Current Fashion Trends: May 09

Fashion trends can be a tricky thing.  I know from your letters that you want to try and incorporate some catwalk trends into your wardrobe but feel that they are difficult to wear and not always the most flattering for your body.

This Spring/Summer, your stores have some great wearable interpretations of this season’s current fashion trends and I have selected some pieces from Boden to answer your questions this month.

I love to show you how you can work fashion’s latest trends and still flatter your body shape, after all that’s what this site is all about!

If you want to learn more about what this season’s new fashion trends are and which of these are now translating onto the high street, then take a look at our catwalk and high street channels.

And of course if you are still trying to decide on the right
styles for your body shape, why not download one of my 19 different e-books, specifically tailored to your personal body shape.  This will give you all the fashion tips and advice you’ll ever need to look fabulous this summer.

Clothes are there to flatter you whatever your size and shape and knowing the latest fashion and trends can help.

And if you are over 40 find out how you can a life of ageless style…

Ok let’s gets started and if your question isn’t answered here then go through to the Ask Caryn section where there are plenty more solutions to your style dilemmas.

Question: “Dear Caryn
I am hoping that you can help me.  As a busy working mum I have very little time to think about what I am going to wear each morning and so I just grab anything from my wardrobe and end up feeling frumpy and a bit of a mess.  I would like to put some looks together that don’t take too much time and effort or much organisation.  I really want to look trendy and, more importantly, feminine.  I am 5'7" and have a straight up and down boyish figure with small boobs.
Thanks"
Sheila

Hi Sheila
A dress such as the one I have chosen here is a great solution to the daily ‘what on earth am I going to wear’ conundrum! Simply slip it on and you are done! Of course you can add layers like a cardigan, a trench coat or even looped scarf depending on the chill factor but let’s talk about the features of this item… 

The round neck waist shift is great for you as it will subtly shape your boyish frame.  You can create sexy curves by adding a waist belt and by keeping your shoulders on show to strengthen this effect further.
The bold print will also add depth to your silhouette and you will be bang on trend as global inspired prints were all over the catwalks this season.  The dress makes a great style statement on its own but you could also accessorize with some tribal jewellery to really work the trend and turn your look up a notch.

Shift Dress
£110.00
Sizes 8R-20L
Available in French blue fabulous vine, black, purple and watermelon fabulous vine.
Boden

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your shape download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body type. Choosing the best clothes for you will become so much easier.

Question: “Dear Caryn
Please help me!  I have been on the search for a perfect coat without much success. I have a couple of functions over the summer, including my son’s graduation and am looking for a coat that can look dressy but that could also work for a more casual day look.  I don’t mind spending a little bit more money if I could find a coat that could last me longer than just the summer.  I have tried on a few coats, mainly belted ones, but they make me look bulky and I’m not sure if they make my hips look bigger.  I am pear shaped with big hips and I also have a bit of a tummy. I am a size 12 on top and 14 on my bottom half, I am 5”5, with honey coloured skin - oh and I don’t really like showing my arms!
Thanks a lot,"
Tracey

Hello Tracey
It is not always easy to find that perfect coat – the one that works well in a variety of situations and has that longevity and wearability, but when you do find one it can makes a serious style impact and pull a look together, so it is worth the time and investment. 

I agree that a belted coat tied at the waist can accentuate your hips so how about a slimline, figure skimming cut like the coat that I have chosen here. The soft lines of this coat are flattering and the light fabric gives you a clean, sleek silhouette (rather than being bulky), it sharply defines your natural shoulder line and the sleeves will lightly skim your arms.  The embellishment around the collar adds a chic and elegant touch but will also draw attention from your hips and the ivory colour will work really well with your skin tone.

Minimalist pieces were all over the catwalk for Spring/Summer making this coat bang up to date and on trend – just team it with a classic shift dress (another Spring/Summer catwalk staple!) to get a simple pared-down but polished style which could be a great look for your son’s graduation.  What makes this coat great, though, is its simple cut and colour which will see you through several seasons and also take you seamlessly from day to night.

