10 fashion dilemmas solved

Ensure you look your best every day. Prima fashion editor Amanda LeGonidec on what to wear and how to wear it

 

I'm a size 22. Which new trends will suit me best?

 

Bold colour, embellishment and striking prints are just the ticket for curvy, fashionable ladies.

Tunic, £60, ref: AG600JY, 14-32, Anna Scholtz for Simply Be (0870 238 1432)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My feet get very sweaty and swollen by the end of the day, what can I do to make my shoes more comfy?

 

Celebs including Angelina Jolie, Cindy Crawford and Kate Winslet love Italian shoe brand Geox. They're super comfy and contain a special technology to let perspiration out of the shoes. And its breathable membrane keeps water out and the feet dry - so no swollen feet after a shopping trip.

 

 

 

 

What are the hot colours this season?

 

Neon shades were paraded down the spring/ summer catwalks. Team with black for a more wearable look.

Dress, £69, 8-22, Marks & Spencer (www.marksandspencer.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've got big feet and I really want some stylish pumps. Where can I pick up a pair?

 

If your feet are size nine or over, it can be a hard slog finding shoes you love. Visit www.duoboots.com, www.bigshoeboutique.co.uk, www.vivaladiva.com, www.extratall.co.uk, www.tallgirls.co.uk and www.amberandjade.com for fashionable shoes for larger-footed ladies. If you don't have the internet, take a trip to Barratts (01274 893 886), Evans (0845 1214 516) and Long Tall Sally (020 8649 9009).

Black pumps, £25, 4-10, Evans (0845 1214 516). Pink pumps, £59, 2-9, Duo Boots (www.duoboots.com)

 

 

 

I live in a very rural area and shopping is tricky for me. Which websites would you recommend?

 

Most high-street stores have websites now, but also take a look at www.plumo.com, which has some very pretty things, www.boden.co.uk for colourful grown-up clothes, www.oli.co.uk for trendy styles and www.vivaladiva.com for shoes. And most of the women (and men) in the Prima office use www.asos.com for cutting-edge bargains!

 

 

 

Last year, I bought a fashionable swing jacket. What style should I look out for this season?

 

Smarten up your act with a fitted blazer. The new silhouette is neat, sharp and groomed from top to toe.

Blazer, £40, 6-22, Next, www.next.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I usually wear baggy clothes to hide my wobbles, as I'm wide round the middle and big busted. Can you advise me of a better style?

 

The common mistake is to wear clothes to hide rather than flatter. To distract from your tummy, you have to boost your boobs. An empire-line dress is perfect for supporting and enhancing your chest while floating and skimming over your stomach. For a last minute trick, try wearing a pair of magic knickers. You'll be amazed at the results!

 

 

Bold colours don't suit me. What's the alternative?

 

Be a real sweetie in pastel shades, which are a refreshing change.

Skirt £60, 8-16, Great Plains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can I look slimmer?

 

The most important rule to looking slimmer is to not fool yourself about your dress size! This applies if you tend to buy sizes that are too big as well as those that are too small. Choose wrap dresses, long wide-leg trousers and prints with a dark rather than light background. Avoid thin heels and ankle straps and shiny or stretchy fabrics such as Lycra, which cling to the parts we don't want exaggerated!

 

I like to wear shirts, but am looking for a softer alternative. What do you suggest?

 

Forget starchy shirts - spring/summer sees a celebration of all things pretty and feminine. Try a light-as-a-feather chiffon top for fairytale romance.

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