Current Fashion Trends: August 2009

Believe it or not while we are still waiting for the full flush of Summer to appear, the Autumn Winter season descends upon us with the new collections arriving in store and on-line.

Nobody is ready for winter woolies, and I’m not about to push cable knit, but  I will ease you into the new season with a peek at some of the current fashion trends, with items that we call transition pieces.

There is no need to update your wardrobe each season. Just prioritise a few key pieces that  suit your shape and your style...let me show you how using the new collection from La Redoute below.

Of course before you get started on the new season, understanding your own body shape and what suits you is key. If you are not sure on how to dress for your shape, then download one of my 19 different e-books, individually written to give you extensive body shape fashion tips and figure fixing know how.

And if you’re over 40, find out how to live your life with ageless style, over 150 pages of simple to follow tips and advice that will totally change the way you look at yourself. 

Keep checking back as we will shortly be posting a full report on the new season key catwalk trends and the high street interpretations.

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

Question: “Dear Caryn
I really need your help! I am starting a university course in September and I want to make a fresh start.  Up until now I have bascially lived in black jeans and black tops.  I am quite tall and often feel that I look masculine. I am pretty straight up and down with a small chest and I have quite broad shoulders – I would say that they are wider than my hips.  I would love to feel more feminine but I’m not really a girly girl.  I normally wear a size 10 depending on the brand and would love it if you could start me on the road to a new more stylish me.  I want to look like I have a bit of fashion know how hopefully without too much effort. Also I am a student so don’t have much money.
Thanks"
Ruby

Hi Ruby
Why not dip you toes in the fashion pond with a dress like the one I have found for you here. It oozes femininity rather than girlishness and the print will add depth to your silhouette. You should start to try bold and intricate  patterns as you are lucky that your body shape can take them.  The colours in this one are muted so as not to shock you back to black!

You can really get your pence per wear with this versatile dress –  become your own stylist and experiment with variety of looks. Turn the dress into a instant fabulous figure flaunter with a belt to give the illusion of feminine curves. Or try a tying a ribbon around your waist in a bow for some added dynanism. Throw over a pair of straight jeans with long chain necklaces for a laid back look or team with a polo neck when the weather gets a little chillier.  Statement print is going to be big again so all you have to do is go out there and show off your style credentials!

BA&SH Dress
£85.00
Sizes 6-18
La Redoute

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 will shortly be moving to the country with my husband and children after having lived in the city for many years. My wardrobe mainly consists of suits and dressier pieces.  I would like to buy some new more relaxed country appropriate pieces that are stylish but yet practical.  I don’t want to look out of place but I would still like to think I can retain some more fashionable looks!  I am 5”7, a size 12 and am slightly pear shaped with a short waist.
Thanks"
Louise

Hello Louise
Land girls swathed in khakis and browns stomped down the catwalk for this autumn/winter season so you couldn’t have picked a better time to move to the country! These khaki low-waisted harem style trousers have that relaxed vibe but also a fashion edge. Team with a figure skimming t-shirt, tank or vest for a modern, classic but sexy look.

The low waist, flat front, minimal waistband and straight leg gives you, eases through the hip and thigh and elongates your torso. Roll the trousers up as they have done here to add that stylish touch and you will also have the benefit of elongating your legs.  Heels will also help the effect and add extra inches but you can be forgiven for ditching those!

Khaki looks softly luxurious with a tawny brown which is also big colour next season.  Bright colour is also back with a bang, so try teaming with a pink or royal blue and don’t worry if your look doesn’t match exactly. Mismatching and odd colour combinations can be cool – adding your own city stamp to the look.

Three-quarter length low waist Harem Pants in 100% Lyocell
£39.00
Sizes 6-18
Available in Black and Khaki
La Redoute

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
Could you offer me some advice?  I went shopping with a friend last weekend as I wanted to buy a new dress.  She kept telling me to try prom dresses but I felt really uncomfortable in them and they were way to girly for me.  She said that I need the big flare in the skirt to balance me out as I have quite big boobs (36DD - which I don’t mind showing off if it is in a respectable way!) I do also have a big tummy and I my legs are quite slim – I am a curvy size 16 girl! My friend said that I shouldn’t look at black as it is boring but I quite like the idea of black spiced up with a bit of colour.  I have come back a little distraught so please help me!
Thank you"
Sadie

Hello Sadie
If you are marvellously curved as you describe then you may want to try a shape with more swing in the skirt but it doesn’t have to be full – in fact an exaggerated trapeze shape won’t do you any favours and a dress that drapes elegantly over your curves will be far more sexy and flattering.

