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Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for September 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 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 House of Fraser, Wallis, Simply Be, and Next...

Question: “Dear Caryn
I am looking for a winter jacket (rather than a full on long coat) that will keep me warm and is practical but still has a fashion touch to it. Can you help? I am pretty straight up and down, a UK size 10 and am 5"6 tall. I like the utility look that has been around this summer - I like that more relaxed way of dressing.  I am looking for something that is versatile and will work with lots of items in my wardrobe.

Thanks very much "
Jenny

Hello Jenny
Well buckle up as the utility trend takes flight this season with its dashing hero piece: the aviator jacket. Despite being one of the highly coveted pieces it still retains plenty of real-world appeal and wearability.

With this great jacket there is no need to sacrifice cool for practicality with its super shaggy sheepskin lining, oversized collar and cute crop. These are all directional high-fashion details yet they cleverly also add volume and depth to your silhouette.

As any pilot knows this jacket is a must with jumpsuits, relaxed slacks or jeans, but throw over a fancy frock and you might just be Top Gun.

sheepskin coat

Therapy Sheepskin Waterfall Coat
£75.00
Sizes 6-12
House of Fraser

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: “Hello Caryn
I was wondering if you could help me.  I am emigrating to San Francisco next month where it will be hotter than here in the UK. I am still going to need some warm cover-ups though for the cooler months and nights but not necessarily a coat.  I had a look on the internet and have seen that there were quite a few retro style jumpers about on the catwalks but I am worried that they will make me look bulky and square. I am top heavy with a little bit of a belly. I am 5”7 and I have reasonably good legs. I want to take a bit of British fashion edge with me yet still keep a relaxed vibe and I want to be comfortable! I suppose I am trying to say that I don’t want anything frumpy. I won’t need to buy a lot of knitwear so I want something that will last and that I can wear year on year.

Thanks "
Lynn

Hello Lynn
Before you jet off, invest in a sumptuously soft cardigan such as this one below, offering a snuggly sensibility which will feel like a big hug from home yet will still make a style statement, one of fashionability focused on ease. So there’s definitely no need to pack that coat.

In one of fashion’s great contradictions this ‘chunky’ knit is streamlined and the ribbed detail elongates and creates a long line down the body. Cinch with a skinny belt, layer up with different textures or team with luxe sport separates for an Autumn/Winter 2010 take. Just some styling ideas but this sweater will certainly go the distance delivering a few subtle knockouts along the way.

marble print dress

Asymmetric zip long line cardigan
£45.00
Sizes small, medium and large
Wallis

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
I was wondering if you could tell me how to create a glamorous and ladylike look that works in the real world for a woman like me.  I’ve always admired glamorous looks from afar – hair, make-up, fitted silhouettes, nipped in waists etc. I have particularly always liked the looks of the 1940s and 1950s when women used to make more of an effort to dress up by day but I don’t want to look like I’ve stepped back in a time warp so perhaps a modern twist on that.  I am 5”4 and have quite chunky legs. I am a chef and am opening a new restaurant and I want something special to wear on opening night.

Thanks very much"
Kelly

Hello Kelly
Fashion’s current muse is All Woman. This translates as a nostalgic aesthetic celebrating womanliness and the female form. And what could say this more that this season’s instant glamour hit – Fur effect? A sartorial-or-fall look for-many-a glamazon and starlet alike. But for now it is all about faking it. Taking the lead from the catwalks, fabulous faux furs are scampering all over the stores and they are actually rich, soft, sumptuous and not-so bulky (adding just the right amount of curve to balance out your figure). This one is particularly luxurious looking and the stripe effect adds to the statement.

Go for a pencil skirt (it’s best for you to expose a little more calf). Teamed with a soft feminine blouse it will give you a sensual womanly silhouette and show off your waist. Mixing textures is key this season and with fur, metallic, silk you will be serving up a fabulous fashion melee on your special night.

dusty pink jacket

Therapy dusty pink faux fur jacket
£75.00
Sizes 6-16
House of Fraser

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
I am looking for a new winter coat. I’d like to try something in any colour than black as that always seems to be my safe fall back. I am a little worried that colour might expand my figure?

Can you help? I am a UK size 20. I have a curvy shape – boobs and a bum but I do have a relatively small waist. I would like something that makes a statement without being too over the top if you get my drift. I want to create strong looks without being too in your face. I like femine styles rather than anything too girly and I also would like something that works easily with my wardrobe.
Thanks"
Joanne

Hello Joanne
A key staple this season or any autumn/winter season in fact is a serious coat (as in make this a serious investment). Take time to find the right one for you. The coat of autumn/winter 2010 is the streamlined for grown-up-women-only coat. One such as this that is cut on the curve so that even the thick felt fabric follows the shape of the body.

Colour need to be chosen carfully so plump for bold or rich tones. A saturated hue, such as this red below will work a little fashion magic; Avoid pastel colours and wishy washy tones for your coat.

Red will always delight and complimented by other red accessories like a hat and gloves (or bag/scarf but not all at once) will help to streamline and lengthen your torso.

Alternatively print detail (as shown) or a different colour underneath will draw the eye inwards creating a panel of detailing through the centre of the body.

red coat

Red Coat
£65.00
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: “Dear Caryn
I want to buy a new suit but I am bored of the office clone uniform look and was wondering if you could please advise me of a way to combine fashion with an office suit workwear? Also could you please advise me how to style it?  I want to feel confident and look attractive (without being too sexy) but still feel comfortable.  I am 5”6, I am a size 14 and I think that I am an hourglass although my boobs are a little bigger.

Thank you"
Karen

Hello Karen
Camel? Check. Tailoring? Check. High waisted leg lengthening trousers? Check. Gorgeous simplicity? Check. This suit pretty much has this season’s fashion trend meeting all wrapped up without any mention of a boring office dress code. The gem of this suit is that it looks sophisticated but comfortable at the same time. Trousers are understated with a conceited sense of empowerment and sexiness.

The key to this successful sartorial suit transfiguration is the fabric and fit. Fine fabrics that fall and move against the female form and a perfect personal fit will create a look as dynamic as it is serene. The tonal look and high waisted cut serve to create a little leggy miracle. A skinny belt will further accentuate your waist. Style with a simple soft blouse to balance out the structure; eschew any adornment and simply top off with this season’s top handle bag.

camel jacket & trousers

Luxurious Camel Wool Rich Jacket and Trousers
£85.00 and £50.00
Sizes 8-18
Next

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