standard and curvy.indd - Caryn Franklin's How to Look Good

In the following pages I will show you how to choose clothes to suityour individual body shape. This is crucial for confidence. Knowing youhave chosen clothes that showcase your body in the best possiblelight, you can relax and enjoy yourself, free to be yourself or the personyou want to be.In this book I want to share with you my styling tools. To do this clearly,I have broken down the book into many different sections. In fact I’mreplicating the workshop I have given over the years for you to takepart in in the comfort of your own home!These are the styling tools I use as a professional stylist when I amworking with ordinary women. Having seen these tools make sucha difference over the years, I can honestly say that the skills you willacquire as you work through this book will make you think differentlyabout clothes for the rest of your days.I have been very careful to explain these tools concisely and clearly.They appear as bullet points for the simple reason that I want you toabsorb them for immediate use when you are shopping and of coursewhen you are dressing.DO YOU KNOW HOW TO READ CLOTHES?HAVE A LOOK AT THIS DRAWING. IT CONTAINS SOME BASIC CLOTHINGFEATURES. DO YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THE FEATURES ON THE CLOTHESYOU ARE BUYING? ALL WILL BE EXPLAINED LATER IN THE BOOK.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

I’ve also included action plans in the order that you should carrythem out for maximum effectiveness. There are three in the book; theyare very specific and, if you follow them, your will have a much moreorganised approach to your image.Throughout this e-book I will provide illustrations of the type ofclothes you should prioritise. Because fashion changes so rapidly thesedays, I have stripped away information that is too trend orientedbecause I think it is more effective if I tell you what each aspect of yourclothing will do for you. That way you can prioritise clothes with thefeatures that suit you.Finally, in working behind the scenes in the fashion industry, I havelearned a lot about femininity and the way the industry viewsfemininity. I want to pass this on to you, to empower you. Wheneveryou feel insecure about the way you look (as happens to all of us fromtime to time when changes surprise us) re-read these features toremind you of the real deal.After you have read this book I know you will feel you canrevolutionise your image with the knowledge of a stylist. Thinking abouthow clothes work and the qualities they will bring to your body is thebest place to start. This is information that will last you for the rest ofyour life.DO YOU KNOW HOW TO READ CLOTHES?HERE ARE MORE CLOTHING FEATURES I WANT TO DISCUSS.UNDERSTANDING HOW TO CHOOSE CLOTHES WITH FEATURES THATWILL FLATTER YOUR SHAPE IS CRUCIAL AND SOMETHING I WILL EXPLAININ DETAIL AS WE GET FURTHER IN TO THE BOOK.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Round neckNECKLINESNECKLINES CAN BE ANEXCELLENT WAY OFELONGATING YOUR NECK. THEREARE MANY CLEVER TRICKS YOUCAN WORK WITH A WELL CHOSENNECKLINE. A HIGH NECKLINE, FORINSTANCE, HAS GREAT BENEFITSTO A SLENDER OR PETITE BODY.A LOW NECKLINE WILL ALWAYSWORK FOR FULLER SHAPES. FORTOP-HEAVY SHAPES YOUR BESTEVER STYLING TOOL WILL BE THENECKLINES YOU CHOOSESO READ ON FOR MY TRIEDAND TESTED GUIDE.ROUND NECKThis is a softly rounded neck thatoften appears on t-shirts, shift dressesor fine knitwear.I have met so many women just like you who are looking to create animage that reflects who they are. One of the reasons it seems to be sodifficult is that the things we feel about our bodies and our image isconstantly manipulated by the media. We are encouraged to thinkabout dieting, toning, looking younger, looking better and of course weare shown pictures of beautiful women looking effortlessly stunning. Asa result many women feel at odds with their bodies and spend a lot oftime focussing upon their imperfections.Your best travelling companion through this e-book will be youracceptance of your own body. Whatever its shape, it is healthy and it isyours. It is doing its best to support you through the day with a myriadof clever functions that you take for granted. Sadly many of us aren’tin touch with this and forget that, before it is a clothes-horse, it is asophisticated biological miracle! Clothes then are the icing on the cake.Use them to celebrate all that you can be to yourself and others!I believe that styling is all about knowing your body and understandinghow to use clothes and accessories to flatter. As a professional stylist,my job is one part clothes know-how and two parts clothescounselling! We all have insecurities and comfort zones, which arethere for a reason and clothes can work as a variety of things to oneperson – from camouflage or comfort blanket to corporate uniform.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Ballerina neckSquare neckBALLERINA NECKThis is a high wrap that generally has lessdepth than an ordinary v-neckline. Youwill find it in knitwear or tops.SQUARE NECKThis can be found in tops, dresses andoccasionally in knitwear.A horizontal line running acrossthe top of the body will accentuatebroadness and width.Avoid if you have square shoulders.If I were spending time with you, I would find out how you feel aboutyour body and how you have chosen to dress. Then I would set aboutchanging some of the visual boundaries you have cemented in place.I’ve often been told ‘I don’t do girly,’ ‘I’m too big to wear that’ or ‘I don’thave the body for that. ’ These and many other rules we make forourselves need to be gently challenged; further in the book you will seemy responses to the things you tell me.Many women I work with also say how frustrating it is that thefashion industry seems to change its ideas and designs so frequently. Sojust when you have found a style or colour that suits you, you can’t besure of finding it the next season when the new ideas arrive. Similarly,fashion magazines often talk in seasons - telling you one thing oneseason only to change their ideas the next. The fact is, fashioninformation changes every season. There is no other industry I canthink of that puts out a different set of rules every six months. Imaginecookery writers telling you a brand new way to make a cake eachseason with completely different ingredients depending on whichingredients were seasonally approved. Or what about a gardeningmagazine that would recommend you change all the plants in yourgarden each season. It’s that spooky!Yet we receive the fashion industry into our lives on that very basis.Of course change is good and making changes that feel right can beliberating. Feeling like you are forced to make changes, however,is not fun.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Crew neck CREW NECKThis is a fitted neckline, which hugs thebase of the neck. It is usually found onknitwear. A high neckline like this willalways make a neck look shorter.What I want to do is show you how to build a confident idea of whatwill work for you so that, although you read magazines and take in theever changing fashion information, you can now always make thechoices that are right for you, regardless of what is on the catwalkevery few months. This is information that you can use for the rest ofyour days and step out forever more in the knowledge that youlook fantastic.So let’s get down to business. I work with many different types ofwomen. I haven’t met one who doesn’t have set ideas about her styleor body. Some I may agree with and others I will attempt to changebecause they are based on outdated ideas she has about herself.These are some of the more common ones; perhaps there any somehere you recognise?Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

V neckScoop neckV-NECKThis is an elegant neckline with av- shaped drop. A high v-neck is oftenfound in knitwear and a lowerv-neck is found in Lycra tops, wraptops or wrap dresses.V-necks work well to create a sense ofelongation from the neck to the chest. Av-neck is a great tool to create a moreswan-like neck. It will also create aminimising shape around the bust.SCOOP NECKThis is a low round shaped necklinethat looks like a semi-circle. It isflattering to all shapes and will give an elegantneckline and more attention to thebustline whether or not there is cleavage.These hard and fast rules can be obstructive. Do you really need themor are you just protecting yourself from the unknown? Changing youroutfit to something you wouldn’t normally wear can have a bigemotional impact; perhaps it’s this you feel the need to avoid.If this means you prefer a dramatic look with more graphic fabrics anda more androgynous take on style from time to time - great! You havecreated a signature for yourself. I identify with this too. If, however, thismeans you feel uncomfortable in anything feminine like skirts ordresses and heels or even dainty tops, florals and pretty colours, thenyou are missing out on some fun.You are not an attention seeking floozie by celebrating yourfemininity with some colour and sensuality. Try to move yourself out ofyour familiar comfort zone incrementally by focussing on a softer look.A skirt with flat strappy sandals and a t-shirt should be your first step.Give your legs and feet a little preparation before you try on a skirt;that way you can’t fall back on excuses about your body not beingsuited to skirts. Once you have tried this and worn it a few times youwill begin to graduate to the next item of clothing.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Sweetheart neckMandarin neckSWEETHEART NECKThis is usually found in clothing that hasno ‘give’ like cotton, satin or silk becausethe design must hold its shape. Theshoulder will drop vertically then a daintycurved line runs over each breast.This works wonderfully to feminise anytop that it appears on. Short or full necksbenefit from a sense of elongation.MANDARIN NECKThis is a high collar that dips at thecentre and is always found on a garmentthat fastens through the middle. It has avery buttoned up almost strict feel andoften appears as a silk garment.If by that you mean you will avoid certain styles that show too muchflesh, now that you are getting older, along with prioritising clothes thathave a certain quality to them and look well made, then you have theright approach. If, however, you mean you don’t want to wear anythingcolourful or playful and especially not anything trend oriented, then youare presupposing that getting older involves becoming invisible. There isnothing so effective as a woman who uses the right amount of acurrent trend to invigorate her look.You may have a job that makes trousers very necessary or you maybelieve your legs should never be allowed to see the light of day, inwhich case the pictorial skirt guide further down will make a bigdifference. If it’s because you just don’t understand what to put withskirts, I suggest that you have got caught in the ‘unsuitable footwear’trap…What I mean by this is that, even if you think for a momentabout not wearing trousers, you get stuck because you don’t knowwhat to put on your feet – since all your shoes work for trousers.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Slash neckPolo neckSLASH NECKThis is a neckline that appears to gostraight across the body fromshoulder to shoulder. It will widen theshoulder area and in some cases canshorten the appearance of the neck.Especially good for smallsloping shoulders.Avoid if you have large orsquare shoulders.POLO NECKThis is nearly always found in knitwear asa fine gauge piece of knitting.These comments and many others mean that you just opt to cover thebody up in layers of fabric and hope no one will see the shape you areunderneath. It may be that you have spent a long time focussing on thething you least like about your body and forgetting to focus instead onthe things you do like about your body.Make a list now of all your good points and let these be the thingsyou draw attention to, while you use the effective tools outlined in thisbook to minimise or camouflage the things you don’t like.Avoid if you have a short neck.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Pierre Cardin style’ collarCollar PIERRE CARDINSTYLE’ COLLARThis is a folded and stiff collar that sitsaround the collarbone. It has theappearance of making the neck seemelegantly slender because it is so muchwider. It also creates width at theshoulder area.COLLARThere is a huge variety of collars tochoose from, the most common beingthe straight collar that encloses theneck when it is done up. Other shapesincluded the rounded collar and thePeter Pan collar.Is this because you have lost confidence in your ability to pull off amore structured look or is it to hide the fact that you just don’t knowwhat to choose to flatter your shape? Casual wear, great though it isfor downtime, is usually shapeless and non descript; is this how yousee yourself? This book will show you how to choose clothes that havedrama, femininity and structure and put them together!Some women put a lot of effort into their appearance but it stilldoesn’t pay off because they haven’t understood the basics. But youwon’t have that problem. The most important thing about your stylechoices from now on is that they will look effortless, so let’s begin.The small collar will always make thebust area underneath it appear larger.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Shirt collarPlunge necklineTeardrop neckline Cowl neckline Large polo neckSHIRT COLLARThis is worn undone to create a softand blurred v-neckline. And there isn’ta woman in the land who will not lookgood in a fi tted shirt, which is sexilyundone (how much depends on thesituation and you).Search for a good fi t so that itcan become a staple in your wardrobe.PLUNGE NECKLINEThis neckline will have varying degrees ofplunge from cleavage to ribcage.Obviously a good bra or great tone iscrucial. The key is all in the depth of thetone; never show so much breast thatit becomes an eyeful. A plunge necklinerequires an excellent bra but can also becarried off by wearinganotherlayer underneath.TEARDROP NECKLINEThis style is effectively like a highboat neck but has an extra teardropshape cut out that may or may notshow cleavage.Often found in fi tted evening tops orlooser jersey style tops. This is a greattop for all heights and shapes. Avoid ifyou have low slung breasts.COWL NECKLINEThis is scoop neckline with an extra layerof fabric that hangs loosely over the bustto add volume. It will bulk up the bustarea and draw the eye to it.LARGE POLO NECKThis neckline always appears on a chunkypiece of knitwear and can stand up fairlystiff around the neck in a wide circle.The volume of fabric around the neckwill work to make the neck seemsmaller or daintier and because it isloose and low the neck itself will alwayslook graceful.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Further on in the book we will discuss your body shape in more detailand I have many tricks for flattering your individual silhouette, as youwill see, but let me outline a few key things that will have influencedyour style up to this point.You don’t enjoy shopping because you’re not confident about thechoices you make. Consequently your style is undefined.You like the look of the garment on the hanger but when it doesn’t fitright you get disheartened.You like colour and pattern but always end up in dark colours becauseit’s just easier.Fashion confuses you. It might look all right on models but you can’twork it in to your wardrobe.I’ve worked with a lot of women who say they don’t understand whythey can’t feel good about the clothing choices they make and oftenblame their bodies for being at fault. As you work your way throughthis book you will learn how to pick clothes confidently, allowingyou to relax and enjoy the way you look. But first let me empower youimmediately with some key pointsCaryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

