I have a friend who has sturdy calves, she is so embarrassed by them she won’t wear a skirt, and suffers through our hot, hot summers in pants every day. Sure, you can do that, and pants and jeans are an easy way to cover up your calves, but why not think about some alternatives.…
Recently I received two requests for posts on issues surrounding trouser fit and flattery asking about issues such as knock knees and thick calves. Given my post on which pants suit your body shape I’m now going to go into these body variations. Knock knees (where the knees have an inward curve and then the…
Dear Imogen, I would be most grateful – on behalf of all the ladies blessed with wide calves – if you could write a post about winter fashion for women who can’t wear boots. Personally, my stocky legs and circulation problems prevent me from wearing boots – even if could find a pair that fits,…
I’ve been asked by one of my lovely readers to do a post to help her make the most of her long slim legs, without looking Mutton Dressed as Lamb. 1. Wear shoes with detail and ankle straps – all those gladiator shoes will work for you. Just ensure that the straps are finer…
Reader Question:Also, is there any rules with shoes and body types? Particurarly thinking about boots, as it’s getting colder here in Europe 😉 Thanks again, Maija When thinking about what are the best shapes of boots and heels for different body shapes, consider your shape and what will balance it. Stiletto heels with their long…
Finding clothes and shoes that fit well, feel comfortable, and align with your style can be a real challenge—especially when you have specific needs like a low heel, natural materials, or sustainable fashion. The fashion industry often caters to trends rather than real women’s bodies and preferences, making the search feel frustrating and overwhelming. If…
When my mother came into my bedroom and surveyed the 12 pairs of knee high boots lined up against the wall she commented that I had a lot of boots. This may be true, but I wear them almost every day in winter and I’ve been collecting them for a decade or more. I love…
 I love books, which is why I was so attracted to work in publishing when I left university, and one of my favourite ever memories was the first time I walked through the warehouse at Penguin, seeing row upon row of stacks of shiny new books. The colours of the covers, the potential enjoyment,…
I’m 5 ft 2 inches a petite athletic frame and weigh 118 lbsI have short legs and muscular thighs and calves. What dress shoes / evening style do it west to give my legs a longer slimming look. Also heel and strapping styles Thank you so much. Strap Styles Straps are not ideal on evening…
Legs One of the great body parts – they move us around and we should appreciate them. They may be longer or shorter proportionally and so it’s good to know what yours are so you can make better decisions regarding lengths of skirts and dresses. Want to know how to make your legs look longer?…
I love your blog . My biggest question is proper footwear for the cold fall weather (but before it snows). I live in the Midwest of USA. I am wondering if you could do a blog post for casual ladies who like slim fit jeans and shorter boots. I like tall boots on other people,…
This season I have noted a lot of mid-calf dress-boot styles. Generally I would say no to the boots because they chop the leg up and mess with proportions. However, I am tempted…so cute… can you show some flattering ways to wear this type of boot, besides the under pant and with same color legging?…
So Vogue UK magazine has published a piece about how cleavage and boobs are out of fashion. Sure they may have meant that fashions that make cleavage and boobs the focus, but I have an issue with a mass market magazine telling us that the way a body part appears can be in or out…
1. If you choose to wear anything that is boxy or baggy, without belting, it will overwhelm your figure. 2. Large scale clothes with no shaping will make you look like you’re dressing up in your parents clothes. 3. Very tailored shaping such as peplums that you just can’t fill out won’t work for your…
There seems to be a range of names given to these kind of shoe/boots, but no matter what you call them, what do you wear them with? For example, these shooties end at the ankle (all pics from DUO boots which are available in foot sizes 2-10 and in 21 calf size options (30-50cm),…
Yesterday I was having a conversation with a woman who mentioned that she finds, due to a medical issue that distorts her body shape, it incredibly difficult to find a pair of trousers that fits when she’s out shopping. What she didn’t realise, is that I think 80% of women or possibly more find if…
There are so many different accessories to choose from when adding that finishing touch to your outfit. Accessories are the icing on the cake – they add the interest and detail, a touch of sparkle or sheen that grab the light or texture and colour that may otherwise be lacking in your outfit. One of…
The O or apple shape is fairly common. To be an O shape your midsection needs to be wider than your hips and shoulders. It tends to appear in the post-menopausal woman, when estrogen is no longer produced in the same quantities, and many women thicken around their waists. An O is most likely to…
How to figure out your body type if you have a significant difference from the usual features. For example, I have very, very broad shoulders, a slight waist, medium hips from the front and a protruding bottom. If I do a body calculator, I come out as a pear or a ruler. I am neither.…
No matter your size, shape or age, most women have issues sourcing clothes that they love, that suit their colouring and that fit and flatter. The further you are away from “manufacturing standards” the harder it becomes and then along with this, you may have heard that there are things you can’t wear, such as…
Given the number of people who contact me asking about identifying their body shape (if you’re not sure what body shape you have, do the Body Shape Quiz to find out!), it’s obviously something that is considered to be an important factor in the whole “finding flattering clothing” issue that many women face. I’m here…
