Discover how to look good in the current fashion trends for January 2010
Keeping on top of the latest fashion and trends can be very confusing, particularly when you also want to compliment your body shape and budget.
Your letters and emails tell me that you want to try and incorporate the new fashion trends into your wardrobe, but feel they are difficult to wear and don’t always flatter your body type.
You’re not alone. I have helped thousands of women during my 20 years or more in the industry, to understand which of the latest women's fashion trends to wear and which to avoid.
Now it’s your turn!
If you want to learn more about this season’s best styles for your individual and very special body shape which are now translating onto the high street, then take a look at this month’s fashion and styles that I am recommending will work for your shape, along with my inspirational advice on how to maximise your look and dress for your shape.
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New fashion trends for every body shape this season
To illustrate this season’s autumn/winter collections, your favourite high street stores have created some practical and desirable interpretations of the current fashion trends, and that’s why I will choose specific brands and styles to answer your questions each month in Ask Caryn.
Let me show you how you can work with the new fashion trends to get the most flattering effect for your body shape and satisfy your budget - after all that’s what this site is all about!
And if you're not sure what shape you are find out here...
Remember, these trends can suit all shapes and ages, but if you’re over 40 then see my ageless style advice on how to look and feel fantastic at any age.
Now select any one of my 19 inspiring e-books and you will see how to look great in the current fashion trends. Your e-book will be emailed to you today for just £9.97. You will also receive a special bonus e-book on everything you need to know about Jeans, completely FREE of charge!
Ok, let's get on with answering your questions this month with the help of M&S, Simply Be and Evans...
Question: “Hi Caryn
I know that you said previously that floral print always seems to come around again and again and I have always loved floral prints but when I have tried them they always seem to look mumsy and a bit outdated. Is there anything that you can suggest of how to wear florals ‘now’ and make them more current? I am size 14 and I have a bit of a tummy which I am conscious about. I am 5”6 and I have a 34D chest.
Thanks very much "
Gaby
Hello Gaby
Oh yes fashion florals are definitely a fashion perennial! Your key is to look for a floral print that has a bit of an edge. Go for florals in strong, dramatic colours, or full-on colour mixes for that modern take and maximum mileage. Take this beautiful red rose top for instance; you can give it an Autumn Winter 09/10 fierce rock chick spin. Think chunky metal knits, studs, zips and strapped boots. Leather is big this season so seriously just sling on a leather jacket to make even the most unlikely print look on trend.
A blouson-shape top that settles low on you hip bones such as this one will camouflage your tummy and the v-neck will slim and lengthen your torso. Keep the bottom half slim to balance everything out.
Zandra Rhodes Rose Print Batwing Blouse
£39.50
Sizes 8-20
Marks and Spencer
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: “Hello Caryn
I was wondering if you could help me. I am starting a new job at a trendy modern Art Gallery in January and desperately need some new art gallery worthy clothes! My wardrobe is full of dark and neutral colours so I think I need to funk it up a bit and I’d like to try and look more fashion forward and on-trend. My position is intern level so I don’t have a lot of money to spend. I am a size 10, 5”5 and I pretty much have a straight up and down figure with a small bust and my legs are shorter than my torso."
Sophie
Hello Sophie
Thanks for getting in touch. It’s funny you should say art gallery as many designers this season held their own exhibition of printed works of art. So I’d say if you are going to buy one thing this year make sure it is printed. Prints that are around at the moment, like this one from Marks and Spencer, are really versatile, investments pieces that won’t date easily (they’ll be back for Spring Summer) and would actually look just as good on that gallery wall as they will on your back! Prints really are a great way to inject some colour into your wardrobe too.
The beauty of this top (featured in the middle) is that it will transform your basics into something bold. Just tuck into a slim skirt, trousers or jeans with an additional belt cinch, if you so wish, to create some hourglass proportions. And you can see how well it works with leather too.
