Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

October

Dear Caryn
I have recently lost weight and I am loving my new figure, I have gone from a size 18 to a curvy size 14. The only place I can’t lose the weight is the top of my thighs; they still look larger than the rest of me. I want to go shopping for some new clothes for winter, what can you suggest that is fashionable but will cover them up.
Jo aged 38

Hi Jo
I’m glad you are enjoying your new shape. Go for a smart jean that is boot cut, which will help to disguise your thigh area and also some wide leg trousers, which are very current. Invest also in a long cardigan, which can be then worn over the trousers. Check out Principles in our shopping mall as they have a grey long line belted cardigan and a great selection of turned up trousers.

Dear Caryn
I am looking for a corduroy skirt for winter that sits on the knee. I have seen ones that are mini but I am 45 and don’t like skirts above the knee.  I don’t think they are quite me. Any ideas?

Yes I found a skirt; check out Dorothy Perkins in our shopping mall.  The skirt is very flattering as it has a slight fish tail. It also comes with a belt and a bargain for £20.

Dear Caryn
I have broad shoulders and want to find a dress that really flatters my shape and I can wear in the day and evening. I am also a curvy size 14 with fairly ample breast size 34dd and short in the body, although I am 5ft 5. Any suggestions?
Sarah

Hi Sarah
Yes Go to our shopping mall and check out Boden, who have a great shaped dress for you. Its v-neck so will flatter your bust and shoulders. The empire print under the bust area will also lengthen your body. I love the print too, particularly for the reason you can wear with long boots in the day and then with heels in the evening.

Hi Caryn
I am 5ft 2 and really want a long coat that is not black, navy or boring brown and will last me for a few winters. A lot of coats I have seen are either to the bum or too long and make me look even smaller. Help!

Visit Laura Ashley in our shopping mall. There is a gorgeous quality red coat made from cashmere with a great price tag and hey it comes in petite, but hurry, as I don’t expect it will be in the shop for long.

Dear Caryn
I am going to a burlesque party soon and I want to buy a corset that I can wear again when I go out. I am a size 18 and have big boobs 36ff I hate pink bows and lace so want to buy a corset that has neither and doesn’t look cheap.
Diana

Hi Diana
Corsets are great for pulling in waists and showing off cleavage. They can also be dressed up with a pencil skirt or black skinny jean and heels as an alternative to the little black dress. Best place to start is figleaves in our shopping mall. They have a fantastic sequin corset by Vollers, which will dress up any look. The heart shaped corset means it flatters the bust line. Enjoy your party!

Hi Caryn
I am getting married early next year and have just found out that I am pregnant!  I don’t want to postpone my wedding as we have paid for the venue etc… I luckily didn’t find my dress yet, but obviously now I need one that can accommodate a bump, any suggestions or shall I just go up a size?
Jenny

Hi jenny
Double congratulations to you! Yes help is at hand and you don’t need to go up a size, especially as it is only your stomach area that will get to expand. If you go to our shopping mall click onto Bjorn and Me Maternity. The Grecian dress is particularly gorgeous and very on trend for this season. It will definitely flatter your bump and its also v-neck and has an empire line, so is flattering around the bust area.

Hi Caryn,
I am looking for a long boot that I can wear in the day. I have really wide calves and wide feet. I really don’t want to or have the time to go and try on hundreds of boots, can you point me in the right direction. Thanks
Amy

There are plenty of online options. My favourites are duoboots.com and plusinboots.co.uk but for a designer option, go straight to Evans in our shopping mall. They have the designer Georgina Goodman designing a shoe range. The boot she has designed for them is fantastic and will certainly be in a wide fitting and should easily fit you as well as more importantly, look good!

Hi Caryn
My son is to be awarded a medal at Buckingham Palace in October, and I would like to know if there is any particular dress code for female guests.  Are trouser suits permitted, what about hats. Is it advisable to wear one? Please help. Many thanks,
Anne

Hi Anne,

It’s very simple these days. But I have just checked with the Palace to confirm, after all I don’t want to steer you wrongly.

There are no colour specifications you can wear black therefore and the specification is just ‘a day dress with hat’ this does include trouser suits.

As far as hats go a fascinator is perfectly acceptable. It is a smaller version of a hat that is pinned to your hair. If you can wear your hair up this will look more sophisticated. You can get these from most department stores.

You don’t need to wear gloves and if you have one, you can wear your uniform but without your medals! Ring the Palace number if you have any other dress code questions. 0207 930 4832

Hi Caryn,
  
I am struggling to define my body type.  I am a petite 5ft with a large bust. I have a wobbly belly but don't feel that I look like an apple but I'm not sure if I'm hourglass.  Please help!
  
I've also recently had a baby (6 wks ago) and I am carrying some post baby weight.  My problem area being my belly.  I am starting 3rd year at uni in the
next few weeks and I would like to find some basic but stylish items that will see me through.  I am a size 14-16 just now but prior to my baby had been a size 12.
  
I would like to find casual/smart clothing that is suitable for uni and for being a busy mum but also age appropriate (I am 30).
  
I would love to start uni looking fresh and stylish, please help Thank you for your time.
Tracy

Hi Tracy,

Firstly congratulations! Now down to business. I would say you are nearer a petite top-heavy shape. Your tummy will disappear within the year - remember if it took nine months for you to grow your baby it will take nine months for your body to return to its pre-pregnancy shape.

I suggest you buy a small wardrobe that is interchangeable to get you through college for this year and don't put yourself under pressure to be anything other than a working mum whose body will no doubt return to a size 12 when left to its own devices.

Prioritise v-necks to elongate your neck and minimise your bust, and empire line tops that will flatter your bust and give you great coverage around your tummy. Wear with jeans and wide leg trousers in dark colours. Now use some styling know how to create an individual look. Stripy blazers are very popular and one of these will work well for you to create elongation and streamlining at the top of your body. Wear this over a coloured top and make a feature of a thin stripy scarf. If you keep colour and pattern to the top of your body and use dark colours for trousers and skirts, you will always look well put together.

Why not try Next who have one of the best petite ranges in their catalogue and of course online. You can visit your nearest store and order any items from their catalogue to try on in the shop if you prefer.