Body shape fashion tips – Summer / Autumn 08

I wonder whether you look at clothes and assess their abilities to flatter your body shape as I do, or whether you just plain fall in love with something on the hanger.

Let’s face it the only reason that anything is worth having is because it will flatter your shape.

This month we are working exclusively with La Redoute to help create the perfect body shape fashion tips for your style dilemmas.

If after reading this you decide you must have one of these items, then click on the relevant link and grab it while it lasts.

But wait…

Before you rush off to buy your new outfit for August, download your personal profile on how to dress to suit your body shape so you’ll be ready to take on this month with style!

Below I’m talking about a floaty dress to instantly cover your curves, a great top to flatter a petite frame, a stylish pair of wide leg trousers, a lovely printed tunic and a military on trend winter coat which should be grabbed before they sell out!

And of course there are plenty more body shape fashion tips in
‘ask Caryn,’ so have a look to see what I’m saying about a whole load of fashion conundrums you wanted answers on.

Do also sign up for my newsletter above, where I give extra insights into building your capsule wardrobe each month.

Now let’s get started on your questions…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am average height size 16 and pear shaped big hips and thighs. I have recently been asked out on a date by a new man and want to dress to impress, so I want wear something feminine and flattering.

I am 48 years old divorcee and don't want to come across as mutton dressed as lamb! Please help me."
Carol

Hi Carol
A floaty long length dress, will give you good coverage, but to give you definition try a thick belt to bring in your waist. This look is feminine and on trend without being attention seeking.

Colour is always a great statement and looks youthful and the trick here is to make sure the dress itself is fairly demure. You don’t needs lots of flesh on shoe to look sexy and alluring go instead for drama. Try this gorgeous on trend tie dye dress for maximum impact.

Leila Hafzi 100% silk dress
£155
Sizes 6-16
La Redoute

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 am a fairly petite, 5ft 4 in height and naturally a size 6 with a flat chest. I am happy with my legs so wear a lot of skinny jeans, but don't really know what to wear on the top half.

T-shirts and vests just seem to make me look flatter. I have recently brought some great padded, push up bras from Figleaves that I found in your shopping mall, but I would like to know now what style of top to wear with them. Any suggestions would be appreciated."
Carly

Hi Carly
An a-line, empire lined top as this will flatter your petite frame by adding volume and eyes will be drawn up to add height. What you are doing with a top like this is broadening your body. A print is also a good device for adding volume.

I have found a great example from La Redoute, which also has ¾ kimono style sleeves which again helps to add volume whilst still showing off your slim wrists to confirm shape definition.

Silk blouse by Iro
Was £59 now £29.50
Sizes 6-16
La Redoute

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 off to Prague for a short break with my husband for my 50 th. I have brought an outfit to wear on my actual birthday but I need advice as to what to pack with regards to trousers (I don't like wearing skirts).

They need to look stylish but also be practical, as we will be doing a lot of walking around the city. I don't want to wear jeans as its going to be hot. I am a tall size 14 and don't like anything too tight on my thighs."
Sally

Hi Sally
You can't beat a good pair of wide leg trousers. They are not only stylish and practical but also extremely comfortable and will flatter your legs. You can wear with flats and a light-weight shirt in the day, or dress up with heels and a sexier top in the evening.

Laura Clement Straight trousers
were £33 now £16.50
available in black or white
sizes 6-18
La Redoute

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 fed up trailing around the shops looking for something fun to wear for my size (I am size 26) I love fashion and find a lot of the shops just don't stock my size or they sell dowdy clothes that my mother wouldn't even wear.

I recently discovered Anna Scholz through your website, and her fabulous clothing range that is definitely up my street, but I can't afford to shop there all the time. Do you know anywhere that sells fashionable clothing in my size for a reasonable price?"
Tina

Hi Tina
Lots of women feel the same as you. That’s why I have been working with Simply Be to create a great premium range to flatter your shape.

The high street has started to offer and on a positive note La Redoute have introduced a range called Marianne James which offer fun flamboyant prints in tunics or dresses that go up to a UK size 34.

The styles are very flattering and in particular this tunic  (ponch) which has a deep wide neckline to show off a bit of flesh as well as being cut on the a-line to flatter. It is currently in the sale at a bargain price of £17.40. Get shopping quickly.

Marianne James Ponch
Was £29 now £17.40
Print or plain chocolate with coral contrast
Sizes 14/18, 20/24, 26/30, 32/34
La Redoute

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 have saved up some money to go shopping but everywhere seems to be sale items that I really don't need.

When does the A/W clothing come into the stores and what do you think I should invest in that will last. My body shape is straight up and down, no curves and I am around a size 8 and tall!  

Thanks in advance."
Sue

Hi Sue
The majority of the new collections start to come into stores from August, although it is worth looking now as some retailers/catalogues will have new stock in now.

I always think that a coat is worth looking for as soon as possible as the right one can be hard to find. Go for a double-breasted coat to add volume, one that is slightly a-line will really work for you.
Check out the one below, which is spot on for the military trend. With your height you can carry this off with style.

Laura Clement long coat
£139
Sizes 8-20
Available in black or ivory
La Redoute

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 a further 10 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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