As you work your way through this book you will learn how to pickclothes confidently but first let me empower you immediately withsome key points.Make do with clothes that don’t fit very well.Wear clothes that are shapeless and non-descript and donothing for your individual shape.Keep a wardrobe packed full to the gills of clothes that don’twork for you.Buy clothes without really understanding what they will or won’tdo for your figure.Rely on dark colours or bland non-descript tones.Rely upon the limited collections that shops carry.Prioritise fit. Your girlfriends who are tall, petite or fuller have alwaysbeen more aware of the need for clothes to fit. As a standard shapeyou have not placed that much importance on fit before – after all youdon’t have to seek out specialist sizes in the way they do. However, youdo need to be more discerning from here in. Good fit signifies confidenceand the regard you have for yourself.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Sort your wardrobe out now – a cluttered messy wardrobe is yourworst enemy if you want to dress with style and confidence. Iguarantee that you are giving closet space to clothes you haven’t wornfor ages and will never wear again. See my easy to work action plan onhow to identify the closet clutter from the wardrobe essentials furtheron.Choose clothes that work with your body to flatter your silhouette– this means making confident choices about shaped and structuredclothes instead of making do with shapeless nondescript items. As youwork through the book, you will see all the illustrations of clothes that Irecommend for your individual body shape. The neckline or width oflapel you choose, the skirt or jacket shape, can all help you balanceyour body. Once you are familiar with these shapes and features,selecting the right clothes will be a piece of cake.Add colour to your wardrobe. If it feels like a bold and attentionseeking thing to do then start by adding a flash of colour as part ofyour accessories; let’s say a belt or a bag before you move to a wholegarment. Print is also instantly feminising and is a way of adding life andexcitement to your wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be bright either; withprint you get the opportunity to stay in your comfort zone with darkercolours before you graduate on to something more adventurous. Ofcourse the weight of the print and where you place it is important andthat is something I discuss later.Use our specially compiled clothing directories to track items you needfor any specialist fits.These basics are crucial to keep in mind, apply them and all the otherbody shape tips you are about to receive to the illustrations of clothesI show you. Lets move on to ‘Step one.’Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Low v-neckLow wrap no sleevesLOW V-NECKThis style of top with sleeves covers allthe shoulder area and with a deepv to reveal a brightly coloured vest topunderneath creates an elegant neckline.The small triangle shape suggestsa small bosom.Good for large or square shoulders. Maingarment in a dark or neutral colour whilesmaller v-insert must be colourful.LOW WRAP NO SLEEVESThis shape with wide neckline andsleeves placed wide on the shoulderswidens the area around the neckline andbust and reduces the amount ofshoulder on show.Good for large or square shoulders.A fashionable approach is adopted by someone who wants to be seento be part of an invisible club called ‘Hopelessly up to date.’ They willtalk in riddles about what is ‘in’ and ‘out,’ they see their clothes as ‘musthave’ items and are always looking ahead to what is coming next. Theycan judge other women as harshly as they judge themselves for nothaving the latest bag and are often on waiting lists for various designeritems. Confidence is something that is achieved once they have all the‘right’ clothes on but next season everything is changed or thrown out,once they see the newest collections.A stylish approach is taken by someone who has no need to be partof an exclusive club. They appreciate clothes as fine items ofadornment that will enhance their day. They do not judge others andwill willingly compliment another woman on her dress sense. Theyknow what will suit them and don’t need to be dictated to by thefashion world, although will just as happily clap hands with delight asthe new styles hit the shops.Confidence is something they already have, by enjoying who they areand what they have done with their lives. In their wardrobes will be aselection of clothes that fit well and have stood the test of time, as wellas some high fashion items because they are fun to wear.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Asymmetric shoulder Wide strap vest topHigh neck vestHalter neck Spaghetti strapsSleveless round neckASYMMETRICSHOULDERThis comes in and out of fashion andusually appears on evening style garments.It suits all shoulder shapes and is a dramaticand chic statement for gowns and tops alike.Especially good for large or squareshoulders.HALTER-NECKAny halter-neck reveals a large amount ofshoulder since it wraps close round theneck. It is featured on summer tops as wellas more formal evening tops, dresses andgowns.Great for small or sloping shoulders as it willcreate the effect of larger shoulders.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.VEST TOP WITH WIDESTRAPS AND LOW OVALNECKLINEThe neck area is widened with this designand the wide straps cover a larger area ofshoulder. This is why this design is good forlarger bodies in general.Great if you have large or squareshoulders.SPAGHETTI STRAPSThese straps are just as they sound - thin,strand-like straps. They are often used ondainty dresses and are more fordecoration than anything. A strapless bra isthe only choice here as this dainty look isruined with visible bra straps. You’d think thatwould be obvious but I’ve seen it so manytimes.Great if you have small or sloping shoulders.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.VEST TOP WITHNARROW STRAPS & HIGHERNECKLINEThe neck area is made smaller and theshoulder area is increased because thestraps are pushed further towards the neck.This sporty style will make the body seemlarger and more muscular.ROUND NECKAND SLEEVELESSThis could also be a v-neckline butthe important part of the design is thecoverage from the neck to the shoulder.The wider this is, the less shoulder there ison show.Good for large or square shoulders.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Wide scoopOff the shoulderWaterfall collarGypsyWIDE SCOOPThis neckline can work very well tocreate a subtle width across the shoulderarea. If you find your bra straps are onshow then wear a contrasting colouredvest underneath to conceal the strapsand create a layered look.Avoid if you have wide shoulders.OFF THE SHOULDERThis neckline is usually seen on gownsand cocktail dresses and works very wellbecause of the gentle v-shape to createa flattering effect for curvy upper bodiesand standard shapes.However, it still creates a horizontal lineacross the shoulder area.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.WATERFALL COLLARThis is an elegant neckline or collar stylethat creates a vertical line through thebody to create a streamlined andelongating effect. It is usually seen informalwear. A generously proportionedruffle will feminise large or squareshoulders.THE GYPSYWhen soft ruffles are popular, theGypsy off-the-shoulder top will appear.It is a great garment for feminising theshoulders and for this reason is the bestchoice if you are broad shouldered butlike the idea of wearing styles that havean obvioushorizontal feature.Good for large or square shoulders.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Back view cross over feature Back view cowlBack view of sports top or t-barBACK VIEWCROSSOVER FEATUREOften appears on special occasiondresses. The effect of these thin strapscriss-crossing across the back is to makeshoulders appear larger and thereforethe waist smaller.Great for small or sloping shoulders.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.BACK VIEW COWLThe straps are placed wide apart and agentle draping cowl feminises and softensthe back; but depending on the designcan also make your back appear wider.Great for small or sloping shoulders.BACK VIEW OF SPORTSTOP OR T-BARThe straps are designed to make theshoulders appears larger and thereforemore sporty. It’s a great shape to drawattention to shoulders and to make theupper torso seem more developed.Great for small or sloping shoulders.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Many women have no sense of what they would like their style to bewhen I ask this question. Moreover, they have no understanding of thestyle they currently inhabit. Just jot down a handful of words thatrepresent you now – be as honest as you can bear. My guess is thatamongst your descriptions will include the words ‘practical,’ ‘thrifty,’‘comfortable,’ maybe even ‘bored,’ ‘scruffy’ and ‘bland.’Style should begin and end with who you are and what you areabout. Whether we like it or not people read our clothing, accessoryand hair and make-up choices. Despite not uttering a single wordabout ourselves to others, we will have communicated volumes aboutourselves through our clothes.One woman I worked with had a fondness for drab lifeless colours,shapeless garments, no make-up on her face and unloved hair. She wasamazed when I said I could see immediately that she had fallen out oflove with herself. To her these clothes were just what she had alwaysput on in the morning and she liked not having to think about them.I read her image as someone who didn’t want to think about herself,who was uninterested in the woman she saw in the mirror.Let’s start with the simple basics; like whether your clothes appearto be cared for. Do they give off a look of quality and do they fit? Ona deeper level ask yourself do your clothing choices flatter your body?Do they cleverly enhance your strengths and play downyour weaknesses.Yes, others will effortlessly make assumptions about your personality byreading your choices on colour, design and print as well as all the above(this includes potential friends, bosses, work colleagues and socialacquaintances) – so will they be the right assumptions?A stylish woman will always communicate a regard for herself and apleasure in being. Size and age need have no bearing on how youpresent yourself - few things are more self-affirming than the act ofdressing well (this is not to be confused with spending well). Someonewho dresses well will not get caught in the trap of over spending ormaking expensive mistakes, even impulse purchasing. Once you beginCaryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

to use the tools I will lay out in this book you too will communicateradiance and a confidence that is very lovely to be around. Yourwardrobe will soon be full of thoughtfully chosen clothes that willcreate the best possible statement about you!1 Take a piece of card or paper the width of your wardrobe door(there is method here so read on) and fill it with aspirational images.Let’s start with the women you admire style-wise.2 Then add shapes, colours and prints you like – they may be subtle orbold and modern or nostalgic. Just cut several swatches from your oldmagazines and arrange them attractively in the page. Don’t let faddytrends influence you here; the object of this exercise is to create yourown personal mood board.3 Now add the words that you would like to represent you. Thesecould be feelings or descriptions like ‘glamorous,’ ‘colourful,’‘co-ordinated,’ ‘sassy,’ ‘smart’ even ‘sultry,’ ‘sophisticated,’ ‘vampish,’ or just‘fun,’ ‘happy,’ ‘fresh-faced,’ ‘natural.’ Stay realistic.Type these words on yourcomputer and enlarge them so that they have a weight. Then cut out instrips and fix to the card. Don’t move so far away from what iscurrently your style now, that your aspirational image becomes a merefantasy and completely unachievable.4 Now fix this paper to the inside of your wardrobe door andwhenever you open your wardrobe you will be reminded of your ownpersonal style signature.By doing this you can begin to carry out your own wishes. After all,all stylists are surrounded by clothes, models and designers. The reasonthey seem to make such effortless choices is because they are thinkingabout image and inspiration for a large part of their day.They get to see clothes in action on the catwalk, they experimentwith clothes on shoots and they spend longer than most shopping foraccessories or in the offices of PR’s choosing clothes from the shootthey will work on next. I’m not advocating that you spend any longerthan necessary on your image but give yourself an opportunity to beinspired when you open the wardrobe door in the morning!Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Curved straplessPeriod style straplessStandard strapless Scalloped strapless Extra band around the bustSTRAPLESS BODICESTHESE OFTEN APPEAR ON SPECIALOCCASIONWEAR AND GOWNS ASWELL AS CORSET STYLE TOPS INTHEIR OWN RIGHT. THEY AREPERFECT FOR LARGE SHOULDERSAND CURVY ARMS AS WELL ASSTANDARD AND PETITE SHAPES.WHEN PROPERLY BONED ARESENSATIONAL FOR CURVYVOLUPTUOUS BUSTS. THERE WILLBE MANY VARIATIONS BUT THESEFIVE DESIGNS REPRESENT MOSTOF THE DESIGNS YOU WILLCOME ACROSSCURVED STRAPLESSA design like this creates a larger area atthe bust and because it does not followa horizontal line to mirror the shoulderline will not exaggerate square shoulders.Choose a style like this if you have asmall bust and square shoulders. Thecurved line will create a visual distractionfrom the shoulders that are angular, bonyand square. Avoid if you have small orsloping shoulders.PERIOD STYLE STRAPLESSThis design has a gothic feel to it andoften appears in vampish colours eitheras cocktail gowns or corset tops.This shape will minimise the bust area.STANDARD STRAPLESSThis is a universally flattering shape withvertical seaming through the front of thebody. The vertical seeming will alwaysmake the waist appear more streamlined.Great for standard and narrow or slopedshoulders - the horizontal line willenhance the same line made by theshoulders.SCALLOPED STRAPLESSThis design suggests softness andfemininity. The scallop over the bust willcreate a minimising effect and will alsosoften the shoulders.Perfect for large or square shoulders.EXTRA BANDACROSS THE BUSTThis design adds volume at the bust aswell as width, making the waist looksmaller by comparison.This is one of the best ways to createmore width across the bust, making thebody seem wider and/or larger.Many bodices will have beading,sequins or other embellishment atthis point. This also does the job ofcreating volume.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

