Welcome to the page of shared style wisdom. Answers and responses to all of your style questions are posted here for everyone to benefit from.
Enjoy. Contribute. Share.

*if you have an enquiry regarding services or employment, please refer to the contact Sally page

Q: Dear Sally,
I constantly struggle to find new clothes that I actually like and that fit my body shape. I vary between a size 12 and 14 in bottoms and I am more like a 10 in the top. I much prefer classic lines and hate frills, flowers and the like. I find shopping incredibly difficult. Do you have any suggestions, particularly with were to go for great basics for my corporate wardrobe that will work with my body shape? Thanks! - Bree 30, Melbourne

A: Hi Bree
For classic, clean lines and styles that are not too fussy and frilly that will work well with a corporate wardrobe, I would recommend the following stores:
Sportscraft , David Lawrence, Cue, Oxford, Satch, Country Road, Saba, Rhodes and Beckett for tailored suits and shirts, Anna Thomas (a little more expensive but unique cuts and beautiful fabrics)  
Of course the more feminine, florally and frilly styles have been around now for a few seasons so you're still going to find a mixture of these styles and more classic cuts at the stores listed above. It's about steering clear of these styles and sticking to the more classic lines that you like. With your body shape being smaller on top, if you are going to experiment with patterns etc then you're best to do so on your top half, keeping the pieces on your lower body simple. The aim is to balance upper and lower body proportions so essentially you want to balance your bigger lower half with your smaller upper body.
Sally

Q: Hi Sally
I just bought an Ash glitter boob tube dress with ruffle layers from the waist down, this is for a beach/cocktail wedding... is this ok? The colour really suits me as I'm a strawberry blonde with pale rose skin, although I will be getting a spray tan! I am wanting to know what colour shoes & style to go as its knee length. Thanks - Rebecca 31, Cheltenham

A: Hi Rebecca
Sounds like you've chosen a fun dress. A tan will help show off your shoulders (which is where you want the focus to go if the bottom of the dress is fuller).
I would suggest either a metallic shoe (I assume you meant Ash was the colour of the dress?) or black. Being knee length, really any style of shoe will suit. I would however steer away from a really heavy looking shoe as it would not be appropriate for the beach wedding. You'll probably go without shoes on the beach, so something easy to take on and off, such as a classic pump.
Enjoy!
Sally 

Q: Dear Sally
I have no idea what is currently in fashion (and what is going to be in this 2010 autumn/winter). I would love to buy a few key, flattering pieces. I'm a size 16 and curvy, but with a not-all-that-small waist. - Libby 29, Sydney

A: Hi Libby
Thanks for your Ask the Stylist enquiry. My suggestion for key pieces this season that will be most flattering for your shape are:
Waist belt- use this to help create better shape through the torso and show off your curves, e.g. worn with a high waisted skirt or over a dress.
Keep the focus up top with frills and ruffles; don't be afraid of prints.
Stick to fluid fabrics like silk and chiffon that drape your body.
The blazer will be big again this season and is great for creating a waistline and slimming the tummy. Team with jeans and dresses for a contemporary look rather than a business look. The blazer will be a more flattering style on you than the biker and cropped jackets that will also be popular this season.
Give yourself some height with heels- when you're taller you look thinner.
Remember, not every trend will suit every body shape so work out what suits you and work in into a look that is flattering on you.
Sally

Q: Hi Sally,
I am going overseas to Ireland in September for a wedding and need something to wear. I am a larger lady (about size 20) and find it very hard to find anything to 1/ fit, 2/that is flattering and 3/ looks good. Where should i go and what style should i go for? I find most of the stores for larger ladies are full of clothes that cover all but are loose fitting and makes me look even biger. I would love some help in this area.
- Fidelma, 51 Blackburn

A: Dear Fidelma
You are very right in saying that many choices for the fuller sized girl are shapeless and loose fitting. This does in fact only make you look bigger and covers up any assets that are worth showing off (and everyone has these)
I believe your best bet is to go for brands that have 'plus size' versions of the original designs. These include Basque at Myer and Marco Polo, Sara and Aqua by Ping Pong at David Jones. Other great brands are Taking Shape, Estelle and Mirrors (available at Myer) and Sara at David Jones. Another good option is from the Sara Collection @ www.ezibuy.com.au
When looking for clothing, think about the parts of your body you like (i.e. your assets) and look for styles that show off or highlight these parts of your body. For example, you might have killer ankles and calves so why choose a skirt or dress that covers this up? Or a curvy waistline- look for styles that skim or wrap around the torso to show off your curves (wrap dresses are great for this). Great décolletage? Go for deep v-necks or scoop necks or play up the area with some great jewellery.
Darker colours are always going to be more slimming, as are patterns and fabrics with texture. Just make sure the dominant colour, or background colour, is dark.
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
Should I be buying clothes and dressing for my shape or aiming to buy clothes for my age group. For example if I usually buy clothes to hide my hips and tummy, is this more important than wearing the coolest pencil skirt which actually accentuates that area but looks sophisticated and funky as a 35 year old? - Georgia 35, Gold Coast

