Latest Fashion Trends: April 09

British Summer time is now officially here and so, as you start to dig out your summer clothes and banish your coats and winter woolies to the back of your wardrobe, I will be looking at the latest fashion trends, along with answering your questions on what to wear to suit your body shape.

This month I will be using some great transitional spring / summer pieces from Marks and Spencer.

And I know that you have lots of questions to ask because of the number of emails I receive each month, so I’ve selected a few below which I think will resonate, as well as  give you some inspiration.

But wait, before you go rushing off to re-arrange your wardrobe or buy a new outfit, download your own personal guide on

how to dress for your shape crucial information that will see you through the spring / summer season with new found knowledge and certainty!

Clothes are there to flatter you whatever your size and shape and some of the latest fashion trends can help. It’s just a matter of knowing which styles will suit you. So let me show you how.  

And if you happen to be over 40 then find out how to live a life of Ageless Style…

Ok let’s gets started and if your question isn’t answered here then go through to the Ask Caryn section where there are plenty more solutions to your style dilemmas.

Question: “Dear Caryn
I have just found out that I have to go abroad on a work trip.  The weather is going to be hot so I was thinking of investing in a summer dress now.  I don’t have a big budget so would like a dress that can work for me in a variety of situations and that looks fashion forward as I want to impress my clients. I like the idea of wearing colour but I am not really sure where to start.  I am a quite curvy size 14 with quite a big bust and a slightly bigger bottom.  Is there anything you can suggest? Thanks"
Gemma

Hi Gemma
A dress that is nipped in at the waist is a great for your body shape. Choose one with a higher or empire-line waist and you will look svelte, long and lean.  Picking a dress with an a-line shape is even better.  Colour blocking of solid shades is a great way to introduce colour to your wardrobe especially if you are a colour rookie and the fact that colour blocking is a big fashion trend for this summer is a bonus. The strategic placement of navy on this dress around your middle area will also show off your waist.

Navy is a stylish alternative to black and this dress could be worn for work in the day with a wedge or flat sandal, or work just as well with heels in the evening.  Why not change the look and feel of this dress with a jacket or shrug, or jewellery and accessories depending on your mood and the occasion

Sleeveless Block Stripe Knee Length Dress
£45.00
Sizes 8-20
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: “Dear Caryn
Next month I am attending a work away day meeting with a drinks function in the evening. I have brought a simple black shift dress and would like to wear a cover up for during the day which I could possibly remove in the evening.  I am 5’ 7 with a small bust and no hips so I don’t want anything that will swamp me.  Also I really like my slender arms but I want to look work appropriate! Thanks very much."
Melissa

Hi Melissa
You need to choose a cropped jacket that follows the lines of your dress so that you don’t loose its shape.  Make sure that the jacket is nipped in at the waist to accentuate this area and give the illusion of a bigger bust and hips.  This definition gives you the sharpness you need for your work event and with cap sleeves, such as those on this jacket that I have chosen, will show off your great arms but with a little coverage.
This jacket will also work really well with a skinny belt over the top which you could then wrap around your dress in the evening if you remove your jacket for another great look in a flash.  Likewise try accessories such as a coloured bangle, coloured shoes and clutch bag to create a stylish look for the evening with or without the jacket.

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.

Pleat Front Short Sleeve Jacket
£35.00
Sizes 8-24
Marks and Spencer

Question: "Dear Caryn
I am looking to buy a little black dress. I am curvy girl with a big bust and so like the slimming effect of a black dress, but I don’t want to look too boring and so would like to find one with some interesting detail where I can stand out in the crowd but that is still flattering at the same time – do you have any ideas?"
Kirsty

Hello Kirsty
I have found a dress for you with a sophisticated and individual twist on what we consider a traditional little black dress. This dress is chic, very wearable and is great for a curvy figure as the placement print is central and draws eyes in while the black basis keeps the look svelte.  I also love this dress as the fabric has some fluidity to it so that it drapes rather than clings. 

The square line of the dress also offers a little something different and at the same time will flatter your bust. A black cropped jacket or a teal shrug would work as a great cover up if you felt you needed it.  Wear this dress with some killer black heels – you could try a platform or more structured shoe – and a clutch and you are ready to wow that crowd.

Limited Collection Mosaic Print Dress
£39.50
Sizes 6-18
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. “Dear Caryn
I have heard that floral print is going to be big for Spring/Summer? I don’t know where to start and whether it will suit me but I would like to introduce some print into my wardrobe.  I am 5’4 and top heavy with a large bust and small hips and waist. Thanks"
Helen

Hi Helen
Yes floral print is big for Spring/Summer, in fact is has become something of a perennial favourite so you will be making a good investment, as florals will definitely be back again! 
Seems you are new to print, so it might be best to start steady and choose a print with lower contrast colours such as soft, floral pastels which are flattering on most people.  I find that floral prints work well if they are confined to one element of clothing worn with a solid colour.  This skirt that I have chosen will draw the eye away from your bust when worn with a block colour v-neck top. You could also team your outfit with a colourful belt to further accentuate your waist

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.

Pure Cotton Floral Print Knee Length Skirt
£15.00
Sizes 8-20
Marks and Spencer

Question. "Dear Caryn
I need help with my casual wardrobe.  During the week I wear a suit to work but when it comes to the weekend I draw a blank and normally end up in comfy baggy clothes.  I would like a casual look but that is chic and smart but still comfortable.  I have just recently bought some new jeans and like the idea of wearing a layered knitwear look with them.  I am pear-shaped and have no waist and am worried that cardigans look frumpy and bulky on me. Thanks"
Laura

Hello Laura
Sometimes it can feel as though you have to have two separate wardrobes, one for work and one for play but there will be elements of your work wardrobe that you can incorporate into more casual outfits. 
Jeans are a great way to start.  The epitome of simple chic can be jeans worn with that tailored suit jacket or a white blouse you use for the office. Try for a slight flare or boot-leg cut which will balance out fuller hips and wear with heels to slim and give the illusion of long, lean legs. 

Try tops that give the illusion of a raised waistline.  There is no reason to think you can’t wear knitwear – just opt for a loose, fine knit such as the one I have chosen here. It is a great option for you as it flows loosely above the natural waistline, skims your hips and curves slightly to elongate and give you a waist. 

Exposed shoulders are not only sexy but also counter a straight waist and minimize hips and if you don’t like your arms then simply slip on a three quarter length sleeve jersey top underneath. This knit waistcoat is so versatile, just throw it on with jeans and a top or use it to pull together a look with dresses, trousers and skirts. Hope this gives you something to get started on

Limited Collection Knitted Cutaway Waistcoat
£19.50
Sizes 6-18
Available in grey and crimson
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

That’s all for this month. Don’t forget to check ‘Ask Caryn’ where there are further questions answered this month 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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