Current fashion trends: Autumn 2008

October’s the time when you can feel a chill in the air and suddenly knitwear and even a coat becomes a rather pressing necessity.

Start looking now, so you don’t have to rush into something as the chill factor kicks in.

But remember here at howtolookgood I’m not into praising the latest fashion trends for merely being current!

Remember the only reason that anything is worth having is because it will flatter your body shape…

And this month we are working with another one of my favourite retailers M&S to provide you with answers to your current fashion trend dilemmas.

But wait, before you go rushing off to choose your new autumn outfit, find out how to dress for your shape so you’ll be ready to take on this month with style! 

Below I’ve answered your questions with my recommendations, ranging from a party dress to seduce him, to a gorgeous cape, and if you haven’t done so already, check out the latest catwalk and high street trends from the home page and enjoy the new season’s looks.

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 more fashion conundrums you sent in recently.

Now let’s get started on those questions.

Question: “Dear Caryn
I am looking for a dress for a big party coming up at the end of October. There will be someone there and I really want to wow him!

I am a size 14, 5ft 4 and have an ample size 32DD chest. I don't like showing the tops of my arms, which look fairly bloated nowadays. I am also fed up with wearing cardigans as a cover up – any ideas?"
Rachel

Hi Rachel
Dresses are so easy to wear and a perfect party solution.
A key to successful seduction would be to adapt one of the biggest trends this A/W – lace.  To minimise your bust choose a dress with a v-neckline detail and to flatter your arms without covering them up completely try a ¾ sleeve.   

This lace detail, will have you looking like a seductress with class – effortlessly.

Autograph Occasions Lace Shift Dress
£65.00
Size 8-18
Marks and Spencer

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 35 and have a tall frame with petite build, 6ft and size 10. I am particularly in search of a coat for winter and it has to be a dark colour. I don’t want to stand out in a bright colour. I’ve tried so many on, but a lot of them seem to make me look like a beanpole.

Any suggestions would be appreciated."
Rose

Hi Rose
For a coat choice, take a look at another trend this season – the cape coat. It will automatically add volume and style not only around the body, but also with these bell sleeves around the arms. Tip – even though you want to add volume you also need to flatter your shape and therefore show off parts of your slim body. This coats curved hems helps to do that and look out for separates that have volume also, such as a circular skirt or puff sleeve blouse, this will create great curves to flatter your body. 

Limited Collection Wool Blend Textured Cape Coat
£79.00
Sizes: 8-18
Marks and Spencer

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 have learnt from your previous advice that dark colours work better on my bottom half. I'm a size 16 on my bottom and 14 on my top. I struggle with my top half and would like to experiment a bit more with colour and print for the office. Any ideas? "
Esther

Hi Esther
It's great to hear that you already follow my advice. So I am assuming you will then have in your wardrobe a black pencil skirt or a wide tailored trouser?

OK now go for a shirt or jacket that offers you structure and balances out your bottom half.

An easy start would be to choose a black and white print like this one below. It’s appropriate for work and will ensure you are taken seriously, but it still has a playful feel.

The ¾ sleeve detail is great to show off your slim wrists and it will be great from office to evening. If you are going out after work you could team with a red clutch bag and high heels to completely re-invigorate your look

3/4 Sleeve Funnel Neck Spot Jacket
£49.50
Sizes 10-22
Marks and Spencer

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 standard shape with really long arms. The sleeves on my tops never fit and my wrists and arms always hang out of the bottom. I have just brought a pair of grey tailored trousers that I love and want suggestions for tops that will flatter me.

Maybe it’s impossible but just for once I want to look sophisticated."
Katherine

Hi Rose
Go for long line tunic style knitwear that sits just below the hips.

Avoid bulky knitwear as these rarely flatter instead go for a mid to lightweight preferably in a cashmere mix for extra warmth. 

Scoop or v-necklines will diffuse your broad shoulders and bust.

Autograph Essentials Short Sleeve Colour Block Top
£18.00
Sizes: 8-24
Marks and Spencer

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 work in events and have to socialise through work with clients at least twice a week. I need a wardrobe that reflects this and so look for smart eveningwear that is not too revealing but is also fashionable. I have big hips and thighs so I am sure I am pear shaped. My stomach is also not something I like showing. My budget is not huge so nothing designer please. "
Jessica

Hi Jessica
The galaxy style dress was created by Roland Mouret a few years back and has since become a staple dress that especially flatters and suits pear shaped women.

The majority of retailers on the high street/internet now also sell this shape dress in a satin stretch, which again skims and flatters hips and thighs. This one has a square neckline that would draw the eyes up away from your bottom area and is not too low to be revealing. There is also has a bow side detail which gathers and would detract and flatter the hip area

Autograph Occasions Side Bow Dress
£69.00
Sizes 8-16
Marks and Spencer

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 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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