December 2005. Get that ‘little black dress’ on, its party time!

When Roland Mouret unleashed his ‘Galaxy Dress’ onto the catwalk, top model Jaquetta Wheeler would appear in magazine after magazine in the most figure hugging, classic design, converting an army of low-slung, laid back hippy folk into femme fatale’s. This was done in less time than it took for the celebs that borrowed the ‘Galaxy' sample, to wriggle into their ‘Nancy Ganz’ contouring undies.

The return of the little black dress was of course hailed as a welcome move back to glamour and femininity (well fashion writers do like a mass exodus story). And black of course this season is all the fresher for having touches of navy blue or ruching added to it.

But what if dresses don’t do it for you. Or you are not a fan of black? How do your create that ‘little black dress’ moment for yourself?

Well, these are the questions you have asked in your droves this month. And since you’ve all been asking for pictures in my replies to ‘Ask Caryn,’ we thought showing you what we mean in the monthly feature would be the best solution. And you get the chance to buy on line, because all these styles are available for the month of December.

Each link will take you to the featured site’s home page.

Question: ‘I’ve got several parties coming up and at 30, I want to move out of jeans and sparkly tops, into the more catwalk inspired fitted dresses. I’ve seen the ‘Galaxy dress’ copies but feel that’s a bit too much. Help I’m on a budget, and I need some glamour fast. ‘ Josephine

Let’s look at what else the catwalk has been fronting for this season’s grown up and glamorous styles. The dress has made a huge impact with people like Alice Temperly and Matthew Williamson, building a business from their ability to dress the stars for their red carpet moments. As your parties this month are your own red carpet moments, let’s go for maximum glamour in the colour of the moment - black.

And there can be no better online glamour bargain this month than the calf length mesh dress pictured here by Marks and Spencer, who in my opinion have one of the best online selections of LBD glamour as I write. (Things as we know can change quickly on the web, so look now). This dress has all the features of the catwalk styles, but is very timeless because of its classic silhouette. You will be able to bring it out season after season and I know it will become a wardrobe staple for you. Even better then that, it only costs £39.50. Life is just too good isn’t it!

Caryn says. To know more about creating a great wardrobe on a budget, down load an e-book individually written by me for your specific body type.’
Click here

Marks and Spencer: Calf Length Mesh Dress sizes 10-16 Product Code T565516D £39.50

Autumn Fashion Collections - now online at Marks & Spencer

Question: ‘I’m not into dresses because my hips are disproportionately larger than my bust. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to look stunning, in fact I have been looking for years for a great basque, or something sexy and fitted to wear with a skirt. I’m size 20 sometimes a 22. I’m happy with my shape and want to show it off.’ Delyth

Great news my ‘Curvy Diva.’ Here is a pic from the first collection by Anna Scholz for Simply Be, which features a fitted and figure hugging corset top, that cannot fail to make you the most noticed woman in the room – ‘other would be sirens’ will be flocking to you in droves to ask for your dressmakers details! In fact Anna is already well known for her own range so I am delighted she is now available to a wider audience. You will have it for Christmas in time to thrill, when worn over a flared skirt if you are pair shaped, or bootleg trousers and heels, or even a curvy pencil skirt.

For readers who, whilst longing for something fitted will still need extra coverage around the arms, I recommend a sheer black chiffon wrap blouse. Debenhams ‘Debut’ (up to size 22) are doing a beauty on line as I write, or how about a gorgeous sequinned cropped cardi, again from Simply B.

Caryn say’s Curvy bodies need large pieces of statement jewellery to create drama. To know more about working with your body shape, down load an e-book individually written by me for your specific body type.
Click here

Anna Scholz Simply Be fitted corset top sizes 14-32 Product code AB009C1 £63 www.simplybe.co.uk

Question: ‘I want a sexy LBD dress but I have small sloping shoulders. I’m not a fan of strapless or spaghetti straps and that is all there seems to be out there, please help.’ Carly

Yup, I know what you mean. A quick peruse has confirmed that so many dresses have the slimmest of straps this season which is not great for curvy shoulders, or rounded and sloping shoulders. But don’t worry, I found this Laura Ashley dress for you which is beautifully put together with beaded floral appliqué above the waist sash, and some wonderful pin tuck detailing which gives the effect of absolute quality and luxury.

The most important aspect of this dress however is the widening effect at the shoulders, created by the capped sleeves, which will visually widen you to give your shoulders more width. And the great news is that it is reduced by £50 if you buy on line.

Caryn say’s. ‘This is a great style for giving width to the shoulders by extending the line, horizontally. To know more about working with your body shape, down load an e-book individually written by me for your specific body type.’
Click here

Laura Ashley Mesh Appliqué dress in sizes 8-18 was £150 but now £100.

Laura Ashley

Question: “I’m tiny, about a size 6 most days and black just isn’t my colour. But I still want a dress that can make me look special, sophisticated and grown up. If you can suggest something I will be very grateful because I’m fed up with making do.’ Carole

What you need is a silhouette that can give you all the fit and flatter of the ‘LBD’ but in a colour that still gives off a ‘Film Noir’ finish. Black does effortlessly invoke the shadows of the night and all the classicism of an old black and white movie. It does have a special resonance and this season with the return of gothic styling to the catwalks, black is the colour in all your favourite fashion editorials.

As for the silhouette, a key shape is anything fitted to the high waist to give a current flavour and luckily, the effect of longer legs too. You need a neckline that has a classic plunge to give an elegant and very sophisticated feel, so I’m glad to find this dress to show you because not only is it 100% silk, but it is in a wonderful dark plum, which is my next choice after black for nocturnal glamour. You will positively sizzle.

Caryn say’s. A dress that has ruching across the tummy is always flattering. To know more about working with your body shape, down load an e-book individually written by me for your specific body type.
Click here

Next: Silk Ruched front dress with waist tie detail sizes 6-20 Product code 955-753-X36 £69.00.
The new Spring Summer 2006 NEXT DIRECTORY - Reserve your copy today..

Question: ‘I am tall, thin and a bit boyish. I just don’t suit girly tops or dresses, but I want my own version of a little black dress. What do you recommend for the Christmas season?’ Petra

The sexy, corset styles of fitted dresses aren’t every body’s cup of tea are they, but don’t miss out on looking gorgeous. You can showcase your femininity in other ways.

For a start, the fabric you choose should have a sensual feel to it, so try silk or georgette rather than a synthetic sometimes slightly lifeless material. Also a subtle print will add softness, and a playful aspect, making black seem less austere.

This La Redoute silk dress answers all of your needs because the dress itself is perfectly designed to give a taller figure some help, by breaking up the vertical line your body makes. See how the feature of the horizontal shirring across the neckline, low waist and cuffs works to do this. The smocking will add volume to your chest, as well to give off a more shapely look. A dress like this could also be worn with knee-high boots – great for your long legs, or even trousers and heels to give a more graphic finish as opposed to a girly glam.

Caryn say’s. 'Low waist bands are a great device for drawing the eye lower down the body to create a diversion for tall shapes. To know more about working with your body shape, down load an e-book individually written by me for your specific body type.’
Click here

La Redoute silk smocked, slashed neck dress sizes 6-18 £41.
www.redoute.co.uk

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