Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for March 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.
Insider fashion tips news and gossip guaranteed to show you How To Look Good and save money too!
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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 M&S, Simply Be, Boden and Evans…
Question: “Hi Caryn
I’m going to the Badminton Cup, a polo event in the Cotswolds at the end of April. I want to look sophisticated but still a little funky at the same time. Could you give me any suggestions? I know there are lots of short dresses around but I don’t feel comfortable in anything short because I don’t like my knees. Saying that, I don’t want anything too frumpy or ladylike matchy matchy if you know what I mean! I would like to look more on trend within the limitations of this more reserved event. I am 5”5, a size 10 and I have a boyish figure.
Thanks”
Carly
Hello Carly,
Polo is a tricky one as you have to dress up for what is essentially a party in a field and of course you always have the unpredictability of the weather to throw into the mix! I would go for a soft, light dress with the informality to look good in a country setting and team with a structured jacket to add a little fashion touch and some warmth! A dressy coat will look really chic, or try adding a youthful edge with summer’s soft leather jacket.
Channel your inner Pretty Woman with this polka number and wear it with a little spark and sass. Team with quirky non-matching accessories to any of those ladylike connotations. The high neckline and polka print will add a little roundness to your figure – just make sure you emphasize your waist for added oomph. A hemline right at the knee is always chic and if it works for you then stick to it no matter what the fashion gods might be decreeing as en vogue!
As for heels I’d go for this season’s wedge which will not only play a stylish role but will stop you from sinking into the ground!
Autograph Occasions Spot Print Belted Dress
£45.00
Sizes 8-20
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: “Hello Caryn
I’m going to a christening in Portugal and I’d like to wear a dress but I am a total pear shape. It’s not so much my hips that are the issue but my thunder thighs. I love the 50’s look but am worried that it might be too formal for the warmer setting. I have a wardrobe full of black dresses but I also think that they will look too harsh in the warm weather! I also won’t wear anything above the knee and I am not big on lots of detail or accessories but like a more minimalistic look. I am a size 18 curvy girl with boobs too.
Thanks “
Sophie
Hello Simone,
The future is white for you then, or for this spring/summer at least. The white dress is a big hitter this season – eternally fashionable as it is easily adaptable, although admittedly rather more difficult to keep clean (!) Some curvy women worry that a white dress adds weight but al you have to do is make sure you pay close attention to the shape. A dress that gathers at the waist proves to be flattering and a-line shapes will downplay your lower half.
Choose a structured piece with a flare that isn’t too dramatic (i.e. no big trapeze skirt) and make sure the top is slim and cut close to the body. Fitted at the top with the full skirt is the classic 50s silhouette so slip on this flirty little frock and you’ll already be channelling the 50’s with stylish confidence and ease – et voila!
Add neutral accessories if you like classic or bright accessories if you want to make a bit more of an impact!
Frock and Frill Crochet Dress
£60.00
Sizes 14-32
Available in Ivory and Navy
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
Can you please advise me on pieces to invest in for this Spring/Summer season? I have a wardrobe full of black and navy separates such as trousers, skirts and tops. I really want to buy something so that I can update some of my basics. I am 5”4, a size 10. I have a small waist but boobs and a bum – I guess a slim-ish hourglass. I like quite classic looks but do you think that is boring?
Thanks “
Karen
Hello Karen,
Yours is a letter that sums it up from most women! Darks are practical but it can all start to get a bit sombre…I speak from experience and I’ve been blogging about my new years resolution to wear more colour! Still that’s the great thing about the new season…spring always brings a whole load of opportunities to wear colour.
This season it seems that designers have been dipping into the jelly-bean jar for colour inspiration, so there is lots out there and later you can paint the town red so to speak!
But let’s start with this sassy over layer – a long green cardigan, that will immediately brighten up your existing darks, working wonders with navy, black or grey to help to slim and elongate.
This chunky knit is a little more expense but it is a multi-tasking wonder doubling up as a cardigan or a coat, it will last longer and feels really cosy. It can luxe up any pair of jeans and give a pair of trousers a softer, more laid-back feel.
Classic does not equal boring but done right (not gimmicky or too conservative) it can actually be a welcome breath of old-school air in today’s sea of trendy fashion. There is nothing more chic and elegant in a woman dressed with knowledge and confidence in simple, pared down, well fitting clothes. It doesn’t mean you have to ignore trends though – just think about adding a few personal twists here and there. For example throw on a bundle of necklaces for a spring/summer 2010 twist.
Long Island Cardigan
£95.00
Sizes 6-22
Available in Chalk, Lawn and Slate
Boden
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 am a therapist and my job demands that I need to be able to move easily and feel comfortable. My uniform is boot-leg trousers and flats. My nightmare is the upper half, I need to find some tops that are smart but not stuffy and yet casual enough to put my patients at ease. I’d also like to find some options that I can wear outside of work. I am 5”7, I am a size 20 on top and 22 on the bottom and I have a small bust. I am conscious of my tummy. Oh I forgot to say that colour is good (as opposed to black) as it looks less austere and intimidating! I’d also like to wear some trend pieces if possible.
Thanks so much “
Charlotte
Hello Charlotte,
Shades of the seventies were seen at many catwalks for the Spring/Summer season and fit well with the comfortable, laid-back yet self expressive style you seek. The idea is to pay homage to the decade without drowning in nostalgia. That translates as seventies details contrasted with modern accents to keep the look up to date and fresh.
So take this beautiful feminine peasant blouse, some frivolous dangly earrings and team with a little city luxury such as the strictness of your tailored trousers for an effortlessly thrown together Seventies aesthetic with a relaxed modern day work sensibility. The embroidered detail and bright colour will help to balance out your bottom half and the top worn over your trousers will create an illusion of overall slimness and draw the eye away from your tummy.
Blue Cutwork Embroidered Top
£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 looking for a dress for my 27th birthday. I’m not really a girly girl so don’t want anything too flouncy or frilly but with a slightly harder edge. I’m not saying I don’t like pink or ruffles I just don’t know how to do them without looking like Barbie! I really like my legs but my arms less so. I am a size 12 and I think my body is in good proportion although I have slightly narrow shoulders. I am 5”4.
Thanks”
Michelle
Hello Michelle
Something about spring tends to put designers into a romantic mood. But you’re in luck as this season we are seeing a stricter version of those traditionally super girly looks. It means that ruffles are densely packed and semi cropped and a bit tougher than past incarnations.
The ruffles on the sleeves of this dress pay lip-service to this trend in a less conventional guise and look completely fresh for the season. This dress is hot pink (actually a big colour of the season) but with shoulders, body con, and thigh high hemline it means business. Sugar and spice but not Barbie nice!
As you like your legs it might be time to get scrubbing and buffing as they are the number one accessory this summer. A leggy look is sure to give you the appearance of a long, lean figure and dressing in a single shade will optimize this – just remember to maintain a level of polish.
Puff Shoulder Shift Dress
£19.50
Sizes 8-22
Available in Hot Pink or Navy
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.
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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