Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for October 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 autumn 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 and 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!

And if you are not completely satisfied with the information my e-books contain, I will give you a full refund – no questions asked.

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

Question: “Hi Caryn
I wanted to ask you what is the appropriate cut-off age for wearing shorts. I am in my forties and have good legs but am unsure whether shorts would work at all for my age or whether I would end up looking completely silly? I am a size 12 and I am 5”9 tall and I am very slightly top heavy. Can you please give me some advice as to how I could make them work and put an outfit together?

Thanks very much”
Maureen

Hi Maureen
I think it is about time we ripped up the what-you-must-wear-for-your-age rule book don’t you? Have a look at ‘The Style List,’ my new campaign with Debenhams giving ongoing solutions on how women 40+ can achieve any desired look and featuring fashion imagery with models in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Our 60s model, Valerie, looks amazing in shorts in her “casual cool” look, showing that there is no cut off age at all, especially if you were lucky enough to get great pins in life’s genetic lottery!

Valerie is wearing smart, tailored shorts with purple tights and orange shoes. And that’s the winning ticket really. Leave the hotpants and denim cut-offs to the young ‘uns’; take an elegant, smart pair and add in a fashion trend twist (i.e. coloured tights and shoes – colour block chic extends all the way to the feet this season!).

Similar story with the outfit here. The suede shorts are luxurious, polished and grown-up. The cape is an intriguing styling partner and brings a touch of fashion swagger to the outfit. The knee high boots add another dramatic touch and are a great alternative to tights. All three elements create horizontal lines to break up the long line of your body.

Rocha. John Rocha Tan Suede Shorts
£155.00
Sizes 8-22
Debenhams

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 see that the catwalks were heaving with lots of darks and neutrals but are there any alternatives for those of us who like a little more colour in our wardrobe? If so is there a way to wear colour this season? I like candy colours such as pink as violent but ones with a bit more vibrancy so they are not too girly or sickly sweet. I am going to a party so am ideally looking for a dress that I can wear to that and also for other occasions. I like a looser silhouette rather than a strong stark shape as I like to feel comfortable and not too restricted. I am a size 22 and a curvy girl. I have good legs but am a little conscious of my tummy.

Thanks for your help”
Anne

Hi Anne
Breathe a sigh of relief – there was in fact an explosion of colour on the catwalks, one so breathtakingly bright to blow away any of those drab, dark and grey winter cobwebs. Think jewel-esque tones with a deep and luxurious vibrancy. This pink ruby dress is relaxed, laidback and infused with a playful romanticism yet it is simultaneously sophisticated. Just slip it on and watch what happens to you in a cocktail party crowd of onyx. In your gorgeous come-hither, go-anywhere alternative to the LBD you will be the genuine gem shining brightly. Wear with varying tones of the same hue. Or a sweet tooth you say? Then satisfy your colour craving with some liquorice allsorts: Colour blocks in unexpected colours or teamed starkly against black. Sweet but with a kick.

Wrap Front Dress
£35.00
Sizes 14-12
Simply Be

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 can help me. I am in my 60s and am looking for an evening dress but preferably something more exciting and interesting that a lot of the frumpy options that seem to be on offer for my age group. I am very young at heart, I have a good figure and still like to enjoy and play with fashion! I am a size 12, I have a little bit of a tummy, a small chest and I think I have good legs although I do have to wear tights. Can you help?

Thanks very much”
Marianne

Hi Marianne
I have the perfect dress for you. This LBD with a difference is chic, elegant, sophisticated and figure fixing (it deftly covers your tummy and the neck detail adds volume up top) yet the print and draping detail adds a certain fashionability.

Take a peak at the Debenhams website and ‘the Style List.’ Valerie, our 60s model is wearing this exact dress and looks absolutely stunning. This key to hitting the sartorial nail on the head this season is having the confidence to relax and not try to hard to be super-duper fashiony. As a beautiful, mature, experienced woman you, more than anyone, will be able to carry this off with the greatest aplomb.

J by Jasper Conran Black Cross Block Print Dress
£70.00
Sizes 8-18
Debenhams

Question: “Hi Caryn
I know that “boho” is kind of over but is there any trend that has that sort of vibe? I like the loose, flowing shapes rather than strong structural shapes. I guess I am also more vintage than futuristic! I am a size 16 on top and a size 18 on bottom and am 5”5. I have booked a theatre weekend in London next month so I would like something that I can wear to that as well as at other times.

Thanks”
Hilary

Hi Hilary

The boho babe has gone all literary on us. Think pretty poetess, all bookish charm, in clothes that are steeped in nostalgia and old-fashioned romance. In the real world this translates as artist style smocks, wispy silk slips in dusty hues and floor trailing faded floral dresses layered with long sleeved knits.

This serenely gorgeous dress with its oscillating design of inky black and smoky grey and white diaphanous fabric perfectly encapsulates this ‘new boho’ mood while adding a modern verse. Add pops of colour with your accessories and a butter soft leather jacket to further match that nonchalant bohemian vibe with a little modern-cool.

Colour Block Draped Dress
£55.00
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. “Hi Caryn
I am a maths lecturer and I am looking to buy some new outfits for work. I don’t want anything too boring or dull but obviously nothing too ‘showy’ or over the top. I like colour and am looking for something mature and grown-up rather than pretty or girly. I think things relatively simple and I want to be comfortable too. I am a size 10, 5”6 and am quite straight up and down.

Thanks”
Gemma

Hi Gemma

Have your ruler at the ready as this season is all about geometric shapes – cuts straight as a ruler, angular intersections as drawn with a square or circles elongated as ovals. The fitted silhouette of this dress traces the lines around the body, accentuating curves and the high round neck detail adds volume. The knit texture adds a little softness to the strong shape. Further foster a little femininity with bow-bedecked pumps and a chic chignon.

Polished, pretty and chic – commanding just enough attention for your students to fully grasp reflection symmetry!

Embellished Knit Shift
£95.00
Sizes 6-22
Available in berry, charcoal melange and navy
Boden

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!

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