To ward off the cold on these chillier days layer up with textures such as lace and wool and keep hair and make-up sleek and simple. The way to wear prints this season is to contrast them, if you really want to go for it. Keep the colours similar but otherwise there’s no need to hold back!
Limited Collection Pure Silk Bubble Top
£32.00
Sizes 6-18
Marks and Spencer
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’d really like to buy a biker jacket but where can I find one that fits me properly. I am a size 20 and all the ones I have tried make me look like I have grown out of my jacket. Not a good look! Although I am looking for a biker jacket I’m not really into that hard biker look but want something that I can wear with my more basic clothes (such as my jeans) to jazz them up a bit. I am 5”6 am a pear shaped so I normally wear a size 22 on my lower half.
Please help! "
Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth
This dove grey biker jacket adaptation works well for lusciously curved women, it’s part of my premium collection for Simply Be. It is softer and less structured with a draped collar and less hardware for an understated and chic look with just a little ‘tough’. This season designers have fashioned traditionally tough styles into something altogether softer so there’s no need to channel the Hell’s Angel look! Wear with super feminine under-layers for a softer but still sexy look.
The soft billow detail of the jacket will deftly mask your hips and team with dark separates to elongate and add height. This would look fantastic with your favourite jeans. Go for stretch and a figure skimming fit rather than loose cut.
Caryn Franklin Suede Jacket
£120.00
Sizes 14-30
Available in Grey and Black
Simply Be
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 am off skiing next month and need some stylish warm après-ski options! I am a size 18 and just generally curvy. I read that because I am curvy I should avoid fussy details at the neck but I don’t want to just wear boring tops and jumpers. I am going with a group of girlfriends and I still want to feel fashionable and glamorous even though we will be in a more casual setting. I am in my 20s so want to have some fun! I guess I will mostly wear my jeans in the evening so am looking for something to go with them. I am 5”8 and my legs are longer than my torso and I don’t like the tops of my arms.
Thanks so much "
Katie
Hello Katie
How about this sumptuous sweater which will ‘luxe up’ any pair of jeans or trousers? It reminds me of Gucci’s Glam vibe this season and will definitely challenge the energy and pop brights of the 1980’s which is back again for another round. This lightweight knit is sleek and unfussy but still makes serious style impact. Who said we need frills and fancy?!
Keep everything else streamlined and amp up the impact with a piece of statement jewellery and add a further hint of glamour with some strong eye make-up.
The mid sleeve length will cover the tops of your arms (without gripping your flesh) and at the same time a little hint of skin on those cold fresh nights will be seriously sexy. Enjoy!
Blue Colourblock Top
£29.50
Sizes 14-32
Evans
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. “Hello Caryn
I just have a quick question really. Is leopard print really naff? I have always had a thing for it but I’m not sure. I’d love to have something leopardy in my wardrobe so I was wondering if there was anything you would suggest. I quite short at 5”4, a size 12 and I think I have an hourglass figure.
Thanks "
Charlotte
Hello Charlotte
We fashion mavens never really change our spots and leopard print does continually fall into favour doesn’t it! The Autumn/Winter catwalks brought us a plethora of leopard looks - there is a variety of different outfit-enhancing pieces like shoes and scarves but it seems as though the fitted feline coat is the way to wear leopard this winter.
Of course leopard print does have a certain connotation so to avoid any of those stick to one leopard piece per outfit and keep the rest of your look simple, either wearing solid neutral or dark colours in slim silhouettes or combine your coat with bare legs if you’re feeling brave! The simplicity will allow the attention-grabbing piece to take centre stage without it overpowering you.
This coat from Marks and Spencer works so well because of its soft belted shape which keeps the look chic and elegant but will also enhance your great hourglass figure. Just watch where the length falls - as you are slightly shorter it will be better if you go slightly above knee length.
Limited Collection Cotton Rich Leopard Print Belted Coat
£59.00
Sizes 8-18
Marks and Spencer
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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