This illustration shows how long lean vertical lines will always elongateyour body especially when clothes are all in the same colour groupingor tone.See how the closed toe footwear elongates the leg. For extralengthening effect, ensure your shoes are the same colour as yourtrousers. Conversely, if you wear a contrasting coloured pair of shoesyou will shorten long legs.This drawing is an exaggerated look to show how the featureworks illustrating…• Shape of garments that make vertical lines in themselves• Long length garments• Seaming• Panels of colour• Zips, fastenings• Garment layering - to reveal panels of colour through torso areaSee how the eye travels up and down the body because there is nohorizontal feature to distract it.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Batwing sleevePuffed sleeveSLEEVESA SLEEVE ALL ON ITS OWN CANDO A GREAT DEAL FOR A FULL ARM,BUT FOR ANY SHAPED ARM, THESLEEVE YOU CHOOSE CANMAKE A DIFFERENCE TO HOWYOUR ARM APPEARS.BATWING SLEEVEThis style usually appears in soft jerseyfabrics or fine knitwear and is aninteresting and forgiving shape.It will disguise the shape of any arm butcan foreshorten a body.PUFFED SLEEVEThis is a great device for creating widthand volume around the shoulder area.When worn in a soft jersey fabric it canwork well for curvy arms byappearing larger in size than thepiece of arm on show and thereforemaking the arm look smaller.Avoid if you have large orsquare shoulders.The steps I’m outlining here are important. But so is thinking ofyourself as unique and therefore special. If you like a certain colouror want to dress in a certain way then go ahead and enjoy it. I don’tsubscribe to the idea that everyone should look the same. In fact, Ifeel strongly that a stylish approach allows for individuality, whereas amerely fashionable approach can often make everyone look as thoughthey are wearing a uniform.It is important that you feel you have a signature that out-lives any ofthe trends – these after all last a very short space of time. Yoursignature will be the thing that others can describe you by. It willinfluence the types of clothes you buy. After all we can lean that acertain print or colour is ‘on trend’ but it is how we incorporate it intoour wardrobes that counts.Start to take ownership of your look; don’t hand it to the fashionindustry to decide how you should appear. Here are two examples ofwhat I mean:She usually has long hair, maybe it’s plaited. She loves turquoise oramber jewellery and often has lots of silver bangles or rings. Herclothes are loose and feminine in earthy colours. She loves leather andcrisp white blouses.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Capped sleeve Angel sleeveCAPPED SLEEVEThis design concentrates on the shoulderand top area of the arm. It can accentuatethe size of this area and is a popular choicefor those who enjoy the way their armlooks more athletic and toned when theywear it. Avoid if you have soft, round orlarge arms and shoulders.ANGEL SLEEVEThis is a great sleeve for fuller softer arms.It will always work to make the arm looksmaller and more feminine.The slash in the sleeve will blur the line andcreate a minimising effect on the arm. It willalways work to make the arm look smallerand more feminine.Fitted T-shirtThis a style that has tailoring at its heart. She will wear clothes thathave a certain strictness to them as well as accentuating her shape. Herhair will be groomed, her accessories co-ordinated. Colours will begraphic – reds, greys, black.Both these women have retained their own unique style but both willbuy clothes to accentuate and support their look each season,choosing styles and cuts that are relevant to them. Have you everthought about what your look might be? To find out more moveforward to Action Plan Number 1 ‘Style Detective.’FITTED T-SHIRTA hard horizontal line across the armwhere it begins to widen is a way of lookingmuscular. The t-shirt was invented afterall by the US Army as an undergarment.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

3/4 Length or cropped sleeves Bell shaped sleeve Bell-bottom sleeve3/4 LENGTH ORCROPPED SLEEVESThis length sleeve works perfectly to makelimbs look longer and, whendesigned with a wide flare, will be one ofthe most flattering shapes for curvy armsand wrists.BELL SHAPED SLEEVEA sleeve like this will come in and out offashion and is most often seen on formalor special occasionwear blouses. It workswell to widen the bottom part of the armand will give balance to the top part.BELL-BOTTOM SLEEVEA long and wide sleeve will work tobalance the top of the arm.A long wide sleeve can foreshortenthe arm.However, the benefits of balancing the toppart of the arm by creating more volumeat the wrist and forearm are also important.As a general rule a curvier arm needsa wider flare at the bottom.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Raglan Sleeve Extended cuff featureOpen slash sleeveRAGLAN SLEEVEThis design is more to do with the waythat the sleeve fits into the shoulder areabecause it is not a conventional sleevecasing. It is often used in sporting clothingbecause it allows for more give acrossthe back. It also enhances the shoulderarea, especially if it appears as a two-tonedesign (where the sleeve is a contrastingcolour from the body).This shape will always bulk up theshoulder area.Avoid if you have large or squareshoulders.EXTENDED CUFF FEATUREA dressy shirt, blouse or top can use thisfeature and it is a great one to reducethe appearance of a long slender arm,especially if there is some gathering intothe cuff that creates width around theforearm.OPEN SLASH SLEEVEThis sleeve is slashed from the shoulderto the wrist and held by the wristbandbut there are other designs too like aslash just at the top of the arm or severalslashes that are caught at various pointsalong the way.This is a perfect sleeve for concealing theshape of the arm, leaving a slither of skinon show and a long vertical line.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

The fact that there never seems to be enough space just serves to encourageus to treat our clothes badly. In any wardrobe (and I’ve overhauleda few in my time), I can guarantee I will find garments that arebadly hung or squashed into tight spaces. There will be hangers pokingthrough knitwear; clothes on the floor of the wardrobe or returnedto the rail dirty. And I always find plenty of clothes that aren’t even theright size. Most women only wear about a third of their wardrobe, therest is closet clutter.Closet clutter and clothes that are past it - read that as worn out orout of date - are no good to you. A good stylist knows what she hason her rails at any time and knows what is available to work with. Spota stylish woman in the street and you can be sure that she willhave an organised wardrobe at her disposal. This is very easily achievedwhen you adopt the mindset of a stylist and think of clothes as tools.A carpenter will keep a toolbox tidy so that she can find the tool sheneeds to carry out the job well; why don’t you take that approach toyour clothes from now on?If you have any clothes remaining that are well cut and fit you beautifully,perhaps they spent some money on them and they have classicappeal BUT don’t fit in with your current looks then save them as‘personal vintage.’ Personal vintage will allow you to bring these clothesback out in a few years when the catwalks revisit these looks.I have always done this…when trouser shapes change significantly fromskinny to flare and back again, I can recycle my own designer styles andnot have to re purchase something I already had once.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

1 Start by splitting your wardrobe into two seasons and remove all thegarments that are seasonally unsuitable. There is after all no pointfighting your way through a sea of sweaters you won’t wear for atleast three months. Or trying to extricate your strappy sandals from apile of winter boots. Fold and pack these items away clean in storage(moths are attracted to food stains or perspiration, in fact this is a feastfor them).2 Now put the stored clothes and accessories in the loft, under thebed or just generally out of the way – not only will it keep them inbetter condition and ready for the correct season – but you’ll have abetter idea when you do unpack them of whether you want to keepthem all.3 Now let’s look at what you have left in your wardrobe. Put to oneside the items that you don’t wear for one reason or another and nowlet’s arrange on the rail the remaining garments.4 Take all metal and plastic hangers out of the equation and replacewith wooden ones. These will keep your clothes in better shape.5 Now group all your trousers together and hang; then group skirtsand hang; now jackets and hang. Notice how many combinations youcan get from mixing the top halves with both sets of bottom halves.6 Now add blouses on hangers and then on to the shelf place foldedLycra tops and knitwear. Split these last two groups into light and darkif you can.7 Finally store dresses on wooden hangers and place nextto the blouses.8 Now place all seasonal shoes at the bottom of your wardrobe alongwith a box for your belts, scarves, corsages and other accessories. Bagscan sit on top of the box or in a shelf space if you have one.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

This is your working wardrobe. See how easy it is to create a varietyof looks with all the items that are in front of you, partly because youcan see what you have immediately and partly because the garmentsthemselves will now give you ideas and inspiration as they suggestcombinations.Let’s now look at the clothes on your bed that you don’t wear. Behonest with yourself here and voice out loud why you don’t wearthem. Hearing yourself say things like ‘I’m waiting to shrink back into it.’Or ‘I keep thinking that one day it will look right on me.’ Or mosttypically ‘It was a bargain and I’ll find a use for it somehow,’ will helpyou to let go of them. Often women keep a variety of sizes in theirwardrobe in case they either lose or gain weight. In my experience, it’simportant to store the clothes that aren’t your current size so that youare styling with only the clothes that you know will fit you. Give awaythe rest.If you have anything left from this pile that you do want to keep, putit in your closet and review next season. This practice should be keptup twice a year and, as you buy new clothes, you can make space inyour wardrobe for them by removing old worn out items.To create a new mindset for you, choose a mantra – my personalone is ‘every day is a best underwear day’ – that communicates to methe joy of feeling my best all the time rather than saving my efforts forsome special (fantasy) day. Start using your clothes to support you inyour quest to look and feel great everyday. If we think about thecarpenter and her toolbox for just a moment, we realise thatshe strives to turn in good work everyday using the correct tools….so should you!Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Classic T-shirt styleTOPSTOPS ARE AS MUCH A TASTE ANDSTYLE THING AS THEY ARE A FITISSUE AND, WITH FASHIONCHANGING THE CUTS EVERYSEASON, THERE ARE ALWAYS NEWSHAPES TO TRY. HERE IS AGROUPING OF THE CLASSICSHAPES WHICH, WHEN PUTTOGETHER WITH THEINFORMATION YOU ALREADY HAVEON NECK LINE, SHOULDER ANDSLEEVE DETAIL WILL CREATE ABODY SHAPE REFERENCEWHATEVER THE STYLES. LENGTH ISALSO IMPORTANT TO CONSIDERHERE AND THIS WILL BE FLAGGEDUP WHERE RELEVANT.CLASSIC T-SHIRT STYLEThis shape usually has a little Lycra tohelp it stretch or it is a loose weavecotton so we can stretch it over ourheads. It has become a utilitygarment of modern day times andis useful for casual wear.You are standard height and curvaceous and you are all in proportion.That means you have even body symmetry and that is excellent news.What you don't have to do then is work extra hard to even up yourtop half with your bottom half or visa versa. With such a gorgeousshape, there isn't so much work for you to achieve body symmetry. Butperhaps you find certain garments don’t fit or sometimes you feel allbosom and hips; maybe you need a few tips to create an extraelegance that comes with the illusion of height. Whatever your interestsI want you to enjoy your beautiful healthy body from this day onand to show off your curves to their very best; you can create a greatsilhouette and a figure that turns heads by defining your shape in anelegant and flattering way.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

