Current fashion trends: Autumn 2008

It’s September and time to make sure you have a working wardrobe for autumn.

New trends this season as you will see from our brand new catwalk and high street report are in your stores, 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.

As you will see below, this month we are working with Boden to provide answers to your current fashion trend dilemmas.

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

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 for this month.

Now let’s get started on your questions…

Question: “Hi Caryn
I am average height, 5ft 5 but short in the body. I want to buy a fashionable dress that I can get a lot of usage out of.

I love print but never sure what really suits me, have you seen anything that is suitable for a 50 year old, obviously I don't want anything too short."
Thanks, Carol

Hi Carol,
Interesting question. I’m feeling that this is a subject I will need to expand on, since my blog readers are also putting the same questions to me.

As we get older our dress style changes and this is something I address in my 40+ e-book.

To complement your figure go for an empire line as this will lengthen your body, and one that has a-line skirt as this will camouflage your hips too.

V-necklines are good for elongating the neck and generally making your upper body look good. How about this big season's 1940's trend and a floral print dress, very feminine, but the print is graphic enough to look like a confident statement. What you want to avoid is wispy girly diaphanous looks and menopausal pastel bland patterns. Yes I’m warming to my theme.

This one by Boden has a contrasting empire band and a flattering hemline  (just below the knee).

Fabulous Print Dress - £89.00
Sizes: 8R- 20L
Colours: brown, green, yellow
Boden

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 tall, and sporty in shape and a size 16-18 depending on where I shop. I always end up looking like one of the boys because I like track tops and t-shirts with jeans.

I feel out of my depth when I look at all those ‘dolly’ dresses and revealing tops but I really want to break out of this rut and I think if I know what tops suit my body shape, I might be in with a chance."
Ruth

Hi Ruth,
Let’s just push the envelope a tad shall we? Any top that has detail or subtle print is good for you, as this will feminise your body instantly.

Ruffles are a good trick for this and very much still on trend for autumn, but as you can see the top is still t-shirt style and easy to wear.  Colour and print is another option for creating a more feminine finish so keeping darks and solid colours to your bottom half, you can play around at the top.

Look for deep v-necklines too and consider wearing a thick belt to pull in your waist for even more shape

Spotty Ruffle Top - £55.00
Sizes: 8-20
Aqua, purple, green, brown
Boden

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 top heavy; I take a 36DD bra and have a size 12 bottom with slim hips and legs.

Friends say I am lucky to have this body shape but I feel frustrated as my chest gets a lot of unwanted attention.  What can I do?"
Miranda

Hi Miranda
Check out last month’s ask Caryn’s as I answered other questions just like yours and of course you could consider investing in a tip heavy body shape e-book, which will give you a whole host of tools.

But for now here’s my quick tip… wearing darker colours on your top half and bright prints/colours on your bottom half will help to pull eyes away from your bust area.

Coloured tights or a stack-heeled shoe is also a good alternative and fashionable for autumn. Tops that have a V-neckline will flatter your bust, and if you are worried about showing too much cleavage wear a vest underneath.

Accessorise with a big cuff bracelet again on trend and a great way to distract from your top half.

Chic Skirt  - £55.00
Sizes: 8R-20L
Colours: black, poppy, lilac and yellow
Boden

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
With winter around the corner I want to ask what knitwear should I be buying for my figure? I am 38FF, broad shouldered with 42 hips.

I find a lot of knitwear is too short for me and only highlights my hips. What can you suggest? Thanks in advance."
Rose

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.

Merino Scoop Neck  - £49.00
Sizes 8-20
Colours available:
Brown, coral, grey, purple, grey, pale green, blue.
Boden

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. "Dear Caryn
I am taking my children to their first mini festival early September and want to know if you can point me in the right direction on the dress code for a mum in her early 40's who wants to look trendy and not embarrass her children.

I am typically pear shaped and store most of my weight below my waistline. I am also conscious that the weather has not been that great this summer and September will no doubt be wet too."
Sally

Hi Sally
The key to your success is to dress practically in a fun way.

You will of course need a pair of Wellies these can be worn over jeans, and I think a boot cut, dark denim wash jean to flatter your pear shape will be the best investment for you if you don’t already on a pair.

Wear with layers on top maybe a tunic top and a lightweight jumper, nothing too bulky. Finish off the look with a fun Mac. Choose one that is a-line and preferably a tie belt to show off your waist.

Cloud Spotter Mac - £79.0
Sizes: 8-20
Colours:
Dark pink, brown, purple.
Boden

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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