Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for June 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 and Simply Be…

Question: “Dear Caryn
I have seen a picture of Chloe Sevigny wearing a pair of animal print trousers, white t-shirt/vest and leather jacket. I think she looks great and I’d love to take some inspiration and try my own animal print look but I’m really scared of getting it wrong and looking tacky! I am a size 12 and quite straight up and down. Do you have any suggestions on how to put a look together?
Thanks very much”
Liz

Ah yes animal print, that sartorial stand-or-fall look for soap-and superstars alike. And how many of them fall! Subtlety is the key and I love these trousers below – animal print in camouflage you could say. The print is abstract but gives the same effect, much like those Louis Vuitton scarves that have adorned many a celebrity’s neck over the past few years.

Don’t wear animal print literally and like Chloe S mix up your styling with a little touch of contrast. Utility accents like M&S have used here works really well for a versatile, chic look and these items are stayers in fashion terms so will work hard in your wardrobe, creating a variety of looks.

The trousers are loose yet structured enough to give you shape and the relaxed waistcoat and jacket will add volume and shape. Cinching at the waist as shown here will help keep it all together.

Limited Collection Abstract Print Harem Trousers
£39.50
Sizes 8-18
Jacket £55.00
Waistcoat £49.50
Sizes 6-18 (available from 1st June 2010)
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: “Deara Caryn
I’ve always liked maxi dresses and am looking to purchase one for a friend’s birthday party in a couple of weeks but would also like to be able to wear it after that throughout the summer. The only thing is I don’t want to go down the hippie/too bohemian route but want it to look dressier so I was wondering if you could advise me how to achieve that? I’m sure that the other girls there will be wearing short dresses but I am a big girl with big hips and thighs and don’t feel comfortable in anything too short but I still want to keep up with them trend-wise. I am a size 20 on top with not much shape and a size 22 on bottom.
Thanks very much”
Lucy

Hello Lucy
A well fitted, flowing maxi dress delivers that wow factor every time. What is more it is perfect for covering any lumps and bumps on your hips, thighs and bum. The round neck will also give the illusion of a fuller bosom as opposed to a deeper v-neck which can minimise.

Often a dress can have a bohemian feeling by the way of the print of the fabric but this tie-dye-esque print is just right for now. Bright, sharp graphic punch without too much nostalgic resonance. When you get the feeling there is a lot going on in a dress (as is often the case with bohemian ones) you might want to “chic it” up with some simple classic accessories. Simple pumps or sandals, classic jewellery (gold, diamonds, lockets, charm bracelets, pearls), a chic bun, and simple make-up will all work to tone it down and make your dress feel modern.

What is more you’ll be way ahead of the party pack as this neat little number is flagging two trends in one!

Tie dye maxi dress
£39.50
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: “Dear Caryn
I am an artist and I love all the paint effect and artistic-style prints that are around at the moment. I really want to buy a printed piece but I can’t afford designer and I am worried that these printed pieces don’t translate well onto a normal body as they look great on the models on the catwalk, who are a lot slimmer than me! I wanted to find some good quality high-street versions. I am a size 14 and I have a bit of a tummy and slightly bigger hips. I am looking for something wearable and that won’t date too quickly. I have a size 32E chest and am 5”5.
Thanks very much “
Claudia

Hello Claudia
Just like your artwork add in some subtle wash and paint effects into the drawing board to create a gorgeously wearable tunic such as this one that won’t start to grate after just one wear. And also one that does not make you expand in all the wrong places. This pattern cleverly works with the body, using blocks of purple and pinks to chisel the body and painterly brush strokes to shade it. A powerful and exquisite masterpiece. Put it centre stage with minimal accessories and simple shoes.

Limited Collection Crossover V-Neck Ombre Print Wrap Tunic
£45.00
Sizes 6-16
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. “Dear Caryn
Can you please tell me what the trouser trends are for the next coming season? Basically are there any options other than a skinny trouser? I am big girl – size 24 with curves and I have quite chunky legs. Therefore skinny trousers and me don’t mix. I need to put together a look for an evening party in a couple of weeks and I’m bored with my black bootleg work trousers. I also have the problem that I can’t wear heels so I need something practical but pretty at the same time. I also want to look modern and not frumpy. I am 5”7 and in my mid-forties. There is just a big gap in my wardrobe for items that fit this bill. Please help!
Thanks“
Jodie

Hello Jodie
Yes it is true, against all odd skinnies have bested every other contender over recent years. But there are a few new (or revived should I say!) challengers dangling their legs into the ring. That packing the biggest punch this summer is the pyjama pant – an elegant, easy to wear pair of trousers for laidback and relaxed, yet simultaneously sophisticated dressing.

The fluid shape will deftly cover your legs while leaving you feeling comfortable and confident. Team with a neat jacket – structure is your friend when it comes to soft slouchy clothes – and these trousers work also fabulously with a pair of evening flats. They are chic and elegant and will long outlive those ephemeral trends and at least for now they are just wide enough to plug that gaping canyon between pretty and practical.

Joanna Hope wide leg trousers
From £30.00 to £36.00
Sizes 14-32
Available in black and navy
Simply Be

Question: “Dear Caryn
Please help! I am having a nightmare in trying to find some well made classic pieces that are still fashionable and that don’t cost a fortune. Whenever I look on the high street there just seems to be lots of really trendy pieces that I know will be “out of fashion” in a few months. I don’t mind spending a bit more for quality but I’m not made of money. I am 5”6 and a size 12. I do have curvy hips and thighs and I suppose I am very slightly pear shaped. I have narrow shoulders too.
Thanks very much”
Shelby

Hello Shelby
How about seeking refuge in this dress which offers a does of fashion flair combined with a bracing accessibility and clean lines that will serve you well beyond the boundaries of this particular fashion season. The cinched waist will simultaneously show off and balance out your curves while the cap sleeves will extend out your shoulder line.

Leather in Summer I hear you say? Well leather is breaking out from its cold-minded connotations and becoming a fabric for all seasons since designers have manipulated this buttery fabric in new and beautiful ways, working it into a myriad of investment pieces including dresses such as this.

Unlike their roughed up, studded sisters, these new leather pieces are subtle in their simplicity and marked absence of hardware embellishments. So allow the dress to command all the attention and keep accessories and styling pared back.

leather dress

Autograph Exclusives Leather Cap Sleeve Dress
£149.00
Sizes 8-16
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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Caryn Franklin