CLASSIC VESTThe vest has just that bit more shape toit and so is a more flattering garment forsummer. It is also a very useful garmentto wear under another top like acamisole or a wide scoop to give brastraps coverage and a contrastingcolour for a layered look.THE KIMONO TOPThis casual style top has large squaresleeves and can be loosely fitted to thebody under the bust and around thewaist. The extra volume around the armswill minimise the bust while the fabric atthe tummy will cover roundness. A toplike this will usually have bold print andits general width can create aforeshortening effect.Classic vestThe Kimono topYou will consistently find that just a few actually give you the fit youneed and that one retailer’s size 12 is another’s size 14. That is becausethere isn’t standardised sizing. So stick with a label or shop that fits youbest because fit is everything. The cheapest of garments can looksensational if it fits the body beautifully and the most expensive outfitwill only create a negative impact if it is badly fitted.It’s possible that you have got used to dressing in a way that does notaccentuate your body. Curvy women receive more attention thanthey would like and so subconsciously feel uncomfortable about theirshape – if this is you, the clothing choices that you make from now onwill showcase your body so beautifully that you will never need to feelinsecure again. I want you to prioritise styles that work for you so takethese ideas with you when you next go shopping.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Blouson dropped waistedCamisoleBLOUSONDROPPED WAISTEDThis top can have any type of neckline,what’s important here is the softgathered fabric around the tummy areaand the low waisted band. This can gentlymask the shape of your whole uppertorso and so blurs the line betweenbust and tummy.CAMISOLEThis is a top that normally appears inflimsy or lightweight fabrics. It gives littleor no shape to curves but is good forslender frames. Worn either braless orwith a good strapless bra it can lookvery demure and was a key look withjeans not so long ago.Avoid if you have large orsquare shoulders.• Do look for clothes that offer a waist therefore accentuating bosomand hips and making the most of your curves. An absolute must for youis the wrap dress because it is adjustable and allows for you to fit it toyour body. Wrap tops are also fantastic for the same reason (wear aLycra vest underneath for extra security).• Many curvy women still wish they had a fuller bosom. If this is you,then look for tops that create extra volume and therefore enhancethe top part of your body. Choose anything with frills, ruching or loosefabric gathers at the front. What you are doing is creating an illusion offullness.• Choose v-necks that lengthen necks and create a flattering line forthe bosom; this will minimise your bust if you feel it is too full.• Wear a correctly fitted smooth and seamless bra, making sure thatstraps do not cut into flesh creating lumps and bumps. It is crucial thatyou take time to get the correct fit – bosoms that point down orspread outwards are very ageing. It is especially crucial for petite shapesto lift breasts; this will immediately give you an extra illusion of height.Celebrate your beautiful shape with a balconet bra – these give greatshape and support. In our directory you will find companies that offerlarger cup sized bras.• Apply the same thought to briefs. A VPL or any other line will makeyour curvy bottom seem as though it is asking for more attention. Myfavourite lingerie item is the g-string for that very reason. You can getgreat performance underwear from places like Marks and Spencer withcontrol and smoothing panelsCaryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Classic tankCamisole with peplumCLASSIC TANKThe classic tank style is a greatsolution if you have large or squareshoulders and will minimise this areavery effectively. Especially good forsquare or athletic shoulders.CAMISOLE WITH PEPLUMAll of the above counts here but theimportant thing about this top is itsextended length. Any top with a peplumor loose layer like this is perfect forcovering round tummies.• Wear large chunky knits that wrap your body seductively. Longercardis that have a belt feature will enable you to draw the garmentclose to your body, accentuating your waist and creating definition.• If you want to play down full shoulders and arms, wear wide shoulderstraps, sweetheart necklines or three-quarter length sleeves with a flare.• Trousers and skirts can create the illusion of length to give the lookof sophistication. If you are curvy and in proportion, enjoy your body inthe knowledge that any shape of trouser or skirt will suit. If you havea slight pear shape to your hips or fullness in the thighs then choosetrousers and skirts with a slight flare from the hips so that your bottomis not your widest point.• Enjoy jeans because they give your thighs a smooth and tonedappearance and a curvy bottom looks fantastic in good quality jeans.You may find, however, that you struggle with waists always being toolarge. This is where the lower cut at the hip or low-rise waist will reallybenefit you. Every woman finds jeans buying time consuming so visita store where there are loads of brands to try (each will offer slightlydifferent cut); then you can keep going until you find the best fit andcut for you.• Wear a low or medium heel under your trousers. I say this because,with few exceptions, high heels are just plain uncomfortable and sophisticatedcool is not to be found on the face of someone whosefeet are in distress.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Wrap topFitted shirtWRAP TOPThis is a flattering shape that wrapsthe body and creates definition.It usually appears as all in one with noneed of fastening.FITTED SHIRT.This is a classic that is adapted to suitevery body shape and is flattering toboth curvy and slender alike (yourfavourite retailers will have taken yourbody type into account when theydesign this classic). Petite retailers willalways offer shorter lengths for instanceand tall retailers will add extralength and cuff detail.• Cropped trousers are a fantastic visual aid to leg elongation as areskirts that hover around the knee, leaving almost yards of leg on show.An A-line knee-length skirt will flatter full calves. Team with a low slingback. (Shoes with ankle straps always shorten the leg).• Wear a shoe that matches tonally with your skirt or trouser for extralengthening effect.• Wear boxy shapes like t-shirts or polo shirts that hide your bust andhips and make your body look bulky and square.• Choose tops with high round necks that make your bosoms looklarge and low slung.• Wear thin Lycra that is too closely fitted to the body; fleshy areasaround the body can look lumpy or roll-like.• Wear lacy bras under smooth fabrics like jersey because yourbosoms will look mottled and noticeable.Wear tops that blouson round the waist and settle on the hips. You willlose your waist and your body will have no shape. This has got to bethe most unflattering shape for you!Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

This picture illustrates how horizontal lines can create width and aforeshortening effect. The look itself is exaggerated with manyhorizontal features in the clothing to make the point. See how the eyetravels across the body wherever there is a horizontal line.Horizontals are effectively used as visual punctuation on tall bodies butmust be used more sparingly on shorter and curvy bodies.They can, however, be great tools to create width at a certain part ofthe body to give balance.Horizontal lines are made by:• Creating a colour break (a change of colour)• Belts• Seaming• Print• Garment layering to create horizontal slabs of colour• Features on clothes like smocking, yokes, panelling ribbing, shirring,fabric bandsCaryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Smock topEmpire lineSMOCK TOPThis is a top with a lot of fabric in it. It isrecognisable by the fl at yoke that reachesfrom the neckline to the rise of the bust,where it is joined to a full or gatheredeffect fabric. In general it will widenthe shoulders and blur any defi nitionbetween bust and tummy.It is also good for creating volumearound the whole of the upper body.EMPIRE LINEThis shape has enjoyed spectacularpopularity in recent seasons because it isa very fl attering and easy to wear shape.The difference between empire andsmock is that the fabric is fi tted over thebust and pulled close to the body justunder the bust where it then falls awayand fl ares over the tummy withoutdefi ning the shape.It is a great garment for creatingdefi nition around the bust and disguisingthe tummy.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Dropped waist or long line camisoleTunic DROPPED WAIST ORLONG LINE CAMISOLETops that have a dropped waist area joy to wear because the waist andtummy is not on show and for manyof us that means the chance to breathout and relax.However, the dropped waist draws theeye line downwards, creating someforeshortening.TUNICThis is one of the most popular shapesof recent times, creating a loose layerover the whole of the upper bodyand covering waistline and tummy.The advantages to this type of topare numerous.But choosing the right style of tunicdepends on the features it has. The necklineis crucial; an all over pattern is neutral,while dominant decoration at the bottomof the tunic draws the eye away from theupper body. Similarly dominant and eyecatchingembellishment at the top of thetunic focuses the attention at the bust.The length of garment works bestfor you when it is not settled on thewidest part of your hips. Also theshorter your legs, the shorter the tunictop needs to be to avoid visuallyforeshortening your legs.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

We all wear uniforms to some extent. In my own wardrobe I have adozen that have served me well. When I know what I am doing withmy day I then pick from one of the following uniforms; thisnarrows down my potential for time wasting.These are mostly black clothes because the days can be long; theremay be meetings and appointments or styling behind the scenes forTV or magazines. I often have my hair scraped back so that it is held inplace all day long and looks chic. For meetings, especially, I may need tolook a little stern. I’m usually pitching ideas and I need to look efficientand authoritative.Well you’d think they’d be the same but they are not. Televisionrequires brightly coloured, larger than life clothes. I used to try and getaway with black after all it was the way I dressed but, when I looked atthe piece I’d filmed later, I looked too stern and sombre. I often buyclothes for TV that I wouldn’t wear in an ordinary day because theylook too attention seeking. Clothes also need to look new on TV so,even if I do like something, I don’t often wear it for real life. I’m veryfrugal and I buy from designer friends at wholesale. I also prioritisedesigner sales. Shoes are important here. If I’m on stage my shoes willbe level with many people’s eye line. I always wear stage shoes, whichhave ‘showy heels,’ that look and feel great for a few hours max!This is my jeans and trainers or boots look with a few loose tops overpolo necks in the winter. I like tops that cover tummies so that whenI’m sitting down at my desk I don’t have to hold my tummy in. I wearjeans with a bit of Lycra in them because sitting at my desk all day canbe uncomfortable in restrictive fabrics. I always write up until the lastmoment then I rush off to collect my youngest from school. I likestriding out in my trainers (currently red and pink Gola’s), it’s theperfect antidote to being cooped up at my desk.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

These are the women I dress for. I want them to think I am well puttogether and effortlessly stylish. Amongst them I have writers, designers,other TV presenters, PR’s and magazine publishers as well as othermums from school. I probably put the most amount of effort into thislook. But it’s not about labels, it’s about individuality. I take pleasure inmixing things up and wearing designer items I have loved for years, likemy favourite Betty Jackson designs with some high street labels andsomething I have just bought from a second hand shop. It’s all aboutlooking and feeling good isn’t it? I love the way my friends dress tooand I’m inspired by their individuality - often we will exchange details.Bright colours or funky designs just look very attention seeking and outof place in the country. I spend as much time as I can there to unwind.It’s about as far from fashion as you can get and if I have driven up fromLondon in my London clothes – they can feel strangely out of place.Heels and pointy boots just don’t work on stony and uneven paths.Of course I wear old muddy clothes that have seen a lot of action.Gardening is my favourite hobby (my hands are never manicuredbecause gardening just ruins them). I love wiping my filthy hands downmy clothes and then popping into the garden centre still messy andwild with my Wellington boots on. I know I am recognised and getsome strange looks because I am always muddy or dirty. Gardeningshouldn’t be any other way!Because I don’t do girly, I know where every woman who tells me thesame is coming from. For evening wear I love monochrome andtailored designs – because there is something sexy about a well cutwaistcoat with cleavage and beautifully cut trousers. Hey it workedwhen Yves St Laurent launched it all those years ago and it’s still aclassic now. I love shoes too so I indulge myself with classic designsfrom Georgina Goodman (heels always) that last and last.Slipping into these clothes helps me to focus on the role in hand. Iam dressed for it and I need think no more about what I am wearing.Instead I concentrate on what I am doing.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Fitted streamlined jacketJACKET SHAPESTHIS SECTION GIVES YOU ANINSIGHT INTOTHOSEALL-IMPORTANT OUTER LAYERS. BYTHEIR VERY NATURE JACKETS ARETAILORED TO SOME DEGREE ANDHAVE BELT, POCKET AND COLLARFEATURES. (I’VE DONE A SEPARATECOLLAR GUIDE OVERLEAF). I WILLALSO BE TALKING ABOUT LENGTHSHERE NOT JUST FOR JACKETSBUT COATS TOO SINCE THE SAMESTYLES APPEAR WITHEXTRA LENGTH.FITTED STREAMLINED JACKETThe fitted streamlined jacket comes in avariety of styles but is identifiable by itslack of features and undefined waist. It isa classic style and often in a soft leatheror glazed gabardine fabrics.Colour has the ability to draw the eye to wherever it is placed. It canalso be a helpful tool in playing up or down certain parts of your body.So use colour with the knowledge that a dark colour minimises andnarrows the part of the body it covers and bright orlight colouraccentuates or draws attention to the part of the body it covers.Firstly, choose colour to suit your skin tone. If you are pale find a tonalmatch in your favourite colour. What I’m saying here is that you canwear any colour you damn well please but it must be tonallycompatible to your skin and hair. Let’s take blue for instance - thereis a huge selection of tones from baby blue to peacock blue andmidnight blue. Discount the primary version immediately. Primarycolours suit very few skin tones over five years old.Then apply this basic rule: If you are pale, choose a blue that is notpigment intense. If you are mid-tone, choose a blue with a mediumamount of pigment and, if you are dark, you can go all the way. Putsimply this means that pale skins can wear lights but not brights (richcolour will make you look washed out). Mid-tones can wear lights orbrights that are not too rich and not too pale and dark skins can wearbrights but not lights (a pale colour can often look faded and washedout unable to offer any complimentary glow to dark skin).Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Single breasted jacketSINGLE-BREASTED JACKETThis is a universally flattering jacket andwill always make an appearance on thecatwalk (details slightly changed eachseason of course). Quite often it isfastened by only one or two buttons andhas a fitted waist and small pocketsat the hips. All important is the fit andthe proportion on your body. It musthang from your shoulders with nowarping across the body.This style is also found in coats wherethe waist is featured and the fabric fallsfrom the hip into a gentle flare. Again thisis a universally flattering style.There is plenty more to say on colour but one other helpful tip is takethe garment you want to buy to a mirror in daylight (electric light willnot help you at all). Then hold the colour right up under your chin andtake a good look. It will reflect under your chin, under your nose andunder your eyebrows - does this add a wonderful glow to your skin ordoes it look awful though you don’t know why?This method works so efficiently because colour gives off reflectedlight and throws it onto your skin. I, for instance, do not choose to wearmuch yellow and green because I have very yellow skin so I cool myskin down with blues and bluey pinks.Try this in your bedroom with your clothes now and you’ll seewhat I mean!• As a standard height with an apple shape figure you may enjoy keepingwithin one colour grouping to create the feeling of extra height andelongation. Pick a tone that suits your skin tone and then createan outfit from colours in similar tones, for instance, pink and lilac orbeige and cream.• A wide belt in a lighter colour will define your waist and make itseem fuller to balance hips and bust. The same style of belt in a darkercolour will make your waist seem smaller and your hips and bust larger.• Match your shoes and bag tonally to your clothes to continue theline and elongate your body.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Fitted detail jacketFITTED DETAIL JACKETThis is a much more sporting shape withfeatures like collar and cuff detail. It willappear in denim, cord, leather and avariety of lightweight but weatherproofed fabrics.The extra pockets will add volumeto the upper body and can make itappear bulkier.This style in coat form can look cluttered.• Enjoy colour, you can place it at various points on your body to drawthe eye or use it all over. Put bright colour at the top third of yourbody to create the illusion of height. If you put it on the bottom part ofyour body it will foreshorten you. (You can work with it how you likesince you are not tall or short).• If you like a colour but it doesn’t suit your skin tone, wear it as askirt or trousers; that way it is not close enough to your face to createreflected light.• To create a narrowing effect, wear a panel of colour through themiddle portion of your body. Or to draw attention to your curvaceousfigure, wear a wide and contrasting coloured belt that will enhanceyour waist.• Wear light or bright colour at the top of your body and dark colourat the bottom for the most flattering results (unless you are verging onbeing top heavy).Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Double breasted jacketThe trench style wrap The cropped jacketDOUBLE BREASTED JACKETThis style has a sporting feel and appearsin many different cuts. Recent militaryfashion for coats and jackets havefeatured the double breasted cut and italso appears when women’s suiting takeson a more androgynous or mannish feel.Buttons may also be exaggerated in sizeand lapels large. This style in coat formwill usually be long.The noticeable double-breasted featurecan be used to widen the upper body.THE TRENCH STYLEWRAP JACKETThe jacket may fasten with subtlebuttons or it may just wrap over. Thecrucial feature is the belted waist. As withthe single breasted jacket, this is a greatway to define the upper body and isagain universally flattering.This style is also found in coats wherethe waist is featured and the fabric fallsfrom the hip into a gentle flare. Again thisis a universally flattering style.THE CROPPED JACKETThink Coco Chanel classic; think hemlinejust below the waist. This jacket isdesigned to change the proportions of abody making the lower body lookstreamlined. It often appears in softfeminine pastel tweeds or wool mixes.This style will create volume around theupper body.This style in coat form is straight with nodefinition at the waist and has a JackieKennedy classic retro charm.Avoid if you are tall or top-heavy injacket and coat form.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