A: Dear Georgia
The simple answer is yes. Dressing for your size and shape will always pay more dividends. The first key however is knowing your body shape and what styles flatter you. When you know this, you should try and stick to styles, cuts and colours that suit you. Also, when you dress for your shape you will always be able to follow some of the current trends, but not necessarily all. Take jeans and boots for example; jeans have become a fashion staple across all seasons and all ages. Come winter, boots are a necessity with jeans. Not everyone can do the skinny jeans tucked into boots look (nor should everyone want to) but most women can pull off a great pair of long, bootcut, dark denim jeans over a boot with a good heel.
So no matter what your style, age or budget, know the rules for your shape and look for pieces that flatter, regardless of current trends.
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I love wearing 3/4 pants and have many tops to suit these. Being a size 14 I wear long line tops which hopefully slims. Now that Autumn and Winter is on its way I am wondering what pants I should wear under my tops. Would black long pants look ok and what shoes should I wear? - Sue 49, Blackburn

A: Dear Sue
To flatter the look you describe above, I would suggest a narrow leg full length pant for Winter. Anything long will make you look taller and when you look taller, you look slimmer. The slim leg pant is very popular this season so there are plenty of options in the stores. Because you are wearing them under tops, look for styles without side or back pockets as these can poke out and create unnecessary bulk.
When teaming straight legs with shoes, the beauty is that you don't need to have the pants long (like you do with a wide leg or bootcut pant). So with both flats and heels you can get away with the same length pant.
The ankle boot will be very big this season and does look great with slim pants, but that's not to say this look is for everyone. If the ankle boot isn't your thing, stick to a ballet style flat or classic pump heel. Don't wear knee high boots with slim pants (stick to under wider leg pants, jeans skirts & dresses).
Happy shopping!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I am a bigger sized girl (16-18) and i find it really hard to buy fashionable clothes that fit me.. where is the best place to go shopping?- Sevgi 28, Frankston South

A: Hi Sevgi
Thanks for your Ask the Stylist enquiry. There are lots of options available for ‘plus size’ fashions. Here are my favourites:
Myer- Basque Woman, Piper Woman, Estelle
City Chic
Sara range at David Jones and www.ezibuy.com.au
Jacqui E (up to 18)
Portmans (up to size 16-18)
Country Road (XL in tops, cardigans and skirts, size 16 jeans and pants)
Sussan (to 18)
Another website that just came my way today is http://www.virtushop.com.au/
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I'm 5'10" and always find it difficult to find a pair of jeans or pants to fit my length.   I'm a size 14 trying to get down to a size 12.   I find that if I try on larger sizes the waist and back begin to gap. Lately I've been having to resort to wearing men's jeans!   Is there any particular brand you know of that is extra long but is still fashionable and in style? - Angela 45, Melbourne

A: Hi Angela, thanks for your Ask the Stylist enquiry.
You need to try and buy jeans with a 34 inch inseam- this is not always easy and I would recommend buying online (particular now with AUS$ being so high). My advice is to try some jeans on to get the style number and brand you like, then look them up online and often there are choices to buy different leg lengths.
The best brands of jeans for tall women are (and available at most Myer and DJ's): 7 For All Mankind, J Brand, Hudson, Rock and Republic, Joes Jeans and Paige Denim (all 'designer' jeans with designer price tags but much cheaper online)
Locally I can suggest Jeans West who do a long leg, as do Country Road, Pepe and Jag Bootcut.
Here are some websites to check out:
www.tobi.com , www.shopbop.com (free shipping), www.embodydenim.com.au (Aus site specialising in curvy woman)
also check out these local resources for tall women: www.sarahvainandtall.com http://www.talljeans.com.au/
Good Luck!
Sally

Q: Hi Sally, I love the 1940s/50s vintage look and it suits me but dressing authentically ages me by about 15 years! How can I make this look more modern and young? Much love and thanks! - Andrea 25, Katoomba

