Autumn Winter Fashion 2007

Autumn/winter fashion 2007 is looking so strong and in my mail sack this month there are plenty of enquiries from you about the autumn/winter fashion trends I’m recommending...

Let me show you what I mean as I answer five reader questions. And if yours isn’t featured here then click through to ‘ask Caryn,’ where there are another ten solutions to your style dilemmas.

And if you're looking for a winter coat for this season, you'll find a couple of great ideas further down this page.

Do also sign up for my newsletter (top left of this page) where I give extra insights into building your capsual wardrobe, along with fashion news along the way that has interested me.

Right now I’m feeling for something bright, warm and definitely ethical.

Also, before you go rushing off to buy your new outfit for this winter, find out how to dress to suit your body shape so you’ll be ready to take on the coming months with style!

So, here are your questions…

Question: “Dear Caryn
I believe in Fair Trade and ethical products and would like to know if there is a clothing range specialising in either and that sell clothes that are trendy and fashionable. I am 32 years of age and looking for a winter coat in particular. Is there anywhere that you can recommend?"
Sam

Hi Sam
Due to the high demand by women like you, clothing designers who trade under the fair trade and ethical labels are becoming more widely available. Gone are the days when it just meant re-cycled garments or low quality organic cotton, now it is about sourcing quality fabrics that are strictly under the rules of Fair Trade/ethical, that do limited damage to the environment.

September’s London Fashion Week saw new ethical/Fair Trade designers such as Wildlifeworks, Ceile and Nahui Ollin (I just treated myself to one of their wonderful bags made from misprinted barcodes, you’ve got to see it to really appreciate the artistry) showcase alongside other high-end designers, which can only be good news…

And of course there is my favourite online ethical boutique www.adili.com for men and women and while I’m at it, fair play to Topshop who have been working with ‘People Tree’ for an age. But I like to try new things and I have also recently come across a great boutique based in Islington that also have an online shop selling fashionable, fair trade clothes. They have a great range of clothing and in particular you might be interested in the orange duffle coat below.

Equa
Orange Duffle Coat
(also in Navy) £97
S, M, L
www.equaclothing.com 

Question: “Hi Caryn
At the end of a hard days work there is nothing better than getting into my pj’s and dressing gown. However recently my husband has said that I look grungy in it and I have to admit I agree! Before you suggest satin or silk, I don’t like wearing them because they don’t keep me warm. I really don’t have a clue where to start because all I can see are fluffy fleecy dressing gowns in bright girly colours and that doesn’t float my boat."
Claire

Hi Clare
Well colour is good for those cold winter mornings but try a print for a more subtle approach. Boden have a spot print dressing gown. It’s not satin so will keep you warm and looking stylish.

Boden
Spotty dressing gown £55
S-XL
Boden

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 43 and a curvy size 26.  I am looking for a dress that will cover my flabby arms and help hide my hips. "
Gill

Hi Gill
A great option is to look for a dress that has a-line sleeves, kimono style tunic tops and dresses are exactly this and very much on trend. Simply be has a great printed dress that also has a black horizontal line that draws the eye to the centre and therefore will help to disguise your hip area. Wear it with black opaque tights and long boots or jeans and heels. And look out for my range next spring designed especially to flatter curvaceous figures using all my styling know-how. More about that in this month’s newsletter!

Simply Be
Print kimono dress
Sizes 14-32
£25
www.simplybe.co.uk

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
My office is having a Christmas do and I really don’t know what to wear. I am getting really stressed about it as I only started there a month ago and I want to make a good impression. They have hired a hotel and laid on a disco, food and a bar and told us that we need to “dress to impress” I don’t have much money and want to buy a dress that I can wear again and really looks glam. I am 29, size 14, 34DD with a bulging stomach. Any ideas?"
Vanessa

Hi Vanessa
Each year hundreds of women are in the same boat as you. Planning an outfit for a Christmas party can be stressful because you are still looking to make an impression with your superiors.

The key is to go for something that fits your body shape beautifully and uses all the streamlining features you need to look your best. You can take it two ways… a black dress can be dressed up with colourful accessories such as a bag, shoes and hairpiece, or a brightly coloured or print dress can be toned down by black accessories. If you want a colour I would highly suggest purple, which is very much a colour on trend this season and is definitely the new black. Why not also go for a strapless, which will show off your bust area without being too revealing (another consideration for a work party).

I have found the below dress which is slinky without being clingy or overtly fussy. It has a centrepiece that will camouflage your stomach area. Make sure you have a good strapless bra or investigate www.stunningstraps.com this site offers decorative bra straps. The collection starts at just £10 and consists of a wide range of colours and styles with beaded and diamante finishes.  The great thing about this dress is that you can wear it on its own with heels and a clutch bag, and over jeans for a less formal occasion. Enjoy the party.

Next
Long slinky boob tube dress
6-22
£32
also available in black
NEXT Directory

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 want to update my wardrobe with a new winter coat that will last for more than one season. I have broad shoulders and no waist and find a lot of coats look masculine on me."
Mel

Hi Mel,
Avoid buying any coats that are very much on trend this season such as the military coat and instead go for something that is more of a classic coat. I also believe you pay for what you get, so invest in a quality coat and it will last. For your body shape, avoid anything with shoulder detail and instead go for something with a lapel detail, to help draw in your shoulders. A tie or belted coat will help to give you waist.

Debenhams
Black wool blend coat
£120
Sizes 10-22
www.debenhams.com

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

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