Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for July 2010

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 spring/summer 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 Marks and Spencer, Evans, Debenhams and Simply Be…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I was wondering if you could please help me as I’m stuck in a bit of a style rut. I’m an eighties girl and have lived in tight Lycra miniskirts and dresses for years which has now progressed to leggings and jersey tops. I would like to dress in a more sophisticated and feminine way but still relaxed and still sexy. I am a bigger girl now at a size 20 and I was thinking about maybe trying a maxi dress but I need to know how to style it to make it more interesting. I also was wondering if you could advice me of an option that is sexy and can stand up for day and evening as I have a few parties over the summer that I’d like to wear it to. I am 5”7 and as I said I am curvy.
Thanks very much “
Mandy

Ah yes the eighties. While many of this decade’s looks may now be relegated to fashion purdah, that 1980’s spirit – so sexy, so self-assured is actually just right for this spring/summer season. Just look at Versace catwalk show where we witnessed some Versace redux with Donatella reverting back to those mega wattage sex-on-legs dresses she loves. The models asserted those 1980s ideals of confidence and curves – glamorous and sexy, strutting in platform sandals to a disco soundtrack and all of course with a generous helping of cleavage and glossy hair!

This dress will let you perfectly capture that essence. Gauzy, long and fabulously feminine on it’s own; it will gently accentuate your curves and give the impression of long lingering limbs. Simply add in some styling details to make this go-to piece even more interesting. Accoutrements such as a straw fedora, clogs or fringe sandals and a vintage belt will add your own personal spin to this effortlessly chic style. For fancier affairs try a tailored tux jacket.

Tie Dye Maxi Dress
£65.00
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: “Hello Caryn
I have seen lots of picture in magazines of celebrities and models in short printed dresses. I think they are called skater style dresses. I really like the print and the way the waist is nipped in but they are too short for me? I am in my early forties and would feel uncomfortable going that short and I know that I would be entering mutton dressed as lamb territory. I would like to look more edgy than girly pretty. I was wondering if you could suggest any options of that vane that would be suitable. I am 5”6, I am a size 14 and I am very slightly pear shaped and have narrow shoulders. I am hosting a charity high tea in a couple of weeks and would love to find something to wear to that.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks“
Carolyn

Hello Carolyn
The skater dress might actually be a little more diverse than first appearances deem. Yes on the one hand you have the traditional skater ensemble, which is reflected in feminine, flowy dresses with pastel colours and posy prints but the skater dress can also take on an edgy interpretation with fitted silhouettes and dark, saturated colour schemes.

The sharp sculptural contours, minimalist lines and demure hemline of this number is a non-girly take on this trend and also perfectly sums up the pretty-edgy vibe that ruled the London catwalks this season. Team with statement heels and necklace for a playful yet sophisticated look. This beautifully constructed dress will extend out your shoulder line and transform you from pear to hourglass in an instant. Just your sartorial cup of tea.

All you need to do is get the kettle on and revel in the admirations from those coveting your effortlessly grown-up glamour.

Autograph Short Puff Sleeve Marble Print Dress
£45.00
Sizes 8-22
Marks and Spencer

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 would like to invest in some new work wear type clothes for the summer. At the moment I basically live in black trousers and top with a black jacket for meetings. I am starting to swelter in the heat and I want something that is a little more casual (not so harsh) and relaxed yet smart. My office has quite a relaxed dress code but I have been used to wearing suits for a while. I’m in my thirties and would like to look more trendy and fashionable. I would like to find some separates that I could also wear after work and at the weekend. I am 5”6, size 10 and I’m pretty straight up and down.
Thanks for your help.”
Sian

Hello Sian
Maybe it’s all the sporting events at the moment but why not play with something on the sporty side? Now I’m not suggesting you whip on a football shirt but something more akin to tennis whites is somewhere near the mark. Many of the designers are feeling a little athletic this summer as they sent out relaxed sporty collections – lightweight jackets, crisp white shirts and t-shirts, rolled hem trousers and shorts predominantly in shades of white, cream – a perfectly summation of this season’s neutral palette and modern aesthetic.

White is to spring/summer what black is to autumn – as eternally fashionable as it is easily adaptable. It is quintessentially chic and these pieces will take you all the way from the boardroom to the beach and then on to the bar and back again.

They act as blank canvas pieces, intended as backdrops to individual styling from which you can experiment creating your own looks. A broken up suit as styled here (black jacket and white trousers) is a great way to add intrigue to corporate wear. Pump up the glam with a sequin top for the evening and a loose vest when off duty – all nonchalant, urban-cool options. The jacket and textured top will add shape and keep your waist defined to enhance that effect further. The trousers are so versatile, have fun mixing them up and play with statement accessories – the ball is in your fashion court!

Rocha. John Rocha Peg leg trousers
£45.00
Sizes 8-22
Debenhams

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 was wondering if you could help me with my holiday packing! I always have a complete nightmare when going on holiday. I normally just end up chucking in a load of tops and bottoms into my case but then when I get on holiday I don’t really have any good outfits or more put-together looks. I just want simple outfits (nothing too complicated) but would love to at least look a bit more chic when I’m not on the beach and for dinner and drinks in the evening. I find it really difficult to put anything together so just want something that is even easy for me. I am size 18, 5’4 and I’m slightly apple shaped. I have good legs.
I would really appreciate any advice that you could give me.
Thanks very much “
Rosie

Hello Rosie

This flirty little frock might be the sartorial steer you are looking for. Something so easy and straightforward that you can really enjoy it. Simply slip it on for a laid back and relaxed and yet simultaneously colour block chic look which will slim and lengthen and gently show off your curves.

To really make a style difference, infuse your look with a little drama via jewellery, bags and brimmed hats. Ramp up the jersey dress with a big statement necklace, statement sandals and in the evening grab a brightly coloured clutch. Chic with an easy sensibility and right up your less-is-more alley.

Changes Boutique Dress
£40.00
Sizes 14-30
Simply Be

Question: “Hello Caryn
Can you please tell me how to wear nudes that are trendy this season? Also do you have any pieces that you would recommend? I am 29, 5”5 and a size 12 and I have an hourglass shape. I have dark hair and quite fair skin. I guess I quite like more feminine romantic looks but nothing too girly. I guess if I’m honest I’d like to be more fashion forward and experiment a bit more and perhaps give those people who always see me in the same things a bit of a surprise!
Thanks very much “
Maria

Hello Maria
There are many ways to incorporate nude into your repetoire. A consistent palette ensemble (i.e. nude top, trousers and jacket/cardigan) is chic – add a pop of colour such as fuschia pink bag or shoes for a truly lavish look. A nude sleek and minimal dress is always stellar and a red lip and shoe totally adds a fresh update. Another way to wear neutrals is to play with shape, proportion and texture. This beautiful ruffled blouse will give an ensemble a fashion forward appeal, yet it is easy to wear and can be combined in a variety of looks. The shoulder detail will accentuate your waist and keep it cinched for more hourglass va va voom.

This fabulous top taps into this season’s stricter version of the traditionally girly ruffled looks with densely packed and semi cropped nouveau ruffles that are a bit tougher than past iterations and looks completely fresh. Pretty but not saccharine and guaranteed to ruffle a few fashion feathers!

cap sleeve top

Autograph Exclusives Cap Sleeve Frill Top
£35.00
Sizes 8-18
Marks and Spencer

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.

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!

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