Ketz Ke

Hi
I am 48 years old and have that all time pear shape with a size 8 top and size 10 bottom. My biggest problem is what really suits my shape. Contributing to this is my bottom as it just sags into my thighs without a definite distinction of where my bottom ends and thighs start.
Sheryle

Dear Sheryle
If you ever needed proof that Mother Nature is surely not a nice woman it’s in how we age! OK, let’s deal with the pear-shape thing first. The key to dressing a pear-shaped or ‘A’ frame well is all about the shoulders and upper body. Loads of women with this shape traditionally spend all their time focussing on their thighs and bum without giving their top half any thought - but that’s where the key to looking great lies.  
You see – the more impact your upper body has, the more balanced your lower body becomes. So, this season you’ll love all the shoulder detail – from ruched sleeves to shoulder pads, military epaulettes and chunky scarves, as they all work brilliantly for girls with bigger bums/thighs.  It works best to wear darker colours on the bottom and brighter colours/prints on top and it's also a good idea to keep things simple on your lower body with flat fronted pants and simple skirts rather than anything ruffled or bold.
Now, the bum issue: the reality is you are going to look best in skirts but I know that’s not always practical. When you do buy pants look for those with pockets that are set slightly higher on the bum to visually “lift” it.

Hi Jackie
I am off to India for a three week holiday in March - will
probably be 30+ degrees. Would love

Stich Ministry

your thoughts on a great small capsule wardrobe for this type of travelling…i.e. light, easy to wash and dry, casual but still stylish…has to cover shoulders for cultural reasons.
Letia

Dear Letia,
I think you can cover most warm weather options with this simple 12-piece capsule:
2 x cardigans, 3 x skirts, 1 pair of shorts (or cropped pants), a dress and 5 x tops
(if you are more of a pants girl than skirt girl you can swap one of the skirts for pants).

If you chose a neutral tone for your cardigans and pants and include a couple of white tees amongst your tops, you will be able to mix and match these items to create over 30 different looks. Layer a tee under your dress by day and take a pair of dressy sandals to wear with it at night and you are away. Accessories will jazz everything up or dress things down and a scarf would make a great addition too, as you can use that as a shawl if needed.