Spring Fashion 2009

We’re into March and this month I’m using a great selection of clothes from Dorothy Perkins to answer your questions around spring fashion and what to wear to suit your body shape.

Judging from the number of e-mails I receive every month I know that you have lots of questions to ask and have picked out a few of these to answer and provide you with my recommendations.  

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 new spring season with style!

 Clothes are there to flatter you whatever your size and shape and it’s just a matter of knowing which will suit. So let me tell you!

Once you have all the fashion advice you need, take a look at our recently updated Catwalk channel featuring the latest fashion trends from London, New York, Paris and Milan. Then move on to High Street to see how your local stores have interpreted the look.

So, here are five key items I’ve picked out in answer to your questions, which will definitely add style to your spring wardrobe…

And if your question isn’t answered here, go through to Ask Caryn where there are plenty more solutions to your style dilemmas.

Question: “Dear Caryn
I am a typical hour glass, top and bottom heavy with a small waist and looking for a dress that I can wear for my wedding anniversary. Have you seen anything? I am also very conscious of my bust (32GG) and the top of my arms. Oh yes and I need to be able to wear the dress again so I can justify the purchase! Thanks"
Rosie

Hi Rosie,
Wrap styles are great for your body shape, and really do flatter larger busts. Wear with a contrasting belt to show off your waist and create definition. Colour is also an instant boost; bright pink goes with a lot of skin tones and is flattering when worn with black tights or simple accessories.

The cut of this dress I have chosen here will also cover the top of your arms without restriction.

Just add a corsage and you are good to go

Pink wrap belted pocket dress
£30
sizes 6-22
Dorothy Perkins 

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
I am looking for a skirt that I can wear to work or out in the evening. I am size 14 with good legs but the problem is my big rear! I have tried on a-line skirts and although they flatter me I find them generally to look frumpy on me. Please help me."
Anonymous

Hi,
Check out the tulip skirt. The cut will flatter your rear and the style is definitely spot on for this season's trend. A darker colour will always minimise your bottom but if you like colour and want to try a brighter skirt then add a print blouse to your top half. What’s not to like

Coral piped tulip skirt
£22
sizes 6-22
Dorothy Perkins

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 5ft 11 and I don't have time to shop since the birth of my boy 4 months ago. I am in my mid 30's and I want comfort and style and something to help cover my tummy."
Jude

Hi Jude
Check out the tunic. They are a great style and so comfortable, which I know you will appreciate.

It’s at this time that mum's feel out of step with fashion after all you have more important things to think about, but colour blocking is on trend and will effortlessly make you feel contemporary.

This one is very flattering as the brighter colour and detail at the side of the body takes the eye away from the stomach area. Wear with a straight jean or leggings to show off your long legs

Tall grey colour block tunic
£22
sizes 8-22
Dorothy Perkins

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 desperate to find a new pair of jeans that won't break the bank. Can you recommend a high street retailer that has jeans that actually are a good fit for me? I am average height, 5ft 5, curvy size 14. The only bit of me I would like to cover is my thighs."
Lisa aged 24

Hi Lisa,
Dorothy Perkins has a great selection of jeans that are cut so they nip and tuck in the right places. For your shape and age I would go for the big trend of the moment “the flare jean”, they will balance out your curves and thighs and at £25 definitely worth the try

Light wash super flare jeans
£25
sizes 6-22 (length 30, 32, 34)
Dorothy Perkins

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 5ft and never know what will flatter me on my top half. I am fairly curvy for my height especially around my middle (size 16 and 34F) and find a lot of tops make me look wider and shorter! "
Louise

Hi Louise,
Empire lines are a good choice as they add perceived height by raising the waist up under the bust and making legs look much longer.

Tops that are a-line shape will flatter your middle area. Avoid high necklines and big prints, go for instead a low scoop or v-neckline.

Petite blue tunic
£25
size 4-18
Dorothy Perkins

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 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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