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

Question: “Dear Caryn
I am looking to purchase a new skirt. I’d like something more fashiony as opposed to something too light, loose, floaty etc if you get what I mean. And it would be good if I could wear it past this summer. I do like pencil skirts but I always consider them more for the office and don’t know how to wear them in a more relaxed way. I am 5”6; I have narrow shoulders and quite a small chest. I have quite short legs and a long body and I do have a slightly curvy bum. What do you suggest?
Thanks”
Simone

Hello Simone
So, let me suggest some lightweight leather. Whilst wearing it in summer might seem wrong, before you write us fashion folk off as completely bonkers check out this soft-as-butter- leather skirt from M&S. Its lightness, simple, unfussy femininity feels just right for now and it tackles two trends in one as designers have also got a sweet tooth for ice cream shade pastels and nudes.

Pile on nudes together in subtleties of tone: peach, washed out nutmeg, blush. A peasant top or sheer blouse tucked in will pretty the leather up and also help to elongate. Go for full on “nudity” with bare legs and nude shoes to give the effect of limbs that linger forever. Try bright iridescent accessories for evening and a jacket for work. Silver and pastel as styled here is actually an unlikely pairing that flatters every skin tone. So all in all not only is this skirt trend-tastic but it is actually very wearable and has kind of edgy fashion attitude that makes it an unexpectedly good trans-seasonal piece.

Autograph Leather Skirt
£99
Sizes 8-22
Marks & 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 am an avid follower of your site and I really enjoy reading all your advice and tips. I was looking on your catwalk trends page where it seems that the military look is in this season. I like the look and in particular the Balmain show which you cited on your website. Can you suggest any high street options to get the Balmain look? I am a curvy size 20 girl, I am quite petite at 5”4 and I have quite chunky thighs. Also can you tell me how to make the look work for me as I’m not skinny and am also not sure if I would want to do full on military!
Thanks “
Nicole

Hello Nicole
Thanks for your kind comments. How about this military khaki jacket, this Season’s key cover up and your no-nonsense route to tapping into this trend without committing yourself head to toe. And with a price tag that means you don’t have to take out a second mortgage this summer! In fact this look is all about not going over the top. Utility chic is exactly that: chic, clean-cut and sophisticated. Buttoned down militaria, punctuated by a little sass rather than full parade regalia. Think tough femininity and team with chiffon, sequins or silk for that glamorous edge a la Balmain.
This piece is so versatile – team with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a flirty little frock. Its wearability extends well beyond this season. In fact I’ll give you a cheeky peek and let you know that it military will be marching down the high street again in autumn and winter.

It also has its own figure fixing ammo. Simply wearing the jacket will help to draw the eye upwards away from your thighs and creating the illusion of height. The central military panel is also a sneaky way of slimming your shape. The eye is drawn to the central panel and away from your silhouette. It’s an old time trick that stylists use and take it from me it works like a dream!

Military Jacket
£45.00
Sizes 14-32
Available in khaki 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
I am going to a party in a few weeks and I was thinking of wearing a jumpsuit for the occasion but I wasn’t sure if they are now a bit passé? I know that they were everywhere last summer but I’m not sure about this one. Also would this be a smart enough option for a party? I want to look smart but I generally like more of a relaxed style so I don’t want to feel and look uncomfortable. I always look a little scruffy so I was to give myself a bit of a transformation but not so that it is too obvious if that is possible! I am a size 10, I have quite a small chest and I don’t really have a waist but I do have a little bit of a belly. I am 5”7 tall.
Thanks for your help.”
Kelly

Hello Kelly
Not that it has strayed far from our consciousness but the all in one is once again big news this summer and this soigné blue number is a chic fail-safe look for any party this season. Beyond that it is polished enough for work, relaxed enough for the weekend and is the ultimate wear-anywhere relaxed cool piece for summer.

For a successful subtle sartorial transformation think a little breath of old-school timeless air mixed with high fashion; that is modern ladylike chic. The jumpsuit perfectly epitomises this. The form fitting and flattering drapery hides a multitude of sins, has a ladylike subtlety and richness to it but with modern and minimalist lines. Showcase your slimmest point with this season’s key accessory the belt and team with a fierce cuff and a ring to inject in a little extra dose of fashion. Heels are also a must!

Limited Collection V-neck all in one with belt
£39.50
Sizes 6-16
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.

Question. “Hi Caryn
I know that neutrals are big this season but are there any options for those of us who like something a little more colourful and brighter. I’m going on holiday next month and so am looking to purchase some new items for that. Last time I went on holiday the airplane lost my luggage so this time I’m trying to take a hand luggage case with options that can work for day and evening. I would like to look sexy on and off the beach! I am a size 22 curvy girl; I have quite a big chest and a curvy bum and thighs.
Thanks very much”
Jennifer

Hello Jennifer
Nothing shouts ‘Summer’s here’ louder than a cheerful print and so if you are going to venture from this season’s washed out palette then why not make it a bold print. Tie dye style prints are big this season. If you can’t exorcise the ghost of those 80’s redux tie dye t-shirts from your style radar then look again because thanks to some digital print wizardry we now have sophisticated, modern and stylish pieces such as this tunic top from Simply Be.
This top is striking yet uncomplicated enough for beachy days and balmy evenings. Throw over your bikini sans ribbon for a chic cover up and then team with slim trousers for an easy but seductive evening look. Stick with simple accessories so as not to overcomplicate your look and ease the luggage load!

Shoulders are not only sexy but act as an effective decoy to flatter your bust and draw attention away from a curvier derriere. The strap on this top also means you can wear a bra/bikini underneath without it fighting for attention. There are many retailers now who sell bikini by bra size (see our shopping mall for details) to make sure you are a well supported sultry siren on the beach!

One Sleeve Print Top
£35.00
Sizes 14-32
Simply Be

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am going to the Goodwood races ladies day and I need a dress! I am a size 14, I think I am an hourglass figure but I do have quite a big bum which I am a little conscious of and I also have quite narrow shoulders. I have a short body with quite long legs which I think are in pretty good shape so I don’t mind showing them off a little.

Thanks very much”
Ellen

Hello Ellen
If hemlines are to be believed then things are certainly looking up. Skirt lengths are creeping up this season and there are an abundance of party dresses around with interesting and forgiving folds around the hip for added shape. I’d recommend either a block colour or an abstract print. M&S has this cap-sleeve blue dress with a tulip shaped skirt that would give you a great silhouette. The waist band and cap sleeves help to enhance your curves and small waist and the tulip shape skirt will deftly cover your derriere.

As with many great looks it’s the accessories that can really transform your outfit. The pretty-edgy vibe ruled the London catwalks and opting for a studded bag and chunky platform shoes as seen here will help you get in on that act. What is more big bags make your bottom half seem smaller. They have stuck around this season and their roomy proportions will instantly made a grande derriere look mini. Genuis!

cap sleeve dress

Limited Collection Cap Sleeve Seam Tencel Dress
£45.00
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!

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