GiletBoleroCropped 50’s style jacketWaistcoatGILETThis is a great shaped garment, which hasappeared as a padded design and morerecently a sheepskin item. It has nofastening and sits over other layers togive a practical warmth to any clothing.The strong vertical trim feature can helpto elongate the body.BOLEROThe overwhelming feature of this jacketis its hemline, which ends at high rib cage.Catwalks can sometimes feature this cutheavily over a fitted jersey top andtrousers. It is very lengthening but canalso focus interest around the bust.CROPPED 50’S STYLE JACKETCropped sleeved jackets with croppedhemlines work very well over dresses.They often have one or two buttonfastening at the collarbone or a tiefastening and fall open. In lightweightfabrics they are a summer design thatappears on the catwalk for time to timeand because of the roomy cut will alwaysmake the body look dainty within.WAISTCOATThe waistcoat is one of my favouritegarments because it can give shape tothe upper body. It works just as well withjeans as it does with more formal clothes.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Long low breaksWide lepels LAPELS AND COLLARSCRUCIAL FEATURES ON JACKETS;LAPELS CAN WIDEN ORSTREAMLINE THE BODY ASWELL AS FORESHORTEN ORLENGTHEN. UNDERSTANDINGWHICH LAPELS YOU CAN CHOOSETO FLATTER YOUR SHAPE IS EASY.LONG LOW BREAKSThis type of collar reveals whatever youare wearing underneath so plan tomake a deliberate colour or garmentstatement. Often the waistline of thegarment will be less pronounced.This shape will take the eye lower downthe body.WIDE LAPELSThese are instantly balancing for largerbodies. The expanse of lapel looksgenerous and luxurious.Good for wide shoulders.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Shawl collarHigh break collar Standard break collarSHAWL COLLARThis is a thick wide luxurious lookingcollar and often appears on knitwear orspecial occasionwear jackets andluxurious coats.HIGH BREAK COLLARThis style of collar can often be found incoats, frock coats and suit jackets. It has afeeling of being strict and pared down.It will raise the eye to the bust area.STANDARD BREAK COLLARThis style of collar is universally flatteringwhich is why it appears with suchregularity. Included on most jackets,frock coats and coats because of itsproportions, it will always give yourupper body a streamlined and neat look.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

This is a longer-term project, however, and not something you can doimmediately because it takes a mental shift to adjust your shoppinghabits and a few seasons to make those changes take effect. Thisproject is called Creating the Perfect Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget.Think about your newly organised wardrobe. It is beautifully orderednow and you know where everything is. Congratulations.Let’s get you thinking like a professional stylist now. Clothes fall intodifferent groups and once you see your clothes in this way they willautomatically help you to know what should go together and when tomake changes.Garments in this section are in and out of the shops in a season. Theyare directly influenced by what has come off the catwalk and are verytrend-oriented. Clothes in this group are about change and novelty –they can be extreme, eye catching or brightly coloured. These are theclothes you can experiment with. Perhaps a particular print trend takesyour fancy and, although you wouldn’t normally be attracted to such acombination, if it appeals for whatever reason – go ahead treat yourself.Spend only a small amount of money on clothes in this group. Theycan be as high fashion as you like but fashions change quickly so theseclothes need to be worn to death during the season. You will tire ofthem that way and they of you (cheap clothes are not made to last) –at the end of the season donate them.Look for: statement tops, playful accessories, the latest wrap, colourfulshoes and dresses.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

It’s important to remember here that this fashion group sometimesoffers a look that is suited to a certain body shape or has a particularoffer that is just right for you. If this applies one season, then buy up themore classic garments within the look - it won’t be there next season.These garments are usually less trend-oriented and will last across acouple of seasons. Every woman will have her own favourite garmentsthat she has found work best for her body.Spend a little more on these items. You need more quality (goodfabrics, linings, trimmings) because you want the garment to last over afew seasons or more.Look for: denim skirts and other flattering shapes that have a moreclassic feel, jeans styles, lightweight jackets, fitted shirts and shapedsweaters.These are the garments that every woman needs in her wardrobe,which can be dressed up or accessorised with the arrival of each newtrend (using clothes from the fashion section). They are classic styles sothey don’t date and they fit the body well, giving an air of sophisticatedgrooming.Spend what you can afford but buy these clothes as sale items to getthe best value for your money. Get used to planning shopping trips inthe sale times and shop with a list of exactly what you need. Don’timpulse buy anything in the sale because it is drastically reduced inprice, unless it happens to be exactly what you were looking for inthe first place!If your body shape is not well enough catered for by mainstreamshops, then look for a good dressmaker to make up the clothes thatwill be in your wardrobe for a long time. It is cheaper than you think ifyou balance the cost against years of pleasure, confidence andknowledge that you can always rely upon these garments to showcaseyour body beautifully. Trousers are crucial for fit, as is a tailored jacket.Once the dressmaker has your measurements, you can wait for fabricsales and store cloth ready to make into a garment to fit.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Look for: the perfect (classically cut and beautifully fitted) pair ofblack trousers, a classic jacket and skirt, a fitted and classically cut coat(a Trench coat is always a good option). A classic pair of leather ridingboots or a beautiful leather handbag, cashmere knitwear and so on(these are all things I have bought at a snip during the sales). Stick toneutral colours for these items because colour dates quickly too.These are the T-shirts, slacks, loose knitwear, comfortable fleeces etc,which need not be dictated to by trend unless you want them to be.Save time and money by shopping online or in catalogues for theseitems since fit is less of an issue.Whenever you buy new items, clear out anything old so that yourwardrobe does not slowly grow to overfull. Donate to second handstores or to friends (I have three sisters and so I’m often passing thingson for someone else to get some enjoyment from). The only reasonto hold on to something is if it will age beautifully – like a beautifullycrafted handbag for instance. Highstreet designs certainly do not agewell because they are not made to last.This way you can create a wardrobe where the classic capsule andbasics are in place and the fashionable items are updated seasonallyand inexpensively. If you are ever in doubt remind yourself that it isalways better to have a few beautifully fitted garments that showcaseyou in the very best way possible than lots of ill-fitting garments in awardrobe.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

PRINTIF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLEWITH PRINT, BELIEVING THAT IT ISUNFLATTERING, UNLESSYOU ARE MODEL SHAPED, IT ISBECAUSE YOU MAY HAVE CHOSENTHE WRONG SIZE PRINT IN THEPAST OR PLACED IT ON A PARTOF YOUR BODY THAT IS NOTFLATTERING. IN ACTUAL FACT IT ISAN EXCELLENT TOOL AND, IF YOURWARDROBE IS DEVOID OF PRINT,YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON ANEFFECTIVE WAY TO BALANCE YOURBODY SYMMETRY. THERE ARE TWOTHINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOUARE WORKING WITH PRINT. THESIZE AND ALSO THE DIRECTION OFTHE PRINT AS WELL AS WHERE YOUPLACE THE PRINT.• Wear prints that are a medium sized. This is because you need tobalance your body. If you are choosing a patterned dress, for example,go for something that has a boldness in either shape and or colour butprioritise a print on a vertical line. Print that seems to run on ahorizontal line will widen you, making you appear shorter.• Choose print to draw they eye to parts of the body you want othersto focus on.• Use horizontal-effect print across to create the feeling of width andvertical effect print up and down your body to affect the feeling ofnarrowing and elongation. A great and flattering simple print for youwould be the diagonal line especially across bust and hips.• Choose tiny print designs. Placed around curvy hips and breasts, theywill accentuate these areas and make you seem strangely large.• Wear too much attention seeking print in formal situations like workfor instance – you already have a very noticeable body and, whereas anangular shaped woman might wear a highly patterned dress to createsome feeling of enhanced femininity, you don’t need to.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

SMALL ALL OVERTHE BODY PRINTWhen a print is used all over the body ithas the ability to create visual harmonyand when balanced by neutralaccessories and outer garments willgive a sophisticated and confident finish.The size of the print here is crucial. Seehow this relatively small print gives abody volume by making it look biggerthan it is.WEIGHT OF PRINTWhen you are working with print besure to choose the right weight of printfor you. See how the print size chosenhere balances this body, whereas thesmaller print overleaf makes the samebody look larger.PLACEMENT OF PRINTPay attention to where you place printon your body. This larger sized print is agreat illustration of the way a big boldprint can make the body look smaller.But there are two features at play here.See how the print (and indeed any printregardless of its size) creates focus andinterest where it is placed. In this instanceat the top of this body drawing our eyeaway from the bottom half. This toolworks just as well in reverse. Just placedark solid colour in the area you wantto minimise and bright bold print on thepart of the body you want to addvolume to.Start experimenting with print;it’s a great tool to play with.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Classic V-neck fine knit cardiFormal knitted cardigan FORMAL KNITTEDCARDIGANSWITH NEW KNITWEAR MACHINESAND TECHNIQUES CARDIGANSARE REVVED UP OUTER LAYERSTHAT COME IN ALL SHAPES ANDSIZES WITH PLENTY OF CATWALKTOUCHES. THE DIFFERENCEBETWEEN CARDIGANS ANDJACKETS IS THE SENSUALITYFACTOR. SOFT, TACTILE, FINEFINISHES OR CHUNKY KNITS ANDSLUBBED OR MEATY YARNS CREATETHE OPPORTUNITY FOR AGARMENT TO HAVE MUCH MOREPERSONALITY THAN A JACKET.READ ON FOR THE RIGHTONES FOR YOUCLASSIC V-NECK FINEKNIT CARDIGANAgain the shape is so classic that it isinterchangeable with the style abovebut for one thing. The neckline. This willalways be more flattering for elongatingthe neck.Consider breaking up the hard horizontalline that the fastened garment makesacross the hip or stomach area byundoing the last few buttons. This stopsthe body looking as though it has beencut in half..CARDIGANThis is really a soft version of the jacketand works very well for more formalsettings. The office or interview situationswhere you want to give an approachableair are two good uses. It is usually fastenedat the top with one or two featurebuttons and is made of heavy and densewool so that it keeps its shape. Good forall shapes.Especially good for large or squareshoulders because it has a softeningeffect.OBLONG CARDIGANThis style has become very popular inrecent seasons. It rarely fastens and hangseither side of the body with the unevenhem reaching the mid thigh and obscuringpart of it, to create a minimising effect.The strong vertical lines it makes upand down your body will also elongateyour frame –the taller you are the longerthe hemline needs to be. Chunky or fineand floaty, you can wear the oblong cardiall season round.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Wrap cardiganClassic scoop necked fine knit cardiganCropped cardiganTie front cardiganWRAP CARDIGANA wrap cardigan allows you to create thedefinition you want underneath the bustand around the ribs and tummy.CLASSIC SCOOP NECKEDFINE KNIT CARDIGANThis will have a single breasted fasteningwith a thin line of buttons through thecentre of the body. Fittings will rangefrom loose fit to fitted. This is a classictraditional garment that works well inevery wardrobe.CROPPED CARDIGANThis style is similar to the cropped jacketwe’ve already featured. In a knitted form,however, it can be more playful and a bitmore sensual. It needs to be simple withnot too much detail to work. Smallpocket and dainty fastenings are justright. It will change the proportions ofthe body if you have even bodysymmetry, making the legs appear longer.Because it is not fitted it ismore flattering for a slender shape.TIE FRONT CARDIGANLove these styles because they areuniversally flattering. The trick is the tiefastening which pulls in the waist andcreates definition for the body. There isn’ta shape they don’t suit.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Bolero cardiganBolero tie cardigan Shawl neck wrap cardigan with tieLong line cardiganBOLERO CARDIGANThese have been very popular in recentseasons and work as a great outer layerover summer dresses or evening styledresses.They can come in fine ormedium weight yarns and will changethe proportion of the body significantly,drawing the eye up to the top of thebody.A useful garment for creating more volumearound the bust and suggesting theillusion of long legs.BOLERO TIE CARDIGANYou often see these styles in the summerand they’re different from the plainbolero cardigan I’ve just featured becausethey tie under the bust giving muchbetter definition to curves.SHAWL NECK WRAPCARDIGAN WITH TIEThis is a classic piece of knitwear andusually appears in heavy, chunky yarn togive the whole look of the garment aluxurious feel but can also appear inmedium weight yarns. It makes anywearer look instantly chic and works justas well with jeans as it does with moreformal choices.When the waist is defined in this way,hips and bust become more prominent.LONG LINE CARDIGANThis is a great shape cardigan thatallows the wearer to leave open. Itmay appear with a knitted waterfallstyle collar or a soft shawl collar aspictured. It creates elongationthrough the torso and is a veryversatile garment.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

