Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for August 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.
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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 Simply Be, Dorothy Perkins, Next, Evans and Wallis...
Question: “Hi Caryn
I have always loved the fifties style silhouette but I wanted to ask how to wear this look in a modern way – i.e. I don’t want to look like I’m going straight to a 50’s fancy dress party but I’m a bit stuck on how to achieve the right look! I’m a size 20, curvy and I have quite a big bust. I’d love to create a look that mixes retro with modern catwalk looks. I’m looking for something that I can wear now in this hot weather but that will also take me through the winter months if at all possible! Please help!
Thanks"
Ruth
Hello Ruth
A beautifully, constructed and nipped-in a-line dress will always deliver on style – simply upgrading it with an eye catching print is a savvy move. You’ll look coolly chic thanks to the simple, elegant shape which will show off your waist, the oh-so-now graphic print will draw attention to your lower half and the off the shoulder straps will add a little sass at the same time relocating the focus away from your bust! Timeless without being retro.
And your timing could not be more spot on as fashion’s new obsession with ladylike dressing intensifies leading into autumn. It’s all going to be about full skirts, tiny waists and treasured chests. Check out the Mulberry autumn/winter catwalk and I’ll think you’ll find this print is spot on for a catwalk inspired piece.
Anna Scholz Colour Block Dress
£60.00
Sizes 14-32
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
Are jumpsuits suitable for a slightly more mature woman? I’m in my early forties and would really like to try a jumpsuit but can’t seem to find one that would be suitable and I’m worried about looking completely ridiculous! Also I’m not sure how to wear/style this look. I’m 5”7, I am a size 12 and I am quite straight up and down although I do have a slightly bigger chest for my size/shape.
Thank you"
Deborah
Hello Deborah
Ah yes the jumpsuit – a style that keeps us wanting more. And no it is not just for the kids as evidenced by the decidedly grown up fare on the catwalks and our high streets such as this chic and versatile number from Dorothy Perkins. Perfect for creating a sophisticated, unfussy and perfectly pulled together look in one fell swoop.
I love the effortless and easy appearance of jumpsuits, although admittedly this is where many of us fall down in trying to achieve that exact effortlessness! A few pointers: cinch voluminous tops at the waist and bottoms with a slightly tapered leg work best. Accessorizing will help to achieve a polished ensemble - belts, shoes and big jewels are great add-ons but keep them simple and let your jumpsuit do all the leg work. Unfussy and chic is, after all, the epitome of jumpsuit allure.
DP Collection Print Jumpsuit
£40.00
Sizes 6-20
Dorothy Perkins
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 starting a new job in the middle of August and need to invest in some new items/outfits. I have to wear skirts or dresses but I don’t want to be totally boring and try something different from the usual black skirt and white blouse office uniform. I want to look beautiful and chic at work too! I’d like to be more trend led than office led. Could you please give me any suggestions? I am 5”6 and a size 14. I am very slightly pear-shaped although in the right outfits I look more hourglass. I don’t like anything too fussy.
Thanks very much"
Helen
Hello Helen
Sometimes style comes from real simplicity. The hottest looks right now are pared down with simple and clean lines. Look for modern takes on wardrobe staples like this shift dress with a modern, cool graphic aesthetic that is chic, fresh and surprisingly sexy. Perfect for flouting that boring office code.
Camel is everywhere this season and will continue to be the colour this coming autumn/winter. The red panels here add extra allure but also help to streamline and elongate thighs. The high neckline and bare shoulder action will help balance out your bust.
Camel and red panelled ponte dress
£38.00
Sizes 6-18
Next
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 have recently lost a bit of weight, mainly in part due to the fact that I’ve started going to the gym. I have always lived in sporty-esque clothes (i.e. leggings, jersey tops) because I am a big girl (I am still a size 18) and I like the comfort, the looser fit and the sporty vibe. Because I have lost weight and am more toned I’d like to try and be a little more glamorous without stepping too far out of my comfort zone. I am top heavy so sometimes I fit into a 16 on my bottom half and I do like my legs. I am 5”7 tall. Can you help me?
Thanks"
Katrina
Hello Katrina
It might just be time to delve into that gym bag of yours. Well not literally but sportswear is big right now and, as you’ve imitated to, the key to working the look is striking the perfect balance between glamour and athletic gear. So try teaming those leggings, shorts or track pants with some statement heels.
Tie die is also one to watch this season.
Tie dye and graphic tops have already had their time in the spotlight and now printed pants are the sartorial way to spice up your wardrobe. These printed leggings will cleverly draw attention to your pins while the black base will minimise. Keep the rest of your look relatively simple with a black vest, those aforementioned showy sandals and a leather bag. With two trends in one you really will be bringing your A-game!
Black Printed Leggings
£27.00
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
Can you dispel a myth as truth or not once and for all? The harem trouser – is it really that unflattering?? I see images of them in magazines and think they look great but I suspect that it has something to do with the models! I have a more grown up polished style so don’t know if I could or would want to carry of the more relaxed and casual styles. Have you seen any trousers that would be suitable for me? I am a size 12; I am slightly top heavy although I have quite large thighs.
Thanks very much"
Susan
Hello Susan
I hope you are sitting down as a tapered trouser can actually be surprisingly figure friendly, working on a number of body types! These trousers are slightly baggier and relaxed which means they are comfortable and can actually be quite kind to your thighs and stomach.
Just beware of trousers with too many details such as pockets and buttons which add bulk and look for a pair that are flat fronted. These silk trousers are harems in a gorgeous guise - sleek, polished and chic. They’re less cropped which means they’ll lengthen your legs and provide a perfect backdrop for a killer pair of heels.
Silk Hareem pants
£85.00
Sizes 8-16
Available in Navy and Oyster
Wallis
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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