Body shape fashion tips: November 08

This month I’m teaming up with another one of my favourites La Redoute, to create answers for your fashion dilemmas.

Here at howtolookgood we always praise clothes for their ability to flatter your shape and give you confidence.

Trends are important of course and there are loads of body shape fashion tips in this section and in my individually written e-books, which will show you how to dress for your shape and understand your image in much more detail.

And don’t forget the tips in my e-books apply as much to your current wardrobe as they do when choosing new clothes.

And of course there’s plenty more current fashion advice and body shape fashion tips in ‘Ask Caryn,’ so have a look to see what I’m saying about a whole load more fashion conundrums you sent to me during the course of the month.

But this month as always, I like to dip in to my mail bag to respond to your recent questions.

So, let’s see who’s out there!...

Question: “Dear Caryn
In the winter I usually live in a black polo neck as I am all bone around my shoulder and neckline area and have a small bust, 32A.

I prefer to just cover up, especially for work but can you suggest alternatives please? Thanks"
Nighean

Hi Nighean
While high necklines can work well for you, I can understand your need for a change.

Soften up your look by choosing a shirt with a neckline detail such as the one I’ve shown you here. You can wear it on its own or over a contrasting colour skinny knitwear item – yes even a polo neck! In my ebooks I explain how to create volume at the bust line in more depth but all you need to know is that can take advantage of all the current shoulder details such as ruffles, pleats or an angel, capped sleeve shapes and wear them to give your body the fullness you want.

LA REDOUTE CRÉATION Sleeveless Shirt Blouse
Now £16.25
Save 35% Was £25.00
La Redoute

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body shape 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 size 20 and having a big bust size of 36FF.  I find a lot of shirts or blouses are either too tight for my figure or too loose and don't look at all flattering.

Can you suggest where I can go to find a decent shirt that I can wear with jeans as I am getting frustrated with the shops!"
Sally

Hi Sally
Have look in our shopping mall under the section ‘fuller’ so that you can reassure yourself of the large number of companies who can cater for your shape.

Next, have a look at this top which I rather like and see how lose and flattering it will be for your curvaceous bust. The reason this works so well is because it has a darker yoke panel through the centre of the upper body, which really will create a minimising effect.

It’s a lovely loose style and so will be comfy around the bust and give you good coverage over your tummy but because of the panelling it does not look shapeless.

Creating definition for a curvaceous shape is a great tool for you and is something I explain more thoroughly in my fuller ebooks

La Redoute en Plus Print Blouse
£35.00
Sizes 14-26
La Redoute

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body shape 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 petite in shape but not in height.

I’m a size 8 with a tiny frame and a flat chest and I get frustrated with my friends who say I have it easy when it comes to finding styles to suit me, but I don't.

A lot of clothes hang off me and give me no shape at all! Please help me."
Diana, age 25

Hi Diana,
The fashion at the moment is about adding volume and layers and this is great for your body shape.

For example you could layer up a dress by adding a cardigan and belt for a 40's look that is on trend or alternatively add volume around the bust area by adding a frilly detail. There are so many garments with added frills like the trench I have featured here!

You would look sensational in this and you could add it as an outer layer to anything you wear.

Finally to give your body more with and femininity, always choose an a-line style or a pair of bootcut or wide leg jeans. Creating shape on a slender frame is something I’ve written about in my slender ebooks, I know understanding how to do this will help you feel much more confident about your shape.

CHRISTIAN LACROIX 'Falbala' trench coat
£95.00
Sizes 8-18
La Redoute

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body shape 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 looking for a lightweight jacket that will suit my curvy petite figure, I am 5ft 1 and a size 16 and don’t really know what I should be looking for. Any ideas welcome please. "
Clare

Hi Clare
Denim is lightweight and looks great thrown over most styles and is always in fashion. Go for a crop style jacket, these are always great for adding the illusion of height to your frame. Elongating your body is something I talk about in my petite ebooks.

And Clare, make sure you choose a jacket with ¾ length sleeves and add a thin jersey layer underneath to keep out the chill factor.

La Redoute en Plus Denim Jacket
£35.00
Sizes 14-30
La Redoute

Caryn says. To know more about how to dress for your body shape 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 boyish in shape and also personality. I don't own a dress and live in trousers, which my boyfriend complains about all the time.

Not being the most feminine girl, I don't know where to start when it comes to dresses but I believe the time has now come for me to invest in some.

I am size 12, about 5ft 5 and would say I look good for my age of 31. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated."
Tina

Hi Tina
Well let’s start with something that doesn’t nudge you too far out of your comfort zone. This sweater dress could work for your mind and body!

As you can see, it’s not overtly girly and slightly a-line which will flatter your boyish shape, and when worn with a thick belt, rather than the tie shown in the picture, it will further define your waist.

If you are feeling more adventurous after a few outings then you can add chunky beads around the neckline and heels.  It’s versatile too; you can also easily wear it over your favourite jeans or simply with a pair of long boots (over the knee if you fancy a move more high fashion)!

LA REDOUTE ESSENTIELS Sweater Dress
Sizes 6-24
£29.00
New Collection
La Redoute

If you want to know exactly what to wear to flatter your body shape or learn how to work with colour, then treat yourself to an e-book specially written for you by Caryn. This is styling advice that will last you a lifetime and there are 19 different shapes to choose from. One of them is just right for you.

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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