Hi Caryn,

I wonder if you can help? I’m tall/curvaceous (6ft and size 18 all over) and have seriously fallen into the “mumsy” trap of wearing jeans every day with bland black/brown or plain blue tops. I think I have the shape right – v-necks with bootleg jeans, but I’m so bored with it all!

I need some help with choosing possible colours / patterns that would suit me (I’m pale with light brown hair and blue eyes) and also choosing other practical but stylish clothes! I’m a bit of a wallflower so breaking out of this routine is going to be hard! Can you help?

Thank you! Sue

Caryn replies:

Hi Sue,

My first tip for you to is to start seeing yourself as sexy, you have gorgeous curves and are tall – a great combination.

Print will be a great boost to your wardrobe this summer so ease yourself into a print top with your jeans. Take it step by step and you won’t feel that you are making a drastic change. Choose something that has a good sized print – too small and it will make you look larger and be prepared to try on a few different designs to get the right one for you. In my e-book I do talk about choosing colour but there is only room to say that you will begin to see what suits your skin tone the more you practice.

Now investigate bold prints, which really will work best for your curves and there are plenty of options in the shops now, go for a print that incorporates black if you want soften the look. Check out Debenhams in our shopping mall they have a really fun stretch jersey print dress called orange print belt detail dress.

Shape wise this Summer’s prom a-line dresses are everywhere and are practical as well as stylish so don’t just save them for special occasions. Wear with flat sandals and a bolero. You are right to wear v-necks as these flatter your bust area but also try halter necks.

A lot of women with a big bust tend to hide them away, whilst you don’t obviously want them on full display, you can use your bust to define your shape. Wear large jewellery pendants that sit just above your bust rather than on it and If you feel some dresses or tops are cut too low, simply add a vest underneath to hide any unnecessary bra straps or cleavage.

Your height also means that this summer’s maxi dress will look fab on you. I have found one from Debenhams that is called the orange sunset print maxi dress. Fun, stylish and worn with flats practical for the day.

A waistcoat or fitted revere collar jacket with a belt is also another great option as it will nip in your waist you can wear with a fitted stretch blouse or shirt and a printed a-line skirt, again team with flat open toe sandals for a fresh summer look.

Avoid bulky or fussy detailed tops as these will only create more volume instead go stretchy fabrics such as cotton with lycra built in. Tunic style tops are great for Summer, check out the lime applique tunic from Principles in our shopping mall which would be great worn under a straight pair of trousers and flat shoes and accessorise with a fun bag and bangle.

Take a friend for help on your first shopping trip – you will soon find you get the hang of celebrating your body.

Related posts:

1. How to make Stylish Choices after having Children
2. Capsule Clothing for Pear Shapes
3. Curvaceous body shape: what to wear?
4. Weddings – what to wear?
5. Summer Dresses