Romance
Get ready to feel like a lady again, as designers
love affair with the whole hippie vibe is reignited, evolving
from free spirit and fun loving to feminine and refined, in
what is sure to be one of the most wearable trends of the spring/summer
2007 season. With breezy chiffons, pretty cottons, beautiful
but understated detailing, and a subtle colour palette the message
is one of lightness and refined polish, more serene deluxe than
festival chic, and the perfect place in which to indulge and
embrace your feminine, sophisticated side.
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This dress from Jaeger
is a beautiful example of the high streets interpretation of
a catwalk trend. The lightness of the chiffon fabric, the pretty
ruffle detailing and the nude colour palette all add to its
sophisticated designer feel. The ‘trapeze’ shape
of the dress, a key style for the season, is a flattering, easy
shape to wear for most figures petite and tall alike. Not only
does it skim the bottom and thigh areas it hides any lumps and
bumps in the tummy and can balance the proportions of broad
shoulders perfectly. Also note the length, whilst most designer
hemlines have crept up to mini proportions, the knee-length
finish shown here is far more flattering for the more discerning
among us. A tip: Nude and Neutral palette play a key role in
the look, although do be wary, nude is a difficult tone to pull
off and I would generally suggest you mix it with either black,
white, cream or pastel pink to lift your skin slightly.
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Crisp white cotton and pretty
embroidery detailing on the sleeves and hemline give this Simply
Be dress a feel of airy freshness and purity. The deep
v neckline is ultra flattering, especially on the larger bust,
the empire-line cut remains slightly fitted giving shape to
the waist, teamed with bejewelled toe post sandals its great
for both day and night and perfect for holidays in the sun,
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Although dresses create the
main stay of the Romance trend it is of course lovely to simply
touch on a look, as Principles show here with
this chiffon embroidered smock blouse with pretty fluted sleeves,
teamed with another key look for the season – high waisted
trousers. Its softness and detailing are all key elements and
would look great with your work suit or jeans, city shorts or
wide leg linen pants for a more whimsical feel.
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The mini versus the maxi is
one of the big stories of the summer with many high street designers
going for the much more flattering maxi length. Marks
and Spencer have come out tops with this gorgeous flowing
full-length dress perfect for any summer wedding, garden party
or simply shopping in the markets. Teamed with heels or sandals
this style of dress will look ravishing, just make sure its
at the right length for you, ideally it should sit just a touch
above the floor, so if needs be, have a friend or your local
seamstress shorten it. There are huge selections of similar
designs across the high street both patterned and plain, and
again it’s a shape that suits most figures, head down
to H&M, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins for good alternatives.
And remember to keep jewellery to a minimum with Romance, chunky
bangles or a bejewelled costume ring and an oversized shopper
bag will ensure you have your finger on the fashion pulse.
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Caryn says
‘To find out more about your personal style, select an
e-book especially written by me, to help you style your individual
body shape. Learn what suits your body shape and what to avoid.
It’s fashion advice that will last you a life time.’
Click here to find out more
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