Dear Caryn

I was wondering if you could please give me some advice. I recently bought a yellowy-mustard dress for an event I am going to in a month or so. I liked the shape as it is quite a simple shape with a v-neck and a fitted waist and a knee length skirt with a slight curve/cocoon shape. I have a slight waist and my shoulders and hips are about the same width apart so I think it gives me some curve in and out. I have never bought anything yellow before so I’m not sure how to tell if it really suits me or not.

Also I was wondering if you could please help me with how to accessorize the look. That’s always where I come unstuck. I read that matchy matchy is actually in fashion this season but not sure how to do that without looking too twee?!

Any help you can give will be much appreciated.

Best

Debs

M&S Woman Dress £45, Belt £12.50, Bag £19.50

Hi Debs

There’s nothing like a pop of colour to add a little sunshine to any wardrobe. Strong blocks of colour will also help to give definition to your shape as well as the cut of the dress you describe. #

The best way to tell if a colour works for you is to hold it up right under your chin in strong daylight and see the effect it has when you look in the mirror. Colour reflects light that will settle under your chin, under your nose and under your eyebrows. This reflected light would either compliment your skin or drain it. What you are looking for is a tone that will work with your skin and hair to create a noticeable healthy pallor in daylight. For more detailed colour advice and tips download one of our ebooks.

Matching accessories is back in fashion favour in season but I’d think about items that make a statement individually while still complimenting each other whether they match exactly or not.

Snakeskin accessories always have a sizzle factor and really pop against yellow as you can see here styled by M&S. The pieces both have individual interest with the knot detail on the belt and contrast strap on the bag. They can both go ‘solo’ with other outfits to chic effect.

Hope this helps.

Hi Caryn

I hope that you can help me. I am looking to buy some new items for Summer and I’d particularly like to get some new summer dresses. I’d like some cuter options but I don’t want to look too ‘girly’ – I’d still like to look like a woman. Maybe something printed or something on trend but I’m not sure what will flatter me as well? I am curvy lady, size 20 UK and I am 5”6 tall. I have a big bust, and I’m a little bit conscious of my stomach and upper arms. I’d like to find some things that are cool not just whatever I can get to fit me. I’m tired of shying away from fashion!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Thanks so much

Danielle

Scarlett & Jo Poppy Print Dress, £45, Sizes 14-26, Evans

Hello Danielle

How’s this for simple summer stunner? Flowers grew everywhere throughout the Spring/Summer collections once again. This bursting-to-life meadow poppy print from Evans is a modern 2013 point of view and the kimono shape style also gives a nod to the East, another key trend this summer.

The vibrant print on a black background is not only a fresh alternative on flowers for summer but will help to elongate and flatter your curves and a larger size print will balance your body (those ditsy prints can make your body look bigger as well as verging on twee). The v-empire line neckline will flatter your bust and deftly cover your tummy. The kimono style sheer sleeves will seductively cover arms.

Up your fashion factor with a feisty floral. Keep hair and make-up sleek and simple to take centre stage naturally.

Dear Caryn

I hope you can help me. I am going to Christening in a few weeks time and need to find an outfit to wear and am really stuck! I am a curvy girl – size 18 UK and I am 5”4. I think I am slight apple shape in that my tummy is my widest part. I have quite a good bust but it is smaller and I have quite narrow shoulders. I would like to wear something that is more on trend, I’d like to wear more print but I always veer away from it as worry that it will make my tummy look bigger. I like my legs so don’t mind showing them off and because I am not too tall I feel that this helps. The christening party is mostly outside so I would like a layer/warmer option in case it gets quite cold!

Thanks for any help you can give.

Best

Lindsey

Hello Lindsey

A play on print – print on print or plain with print or print with texture combination – is actually a great way to break up and re-shape your silhouette. A straight coat worn over a contrasting print as seen here at ASOS Curve will break up your body into three slim slices and elongate your waist as well as keeping you warm.

What is more the monochrome palette, geometric prints and combination of different sized prints perfectly taps into this seasons 60′s Geometric trend as well as the overall sense of structure and simplicity – two watchwords for summer.

The dress underneath the coat is a sleeveless empire-line shift that curves out slightly at the hem to give shape to your bottom and also a sense of narrowness at the waist. As it is fitted under your bust it focuses attention at your slimmest part (and away from your tummy). Showing off your shoulders will also enhance the effect of wideness in your upper body and at your thighs to slim your tummy area. A shorter hemline adds height as well as show off your pins.

Add a pop of colour via accessories for a complete fab 60s feel!

Audrey Catseye Sunglasses, £45, Whistles

Having a pair of great sunglasses that flatter your face is just as important as having a great pair of shoes or a great bag. Favourite styles come and go each season but a chic pair of simple sunnies that suit you can be that final piece of the puzzle that makes your look appear anything but simple.

The cat’s eye frame is a popular shape this season and this pair from Whistles have a retro air that will add a touch of classy chic to any look. They’re an eternally classic frame shape but if they’re not for you then there are plenty of options to suit your face shape and skin and hair tone. Here are some tips:

If you have a square face, sunglasses with curvy frames will soften your face shape. Classis aviator styles with rounded edges are perfect for your face shape. Glasses need to sit high enough to minimize the jaw line. Another alternative is a narrow frame that has more width than depth.

If you have a round face, steer clear or round frames and choose a contrasting frame such as a straight or angular one. A bit of width will counteract the roundness of your face so the Cat’s eye is a great option. Make your face appear thinner by choosing a clear bridge over the nose, which widens the eyes.

If you have an oblong face, opt for frames which cover the centre of your face. Select frames that have the effect of shortening your face with a deep frame. Oversized frames work well as does the aviator. Make sure that the outer corners run parallel with your temples and cheek bones

If you have a heart-shaped face, keep your choice of frame small and neat. Opt for a lens that is the same size at the bottom as it is at the top to give width to your jaw area. A slight cat’s eye style that tilts upwards to create a wider-at-the-bottom feel will also work well.

If you have an oval face then you can experiment with a variety of styles. Look for frames that are wider (or as wide as the broadest part of your face).

Monchrome Two Part Wedge Sandals, £30, Sizes 35.5-43, Next

In a season ruled by simplicity and subtlety, shoes are also pure and simple – unfussy designs and sleek shapes. However, that’s not the full story – spring’s shoes are still marching to their own unique beat, bringing a dash of colour, decoration and a little light heartedness to the tale as seen with your geometric print courts and these monochrome wedges from Next.

They perfectly tap into Spring’s MODernist mood and the sugar hit of lemon is just the right amount of sweetness for your wardrobe as well as being a little kinder to your feet!

Team with a simple tee and jeans and your yellow clutch for an anything-but-basic basic look. They’ll also look great with your A-line skirt and soft tailored jacket for a further ode to the Monochrome trend this season. The yellow, black and blush with also really ‘pop’ against the cool blue pieces in the capsule wardrobe.