Winter Fashion 2007

Winter fashion is now looking so strong and in my mail sack this month there are plenty of enquiries from you about the winter fashion 2007 trends I’m recommending below…

Let me show you what I mean as I answer five reader questions. And if yours isn’t featured here then click through to ‘ask Caryn,’ where there are another ten solutions to your style dilemmas.

Do also sign up for my newsletter (top left of this page) where I give extra insights into building your capsule wardrobe, along with fashion news along the way that has interested me.

Right now I’m feeling for something dressed-up and in the party spirit and if you’re looking for that special Christmas party dress, there are a couple of ideas for you further down.

But wait, before you go rushing off to buy your new outfit, find out how to dress to suit your body shape so you’ll be ready to take on the Christmas season with style!

So, here are this month’s questions from you…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am a bubbly, curvaceous woman, size 18. I have a 34FF chest and flabby arms. I recently found a great pair of jeans from Dorothy Perkins and am looking for a sexy top to wear with them in the evening. I don’t like prints but I do want something a bit different."
Christine

Hi Christine
Go for an empire line style to flatter your curves. To get the sex appeal, opt for one that has texture or something added in the fabric.

I have found this gorgeous lace design from designer Anna Scholz, a curvaceous woman herself, she has created great looks for her own range and also a diffusion range available from Simply Be (who also have a site you can reach from our shopping mall). This top has lace on the sleeves, which will cleverly streamline your arms without covering them up completely. The ¾ length will show off your slim wrists too.

Finally the lace scallop around the bust area is feminine and playful and designed to flatter, and let’s not forget the gorgeous colour!

Have fun this party season you gorgeous diva.

Anna Scholz
Floral lace baby doll top
£125
Sizes 12-28
(also available in black)
www.annascholz.com

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 8 month’s pregnant and looking for a dress that I can wear to a Christmas party. I feel huge at the moment and just want something to make me feel less huge – is that possible? "
Esther

I so know where you’re at! Yes Esther its very possible. Let’s go for that classic black dress that always looks sophisticated from a maternity range. (Don’t forget to check out our maternity section in shopping mall for more e-tailers! Prioritise a floaty style of Christmas party dress that will instantly soften and feminise your body.

Once you have your black dress, you can also use a few tools to draw attention away from your tummy.

Focus on the more defined parts of your body. Strapless dresses are a great option as they take the eye up to your face and shoulders. There are plenty of great strapless bras, but if you need a strap add a jewelled or beaded bra strap from www.stunningstraps.com to your favourite comfortable bra.

Now finish off the look like Myleene Klass did when she was pregnant and wear with a bright coloured bow sash. You can change the colour of your sash to ring the changes too; after all you don’t want to buy another maternity party dress at this late stage. Good luck with the birth.

Next
Strapless dress £45
NEXT Directory

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 standard height and a classic pear shape. This month I will be going to a few day time Christmas lunches – work and client based - and I want to look glamourous, however it’s not appropriate to dress in evening clothes or anything too showy. I am 54 years old and like wearing colour but beyond that I have no idea of what really works. "
Tina

Hi Tina
You sound like a classic candidate for one of our e-books. Standard pear-shape was written for you! It’s about styling too, so knowing how the features on clothes will flatter your body is always a big help.

I’ve enclosed a picture of a great look from Country Casuals. This outfit has all the elements of glamour and confidence, but is very appropriate for your Christmas lunches. You don’t say your size, but they have a good size range. You can go for bold prints and colour on your bottom half as long as the shape of the skirt is right and as you can see the dominant bright colour at the top of the body creates a balance.

A-line skirts or fishtail will balance out your hips and bottom half. Remember also to prioritise a large print like this one, not a small floral sprig.

See also how the bold statement necklace also draws the eyes upwards. It’s a focus piece and is a great device. There are loads of tips like this in our books. It’s coming up to Christmas so why not treat yourself!

Country Casuals
Thyme pebbles cord skirt £70
Sizes 10-2
Country Casuals

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 turning 60 next month and looking to wear something special for the party that I am throwing for myself! I swim regularly so I don’t have a bad figure for my age; I am size 14, 34D. I have put on weight over the years around my hips and waist. I want to look stylish at my party not mutton dressed as lamb. "
Rose

Hi Rose
A-line dresses are great for covering hips and thighs. The deep v-neckline will flatter your bust area and the rushed bodice detail will cover your curves and pull in your waist.

Wear with a high shoe with a solid heel for style and comfort.

John Lewis
Navy spot dress
£120
Sizes 8-1
John Lewis

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 a curvy size 16, and looking for a casual skirt that I can wear in the day. I have been shopping everywhere and can only find knee length pencil skirts. or on-the-knee a-line skirts, which I can’t wear as I don’t like showing my knees or my big calves. The only other skirts I have found are the long skirts and they just feel too dressy."
Jo aged 48

Hi Jo
Go for a mid-length skirt like the denim one featured below, see how it covers the wider part of your calves and leaves the slender shape of your lower calf on display. It comes in two lengths, Regular and longer length.

A long skirt in winter isn’t always a practical option (although there are loads for next spring and summer again). But don’t rule out a pencil skirt as this really can flatter curves. The trick is to keep it in a dark colour and follow the line through with a pair of fitted boots, to slim down your calves.

Yes I know what you are about to say… that you can’t find a pair to fit round your legs! Well there are now loads of boot e-tailers that offer a big variety of width fittings. Try Duo boots or Lush for starters, but I know we also have about six other companies who will do just what you need, all in our shopping mall under footwear.

Boden
Denim skirt
£49
Sizes 8R-20
Boden

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

Sign up for your free e-zine personally written by me.

Each month I'll be recommending my best online buys gathered from a whole month's surfing on your behalf, there'll be the latest insider fashion news, my styling tips for the month and I'll give you a behind the scenes peak at my world, from fashion shoots to programme making. Best of all I report on the best celebrity quotes of the month from the smart and not so smart. There's even the chance to give me your opinions and feedback on particular topics to be printed on the site. Sign up now!

Please be reassured we do not give out your address to anyone.
Click here to subscribe