shape, which once you know a few tricks and tips its easy to dress and look fabulous. I have written a book packed with all you need to know to make the most of your best bits and disguise your worst, which styles look amazing on your shape and which to avoid like the plague. With a few easy adjustments you will have curves in no time.

Have look at my howtolookgood site, on the homepage click on the left hand panel with all the e-book information, choose standard then Apple and you will have a style bible specifically written for your shape at your finger tips.

Do let me know how you get on and what you think.

Hi,
I am constantly scouring the high street for skirt suits for the office that are slightly different but can be mixed and matched and are in a good fabric, not stretch shiny fabrics that I often seem to come across. Please can you tell me the best place to buy such a suit - up to £200 approx.
Many thanks
Linda (age 48)

Dear Linda,
Below I have listed a few options...

By far the best place to get a good suit on the highstreet is Zara. Not only are they brilliant at on-trend styles, they also have a Zara Basics range which is fabulous. The choice is also excellent, one jacket can be mixed with skirts in various styles and trousers. The trousers are always very long and need to be taken up by everyone who isn‚t super model height. but the quality is always good and prices are even better. Always get 2 or 3 bottoms to one jacket, you will wear these more and this means you will get much more wear out of your suit.

A more conventional approach to your suiting would be Marks and Spencer, who have consistently produced a thoughtful workwear‚ range with shirts that very cleverly do not need ironing. There are the usual items but also suede effect suiting and skirt suits which, when worn with knitwear from their classic range or their cashmere range (excellent prices for cashmere) will look elegant and sophisticated. I love their matching boots and office bags too.

Finally for something more quirky but classic I would say look at Boden a catalogue that often offers a small amount of classy careerwear‚ trench coats, trouser suits, skirts and knitwear are their speciality. There are always lovely fabrics and textures from this company.

Go to our virtual shopping mall at howtolookgood.com for a direct link to the Zara, Marks and Spencer and Boden website.

Dear Caryn
I don't know if you can help me. My best friend is getting married at Loch Lomond at the end of November and I don't know what to wear! The invite is black tie, and there will be a ceilidh as part of the reception. The wedding is in small local church and the reception in a country house hotel. The wedding will be pretty traditional.

What can I wear that will look suitably 'black tie' glamorous, but yet be comfortable - and warm! - enough for the church, reception and ceilidh?

I am 35, 5'8" and of average build size 12 with size 8 feet. However, luckily/unluckily depending on your perspective, I have a well-endowed 32FF bust! and as a result I can't wear spaghetti or other thin straps (unless incredible boning and cantilevering built in!) - but v-neck looks good. My hair is thick dark blond straight-ish just below shoulder.

All my existing 'black tie' dresses are too long and/or tight and don't feel 'right' for a wedding. I was thinking of a wrap-style dress (Diane Von Furstenburg or Issa style) or possibly a skirt and top/jacket combination. I'm not good in v dainty or strappy high-heeled shoes so would want to wear something with enough height to give me a good 'walking stance' (ie not flats) but not too tottering or loose so I can't be comfortable and enjoy being flung around the dance floor during the Gay Gordon!! Also my partner is only 5'11' so I prefer not to tower over him in heels!

The other query is - do I wear a hat?! Finally, I don't have a warm or smart winter coat - I need your help there as well I think!

Where should I shop and what style dress would you recommend? If I find the right 'investment' piece that I could wear again on (multiple!) other occasions I would be prepared to pay up to £300 for the dress & hat but would prefer to keep budget much lower than that if possible. (For example, I have another wedding in South Africa in February 06 but I doubt I can wear the same dress to this one can I??)

Finally, we are flying up to Scotland for this wedding and also going hiking afterwards in the same weekend so need to keep outfits as compact, light and easy to transport as possible!!

Sorry for the long challenge!

I look forward to hearing from you

Thanks in advance for your help.
Best wishes
Mitty, SW London

Hi Mitty,
You are spot on with a DVF wrap dress, this is perfect for curvy bustlines with the V-neck giving a long elegant neckline and minimising a full bust. Her dresses come in at around £250 £300 but they are so classically cut that they will accompany you season after season.

For warmth add a non slip flesh petticoat and boots which are the sexiest choice with this dress. There are some wonderful styles and colours with low heels and wedges, so buy the dress first and then pick out the base colour in the dress and match your accessories accordingly. This will allow you to wear tights (go for textured and gently coloured for modern finish) even socks under your boots.

Less women wear hats but they do go for small headdresses which were first created by milliner Phillip Treacy. This can be worn to the side of your head and clipped in quite easily. Silk flowers are another way of adding a special and celebratory touch to your hair without the formality of a hat. Most department stores like House of Fraser have a good selection

As for your coat...I’m not sure if you want to splash out on a new coat too so I would suggest a tie waisted long sleeved cardigan. It is quite formal but will also work with jeans at a later point. It is also a good thickness and will be reasonabley warm. The type I'm talking about is in Monsoon right now in a variety of colours (approx £50.00) so once you know what colour your boots will be match it to them. For extra warmth choose a small wrap for your neck they are like flat scarves with maribou, or sheepskin effect and look very glamorous and forties. You will also find beautiful thermal underwear at Marks and Spencer (much prettier than the conventional stuff)

You will find you can wear this look minus the outer layers to your next wedding since DVF dresses and boots are a very flattering look and a timeless classic.

Have a look in our virtual shopping mall at the net-porter site and type in dresses and the Diane Von Furstenberg site to give you some ideas.