The reason I can be so confident that this new approach tochoosing clothes will work for you is because I know how mucheasier my life is now.But to take you back, I remember shopping when I was in my lateteens on a limited budget and I know how disheartening it is to feelyou can’t find the right clothes to suit you.In my case it was because I was unconfident about my body and it’schanging shape - suddenly I had curves and all the things I had reliedupon to see me through before looked strange now that my bodyhad in my eyes ‘puffed up.’ For a while I blamed my body. I punished itby trying to go without food so that it would return to ‘normal,’ and Ispent longer looking in the mirror. I think I was trying to find the oldme. It was hard to accept the new me especially when she didn’tmeasure up to my standards and society’s standards of a thin andsymmetrically proportioned body.I trawled the shops looking for the ‘right top’ or the ‘best jeans;’ thesewere clothes that would make me feel better about myself. I neverfound them of course and I felt disheartened after every shopping tripand I felt unattractive.From the letters I get I know that many women feel that samediscomfort about their bodies when they go shopping. Being used toseeing so many fashion images where the clothes seem to fit themodels so beautifully, we then become our own worst critics at themirror as we scan our bodies.Because we invest in clothes with the ability to make us feel better,more attractive, thinner, shapelier and many other unachievable thingsbesides, we are often looking for an emotional fix when we buy clothes.When we don’t find that comfort or high, we think we have failed.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

If you can remove the emotional stuff and assess your body practicallyand apply the styling tools you have learned, then you can makebig changes to your look.For many years I have bought clothes because they suit my skin toneand body shape and show me in the best light. I don’t have to love them!I just know they work best on my shape. When I look in the mirror Iam checking for fit and compatibility. Turn your thinking around to take amore unemotional view and I promise you it will be more effective.• Don’t browse or surf without purpose. Only visit the shops whenyou have identified a gap in your wardrobe or an item you need.• Give yourself a budget and visit only the shops where you know youget a good fit.• Wear clothes that are easy to take off and on so that it is easy tokeep on visiting the changing room.• Take wipes – we all get hot and bothered when we are trying onclothes, especially in hot weather.• Some clothes have a lot of hanger appeal like pretty feminine flouncyclothes but they can disappoint. Do not prioritise pretty things on thehanger – look at the garment carefully for the features you know willsuit your body shape before you consider trying on.• Never buy anything intending to slim into it.• Use the sizing as a guide only. I had exactly this with a client recentlywhere the smaller dress did not fit but she was in raptures. When Iinsisted she try the larger dress – which fitted beautifully – she was notso happy and couldn’t see the truth in the mirror. It has to be all aboutfit, not the size. Cut out the label at home later if this helps.• Whenever you find yourself getting ready to buy something, thinkabout how it will work with the rest of your wardrobe, what else youwill wear it with and where you see yourself wearing it. If you can’tenvisage either, then consider this a big alarm bell and don’t buy.• Set yourself a time limit and if you haven’t found what you arelooking for when it has expired stop. Find out when new stock arrivesand reschedule.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

ACCESSORIESACCESSORIES ARE THE EXTRASTHAT WILL GIVE YOUR LOOKPOLISH. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TOGO FOR ONE OR TWO STATEMENTPIECES THAT WILL DRAW THE EYETO WHERE THEY ARE PLACED TOGIVE OFF A CONFIDENT ANDCONSIDERED FINISH. WHEN YOUGET DRESSED STAND BACKANDREAD THE LOOK YOU HAVE CRE-ATED THEN CONSIDER WHETHERANY ACCESSORIES WILLGIVE YOU BETTER BALANCE.Trends will always come and go. One season there will be mini-clutchbags and the next large fl oppy holdalls. Just think of the way thatsunglasses morph from huge Jackie O style windscreens to minimal andframeless slivers of shade. Once you understand how to balanceyour body, you’ll always make quick easy choices.• Choose shapes that are in proportion with your body. Go for amedium to large structured handbag (Grace Kelly style is perfect).Actually, it’s this simple. I always advise pregnant women to buy ahuge bag so that it competes for attention with their stomach.• Do balance things like bags, eye-wear, jewellery and belts. Make surethey are of a similar weight e.g. medium to large pieces of statementjewellery together with medium to large belts and medium tolarge size glasses.• Where the colour of glasses and sunglasses is concerned, apply thepigment rule (as outlined in the colour section) by matching the toneof the frame or coloured lenses to your own skin and hair tone. Forinstance, if you are blonde try amber or rose-coloured frames, if youare dark, you can go for bolder tones.• Consider colour because, if you choose a bright or noticeable design,the eye will always be drawn to the point you place it on your body.It follows then that, if you fall in love with a neon hipster belt, you willbe drawing attention to your hips. This could look great as long as it isintentional.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Structured bag/Kelly style bag BAG SHAPESI’VE TALKED ABOUT THE SIZE OFACCESSORIESIN RELATION TOYOUR BODY SHAPE SO, WHENCHOOSING A BAG, MAKE SUREYOU HOLD IT UP TO YOURSELF INTHE MIRROR; THIS WILL BE ONE OFTHE EASIEST WAYS TO SEEWHETHER IT IS IN PROPORTIONWITH YOUR SHAPE. OF COURSEA PAGE WITH ANYTHING ABOUTBAGS ON IT COULD BE A VERYLONG ONE (SINCE WE ALL HAVEOUR FAVOURITES) BUT I’VEINCLUDED THE MOST CLASSICSHAPES FOR YOU TO HUNT DOWN.THAT WAY YOU CAN BEGIN TOBUILD UP A WARDROBE OF BAGSIN DIFFERENT COLOURS TOCOMPLIMENT YOUR CLOTHES.STRUCTUREDBAG/KELLY STYLE BAGThis is a bag that has a hard frame andlooks perfect for more formal usage likeoffice or a special occasion. Originallynamed after Grace Kelly by its makersHermes, it has inspired many copies. Itcomes in many colours and designsbut it is the square corners that are thekey part of the design. A bag like thisone needs co-ordinating with formalfeminine shoes too.• Choose shoes that have a chunky heel or a wedge to create shapelycalves and elegant ankles. For wide feet a pointed toe creates a feelingof narrowness. Knee-high or calf high boots will also be a great stylefor you.• Choose tiny accessories like slither thin belts, small bags etc. or yourbreast and hips will look larger by contrast..• Wear thin chains either as necklaces or bracelets or tiny rings andminiature studs in your ears - again these will serve to make you looklarger than you are.• Wear small sunglasses or small brooches – unless you like the factthat your bosoms will look huge by contrast.• Wear thin strappy shoes with paper soles and pencil thin heels(unless again you are liberating the siren in you)!• Choose ankle straps – these will make your legs look shorter.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Saddlebag styleOblong clutchPouch bag Soft structured bag with flapSoft structured bowling bagSADDLEBAG STYLEThis bag has more softness to it. It is apopular shape since being chosen byJohn Galliano at Dior to represent the‘house’ look. It is usually in leather andneeds a thought out approach. Shoes orboots need to work with it because it isa dominant shape.OBLONG CLUTCHIf you are choosing an evening bag thenthe oblong clutch is a great shape. Easyto hold, it has a flattering effect and workwell with eveningwear or fitted 50’sinspired summer dresses. Sometimesclutches can be eye catching inthemselves because they are bright, shinyand jewel-like so match carefully to otheraccessories.POUCH BAGThis is a soft and squashy shape that hasenjoyed popularity on the catwalk. It canbe fabric, plain, pattered or leather. It hasa fleshy feel to it and shouldn’t be overstuffed. It can be very eye catching,almost like a novelty touch and doesn’tneed to be matched to your shoes.SOFT STRUCTURED BAGWITH FLAPThis style of bag is less harsh than thestructured Kelly bag style. It is moreversatile for both occasion and officedressing as well as more informalsettings. It adapts well to colours andpastel colours and is great for summer.SOFT STRUCTUREDBOWLING BAGMuccia Prada introduced the bowlingbag shape but it has already becomepopular amongst image consciouswomen. It often appears with extrapockets, flaps and side zips and has ayoung sporty feel.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Long loose oblong Long WraparoundLong loose looped scarf LONG LOOSE OBLONGSCARVESSCARVES ARE TOOLS FOR YOURCREATIVITY. THEY ARE A HELPFULAND PRACTICAL ACCESSORYTHAT WILL ADD COLOUR OR PAT-TERN TO YOUR LOOK. BECAUSETHEY DRAW THE EYE, HOWEVER,NEUTRAL COLOURED SCARVESCAN BE JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS STYL-ING TOOLS BUT LESS ATTENTIONSEEKING. THIS IS SOMETHING TOHAVE A PLAY IN THE MIRROR WITHSO THAT YOU CAN DECIDEUPON YOUR OWN APPROACH.This scarf when used as a contrastingcolour or pattern will take the eye upand down the body to create long leanslines to elongate you and streamline yourupper body. It is an excellent device.LONG WRAPAROUNDA scarf that is circled round the neckmany times will make a neck look moreslender and shoulders smaller.Avoid if you have small or slopingshoulders.LONG LOOSELOOPED SCARFWhen a scarf is looped it draws the eyeto wherever the loop is placed. It is agreat device for adding volume at thechest and a useful foreshortening device.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

The necklace pandant and necklineDrop pendant JEWELLERYCOSTUME JEWELLERY IS JUST ONEOF THE BEST WAYS TO SHOWOTHERS YOUR CONFIDENTAPPROACH TO STYLING. IT CANALSO CREATE A DOMINANTNECKLINE THAT FLATTERS YOURSHAPE WHEN YOU WEAROVER A POLO-NECK JUMPEROR ON BARE FLESH.THE NECKLACE PENDANTAND NECKLINEBeware the necklace that does battlewith the clothing neckline you havechosen; this will end up looking cluttered,fussy and indecisive - the two need tobe separate.As a general rule, delicate jewelleryneeds to be against the flesh, whereascostume jewellery can look just as goodagainst clothing.DROP PENDANTA longer pendant will always distort thelength of the neckline and the uppertorso. This style of pendant can make anyplain top look very glamorous. Don’t addit to a busy top with lots going on downthe front however.Great - an invaluable tool for workingwith a tall body or a long upper torso.Good also for large or square shoulders.Avoid if you are petite or have narrowor sloping shoulders.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

