Body shape fashion tips: Spring 2009

This month I’m using a great selection of clothes from Boden’s new spring catalogue to answer your questions about body shape.

I know from the many e-mails I receive every month that you have lots to ask and have picked out some examples for you below, with my recommendations.

And of course there are plenty more of your fashion dilemmas answered in ‘Ask Caryn’

Firstly though, arm yourself with over 100 body shape fashion tips including images, that will show you what to wear to suit your shape – and also, find out what to avoid!

With vital tips and information that will last you for many years to come and will work with your existing wardrobe, or when out shopping for new clothes…

Avoid those second thoughts when you get home and step out with confidence, in the knowledge that what you are wearing is right for you.

Clothes are there to flatter you whatever your size and shape, it’s just a matter of knowing which will suit – read more…

Ok, let’s get your fashion dilemmas answered with a few solutions from Boden…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am off on a cruise in a few months and looking for something that I can wear over my swimsuit on the deck and on day trips. I don't like wearing sarongs and kaftans make me look like a hippy.

I’m 5ft 4 and a size 14-16 depending on where I shop. I also don't like the top of my arms. The cruise is also stopping off for the day in Morocco so I need something that definitely will cover my arms too whilst being cool to wear.  I also still want to look co-ordinated. Please help."
Marion

Hi Marion
A tunic style top is the answer.

These work well over swimsuits but will also double up as a daytime top, when worn over a pair of cotton trousers in the day. Go for one such as below, with a colour or a fun print, as this will give a more relaxed holiday feel. ¾ sleeves are also good for you as you can cover the tops of your arms whilst showing off your slim wrists.

V-necklines are a good shape as anything with a collar will come across as too heavy if you want it to double up as a beach cover up.

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 fashion 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.

Painted Hoops Top
£45.00
Size 8-20
Colours:
aqu, lbr, yel, pink
Boden

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am not petite but I am long in the body so a lot of dresses make me look shorter. Any ideas? I am also fairly big in the bust 34E."
Karen

That’s easy Karen,
Go for an empire line, which will work well on your shape. This one with the contrasting block colour at the top will also help to draw eyes up and make your legs look longer.

V-neckline or low scoop necklines work well with bigger busts as they create a minimising effect for the bustline and showcase cleavage appropriately!

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 fashion 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.

Colour block shift dress
£65
Sizes: 8R-20L
Colours:
gra, gry, rhu
Boden

Question: "Dear Caryn
Money is tight at the moment so I only want to buy clothes that last, are stylish, flatter my figure and I can get a lot of wear out of. I'm a curvy size 14, 5ft 10 and have £70 to spend this month and I’d like to buy an item I can wear now but use right the way through the season. What should I choose? "
Sarah

Hi Sarah,
Classic items such as a shirt, pencil skirt, a good pair of jeans are items to invest in, as you will wear them again and again. And they can go with other items in your existing wardrobe.

Another classic is a shirtdress, which has had a lot of designer interest in recent seasons. It’s a very streamlining garment and depending on what you accessorise it with, it is extremely versatile.

You can wear a contrasting belt to add shape and diffuse your height. Dress them up with heels, down with boots or sandals, a shirt dress like this can also can also be worn with a bikini or swimsuit on the beach as shown here

Linen shirtdress
£65
Sizes: 8r-20L
Colours:
red, blk, prp, lbr
Boden

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 fashion 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. “Hi Caryn
I store a lot of my fat around my tummy area or love handles as my husband calls them – I think I am the classic apple shape. I have a winter coat that I have worn to death but with spring around the corner I don’t know what to replace it with.

I don't feel comfortable in jackets as I find that they feel tight around my middle and I think they make me look boxy. What would you recommend as an alternative?"
Jill

Hi Jill
Go for a long line fine knit cardigan, excellent balance between coat and jacket. The length and cut will streamline your body and take the emphasis of your flatter your figure. The empire line too on the cardigan will help to diffuse your mid-drift area.

Silk linen cardigan
£79
Sizes 8-20
Colours: den, lil, dbr, oat
Boden

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 fashion 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. "Hi Caryn
I’ve just discovered your site and I think it is a great idea to think about clothes this way. So here is my body shape issue for you!

I have a wide neck and straight body and I’m Looking for colourful tops to go with my jeans. I’m a conventional dresser and like to look as feminine as possible because my shape can look a bit hefty. What ever you suggest I will give serious thought to because I like the tips you give."
Fiona

Hi Fiona
The key thing here is to avoid plain high-necked tops that fit just around the neck and draw attention to this area. Also avoid mannish shirts and plain knitwear that has no texture.

Try wearing a low neckline or v-neckline, this will place the interest elsewhere. You need playful features on your clothes like frills or prints or you could try a bold print especially one that has detail like this large poppy print. This will accentuate curves. Floral is hot this Spring/Summer and this one below by Boden is very versatile - you can wear with jeans, a pair of wide leg trousers or a black pencil skirt.

You can also dress this top up with a scarf let’s say dark purple, this will also work to feminise this area

Silk Vintage Top
£59.00
Sizes 8-20
blk, blue, yell, mag
Boden

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 fashion 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. 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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