Dear Caryn
I’m 52, 5'5" height and size 14/16. Believe it or not I’ve never been to a cocktail party and have just now received an invite to a grand cocktail reception in London in October. I have no idea what to wear I'm so out of touch with fashion, and therefore very apprehensive. Please help, all advice will be followed to the letter
Many thanks
Anne

Hi Anne,
You are wonderfully proportioned and I think you will look amazing because I’ve seen just the thing for you.

Since you don't state a budget I'm going to keep the prices down by sending you to look in this season's Next Directory on Page 34. (They keep a much bigger range in the catalogue than in the shops but you can order the clothes to arrive at your local Next store by asking at the shop, that way you can try on before you commit).

At 52 you want to create an elelgant and sexy statement. Clothes that give you shape will be your best choice and you will achive this and by weariing a black bustier as shown on the page with the matching kneelength skirt and jacket. By doing this you are using all the styling tricks to pull in your waist and accentuate your curves.

Crucial is a statement necklace, which when added to this look always shows confidence. Don't add lots of little fussy bits of jewellery.

The jacket is very important because it gives you the coverage you need around your arms and creates a lean shape through the centre of your body

A black closed toe shoe - preferably pointed is even more stunning to finish than the peep toe shown in the picture..
If this feels too structured for you, overleaf is a beautiful v-neck black dress with a black long sleeve cardigan to give you coverage.

Ultimately choose between these two outfits (or versions of them) to give you the comfort and the confidence you need.

Have wonderful time.

hi
i think the bras today are really beautiful with all their lace and ribbons etc but i have a problem - i wear a lot of t-shirts and long sleeve tops so i insist on wearing a t-shirt bra as i feel there is nothing worse than showing seam lines or lace ridges under you clothes so why can i only find seamfree, underwired bras in nude,white and black-they are so boring! i wear a D cup so i need a good bra-i have found a great panache underwire but only in the boring regulation colours. i know M&S do colour bras but the support is not nearly as good as the panache bra. i'm just fed up wearing these virgin colours-help!

i think you website is excellent and i already have an e-book
thanks
liz stephen

Hi Liz,
I' ve just been on the phone to Alisa at Figleaves and she told me about these three bras that they stock on the site available now, since I don't know your size apart from a D cup we have covered all bases...

Figleaves
Gossard: Autumn Supersmooth original strap bra, turquoise £19 Sizes: 32A - 36D
Fantasie: Smoothing moulded underwired balconette bra, Blush (pink) £23 Sizes: 30D - 40F
Lejaby: Nuage Opaline underwired full cup, Rose (pink) £32 Sizes: 30D - 36E 38B - 38D & 40b - 42B

La Redoute
I also found a plum coloured bra underwired smooth with detachable straps up to 36D £21in La Redoute catalogue page 327.

Go to the Shopping Mall on our site, and you'll find in the UNDERWEAR section links to both La Redoute (where you can order a catalogue) and you'll find Figleaves there also.

Let me know which one you go for!

So pleased you love the site and do let me know your thoughts on the e-book, it's great to hear back from our readers.

Hiya!
I have recently lost weight and gone from 10 stone 7 to 7 stone 7. I am 5 foot 2 and I'm really struggling to find clothes! I'm around a size 6-8, the only shop I've found so far is topshop and their range is limited. Have you any tips on where to shop? As a previous size 12-14 I never had any problems before, but now Im really struggling to find anything. I tried Next and miss selfridge but both of their size 6s are too big. Please help!!
Thanks
Donna, age 24.

Hi Donna,
Congratulations on your fabulous weight loss! Unfortunately, being a size 6 can be a real struggle fashion wise, but there a few little gems around. Gap for example stock size 4 which is definitely worth trying, they also have short lengths in trousers which would also be good for you. H&M do a size 6, which I believe is a good fit, but a great one is New Look Teens 916, made to fit the smaller body but still with a great fashion edge, they are a brand that could work really well for you.

Go to the howtolookgood Virtual Shopping Mall for direct links to all the above mentioned sites you'll find in PETITE or STANDARD sections.

I am 43 years of age, 5ft tall, slightly overweight and would appreciate any ideas you may have for wearing to a 1970's theme Wedding Anniversary party I have in early September based on today's fashions.
Please, please help.
Thank you

Hi,
What a fab idea for a wedding anniversary party!

The obvious thing for you would be a pair of wide leg trousers - great for the bell bottom look but not too wide to make you look boxy, a chiffon floral or coloured blouse with long sleeves and cuffs and a waistcoat which will be a great tool in defining your waist. There are still loads of stack heeled wedges around, many in suede boot form which could also double as a good investment by for your winter wardrobe, Marks and Spencer have some excellent ones in store at the moment.

Accessorise with one of the gorgeous thin scarfs that are all over the high street, New look and Topshop are best, and some hoop earrings, contemporary seventies in an instant!

And remember, don't ditch the waistcoat after the party, it is one of the key items for the autumn/winter season.

I'm a small woman with larger hips and a small chest what kinds of clothes should I be wearing?
Laura

Dear Laura,
It sounds like you are a 'Petite Pear' in body shape,which once you know a few tricks and tips its easy to dress and look fabulous. I have written an e-book packed with all you need to know to make the most of your best bits and disguise your worst, which styles look amazing on your shape and which to avoid like the plague.

Have a look at our petite advice page to find out more about the e-book, choose Pear shaped and you will have a style bible specifically written for your shape at your finger tips. Do let me know how you get on and what you think.