Artisan Coat
£110.00
Sizes 8-20
Available in Ivory, Aqua and Navy
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 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 have lived in trousers and jeans for many years now and would like to break out of this habit and buy a new skirt for the summer.  Could you recommend which shape would work well for me? I am a size 16 on top and size 14 on my bottom half.  I have a large bust, small hips and I have reasonably slim legs."
Caroline

Hi Caroline
An a-line shape like the skirt I have chosen for you below will boost your shape best.  Team this lighter skirt with a solid darker colour top to minimise your bust and the clever placement of the print on the skirt will draw eyes down to your great legs.

Print and colour are all over the high street this season so don’t be afraid to make a statement. Pick a belt to match one of the tones in the print on the skirt and wrap around your waist to accentuate it and the a-line of the skirt.  Add some great coloured sandals and perhaps a bangle for an effortlessly chic but relaxed summer look that will ease you into your new ‘skirt’ way of life!

Fun Skirt
£69.00
Sizes 8R-20L
Available in ivory flowerburst, café embroidered flowers, ink bubble and magenta stars
Boden

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your shape download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body type. Choosing the best clothes for you will become so much easier.

Question. “Dear Caryn
Could you recommend an alternative to the little black dress? I am bored of always wearing black dresses and I love colour but don’t really know where to start.  I am 5”5 and a size 14.  I have an hourglass figure with quite a big bust and a bum.
Many thanks,"
Louise

Hi Louise
It is always great to embrace colour but especially this spring/summer fashion season as the catwalks were awash with bright hues.  I have found this rich jewelled tone dress which is sophisticated and elegant, but also combines blocks of colours together which is another big trend this season. 

The narrow ribbon tie in the contrasting colour will cinch in your waist to accentuate your womanly figure and curves and also adds that little extra something to your look. The placement of blue on the shoulders will highlight them beautifully, diverting attention from your bust and the v-neck will give the effect of elongating your look. This dress is great because it drapes rather than clings, falling loosely over the thighs and hips and the slight a-line will flatter your lower half. If you do feel the need to cover up a little then try a fine knit cropped cardigan which won’t mask your silhouette. Hey, you never knew so much could go in to a dress!

Team with brightly coloured accessories in another bright colour for a fun and playful look

Jersey Dress
£79.00
Sizes 8R-20L
Available in bright green, black, denim blue vintage rose and magenta vintage rose
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 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
Are harem pants the only trouser of the season? I have seen lots of them in magazines but I don’t really like them so I was wondering if there are any other good options as I do want to be on trend but not look like I am trying too hard.  I am a size 12, I have curves and a long waist so my legs are shorter than my torso and I also have quite chunky calves.
Thanks,"
Sophie

Hello Laura
Sometimes it can feel as though you have to have two separate wardrobes, one for work and one for play but there will be elements of your work wardrobe that you can incorporate into more casual outfits. 
Jeans are a great way to start.  The epitome of simple chic can be jeans worn with that tailored suit jacket or a white blouse you use for the office. Try for a slight flare or boot-leg cut which will balance out fuller hips and wear with heels to slim and give the illusion of long, lean legs. 

Try tops that give the illusion of a raised waistline.  There is no reason to think you can’t wear knitwear – just opt for a loose, fine knit such as the one I have chosen here. It is a great option for you as it flows loosely above the natural waistline, skims your hips and curves slightly to elongate and give you a waist. 

Exposed shoulders are not only sexy but also counter a straight waist and minimize hips and if you don’t like your arms then simply slip on a three quarter length sleeve jersey top underneath. This knit waistcoat is so versatile, just throw it on with jeans and a top or use it to pull together a look with dresses, trousers and skirts. Hope this gives you something to get started on

Wideleg Sailor Trousers
£55.00
Sizes 8R-20L
Available in navy, denim blue and white stripe, sea lion, sea lion and ivory stripe
Boden

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your shape download an e-book specially written by me for your individual body type. 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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