The chokerLarge beadsStrings of chainsLarge pendantTHE CHOKERThis is a great piece of jewellery thatgives slender necks some glamour andcoverage. It can be worn with a highcollar or just as well with a straplessgown.Avoid if you have a short neck or largeor square shoulders.LARGE BEADSThe larger your body is, the larger youneed your jewellery pieces to be. Thismay be stating the obvious but a wellbalanced necklace will make your necklook more slender.STRINGS OF CHAINSThe overall effect here is to create anaccessories look with more volume toflatter a larger or taller body. Make sureyou balance the size and height ofyour body by adding or taking awayindividual chains.LARGE PENDANTA large pendant looks stunning and willalways help you to make a dramaticimpact. The actual size of the pendantmust be in proportion with your body tocreate the best effect.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

A pointed toeA round toeStrap across the instepCALVES AND ANKLESIT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS AND EVENFOOTWEAR CAN HELP TOCREATE ELONGATION ORFORESHORTENING. THIS ISPARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IF YOUHAVE THICK ANKLES OR CURVYCALF MUSCLES. CHECK YOUROWN FOOTWEAR CUPBOARD FORSHOES THAT AREUNFLATTERING AND REPLACETHEM WHEN YOU CAN.A POINTED TOEThe pointed toe is the style that offersthe best tool to create a longer lookingleg especially when worn as a court orsling back style as shown here. For thisreason court style shoes tend be used tocreate drama for evening or formalwear.And when you bring colour into it, youcan exaggerate the length even furtherso replicate the colour of your skirt ortrouser for added length. Never choosethis style to match your skin tone,however, as it will make your foot lookenormous!Great for curvy calves and thick ankles.A ROUND TOEA round toe is fashionable from timeto time and when worn as a court styleor slingback style with no extra strapscan look elegant on most legs. This canappear as a casual flat shoe (ballerinapump) or a heel. It will give you good legelongation when worn as a heel.Prioritise a round toe if you havelarge feet, as this will immediatelyforeshorten them.STRAP ACROSS THE INSTEPShoes like these can have any sized heel.The appearance of them is practical andthey make great work shoes. You canbegin to see how the leg looks immediatelyshorter. It is that simple. It alsobegins to focus the eye on the ankle.Great for larger feet. Avoid if you havethick ankles.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Ankle strapAnkle ties or Gladiator stylesOpen toed strappy shoes The platform The peep toeANKLE STRAPThis style begins to shorten the leg anddraw attention to the calf, making itseem wider than it is. It also makes thefoot seem larger than it is if the design isflat at the heel.Avoid if you have short legs.Avoid if you have thick ankles or curvycalf muscles.ANKLE TIES ORGLADIATOR STYLEAny style of shoe that has strapstravelling up the leg from the shoe cancreate a foreshortening effect on the legto make it look wider and shorterOPEN TOED STRAPPY SHOESThese will always be a popular choiceand can appear as a simple sandal styleas illustrated here or as a much moreglamourous evening shoe with a heel. Itlooks frivolous and fun so avoid insituations where you want to createsome authority like work. You will nodoubt be seeing the effect of thehorizontal lines in shortening the foot,now that you have absorbed so many ofthe tools in this book.Choose thicker straps if you havelarger feet.THE PLATFORMThis style can sometimes appear as asmall built up area of the sole or it canbe a very large and chunky feature of theshoe.Choose a platform to balance your ankleand calf in the knowledge that a thickchunky shoe can make legs look morestreamlined.THE PEEP TOEThis is a universally flattering stylebecause it helps to make all feet looksmaller. It also tidies up the toes andbecause not everywoman has goodlooking feet allows for the best of bothworlds. It is also very adaptable for bothformal and fun looks..Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Low ankle length bootHigh ankle length bootThe shoe bootBOOTSTHERE ARE NOW A HUGE VARIETYOF STYLES. BOOTS ARE NOLONGER JUST USED FORCOLD WEATHER SINCE THECATWALK SAW THE POTENTIAL OFTHEM TO LENGTHEN THELEG AND ADD WARMTH ANDGLAMOUR AT THE SAME TIME.CLEVER SELECTION OF BOOTSCAN FLATTER YOUR LEGS TOO.LOW ANKLE LENGTH BOOTThis style is usually worn with highfashion garments like pencil skirtsand culottes.HIGH ANKLE LENGTH BOOTSThese boots are perfect for a cleanline under trousers and should neverbe worn with skirts or short, croppedtrousers.Under trousers they suit all body shapes.THE SHOE BOOTThe shoe boot is a fashion style that hasbecome popular and will foreshortenyour leg if worn with a skirt. Experimentwith matching hosiery and skirt to get itlooking right. It doeswork very well with trousers that featurethe shoe as a fashion statement.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Fitted knee high bootMid calf bootsKnee high boots with a cuffFITTED KNEE HIGH BOOTThe fi tted boot is a classic style and suitsmost legs and body shapes. The heel willchange according to fashion whims,ranging from thin to chunky, but the effecton the body as a whole is justthe same.This will be your most versatile buy andcan work with a structured skirt, culottes,formal cropped trousers and jeans.MID CALF BOOTSOften mid calf boots give an urban andpractical fi nish, especially if they are fl at,but this calf length works just as wellwhen it appears with a heel too. Wearunder skirts.Boots that cut across the calf at itswidest point will add bulk to the leg.KNEE HIGH BOOTSWITH A CUFFThis style of boot in leather or suedecan be worn over slim line jeans andtrousers or under a skirt, which hassome structure.The cuff works to widen the leg and soforeshorten it slightly too.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Empire lineShift dress DRESSESDRESSES AND DRESS DESIGNS AREIN AND OUT OF FASHION.SOMETIMES THE NAMES OF THEDRESSES THEMSELVES CAN BECONFUSING. HERE IS A QUICKGUIDE TO ALL THE BASIC SHAPES.REMEMBER NECKLINES, SLEEVEDESIGNS AND HEM LENGTHS AREALL EXTRAS TO CONSIDERWHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHTSHAPE FOR YOU.EMPIRE LINEThis style is very distinct because it isfitted from the shoulder and over thebust to pull in under the bust at theribcage. As a summer dress withlightweight fabric it appears with agathered and flared look. It can also befitted to the body to make a morecolumn like shape and appears as aformal style or in a longer gown.SHIFT DRESSThis is a short dress that has a sixtiesfeel to it. It is often in stiffer fabrics likestarched or treated cotton so it doesnot mould to the body. Fashion dictateshow it is worn, sometimes over trousers,sometimes as a modern look on its own.Not a particularly flattering shape,however, unless you are model like.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Shirt dressDropped waist dressWrap dressSHIRT DRESSA lovely classic style of dress with acentral fastening through the middle ofthe body. Will always work well in officesettings and casual settings depending onyour choice of colour and accessories.This is universally flattering style becauseit is gently fitted to the body.The vertical line, which runs subtlythrough the centre of the body, willelongate the body.DROPPED WAIST DRESSChanging the proportions of the waist, asthis dress does, will always create alonger leaner line through the centre ofthe body. But placing the waist so muchlower down the body take the eyelinedownwards.Dresses appear as casual jersey styleaffairs or can be very dressy flapper styledesigns. There is also the low neck andthe low waisted wrap style too.WRAP DRESSThis has become a classic style, wornboth in the office situation because it canlook very ordered and authoritative, butalso casual and dressy too. Madein a figure hugging fabric like jersey, itis very flattering for most body shapesbecause of the definition it gives to theupper torso.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Bias cut dressTunic dressWaisted dressBIAS CUT DRESSAny dress that is cut on the bias hasstretch within the fabric and will wraparound the hips gently. This dress is verypared down and doesn’t feature anypockets or collar detail because it is solightweight and diaphanous. It appearsas a day dress as well as an eveningdress and is a very sensual style.TUNIC DRESS.The Tunic dress, like the shift dress, ispretty unforgiving and does not moulditself to the body’s form. It appears asa catwalk garment that is adapted forthose who like an ‘on trend look.’ It isalways pared down and has a strictslightly androgynous look.This makes it good for formal andworking situations.WAISTED DRESSA classic style of dress that will adapteach season to the catwalks trends; it isfitted to the upper body and then flaresout from the waist. This style draws theeye straight to the waist, which isenhanced because the skirt kicks out.More exaggerated shapes haveappeared as cocktail dresses and it isoften seen as a strapless shape forspecial occasion wear.Suitable for all heights.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

BLOUSON STYLE DRESS.This is a loose fitting dress that may bestrapless as shown here or it mayhave sleeves (depending on howdesigners have used it for theircollections). The feature is the elasticisedwaist that blouses out around theupper torso. This adds volume to the toppart of the body.So, just to recap, it’s all about where you draw the eye. Understandinghow to use detail on clothes, jewellery, colour, pattern and print cangive you that effortless sophistication that no one else can put their fingeron. Take the eye to the top third of your body by using any featureI have just mentioned. That way others will read the top part of youwhich creates the illusion of height.• Wear tops with embroidery, beading or pattern at the shoulder,s andneckline.• Wear shaped clothing like trousers and jackets in one colour.• Add detail to the top of your head: hair accessories, sunglassesperched on top of your head or a hairstyle with a high crown allwork well.• Wear a skirt with all the detail at the hemline.• Place brooches too low down the body.• Wear long pendants that take the eye to the waist.THE SMOCK DRESSThis (like the top) has a fitted yoke thateases into a gathered effect across thecleavage. It will always add volume tothis area. It is usually found in casual andsummer clothes.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

All clothes create subtle horizontal and vertical lines. I'm not talkingabout stripy prints but vertical seams, pleats, piping and horizontalyokes, waistbands and hemlines. Lines that run lengthways down yourbody create an illusion of slimness and height. Lines that runwidthways across your body create the illusion of width andshortening. So, put simply, your ideal scenario would be to use subtlelengthening and narrowing details at the areas that are widest whenyou want to play down your curves. Shirts with vertical stripes orvertical seams, tops with a central vertical panel feature and skirtswith vertical features like box pleats, vertical stripes or vertical panelsof colour, will play down your bust and hips. You can make the choice,however, about what and how you wear it because what I have givenyou in this book are tools not rules!You can make the choice, however, about what and how you weareverything because what I have given you in this book are tools not rules!Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

We see these creatures beautifully made up and adorned in the mostexquisite designer clothes, photographed in the most sophisticatedsettings. It’s possible to believe that they really are living that life, feelingfulfilled and content. The fact is, most feel just like you and I. When theshoot is over they must return to their real lives. Yes they have bad daysand good days; they have the same worries about how to pay the bills andwhat they will do next to earn money. Relationships too are just ascomplex and challenging. Security, honesty and respect don’t become anyeasier to find just because you model clothes for a living. In short thesewomen have the same struggles as you and I with one tiny difference.Every day, at each casting they will hear about all their imperfections.From morning to night, clients will tell them what is wrong with the waythey look and why they don’t want them for the job. They too will begin tosee their short neck or thick ankles as an obstruction to their happiness.In a recent survey by a top British magazine where 5000 womenwere interviewed, 70% were unhappy with the way their bodies looked.Nearly 50% were on diets and many were using laxatives or even fasting.I know too from the letters you write to me that many of you feellife would be better if your bodies were slimmer, curvier, more toned,lighter weight etc.Our relationships with ourselves can be very confusing and it is easy tofantasise when we look at the pictures, since all models appear happyor confident in the photographs – that their physical perfection is thekey to their happiness. Remember they are being paid to smile and allthe clothes they are wearing are pinned at the back to look as thoughthey actually fit perfectly.Being happy with who you are and creating relationships based onhonesty and respect is the key to your happiness. Clothes will not helpyou do this but, knowing that you have chosen designs and shapes tohelp you look your very best, will leave you free to concentrate on themore important things in life.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