Black is always flattering but you are right, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid colour.  Take a look at this dress; it’s a real clever number - adding bits of brights in all the right places.  The black base has a great slimming effect and the unadorned section over your tummy will help the eye glide over that spot whereas the print will draw the eye to your great legs and bust instead. The dress is curved in at the waist to highlight your womanly figure and the v-neck will slim and lengthen your torso as well as flatter your bust, giving a sultry look without being too provocative!

RENE DERHY 100% Viscose Dress
£49.00
Sizes 6-24
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 have come unstuck with the sudden burst of hot weather that we are experiencing! I work in an office and live in a ‘uniform’ of black skirts and different tops, although I must admit they are mostly white. I feel like I need to inject a bit of summer into my work wardrobe as it is so dark and dull but the problem is I don’t have very much money so was wondering if there was one piece I could buy that I can mix with some bits I already have? Also I am not sure about whether I am wearing the right lengths of skirt? I am a size 12 and 5'7".  I think I am an apple shape as I am heavier around the middle and I also have a short waist but I have slim hips and thighs.

I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions for a ‘travel look’ – I travel a great deal for work and normally ending up wearing work wear which is uncomfortable and I’ll arrive at my destination looking pretty dishevelled. I like to look fashionable, put together, elegant and womanly.  I’d love a look that I could also wear when I am away but also at home; something that is casual but not frumpy. I don’t want to spend or buy too much as I do have some good pieces in my wardrobe. I am quite a curvy lady; I am a size 14 with a large bust (34E) and a biggish bum.  I do have quite a small waist.
Thanks very much"
Martine

Hi Martine
Casual means more freedom, more choices so think of it as a great opportunity to let your true personal style shine. A long cardigan like this one would be a great addition to your wardrobe – it can pull together your look in a stylish and seductive way as well as play the part of jacket or coat as a more laid-back unstructured alternative without losing that elegance and chic.

Just pay attention to where your cardigan hits.  A piece that ends right above your hips can add thickness so try longer leaner cuts like this one. Wrap your body seductively in this cardigan, tying at your waist with a belt to accentuate it and create feminine definition.

Team this cardigan up with your existing pieces to create lots of new great looks – it works perfectly with a pencil skirt for work, sexy at night with a cami underneath or as a cocktail-dress topper.  Of course it also couldn’t be easier over a pairs of jeans or trousers. Large knitwear is big again this season so you will step stylishly on to that plane but more importantly you’ll be cosy and comfortable!

REDOUTE CREATION Long Cardigan
£35.00
Sizes 6-24
Available in black, grey marl, grey mauve, ivory and pale green
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
My friends call me ‘the jeans queen’ because I basically live in my bootcut jeans and a top even when I go out for a night out. I don’t think I am ready to be torn away from my jeans just yet but would like to try a different style of jean and one that I could possibly wear for a girls night out in a couple of weeks if you could show me how to. I am 5”6, a curvy size 12.  I have a 32E chest and I have quite a big bottom and a small short waist so I don’t always find it easy to get jeans to fit.
Thanks very much"
Jenny

Hi Jenny
I’m sure if we were honest many of us would admit to slipping into our beloved blues at every opportunity. It’s really about how you can make them look fancy.  There are a number of ways you can team up your jeans to reveal a sexy-casual combo.  Firstly let’s start with the jeans – these hipster boyfriend jeans work well for you as they will sit on your hips rather than your waist and the relaxed style will give you ease and flattering in the bottom area without being all over. Then team with a pair of statement heels and you turn it up a notch.  It’s all about combining the masculine element of the jean with a little femininity – try dressing up the jeans with a billowing blouse and a piece of statement jewellery for an alternative cocktail ensemble. Another great look is the tailored jacket as they have done here – try a camisole underneath the jacket for a seductive twist.

REDOUTE CREATION Wide Fit Boyfriend Style Jeans with Hipster Waist
£49.00
Sizes 6-20
La Redoute

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.

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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