Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for December 2009

Keeping on top of the latest fashion and trends can be very confusing, particularly when you also want to compliment your body shape and budget.

Your letters and emails tell me that you want to try and incorporate the new fashion trends into your wardrobe, but feel they are difficult to wear and don’t always flatter your body type.

You’re not alone. I have helped thousands of women during my 20 years or more in the industry, to understand which of the latest women’s fashion trends to wear and which to avoid.

Now it’s your turn!

If you want to learn more about this season’s best styles for your individual and very special body shape which are now translating onto the high street, then take a look at this month’s fashion and styles that I am recommending will work for your shape, along with my inspirational advice on how to maximise your look and dress for your shape.

New fashion trends for every body shape this season

To illustrate this season’s autumn/winter collections, your favourite high street stores have created some practical and desirable interpretations of the current fashion trends, and that’s why I will choose specific brands and styles to answer your questions each month in Ask Caryn.

Let me show you how you can work with the new fashion trends to get the most flattering effect for your body shape and satisfy your budget – after all that’s what this site is all about!

And if you’re not sure what shape you are find out here…

Remember, these trends can suit all shapes and ages, but if you’re over 40 then see my ageless style advice on how to look and feel fantastic at any age.

Now select any one of my 19 inspiring e-books and you will see how to look great in the current fashion trends. Your e-book will be emailed to you today for just £9.97. You will also receive a special bonus e-book on everything you need to know about Jeans, completely FREE of charge!

Ok, let’s get on with answering your questions this month with the help of M&S, Evans, Boden and Simply Be…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am hoping that you can help to me. I have been invited to a drinks reception at my boss’s house which is going to be a relaxed but still formal’ish affair. I would like to wear a dress but I don’t want to look too prissy or girly and would like to reflect my personality which I would like to think is a little edgy and relaxed. I really like a more rock chic look and would normally just reach for a black dress but I would maybe like to add a little twist. Do you have any suggestions? I am a size 12 with a 32D chest, narrow shoulders and am quite short at 5”3 and my legs are shorter than my body. I have quite a small waist but I do have a curvier bum. I have dark brown hair and quite a pale complexion. I normally wear looser garments but would like to wear something a little more fitted, but when I try things like that on I worry that they are too tight.
Thanks very much “
Cheryl

Hi Cheryl
How about taking this directional fierce frock and channelling the glam punk look, thinking hard edge glamour for evening. Toughen up with boots, patterned tights and chunky metal jewellery. Think accessories with stud or zip detailing oh and don’t forget the most important accessory of all: a serious attitude. All adding up to a fresh, fashion-forward, fun but still occasion appropriate attire.

Black does frame and slim, but it can also be hard on pale complexions. Black can be a marvel in the trouble zones (hips, legs, torso, arms or bust) but try freshening up the rest with colour and with this dress you really need say no more. The colour panel adds a luminosity (as well as an exciting edge), while the black line slims and lengthens and the simplicity won’t overwhelm your more petite frame. The off shoulder neckline will also widen your shoulders and further enhance your small waist.

Try this tip in the fitting room – make sure you can sit down, cross your legs, bend over and reach up without pinching or squeezing (which will make you look bigger than you are) or exposing more than you want to!

Limited Collection Bandeau Panelled Dress
£35.00
Sizes 8-16
Marks and Spencer

If you want to know exactly what to wear to flatter your body shape, then treat yourself to an e-book specially written for you by me. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and save you money (you’ll never impulse buy again) and there are 19 different body shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

Question: “Hi Caryn
I really hate dressing up too much for the evening. I am a size 22 and am a pear shape. My boobs are relatively small and I have quite toned arms. I’m not really a dress kind if girl and I really don’t like that whole leggy mini look that seems to be everywhere at the moment. I do still want to feel glamorous though and stand out a little. Could you give a jeans queen any advice for glaming up her favourite blues?
Thanks very much “
Joanne

Hello Joanne
I think there is a little fashion magpie in all of us who can’t resist a little bit of sparkle and boy is it time to shimmer and shine. Anything metallic or sparkly is guaranteed to make you feel like a star and jazz up your jeans in an instant. This relatively simple shaped vest will show off your great arms and the black base will slim but it is the sequined finish that makes it look more haute for the holiday season and hits just the right celebratory note but still retaining a more relaxed, causal vibe.

Team with a sleek pair of pants, killer heels and a pair of huge earrings topped off with bold, dark lips or dramatic kohl eyes. If you need a cover up then layer up with contrasting fabrics such as wool knits or lace or you could up the sequin ante even further. Evans also has a fabulous sequin blazer which you can see in our high street trends section. Who said too much sparkle was ever enough?!

Black Sequin Flame Vest
£29.50
Sizes 14-32
Evans

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body type download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape. Choosing the best clothes for you will become so much easier.

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am sure you have had lots of similar requests but I need to find a great dress for my work Christmas party. I am generally not really a very dressy person but we are going to a very posh restaurant and bar and it is Christmas after all so I feel like I need to make more of an effort than a normal night out. I suppose if I’m honest I would like to try and be glamorous and give my colleagues a bit of a surprise with a mini-transformation! I am a size 14 and I have quite a large chest (34F) which I am a little paranoid about and I have a bit of a tummy so I don’t normally wear anything too revealing. I am in my forties too so still want to feel sexy and glamorous and not frumpy, but neither do I want to be mutton! I am quite tall at 5”7, I have quite a small bottom and I don’t mind my legs too much. Help!
Thanks “
Liz

Hello Liz
Scarlet fever struck many a model down on the catwalk and so for you I would prescribe this beautifully refined frock for a little splash of Hollywood glamour and to channel your inner sexy scarlet starlet. Certainly not your average night out number but perfect for your sophisticated soiree – a romantic dress that is easy to wear and will provide you with stylish comfort and confidence. The slightly more covered-up cut that falls at the knee keeps the look appropriate but still has plenty of sex appeal for a mature but not matronly look!

