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    The Fashion Fix

    • Find the right swimwear for your body shape

      By Francesca Hornak | The Fashion Fix – Fri, Jun 1, 2012 16:46 BST

      Going swimwear shopping? Arm yourself with our guide to what works on different bodies.

      Apple shape

      Coral Sheer Gold Embellished Kaftan, £26.24 New Look

      Don't bother with bikinis, there are loads of great one piece suits that will work better on you. It's tempting to go for block colours, but actually a big splashy print does a better job of hiding bulges. Ruching and draping over the stomach is another clever trick to minimise the midriff.

      If you feel very self conscious, look for a swimsuit with tummy control panels. Lots of brands incorporate them into the lining of suits now - try Speedo's Sculpture range.

      If you have got great legs show them off in a slinky kaftan.

      [Related gallery: More swimwear for your body shape]

      [Related feature: Sandal and flip flop picks for summer]

      Pear-shaped

      F&F Oriental print bandeau bikini top, £8 and F&F Contrast colour bikini briefs, £5 Tesco

      A good trick for pear shaped figures is to mismatch your bikini. Wear a dark colour on the bottom and a

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    • Most of us only wear about two thirds of our clothes — if that. The rest just take up space in the wardrobe, looking at you accusingly from their hangers. And now that the seasons are switching, it's a good time to get organised.

      Start by setting aside a whole Saturday for a clear out. Take out all your clothes, and lay them all on the bed. This makes it much easier to how much you have (too much, probably) and where the gaps are for future shopping.

      Before going any further, Hoover and clean your wardrobe and drawers. This isn't just neat-freakery — dust attracts moths.

      [Related article: Five face and body flatterers]

      Divide clothes into five piles: 'keep', 'store', 'chuck', 'not sure', 'alter' and 'eBay'. Be ruthless. If you haven't worn it in over a year and it isn't occasion-wear, it probably isn't working.

      Do not be tempted to keep clothes for 'thinspiration.' If you lose weight, you'll want to buy fresh clothes, not something you fitted in 2003.

      Now add the 'alter' pile, and the

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    • There's quite enough to deal with when you're pregnant, without clothes being an issue, too. Fortunately, maternity-wear has really improved in recent years, and it needn't be expensive - Gap, Topshop and M&S all do good ranges.

      [Related feature: The best maternity fitness clothing]

      Marie Palmer, a consultant from maternity-wear store Keungzai has this style advice for mums to be: 'Resist the temptation to buy clothes in larger sizes,' she says. 'If you are a size 8 normally, then this is the size you should choose for maternity clothing. Likewise, if you're feeling self-conscious about looking larger, don't completely cover up — it will make you look bigger. Draw attention to your new curves, and choose clothing that shows off your best areas, such as a V neck, or a low back dress. Scoop necks are particularly effective at elongating your whole silhouette.'

      Here are some more tips for bump dressing:

      Pregnant partywear


      How come pregnant celebrities look so smug? Because they know

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    • The right sunglasses never go out of style. But who hasn't been swayed by designer frames, or a duty free bargain, and ended up with shades that don't suit? The key to successful sunglasses shopping is to allow ample time, and to get a second opinion - it's hard to judge your reflection with shades on. Better still, get your shopping partner to take photos of you.

      The right style for you will depend on your face shape, but think about  frame colour, too. Black can be harsh against some skintones, so if you're prone to looking washed out try tortoiseshell instead.

      Finally, it's worth investing in your sunglasses, so skip the cheap and cheerful pairs in high street shops.  At best, these will give you 'nose dents', at worst they won't offer adequate UV protection. Here's how to pick the right pair for you.

      Round face

      If you have a baby face, with full cheeks and rounded chin, you're aiming to add definition and make your face look longer, rather than softer, or wider. Go for angular

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    • The key to transitional dressing

      By Francesca Hornak | The Fashion Fix – Wed, Mar 28, 2012 16:21 BST

      If you're keen on clothes, you'll know that now is the most annoying time of year to get dressed. How can it be so sunny, yet still chilly. Suddenly, black opaque tights don't look right.  But unless bare legs aren't a realistic option (even if yours are presentable after a winter cocooned in jeans, it's too cold). In a few weeks you'll be fake tanning in earnest and nothing will look too wispy or summery.

      In the meantime, you need some tide-over buys. Here are some options to see you through till spring really sets in.

      Print trousers
      I've tried them, and I can tell you it's a risk worth taking.  Do it now before they become ubiquitous and don't spend much — these are a fly-by trend. Try Zara, Mango or H&M and go for low slung, slightly tapered cuts (flattering on most body types).  Or, if you go for this season's wide legged pyjama shape.  Wear them to work with heels and a plain silk or jersey top, and female colleagues will coo.

      Left: Olivia Palermo/Rex. Right: Trousers, £12.99 H&M.

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