PERFECT PARTYWEAR

Carol Goodsman, owner of Alice Carroll, gives her expert advice to help you make your choices, by taking into account your colouring and body shape.

Colouring

The obvious choice is always black, but it only truly looks good if your skin tone is cool and clear. Very blonde hair can look stunning against a black dress, but be aware that roots will show.

Gold and silver are everywhere this season and can look great, as long as you pick the right one for your complexion and hair colour. If you want to know which one is right for you, look in a mirror in good light and hold a piece of gold and a piece of silver jewellery up to your face, without make-up. It will usually be obvious which suits you.

Deeper shades of gold are wonderful on those with warm, olive skin tones or darker warm hair colours and on redheads. Pale gold is lovely on warm blondes and those with fair, delicate skin tones and darker hair. Ash blondes and those with strong clear colouring and a cooler skin tone will sparkle in icy cool silver.

Bright, vivid colours, especially purple, are also very popular right now. These can look stunning, but are only for those with a more dramatic temperament and for those with a lot of contrast – between hair, skin and eye colour – in their own natural colouring. Opt for cooler, stronger tones if your own colouring is strong and cool, or light, warmer tones if your natural colouring is more delicate or you have a tendency to freckle. Those whose natural colouring has less contrast, should choose more muted tones. If that does not suit your personality, go for a strong colour, but be sure that the tone does not look too manufactured or too bright for your complexion.

Body Shape

The trick is to play up the good points you want to emphasize and play down those with which you are less happy.

Hourglass
You have natural curves, a defined waist and the top and bottom halves of your body are evenly balanced.
Kate Winslett / Scarlet Johanssen
Opt for styles that emphasize your waist and show off your curves. Low necklines will flatter provided your natural bust line is not too low. Avoid clothes made from heavy, bulky fabrics and boxy shapes. High heels will elongate your figure.

Heart
You are larger on the top half, carrying more weight on the bust and arms, but with slim hips and legs.
Elizabeth Hurley / Minnie Driver
As your neck will tend to be shorter, lengthen it with drop earrings and lower necklines. Choose lighter, brighter colours, texture and print for the bottom half of your outfit, to balance out your figure. Avoid shrugs and off the shoulder styles, as they will make your top half appear bigger.

Pear
You have a long neck, slender top half, flattish tummy and larger hips and thighs.
Jennifer Lopez / Beyonce
Light or bright colours, texture and detail on the top half of your outfit will balance your figure by drawing attention upwards. Shrugs, cap sleeves and off the shoulder styles can also be used to create the same effect. A line skirts will flatter your waist and slim your hips and thighs.

Rectangle
You have a boyish frame with a small bust and hips and a less defined waist.
Nicole Kidman / Cat Deeley
Go for styles that emphasize your slim hips, rather than your waist. If you are younger and have good legs, make them a feature and wear something shorter. Wear styles to show off your back if you have a smaller bust. Square or straight necklines will look good, as will bias cut styles.

Angular
You are larger on your top half, with long legs, coat hanger shoulders and a less defined waist.
Jerry Hall / Jodie Kidd
Clothes will naturally hang very well on you. Avoid waisted styles and styles which emphasizes the width of your shoulders, such as shrugs, ‘Bardot’ necklines and puff sleeves. Instead, go for styles that emphasize your slim hips and long legs.

Ellipse
You carry weight on your tummy and have slim hips and long slender legs.
Jennifer Saunders / Judy Finnigan
A jacket or blouse worn undone over your outfit is a good trick if you have a tummy. Wide, open necklines and empire line tops will draw attention to your face and bust. Never wear double-breasted or boxy jackets and avoid wrap around ballet style tops. Bias cut skirts will emphasize your slim legs.

Now you have the information you need to choose the outfit that’s right for you, it’s time to relax and enjoy a stylish party season!

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