A: It's all about the accessories when it comes to achieving this look without looking like your grandmother! Mix vintage pieces with modern accessories including shoes, belts, earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and scarves. Shoes I think are the most important and easiest way to update and modernise this look. You can also tailor older pieces to fit your body and your proportions in a more flattering way. For example, many vintage dresses and skirts finish well below the knee- a little shortening can update their look. Similarly, sometimes the collars on vintage pieces are oversized and a little tweaking can make your overall outfit look a little more modern, hence younger. My general advice is to mix and match vintage pieces with modern pieces to create a look that is both true to your style and true to your age.
Sally

Q: Hi Sally. I have bought a black embroidery anglais vintage dress to wear to a day time wedding. Usually i would not wear black in the day but have recently had a baby and am still very self conscious about the extra weight i am carrying. I think it flatters my current size 14 figure. It is sleeveless with wide straps, a small v neck, is fitted up the top, is cinched in at the waist and then drops a-line to just below the knee. I don't want to wear black accessories with it, can you give me some ideas of types of shoes, jewellery, colour etc you think would be appropriate. I am blonde. Thanks. - Ally 32, Lake Macquarie

A: Hi Ally. I would suggest that you opt for nude/neutral tones and colours to accessorise this dress for daytime. You want to soften the look so choosing neutral shades of taupe, cream, mushroom or metallic will work best. There are heaps of these colour options around at the moment; you only need to walk into any store to see a great range. Great accessories will also draw the eye away from the parts of your body you're still feeling self-conscious about post-baby. Sounds like a great dress. Have fun shopping for all the extras!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I really love the feminine, romantic fashion that is around at the moment. My question is, at 157cm and 55kgs, i'm quite small and all the advice I hear is that when you are small, wearing anything that is "floaty" or not fitted can add bulk and make me look shorter and larger than what I am. Is that true and if so, how can I wear these sorts of tops? Thanks so much, Narelle 36 - Pakenham

A: Hi Narelle
Yes the advice you've heard is correct! Being petite, it's much easier for your frame to get overwhelmed by clothing. So too many frills, too much fabric and volume will swallow you up, making you appear shorter (and wider L )
There are a few things you can do to improve how this works on your shape:
1. Heels! The taller you look the slimmer you’ll look and a bit of height will balance out the fullness of these styles
2. Accentuate the waist- team a waist belt (no too wide) to draw the focus to the smallest part of your waist which will make your legs appear longer and your frame smaller
3. Avoid big prints- it you’re going to do prints and florals, stick to small prints. Big prints will again overwhelm you.
4. Team one feminine/romantic piece with a more classic or staple piece. i.e. team a floral blouse with jeans rather than a tiered skirt/flowy skirt with a short waisted blazer 
I hope you find this information useful.
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I have my 20 year high school reunion coming up - evening drinks and canapes. Of course want to look fabulous, but have a few more kilos than 20 years ago! Thinking a dress might be a good idea. What could you recommend for something flattering but still stylish/edgy? - Kate 36, Brisbane

A: Hi Kate
One look that I would recommend as being stylish and edgy but still flattering is the tunic style dress, opaques and ankle boots. This is a very current look and most importantly shows off legs, covers the middle and gives you a little height. Choose fluid fabrics like silk and chiffon and go for a length a little higher than the knee which will make legs look longer. The opaques also have a great lengthening and slimming effect.
Depending on how much you want to spend, there are quite a lot of versions of this style around. The great thing about this look is that is it's versatility- opaques and boots in winter, footless tights and ballet flats in spring and bare legs and sandals in summer. There are some fabulous ankle boots around also; the only question is how high can you go??!
Good luck!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally,
I love wearing 3/4 pants and have many tops to suit these. Being a size 14 I wear long line tops which hopefully slims. Now that Autumn and Winter is on its way I am wondering what pants I should wear under my tops. Would black long pants look ok and what shoes should I wear? - Sue 49, Blackburn

A: Hi Sue
To flatter the look you describe above, I would suggest a narrow leg full length pant for Winter. Anything long will make you look taller and when you look taller, you look slimmer. The slim leg pant is very popular this season so there are plenty of options in the stores. Because you are wearing them under tops, look for styles without side or back pockets as these can poke out and create unnecessary bulk.
When teaming straight legs with shoes, the beauty is that you don't need to have the pants long (like you do with a wide leg or bootcut pant). So with both flats and heels you can get away with the same length pant.
The ankle boot (or shoeboot) will be very big this season and does look great with slim pants, but that's not to say this look is for everyone. If the ankle boot isn't your thing, stick to a ballet style flat or classic pump heel. Don't wear knee high boots with slim pants (stick to under wider leg pants, jeans skirts & dresses).
Happy shopping!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I love to wear 3/4 length pants, but I am not quite sure if they are 'daggy' or not, or if they are flattering for my shape. - Melinda 33, Macleod

