Style Advice - Ask Zoe
Celebrity stylist Zoe Lem answers all of your questions
In her 15 years as a stylist, Zoe has worked with magazines, TV shows and
on advertising campaigns. She has also worked with a number of
celebrities including Trinny and Susannah, Cat Deeley and Myleene Klass.
And now she is here to answer your questions…
I'm 16 and have my prom coming up... but i have a sizing
problem. I have size 10/12 hips and waist, but my bust is equivilant to size 16 (32E). Do you have any dresses that would work for my shape?
This is a really common problem as so many women are different on top to bottom. You're top half is not really like a size 16 - you are only a 32 around the chest so the most important thing is to go for a dress that both flatters
and allows for a bust. You have the perfect hour glass shape. It is all about balance and then getting the right fabric and colour to suit you.
The 50's is a great era for you as they were very slim but curvy. These two blue 50's dresses would be great as the fullness of the skirt will balance out the bust. They are
fabulous colours and the good thing with vintage is that they can be altered to fit you perfectly. We also now stock Olivia Ruben and her dresses are great for a curve, they are sophisticated and fun with a splash of colour. They
are a stretch silk and boned so great over the bust. Try the pink and blue or the black and blue Miro dress as worn by Emma Bunton. This Hoss Intropia pink dress is also a great shape with a bust and a fantastic vibrant cerise.
I am, I think, pear-shaped with a small bust and bigger hips and a size 12. I am desperately looking for a dress for a wedding, nothing too over the top, and I am really struggling...
First of all, let's make sure you are a pear-shape. It is the shoulders and hips that are the important bit. If they are in line it doesn't matter how small chested you are. It is important to get the balance right so A-line is the best skirt shape, then you need to balance out the shoulders with gathers, a jacket and or a darker colour on top.
A wide slashed neck line can also be good for drawing the shoulders wider. Nip in the waist - high waisted if that's your smallest bit. This Hoss Intropia dress is really flattering and a great colour.
No strappy tops or halter necks. You could try this vintage fitted lace 1950's dress - it is the perfect balancing act.
I love all the prints that are in for summer, but haven't got a clue where to start. I am 40, size 8 and 5”5.
There are lots of beautiful prints around at the moment, but a fair few dodgy ones too! You need to pick a print in proportion to your size. If you are petite, you need to stick to a more petite print – a larger one will drown you and make you look smaller. Likewise if you are taller or fuller-figured you need to stick to larger prints – it's all about balance. Maybe try this Laura Lees empire-line purple deep V dress, or this Eley Kishimoto blouse is great for a petite figure.
I love the way Alexa Chung mixes vintage with designer and high street. I am often on a fairly limited budget would love to mix things up a bit. Any suggestions?
You really don’t need to spend lots to look great, it is a lot about confidence. You need to stick to a style that suits you rather than trying to look like someone else. With vintage it is important to pick an era that suits your shape as well as style. If you are very curvy the 50’s is a great decade for you. If you are more straight up and down you can get away with shapes from the 20's and 60's.
Get the right shapes and then the key is not to try too hard as it will show. As the old saying goes less is more especially when mixing styles together. Balance on both colour and shape are really important. If you are wearing say, red shoes, you need to bring red in somewhere else.
Accessories are a great way to add a little bit of designer or high street or bring in a little vintage piece. Check out these great Laura Lees denim shorts, 1930s silk shirt and Mawi necklace.
I am never quite sure what skirt length to go for - the fashion seems to constantly change as to what is in or out. I am 5,6” and don’t love my legs but with summer looming I want to get them out a bit.
The important thing is for the skirt to finish at the smallest part of your leg - so where your leg goes in again. This is just below the knee on most people. If you cut through mid-calf where generally it is wider, it will make your whole leg look wider as people don't see that it gets slimmer. If a skirt length works don't feel that you need to be constantly trying different ones. Remember you can still play around with colour, fabric and style. This Laura Lees pink skirt is a great length. And check out this Eley Kishimoto dress – it's also a great length and the line is not too hard through the body. An asymmetric hem will be very flattering as well.
