Contributions from Caryn Franklin, Jane Galpin and Claire Ginzler.

October

Top Heavy Bust 32FF

Hi Caryn
I am getting very depressed about my body shape. I have a huge bust 32FF which seems to grow by the minute! However my back size and waist size are only a size 10 but it means I have to buy much bigger sized tops that are unflattering and everything seems to just hang from my bust making it shorter and baggier no matter how fitted it is. I love my tiny waist and hips but they are always overwhelmed by my top half. I always buy v-neck and scoop necked tops but I always feel that they don't sit right or flatter my smaller lower figure, also I have a really long neck which is made longer by these type of tops. Is there any hope for me? I'm 19, 5'8" and on a student budget.
Thanks,
Sue

Dear Sue
First invest in some good bras, not from the department stores but by a Specialist company, such as is Rigby and Pella rot Bravissimo, yes they may be more expensive but their bras will totally change the shape of your breast and therefore how clothes look on you. You'll find them in our underwear shop

You still should chose v-neck tops just go for styles that don't have a low or tops with detail inserts like the one I have found for you in our shopping mall at Warehouse it has a high neck but the lace front detail on it means it is flattering to you bust area, its called the Victorian blouse.

Then too balance out your bodyshape you need to go for volume on the bottom such as a tulip skirt or a wide leg trouser and wear darker colours on top so the eyes are drawn down. Check out Oasis in our shopping mall who have a colourful skirt that is perfect for you called the poppy print skirt and it is currently on sale so at a good price too.

Trousers to Flatter a Curvy Figure

Dear Caryn
Can you tell me, please, where on the High Street I can find trousers to fit a curvy figure? Most seem to be designed for women with no waist, with figures like boys. I love wearing trousers but if I find a pair to fit my hips I always have to wear a baggy top with them to hide the gap round my waist. I'm not fat, just curvy!
Jane

Hi Jane
The following in our shopping mall are some of the retailers that design for real women : Monsoon, Wallis and Principles. Avoid low rise trousers so the fit is better for your bodshape. These retailers tend to not cut low rise. Wide leg trousers are also a good choice for you as the will flatter your curves.

Flat Chested Looking for a Blouse

Dear Caryn,
I work in an office and am trying to update my wardrobe but finding blouses to fit is a nightmare. I'm virtually flat chested and anything with a dart in it doesn't fit well. I'm a petite pear shape and would love to look smart and professional but usually end up looking either frumpy or casual because I cant find tops to fit me properly. Do you have any suggestions that could help me please? (P.S. I do wear a push up padded bra but it doesnt help much).
thanks
Stefania

Hi Stefania
Choose blouses with detail such as a pussy cat bow or ruffles which will add volume and flatter your chest and these are very on trend this season. Check out Principles in our shopping mall who have a some fabulous blouses in particular a ruffle front long sleeve blouse.

Wear with a stretch dark coloured pencil skirt and an elasticated belt to complement your pear shape again Principles Petite have a good selection of pencil skirts.

Finally finish off with a fancy high heel - this seasons must have.

Our Petite and Pear e-book can really help too.

How to Dress after 40

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

Ok turning 40 doesn't mean you have to forgo fashion or looking glam, in fact now you have a new job so you also have new confidence and its about showing that off in your clothes too. Nowadays you can get away with a lot more in the corporate world than you think, however if you want to be taken seriously i would avoid going too fashion, instead go for basics that fit well and and you can dress up or down with a bit of colour or print, be prepared to spend a little more on these items.

A basic is a core garment or accessory such as a pencil skirt, skinny trouser, wide leg trousers, fitted suit, long pair of boots, black high heels etc. Check out in our shopping mall Next as they have a whole section for smart workwear classics.

The trick is then to update these items each season by wearing them with more fashion items such as a chiffon or lace detail blouse and for examples go to Debenhams in our shopping mall and check out their J Jeans by Jasper Conran.

Spend a little more also on a coat and a handbag as you'll wear these items virtually everyday in winter. With regards to accessories these are a great way to jazz up an outfit without going over the top. eg. a coloured belt, necklaces and bangles, check out also in our shopping mall both Marks and Spencer and Wallis who do a great selection of accessories now in various colours.

How to Choose Colour

Hello Caryn.
I have already purchased your e-book for the over 40's which I found very useful. However, would love more advice on how to choose colours that suit me. As I have got older, many colours I used to wear don't seem to work as well. I have considered a colour analysis session.  Do you consider this a worthwhile investment or can you give me some general guidelines?

Many thanks for any help you can give me.
Hilary

Hi Hilary,
Glad the 40plus book helped.

If I were standing in front of you I could look at your skin tones and eyes and make recommendations, but without that it’s harder of course!

The reason colours no longer suit as we age is because our skin and hair tone becomes less pure and robust. Getting a tone right can make a big difference.

Try visiting a good store or boutique for advice. Some advertise that they have stylists (no charge) after all they want you to buy clothing from the offer shop so they offer a helpful service to aid you. Or book yourself in for a Debehams personal shopper experience. The are the best and certainly in London they are very very good. Ring up and discuss what you need and say I recommended them. I do believe this route (free of charge) that may lead to you buying some clothes will be the best way.

I’m not against colour prediction but I do think it is expensive – better to spend that money on a garment or two after your personal shopper has advised.