The latest fashion trends to solve your body shape dilemmas...

I never talk about ‘must haves,’ in the way that some fashion journos do. I’m not into praising the latest fashion trends for merely being current! Let’s face it the only reason that anything is worth having is because it will flatter your shape.

This month we are working exclusively with high street retailer M&S to create the perfect answers to your style solution questions and current fashion trend needs for summer.

If after viewing any of my recommendations below, you decide you ‘must have it’, then click on the live link and buy.

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

I’m also talking about great swimwear again this month  because this is of course the season for stripping off, the dress to feminise a masculine body shape, the new look maxi dress, the cropped jacket solution and the perfect skirt-length for over 50.

And of course there’s plenty more current fashion advice in
‘ask Caryn,’ so have a look to see what I’m saying about a whole load of fashion conundrums you sent for this month.

Do also sign up for my newsletter above, where I give extra insights into building your capsule wardrobe each month.

As I also do in my new blog along with my insiders view of the fashion industry.

Now let’s get started on those questions…

Question: “Hi Caryn
Hope you can help me. I am off to sunny Spain in 3 weeks time and desperate to find a bikini that fits me properly. I am size 14 bottom but struggle to find a bikini top that fit my 38E cups. I have tried on various bikinis from the high street and they either make my big boobs look bigger or saggy.  What would you recommend? As I starting to think that maybe I should just cover up in a swimsuit."
Thanks, Jess

Hi Jess
Go for an under wired bikini as this will immediately give you the support you need, a plunge or halter neck effect is your best options as these both will flatter your cleavage by giving them a lift. Also check that you have the straps tight enough. I long to adjust the straps of some sirens who site by the pools I have frequented in the summer. Bosoms pointing downward are so easily relocated!

If you feel self-conscious about your bust size, then choose a top with a fun colourful print. This will immediately detract from your cleavage. Now then, a few retailers still decline to sell sets, as separates, which is frustrating as many women, are different sizes top and bottom.

The good news is that there are plenty of retailers that do, M&S our featured retailer are one, so you can buy the size that is correct to your cup size and hip size.

M&S  DD+ range
u/w plunge bikini set
£18 top and £10 bottom
Sizes 42DD-40G
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: “Dear Caryn
I have quite a masculine figure - no waist, you could say I am fairly straight up and down, with a flat bottom, small boobs and stocky arms.

I am a size 14 and want to find a dress that will flatter my shape and make me look feminine for once; I am fed up looking like a tomboy.  It also needs to be versatile as I am on a budget, so something that I can wear more than once please and is fashionable too.

I have fairly pale skin and so please don't suggest anything in white or yellow as they just wash me out. Thanks."
Sam aged 35

Hi Sam                                                                                 
You need to feminise your body and this is so easily done.

For a look that is effortless but very feminine go for a dress that has layers, preferably in chiffon or a lightweight cotton. The floaty effect will soften your body shape. 

To ensure you get that fashion element go for a floral printed dress – one of this seasons looks, like the one I have found for you. The angel sleeves work particularly well for your arms and the colours will complement your skin tone.

This length offers versatility and that means in the summer you can wear it over a pair of straight trousers and heels, or on its own with flat sandals. But there is plenty of life in this dress because come winter, you can add black opaque tights and a long length cardigan.

M&S Limited Collection pure silk floral dress
£59.50
Sizes 8-16
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 have brought a new black dress for my friend’s wedding that I am going to later this month and I want to know what I can wear over it.

I am a size 16 top and have fairly broad shoulders and short in the body. I find cardigans restricting and don't really flatter the top of my arms. I would like to find something special to go with my dress and was thinking of investing in a jacket but not sure what shape would suit me. What do you think?"
Jan

Hi Jan
Let’s have fun! As you are going to a wedding you can inject a bit of colour into your outfit. A jacket sounds like a great idea, so go for one that is single breasted and ¾ sleeved to flatter your arms.

Having broad shoulders can easily be disguised by a wider collar detail; just ensure the jacket is not too cropped like a bolero as this will work against you.

This jacket below from M&S has a soft tailoring feel so is smart enough to wear to a wedding, but playful too so that you can get some wear out if it with your jeans perhaps!

Per Una pure linen bubble crop jacket
£49.50
Sizes 8-18
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 am in my mid 50's and have a summer ball to go to. I am 5ft 6, size 14, short in the body, with a slight tummy and wide hips. I would say my breasts and legs are my best assets. It's my husband’s work do, so I really want to make an effort and don't want to look out of place. I hear maxi dresses are fashionable, do you think they could work for me?"
Jill

Hi Jill
Yes a maxi dress could work for you, although as your legs are one of your best assets I would look for one that has a handkerchief hem. This means it is revealing without being over the top showing off not only your legs but also the gorgeous shoes you have to find to wear with it!

Halter necks are also flattering and slightly revealing without going too far, if you are worried about the top of your arms or thinking of inevitable summer chills you can wear a bolero.

An empire line style will also help to lengthen your body. Just ensure that the fabric is in a delicate fabric such as chiffon or satin, otherwise you might find the dress looking too much like a day outfit.

Finish off the look with a clutch bag, pair of gorgeous shoes and a necklace or earrings.

Autograph pure silk sleeveless scarf print dress
£59.50
Sizes 8-16
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 am a dress size 18, have wide shoulders, hips and thighs, an ok waist and I am just about 5ft 5. I want to go shopping for some more skirts and need your advice on where to start. I am also turning 50 soon so can you tell me what skirt length is acceptable for me to wear from now on."
Kim

Hi Kim
To flatter your hips and thighs and balance out your shoulders go for an a-line style that starts from the waist. 

Prints are in fashion and can give your look a playful touch. I’ve written about skirt lengths at length (scuse the pun) in my blog but here is my take in a nutshell.

Look for hemlines that finish on the knee if you have great shaped legs or below the knee to mid calf depending on your own comfort zone.

There are some women who can wear above the knee skirts at 50 plus with opaque tights, they are usually ex models so you get my drift. On most over 50’s the short skirt has a novelty feel rather than an elegant finish.

I’m pretty sure you are aiming for the latter, so that’s my take!

Autograph pure linen dash leaf print skirt
£35
Sizes: 12-18
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

That’s all for this month. Don’t forget to check ‘Ask Caryn’ where there are a further 10 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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