The frothy embellished flower detail is an elegant touch which will nicely draw attention to your great pins. Team with matching red lipstick against a luminous skin for a hot statement.

The empire line of the dress will help to lengthen and deftly mask your tummy. Control underwear will also help if you feel you need that extra support and confidence. And don’t be afraid to show of your bust once in a while, but with proper support. A well-made, properly fitted bra is never an extravagance, no matter how much it costs. Underwear that gives you the support you need will minimize and shape the way nothing else can. Baggy cuts aren’t really very kind (a body-skimming silhouette is much more flattering) and actually V-necks slim and lengthen the torso. If that leaves you feeling too exposed, top it with a looser layer, but try not to mask your silhouette underneath too much.

Flutter Hem Dress
£125.00
Sizes 8-20
Available in Red, Green and Black
Boden

Question. “Hi Caryn
My boyfriend has invited me to his friends’ annual gathering for drinks on Christmas Eve. I really want to make a good impression especially as his ex-girlfriend is going to be there. I feel a little bit nervous about it so I still want to be as comfortable as possible. I think it is going to be quite casual but I would like to be semi-glam. I am a size 22, 5”8 tall and have quite big boobs. I am blonde with blue eyes. I was thinking of something with a more interesting neckline but I’m not sure because of my big boobs. I’ve always loved pink but I’m worried that it makes me seem too girly and Barbie-like and I do like colour in general. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks very much “
Carol

Hi Carol
There’s nothing like something pink to make a girl happy and the delicious, stop-you-in-your-tracks shade of pink here on my top for Simply Be is the colour to rock right now. Definitely more fashion forward than fashion Barbie, guaranteed to make you stand out fabulously from the rest of the pack but still able to walk into the party without feeling too done up. Feeling happy, confident and comfortable is the start to a great look.

Teaming this top with a slim pair of trousers or jeans will create an illusion of overall slimness and draw the eye away from your tummy. Keep it simple and the slinky shape will do all the hard work. Draping shapes are the hardest workers of all – wrapping, twisting, gathering around your body, smoothing out unwanted curves.

The crossover neckline is very flattering and, remember, when making the most of a glorious bust your shoulders are key – they are one of fashion’s most effective decoys and usually look lean and tones, even if the rest of you is not!
Strong colours need strong make-up and I’d emphasize your beautiful blue eyes. If you want to add more colour to an already vibrant look then go for it but keep the pieces sleek and not too overly adorned.

Caryn Franklin Top
£30.00
Sizes 14-30
Available in Hot Pink and Black
Simply Be

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body type download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body shape. Choosing the best clothes for you will become so much easier.

Question. “Hi Caryn
What kind of dresses would look good on an athletic figure, no waist, flat chested and narrow hips? I normally live in skinny jeans, t-shirts and a blazer but I would like to try a dress for a change. I am young (in my 20s) and have pretty good legs so would like to show them off a bit more and be slightly more girly but I don’t want to look cheap and tarty. I would like to try and experiment with more fashionable led looks too but I don’t really know where to start.
Thanks “
Jodie

Hello Jodie
Summer’s youthful brights have given way to a more sophisticated colour spectrum of cool blues and regal purples and you will really stand out from the pack of black with something as sweet and playful as this item below. It has all the qualities to look for in a dress – ultra feminine, light-hearted, colourful and flirty. Don’t be afraid to show a little skin here and there and indulge those girlish whims, but the key is to maintain a level of polish. If you’ve got great pins then go and show them off in a shorter frock, but if you do so then the silhouette should be more restrained. Here the cap sleeves and straight neckline add a ladylike appeal that is an intriguing contrast to the hiked-up hemline. The bubble hem and interesting hue keeps the look interesting – delicate sophistication with a little bit of sass too.

When you are thinking about dresses I have one word for you: waist – The trick is to create the illusion of a waist and the quickest way to do that is to cinch or at least start with something that is seamed at the waist. Add definition with a belt in a dark colour. Try a different twist here with this season’s curtain-tie belt – simply wrap a tassel ended rope around your waist and you are good to go.

pencil skirt

Limited Collection Jacquard Dress
£35.00
Sizes 8-16
Marks and Spencer

That’s all for this month’s current fashion trends. Don’t forget to check ‘Ask Caryn’ where there are further questions answered and of course the ‘Ask Caryn archive’ where one of the questions answered might just be the solution you are looking for.

Don’t forget our shopping mall features petite, fuller, standard and tall sections with retailers who will provide the right clothes to fit your body shape.

And if you want to know how to build your wardrobe this season and which key garments I’m recommending, then subscribe to my newsletter so I can talk to you exclusively and tell you about my month in fashion, and you can reply to me!

Sign up for your free newsletter personally written by me.

Each month I’ll give you a behind the scenes peak at my world, from fashion shoots to programme making. You’ll get it straight from me! And I’ll be helping you to update your wardrobe with three new recommendations every month. I’ll explain why I think they are a great addition to your wardrobe and show you how to wear them.

There’s also the opportunity to give me your opinions and feedback, which I will publish (without using your full name) so we can discuss.

Don’t miss out – sign up now!

Please be assured we hate spam as much as you do and will not give out your address to anyone.

Caryn Franklin