A: Dear Melinda
¾ pants are a tricky one and the length is something a lot of women get wrong. Regardless of your shape and size, ¾ length pants should always sit at least 2 but no more than 3 inches above your ankle. You don’t want the pants finishing at your widest part of your leg, which is your calf, and equally you don’t want them finishing too close to your ankle. The ideal length is 2 to 3 inches above the ankle because at this length we see the smallest part of the leg (the ankle) and enough of the ankle to avoid the pants looking like they’re pants that are too short for you. By also exposing a little of the lower leg and ankle it slims and lengthens the leg rather than cutting if off and making your leg look shorter. ¾ pants have become somewhat of a ‘safe’ option for women who don’t want to expose too much of the leg but also need something to wear in warmer weather. They’re not necessarily ‘daggy’ but you certainly wouldn’t call them cutting edge either.
I say if you love your ¾ pants, just make sure you get the length right!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally,
Is it better to buy the most expensive piece of clothing I can afford which may or may not be a quality, well made garment, or buy trend influenced pieces each season to update a wardrobe? - Jenny 52, Mount Eliza

A: Dear Jenny
This is a question that a lot of women ponder. I believe it's a combination of both. Firstly, you don't have to spend a ridiculous amount of money on clothing, even though you can afford it. "Investment" pieces I believe are jeans, black pants, a winter coat and boots. Spend a reasonable amount of money on these basics, then add tops and accessories to update your look seasonally. Plenty of chain stores sell good quality fashion pieces at very affordable prices and when you're not likely to wear a pussy bow checked shirt the following season then it's not worth blowing your pay packet on one (I use this example because I just bought a fabulous shirt at Temt for only $35 compared to the Country Road version @ $99)
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I work in a conservative industry and while I love colour and funky styles, work requirements dictate something a little more sedate.  Is there any way I can accommodate my personal style within the corporate environment? - Alice late  30's, Kew

A: Dear  Alice
My easiest, and most affordable, suggestion to accommodate your personal style at work is with accessories and colour. Use bold, statement jewellery like a necklace or earrings to spice up a suit or even a scarf. There are some really beautiful colours around for Spring, so instead of a conservative fitted shirt under a suit go for a bright purple silk blouse for example. Veronika Maine has some fabulous colours in both tops and skirts so why not mix and match these with your more conservative work basics. Cue is great for suits with a feminine edge- still a well fitting, well cut suit but with a little more flair than your average tailored suit. Anna Thomas (available in DJ's, Little Collins St and Malvern Rd stores www.annathomas.com.au) sells really different corporate styles that are beautifully tailored and professional but again, a little more contemporary in style, fabric and colour.
My favourite stores for contemporary/work suits and separates are:
Satch, Veronika Maine, Cue, Anna Thomas, Oxford Women, Saba, Arthur Galan
Good luck!
Sally

Q: Dear Sally
I'm 4"11 and size 8 with DD's and curves. I am always self-concious that I look out of proportion, and struggle to feel put together, especially with the current trends. Any advice would be much appreciated. - Chloe 19, Caulfield

A: Hi Chloe
I can understand your dilemma dressing for your height and body shape. Think about the parts of your body you like (your assets) and try to accentuate these in your clothing. It's very easy for petite women to look overwhelmed by their clothing- too many layers, too much fabric, and clothing that doesn't fit well. The key to dressing for your height is shape- you need to look for clothing with shape, tailored styles with no excess of fabric.
Well cut blazers, skirts and dresses no longer than knee length, fitted shirts and tops, sharp lines and light fabrics. Avoid babydoll styles, pleating and busy prints. For your big bust, always go a v-neck or scoop neck as this will elongate your neck as well as minimise your bust.
The reason for fitted styles (not tight) is that when you look leaner, you look taller. So the more 'shapely' your clothing, the smaller you will look (i.e. in size, not height)
Show off your curves (especially your waist) and stick to darker colours and small prints. Big prints will overwhelm your frame. Make sure you wear bras that really lift the bust and elongate your torso. And of course if you can, always wear heels!
One of the best things you can do to make yourself look taller and your legs look longer is wear bootcut jeans (this style is also better for curvy girls) with heels BUT you must make sure the jeans fall ALL the way to floor. Same rule applies to pants.
I hope that advice has been of value.  Good luck!
Sally