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Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in style

British style is all the rage this season, but go easy on the Union Jacks

Our resident ‘Makeover Queen’, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, reveals how to reign supreme while celebrating the Diamond Jubilee.

Leave Union Jack dresses where they belong – back in the mid-90s on Ginger Spice. Instead, go for a more subtle nod to the occasion. The high street is already teeming with a selection of Brit-inspired pieces in a palette of white, blue and red, to help you choose the perfect Jubilee outfit without looking too fancy dress.


Curvy
If you have a curvy shape, you'll look the part in the latest trend, the ‘smasual’ shirt. ASOS has a great pussy-bow, royal red version (£25). Pair with some indigo blue shorts like these from Reiss (£95), which will nip you in at the waist, leaving the shirt’s V-shape neckline to enhance your cleavage, emphasising your best bits.

Boyish
If you have a boyish figure then an A-line dress will help create shape. I love this sleeveless version from Topshop, with laser-crochet detailing that is right on trend. Stay away from skirt and top ensembles, which tend to make straight-up-and-down figures look very boxy.

A great tip is to add a jacket with strong shoulder structure and detail to give the illusion of a broader top half and therefore a narrower waist. Try this favourite from Hobbs.


[Related content: Spring trends and how to wear them]


Apple
Apple shapes look great in A-line skirts as well, which help to conceal your mid-section whilst offering balance and proportion to your bottom half. I’ve got an elegant, retro outfit for you that’s worth trying. This gorgeous dropped waist Sunny Day skirt from Banana Republic (£49.50 has a flattening effect on the stomach which will help show off the narrowest part of your torso, whilst the feminine, large-pleat skirt will create balance.  Pair with the fresh white Betty embroidered flower blouse from East (£55) for an impeccable ensemble. The blouse will elongate and slim the tops of your arms, whilst the deep-v neckline will highlight your cleavage, lengthen your neckline and draw attention away from your mid-section.

Petite
Complement a slight, petite shape with solid colour to give an elongating effect, further enhanced when you accessorise with some nude heels to add a few extra inches. Mini tea dresses were seen all over the catwalk at London Fashion Week and they look so feminine on a small frame. The eye-catching ruby-red Cleo dress from Motel at Topshop (£48) is perfect for a spot of Jubilee high tea.  

Pear

A pear-shaped figure can be balanced with some carefully chosen accessories. Direct attention where you want it, creating the illusion of an elongated, balanced silhouette. Choose colourful wedges for their leg-lengthening effect and avoid dainty or towering stilettos and kitten heels that do nothing to balance your proportions. River Island has the most impressive selection of wedges for the summer - check out these red devils (£50).


Accessories
If there is one Union Jack piece that shouts patriotism and sophistication perfectly without a hint of fancy dress, it's Vivienne Westwood's distressed silk and wool mix scarf (£190) from her Diamond Jubilee collection, which will instantly earn you fashion points.

For a more purse-friendly option, check out ASOS, a haven for high street buys and also designer goodies. This fashion-forward distressed scarf by French Connection (£30) is an excellent alternative.

Beauty Queen
Channel your inner Kate Middleton with an English-rose look. Enhance and define your natural features using a pretty palette of pastel shades, peachy hues and flirty pinks to achieve a radiantly healthy look.

Your first step to perfect, polished skin is to use Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (£14.25) daily to remove impurities and makeup leaving skin feeling smooth and looking fresh.

Then perfect your base with iconic product Beauty Flash Balm from Clarins to give a smooth and even base. 

Next and most importantly, spend some time concealing your blemishes and any dark circles, reduce redness and create an even skin tone.

Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Éclat is great to define features; brush and blend around the nostrils, the corners of the mouth, the cupid's bow, centre of the chin and forehead and at the corners of the eyes and brows and you'll see the effect immediately - an overall wide-awake look.

You're aiming for a natural finish, so sweep a lightweight foundation, like mineral infused Lavara Natural Liquid Foundation (£12.90) over your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. You do not need to cover every square centimetre of the face if you blend it well.

Finish by adding a touch of colour to your cheeks like Laura Mercier's Illuminating Quad in Coral Red (£29.90). Apply directly to the apple of your cheeks, swirling in circular motions.

Strip lashes are great for special occasions, the non-committal way to enhance, lengthen and thicken for added drama. A H Francis has a huge collection of professional grade lashes starting from just £5.95 and their new glue lasts all day long.

Find out more about Nicky at www.themakeoverqueen.co.uk and www.nhjstyle.com.