I often list these points when I am giving presentations. So herethey are for you:1 There is no such thing as a perfect, effortless body. Every grownwoman has cellulite, a round tummy and uneven breasts, even models.We just forget to remind ourselves of this against the media backdropof post adolescent femininity so provocatively packaged in thoseairbrushed adverts.2 The catwalk is a strange place. Hailing a cab, running for a bus andsitting down are all things we do during our day but I have yet tosee a fully styled model capable of performing these actions safelyon a runway.3 The beautiful woman who earns her living in front of the camera istragically preoccupied with her own minor imperfections since she isjudged daily on her ability to portray a rigid feminine ideal. For oneclient her ankles will be too fat or her eyes too close, for another herlegs will be too stubby or her teeth too gappy. She will have beenmade so miserable to earn the job that only the thought of theresultant wages brings a fleeting smile to her face.4 Of course red carpet film stars wear intricate support underwearthat looks like a flesh coloured sports kit under their thin silk dresses. Ifyou knew you were going to be assessed, judged, weighed up,postmortemed, condemned and crucified for choosing an unflatteringparty frock by the world’s fashion press, so would you.5 Designers don’t all get together in a room and decide to makewomen feel insecure about their bodies. It only looks that way.6 The word ‘Outsize’ should be taken out and shot for transgressionsagainst womankind. This is an appalling term, which all by itself hastraumatised generations of curvy women. Size 16 is the national Britishaverage size.7 You are not more attractive because you are in pain - high heels, tightclothes and hair that looks like it is nailed to the scalp may be whatappears to work in a fashion photograph but these images takemoments to capture. All models remove their make up, hair accessoriesand other fashion accoutrements immediately after the shootand step into dog-eared trainers and comfy jeans. That’s what I wear towrite pieces like this and, despite the latest trend information in all yourfavourite magazines, so can you, whenever you want!Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Flared skirtSKIRT SHAPESSKIRTS ARE QUITE SIMPLY THEEASIEST GARMENTS OF ALL TOWEAR. UNLIKE TROUSERS THATHAVE A COMPLICATED FITTINGROUND THE CROTCH AND HIPS,THEY USE FEWER MEASUREMENTSAND CAN FIT THE BODY MOREEASILY. THE TWO MAINCONSIDERATIONS ARE WAISTLINE -DOES IT FIT NEATLY AROUND YOURMIDDLE AND HEMLINE? IS ITSITTING AT THE RIGHT LENGTHFOR YOUR LEGS? ALL ARE DRAWNAS KNEE LENGTH BUT SHOULDBE ADAPTED TO SUIT YOUR OWNLEG SHAPE AND HEIGHT ASSHOWN FURTHER ON. REMEMBERALSO THAT NONE ARE SHOWNWITH PATTERNS OR COLOURS.APPLY THE INDIVIDUALINFORMATION YOU HAVE IN THISBOOK ON COLOUR AND PATTERNTO GET THE MOSTFLATTERING LOOK.FLARED SKIRTThe interpretation of the fl are will bedown to you. Some can be noticeablyfl ared and some more subtlebordering on an A-line style skirt. Thiswill be your most versatile choice of skirtsimply because it hides any hip orbottom shape and focuses on the waist.With the new styling tools you now have, I hope you can begin toembody and embrace the style that you want. Changing your imagecan take a little time so don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’timmediately switch your wardrobe over. But recognising that everyclothing purchase you make from now on is a step towards the ‘newand stylishly attired you,’ is the fi rst step.I hope that I have helped you to understand how your image is aspecial relationship you can have with yourself for years to come.Don’t let the fashion industry spoil that relationship by making you feelconfused about what suits you. By all means, keep yourself up to dateeffortlessly by reading through our trends reports.There’s high street trends posted seasonally on the site but rememberto apply all your styling tools to the looks you see to decide which bitsof these fashionable looks are right for you. And don’t forget to useour shopping mall so you can track down the clothes you want – rememberthere are plenty of specialist fi t companies as well as all yourfavourite labels. These are entered under your own body shape.Check out our online recommendations and take not of the capsulewardrobe reccomendations we make each season in our monthlynewsletter.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Pencil skirt Yoke and flared skirt Handkerchief hemlinePENCIL SKIRTThis classic style elongates legs becauseit is tapered at the back; there needs tobe a small vent to allow you to take largeenough steps to walk. It will work bestwith a heel to give the feet atapered look.YOKE AND FLARED SKIRT.This style of skirt is fitted to the hips andthen flared from the hips. It has the appearanceof lowering the waist.HANDKERCHIEF HEMLINEThis skirt will always look edgy or quirkybecause of the uneven effect around thehemline. For it to work well the focusmust be on the legs (and shoes orboots). It therefore takes the eyeline tothe lower half of the body. A great styleto reduce fullness in ankles and calves tocreate more shape and femininity.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Circle skirtCulottes’ style skirtBias cut skirtCIRCLE SKIRTThis is a shape that is dictated by fashionand will appear from time to time. Theinterpretation of the volume of the circlewill be up to you - it often has theappearance of a puffed look. An extremeversion will always look more like acatwalk look, whereas a morecommercial version will be subtle andmore flattering.CULOTTES’ STYLE SKIRTThis style of skirt will often appear as asmart tailored style and is verycomfortable and flattering to wear whenteamed with a well-cut jacket or pareddown shirt or top.BIAS CUT SKIRTThis style of skirt looks sensual andfeminine.It can appear as a summer skirt or anevening style and, because it is cut on thebias of the fabric, will have plenty of give.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Tiered skirtVertical ruffled skirtWrap front skirtTIERED SKIRTA tiered skirt has a gypsy feel to it and isoften seen as a versatile summer orcasual wear look. I’ve seen it look justas good in cord or denim too. Becauseof the horizontal lines it has a wideningeffect.VERTICAL RUFFLED SKIRTThis style of skirt has the same feminineappeal as the tiered skirt but a muchlonger line and therefore creates a morestreamlining and lengthening effect.WRAP FRONT SKIRTThis style of skirt has a classic appeal andcan appear as a tailored skirt with apareddown feel; or in a softer fabric willwork well as a more casual look. It is usuallyfitted to the body around the waistand hips and has a straight silhouettefrom the hips to the knees. Because ofthe vertical line through the body it willalways make the legs appear longer.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Fly front, straight legFlared trousersPleated front trousersTROUSERSTROUSERS ARE WONDERFULGARMENTS THAT JUST ADAPTTHEMSELVES TO WHATEVER THETREND OR THE OCCASION RE-QUIRES. IT IS FOR THAT REASONTHAT WE SEE A LARGE VARIETYOF SHAPES. A WELL CUT ANDFITTED PAIR OF TROUSERS CANBE THE BEST ADDITION TO YOURWARDROBE BUT A PAIR THAT DOESNOT FLATTER YOUR SHAPE WILLSABOTAGE YOUR STYLE MORE EF-FECTIVELY THAN ANY OTHER ITEM.FIT IS ALSO CRUCIAL BECAUSE,WARPED OR BAGGY CROTCHESARE NOT ONLY UNSTYLISH, THEYDRAW THE EYE RIGHT TO THEPOINT. FINALLY A WORD ABOUTHEMLINES. HEELS NEED MORELENGTH THAN FLATS TO GIVE ALONGER LEG. NEVER WEAR THESAME PAIR OF TROUSERS WITHYOUR FLATS AND HEELS, JUSTHAVE MORE THAN ONE PAIR OFTROUSERS IF YOU LIKE TOALTERNATE BETWEEN HEELS.FLY FRONT, STRAIGHT LEGThis style of trouser is copied from theItalian cut of mans trouser and is masculinein feel with a straight leg. It will oftenhave a lower waistband too just like themen’s version.FLARED TROUSERSThis design of trouser is the mostfl attering for a woman’s body becauseit is cut to fl atter curves, the wide fl aredhem line will always balance curvy thighsand add volume to slender ones. Makesure you spend time getting the fi t right.This style can disguise the shape of legsand thighs with excellent results.PLEATED FRONT TROUSERSThis style can look mannish andshapeless unless worn with care. Thearea round the tummy is cut to givespace around the tummy area andpocket area and give a bit of an AnnieHall effect when worn with other loosefi tting clothing.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Tapered leg trouserHareem pantsBootleg cut trouserTAPERED LEG TROUSERSThis style of trouser fits the legs, thighsand bottom very closely. It rarely works(unless you have model proportions)without a cleverly styled longerlength top.HAREEM PANTS.This style enjoys popularity from time totime because designers like to ring thechanges. It is a soft voluminous shapethat disguises the appearance of thighsand bottom whatever your shape. Afitted waist is a must to create a flatteringshape at the tummy. Hems are eithercuffed or gathered anchoring the fabricround the leg, however, the length mayvary from below knee to ankle but willalways place the focus on footwear.It is worth experimenting with cut andshape here because this garment can beextreme with a dropped crotch andacres of fabric or quite subtle, taking theform of a pair of soft cuffed slouch pants.It is important to note though that witha baggy lower half your top must be fittedto create definition.BOOTLEG CUT TROUSERThis is a subtly flattering style that iswider at the bottom of the leg than thetop. It will be fitted more closely to thethigh than the flared trousers and is agood general all rounder for any shapewhen styled with the right top.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Palazzo pants Knee length shorts Capri pants Cropped trousersPALAZZO PANTThis is a wide loose fi tting style oftrouser that usually appears free of toomuch detail in linen, cotton or otherlightweight fabrics - anything heavier andit would look like you have tree trunklegs. Because of the width of this designit will create a foreshortening.KNEE LENGTH SHORTSShorts have enjoyed a great deal ofpopularity as a formal item teamed withfeminine footwear. However, unlike theskirt of the same length (which is moreforgiving), the tailored short is allabout the legs.Be very aware of your choice of hosieryand shoes to make this a stylishstatement.CAPRI PANTS.This style is fi tted to the leg and croppedjust above the calf. It will be free of toomuch detail as it needs to hug the body;pockets for instance will be tiny.CROPPED TROUSERSThis is a very fl attering cut with a classychoice of footwear and works well informal situations to show that you have astylish confi dence. The hemline shouldbe level with the lower calf not thewidest part. Shop around for the rightfi t for you.NB If you choose a boot make sure it ishigher up the leg than the hem of thetrouser so that the line is smooth. Neverwear the boot slightly lower than thehemline - it’s very very messy.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Above the kneeOn the knee SKIRT LENGTHTHE LENGTH OF THE SKIRT YOUCHOOSE WILL WORK WITH ALLYOUR TOPS TO CREATE THE RIGHTBALANCE FOR YOUR BODY. ONCEYOU HAVE THE LENGTHS THATFLATTER YOUR SHAPE FIXED INYOUR HEAD USE THEM AS A GUIDERATHER THAN A RULE BECAUSETHE DESIGN AND WIDTH OF THESKIRT WILL IMPACT ON THEFINISHED RESULT TOO. IT GOESWITH OUT SAYING THAT THEREARE LOTS OF HIGHER SKIRTLENGTHS, WHICH ARE PERFECTFOR TEENS, AND THOSEMODEL-LIKE PINS BUT IN THISSECTION I AM DISCUSSING THECLASSIC LENGTHS WE MOSTOFTEN HAVE IN OUR WARDROBES.ABOVE THE KNEEA straight or pencil skirt will normallyhave an above the knee option so if youare tempted by this length ask yourself,can your knees stand up to it?ON THE KNEEOn the knee hem length looks modernand chic. The skirt may be cut a littlewider to give a fl attering loose fi t.This hem length will draw attention tothe shape of your calves.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

Ankle length Below the kneeMid calfANKLE LENGTHThis length cuts across a much narrowerpart of the leg and so is a natural choiceto minimise curvy calves or legs.BELOW THE KNEEThis is the easiest length to wear for allbody shapes and can flatter slender andcurvy legs alike.This hemline length focuses less on theshape of your calves and is therefore lessattention seeking.MID CALFThis is an interesting length; notice howthe hemline cuts across the widest partof the calf - accentuating the width ofthe leg.It can make slender legs look wider andby the same token curvy legs will lookwider too.Caryn Franlin’s How to Look Good

THE TUNIC AND LEGGINGS.Another way to wear a higher hemline is by adding leggings to thetunic shape. The leggings provide a thick coverage and arefar less attention seeking than bare legs or tights. Flat shoes also makeit practical but heels are also a good choice to elongate the leg for ayounger look.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good

I’ve enjoyed working with you and I’m excited to think that as a resultof this book you are on your way to a life long enjoyment of clothes,fashion and your body. I want you to enjoy your body and celebrate whoyou are. The tips above will all help you to create a stylish sophisticatedexterior but, as we all know, true gorgeousness lives insideP.S. We hope you have enjoyed your e-book and find the informationuseful. We would welcome your feedback on either your e-book or thewebsite, to help us further improve our service to our readers. Pleasebe assured we will not use your name or comments on our sitewithout your permission.Please e-mail us now.Thanks!HAVE YOU FOUND THIS BOOK USEFUL? WOULD YOU LIKE MOREINFORMATION ABOUT DRESSING WELL AND STYLING CREATIVELY IF YOUARE OVER 40? I HAVE WRITTEN ANOTHER E-BOOK. “AGELESS STYLE” ISAIMED AT YOU WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUTLOOKING GOOD AT 40, 50 AND BEYOND.P.S DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER FORRECOMMENDATIONS ON WHICH GARMENTS TO BUY AND WHY AS WELLAS MUCH MORE. SUBSCRIBE NOW AT WWW.HOWTOLOOKGOOD.COM.AND DO CHECK MY BLOG WHERE I SHOW YOU MY OWN STYLESOLUTIONS AND NEW BUYS: WWW.HOWTOLOOKGOOD.COM/BLOG© 2007 howtolookgood.com, a product of Brilliant Productions Ltd. Allrights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission isprohibited.Caryn Franklin’s How to Look Good