Hi,

I recently celebrated (yes I did celebrate) my 60th birthday and desperately need some advice on what to wear to suit my body. I am not even sure what my body shape is.

My measurements are 41″ bust, 36″ waist and 44″ hips, wow is that scary. I am 5ft 3″ tall and weigh 12 stone 4 lbs. I range from size 14 to size 16 depending on the time of day and the make of clothes. I know I need to lose weight as I am in the obese range. But – what clothes do I avoid and what can I wear to make me look and feel better? I desperately need a make over and or advice please.

Thank you in anticipation. Chrissie

Caryn replies:

Hi Chrissie

You are a sexy, curvy pear shape. Yes you can lose weight but fundamentally your body shape will remain the same. Congratulations, by the way, on your 60th birthday! Now is a great time to take stock of your image.

It’s about accepting what you have and working with it. My pear shape e-books  offer great tips on creating a new look and also what to avoid, but here are some tips to be going on with.

An instant confidence injection for your self image would be control underwear. Check out John Lewis in our shopping mall and invest in a pair of Spanx pants. They will feel a bit weird to wear at first but believe me they are an instant toner and will pull you in the right places!

Avoid skirts that are as wide as they are long as this will only add more bulk instead go for a stretch pencil/fishtail or slight a-line skirt which you can then brighten up with a colourful top. Never wear skirts that are below the knee or long as this will only shorten your appearance. Check out Boden in our shopping mall who have a skirt called “dark flippy back skirt”.

Choose also a slim bootcut jeans in a dark wash, as these are more flattering – examples of these you can find at Dorothy Perkins in our shopping mall who do good styles in their petite range. Make sure you team these with a tunic that covers the widest part of your hips.

You need to enhance your waist by wearing dresses which maybe have a sash or try adding a wide belt and wear it around the thinnest part of your stomach – this will create a great silhouette. Wear it a little higher (below the bust) if this is the thinnest part of that area.

To also add height wear contrasting necklines and accessories such as necklaces and earring to draw attention up. Avoid anything that is too fussy but at the same time go for subtle details.

For example the gothic romance look is a key trend for A/W and a lot of tops and sleeves will have lace sleeve or neckline details which is perfect for you as it will draw attention up without creating too much fuss around your bust area. Such items will start coming into stores from mid August onward. Alternatively go for pussy bow top in a print, again great for attention to detail at the top half of the body.

Check out Debenhams in our shopping mall as they have a Petite black two in one spotted top, lovely with a black pencil skirt again available at Debenhams petite section.

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